Financial Aid

From Beers To Careers: The New Value Proposition Of FraternityMen’s and women’s fraternities have certainly been involved in plenty of controversy over the years. Much of it linked to alcohol-fueled behaviors and the lasting linkage to the legend of “Animal House.” But fraternity leaders are now eyeing new strategies that may forever shift their value proposition from the historical connection with beer, alcohol and partying to a modern one focused on career, work preparation and job outcomes. Such efforts will not only make a material impact on fraternity members but also serve as a driver of change across higher education more broadly. As I recently wrote, career services and work readiness are poised to define the next big boom in college enrollments. It’s inevitable given the perfect...

Biden Will Extend Student Loan Payment Pause On Day OnePresident-elect Joe Biden will be busy on his first day, signing nearly a dozen executive actions just after his inauguration. According to a memo obtained by Forbes from incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, Biden will issue these actions to combat four crises: the pandemic, the economic crisis, the climate crisis, and the racial equity crisis. Among the actions includes are re-joining the Paris Agreement, reversing the Muslim ban, and more. Student loan borrowers will also be happy to see that Biden will “ask the Department of Education to extend the existing pause on student loan payments and interest for millions of Americans with federal student loans.” Payments and interest for federally-held student loans are curre...

Meet Joe Biden’s Science TeamPresident-elect Joe Biden introduced the lead members of his White House science team on Saturday, saying "These are among the brightest, most dedicated people not only in the country but the world." Here are the seven senior members of Biden’s science group, along with brief summaries of their academic credentials. Eric Lander is Biden’s choice to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and will also serve as his science adviser, a position that will be promoted to Cabinet status. "For the first time in history, I'm going to be elevating the presidential science adviser to a Cabinet rank, because we think it's that important," Biden said. Of course, that move is also intended to send a larger message to the American people - that science...

CU Denver revises email policy, commits to upholding free speechEach month, FIRE highlights one restrictive policy at a college or university as our “Speech Code of the Month.” Because it’s far from an award to be proud of, FIRE encourages institutions with these policies to amend them quickly. However, our words often go unheeded, exposing the university or college to costly legal battles and chilling student expression.  But not all institutions are content with leaving bad policies on their books. This month, FIRE’s December Speech Code of the Month recipient, the University of Colorado Denver, lived up to its obligation under the First Amendment by quickly revising an email policy that restricted student and faculty speech. From FIRE's 2021 Spotlight on Speech Codes Report. FIRE f...

A Student’s Guide to Finding the Best College ScholarshipsRaising money for college can seem daunting with tuition, textbook fees, and living expenses to consider. Receiving scholarships and grants can make a big difference toward defraying the high cost of college. College financial aid packages typically don’t cover all costs and often include student loans. Applying for scholarships and grants takes time and patience, but has significant long-term benefits. These awards will help you pay for college without the financial burden created by student loans because unlike student loans, scholarships and grants don’t require repayment. Any funds you receive from these programs are considered gift aid. There are a wide range of scholarships and grants, including need-based awards, merit-based ...

Understanding the Difference Between Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loans Are you worried about how you’ll pay for college or looking for ways to lower your family’s out-of-pocket costs? While it’s true that a college education comes with a high price tag, securing financial aid can help you confidently pursue your educational goals. There are many different funding opportunities that can help you finance your college education, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans. You’ll find that these opportunities each have their own requirements. Learn more about different financial aid options for your undergraduate studies, and determine what’s right for your needs. Scholarships Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college. You don’t have to repay scholarship...