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.
Key takeaways Financial aid for graduate school includes grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships and loans. Exhaust all opportunities for free aid before considering student loans. If you take out student loans,…
Key takeaways You can consolidate federal student loans to get a different servicer; you may get a longer repayment term that decreases your payment but increases total interest. You can…
Historically, around 30% of undergraduate students are the first in their family to attend college. And that can leave them lost and behind in the college admissions process. First-generation college…
President Joe Biden campaigned on free college, larger Pell Grants and expanded aid for schools that serve Black and other minority students — and now, he’s acting to turn those…
Key takeaways You can’t change private student loans into federal student loans. Consolidation is when you combine federal student loans; it doesn’t include private loans. If you’re struggling with private…
Finding out the best ways to pay for college can be overwhelming. And if you’ve already exhausted free aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and taken advantage…
Key takeaways Avoid using your 401(k) to pay off student loans. Early 401(k) withdrawal can cost an additional 30% in taxes and penalties. Taking money out of your 401(k) can…
In the third round of COVID-19 relief, college students and their families could see more money in their pockets than before. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, signed by…
Colleges have faced innumerable challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the way they’ve responded to those issues should influence how prospective students evaluate them. Online learning, strict campus rules and…
Key takeaways Compare rate offers from several lenders to determine which will give you the lowest rate. Borrowers with high credit scores and low debt-to-income ratios are more likely to…
