Pay for Your Kid’s College? 3 Times to Think Twice
The debate over student loan debt often neglects a significant group: parents. About 1 in every 3 dollars the federal government lent for undergraduate education last year were in 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:
Get Ready: Student Loan Payments Come Back for Real Feb. 1
Federal student loan borrowers anticipating the return of their regular student loan payments Oct. 1 can once again breathe a sigh of relief: The pause will continue through Jan. 31,…
Can I Consolidate My Student Loans More Than Once?
In certain cases, you may be able to consolidate your student loans even if you’ve already done so. If you have federal loans, student loan consolidation allows you to combine…
Financial Aid for Graduate School: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
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,…
How to Transfer Student Loans to Another Lender
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…
How 2 First-Gen College Students Got Into Their Dream Schools
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…
What Biden’s Free College Plan Could Mean for You
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…
Can You Consolidate Private and Federal Student Loans Together?
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…
Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What Are the Drawbacks?
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…
Should I Use My 401(k) to Pay Off Student Loans?
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…
