How a Gap Year Might Haunt You Financially
High school seniors who plan on taking a gap year this fall to wait out the pandemic could be paying for it for the rest of their lives. While a…
Cecilia Clark
Cecilia is a student loans writer with NerdWallet, where she helps readers navigate the landscape around college finances. Before coming to NerdWallet, she served as an army officer and then as a freelance cybersecurity writer. Cecilia has a BA in English and an MEd in Teaching and Learning English.
Posts by Cecilia Clark:
What Is College Cost of Attendance?
Cost of attendance is the estimated amount you’ll pay for college in a given year. It’s an official number determined by each college and includes tuition and fees, books and…
Should I Take a Gap Year?
Taking a year off school to travel the world or dive into self-discovery can sound like the perfect way to celebrate graduation and get ready for the next phase of…
What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a yearlong break after you complete a diploma or degree and before you move on to higher education or the workforce. The most common gap years…
When Colleges Say Stay Home: Options for Undergrad, Grad, Veteran and International Students
Now that big-name colleges are announcing plans to go remote in the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic, others are expected to follow. How does that change the financial math?…
Why Missing College This Fall Is a Bad Idea
As colleges figure out how to structure classes this fall, many students are questioning whether to enroll at all. The idea of taking a gap year might sound enticing, but…
It’s Now Cheaper Than Ever to Borrow Money for College
Federal student loan interest just dropped to its lowest rate ever. The interest rate for undergraduate student loans disbursed after July 1 is 2.75%. It’s an almost 40% decrease from…
Student Loans With Fastest Co-Signer Release
These lenders allow student borrowers to release their co-signers after a certain period. You meet also must qualify on your own.
Student Loan Definitions
Whether you’re looking for the best way to pay for college or tackling school debt, you’ll better understand your options if you understand the terms you encounter. This glossary offers…
You’ve Paid Off Your Student Loans. Now What?
You’ve defeated student loan debt — congratulations! Considering the average student debt payment is about $300 a month, you might be pleasantly surprised with the new wiggle room in your…
