How to Afford College 101
College is more expensive now than ever before. Based on real-world experience, learn the strategies and know-how for students to avoid student loan debt:
College application strategy
Financial aid 101
Scholarship application strategy
All about loans and credit
How to lower your cost of attendance (COA)
Preparing to Apply
Charting your course: how to pick a major.
Gathering a support network.
Understanding alternative paths to higher education.
How to earn college credit now to save money later.
Extracurricular activities to focus on.
Applying to College
College application strategy.
Guide on the FAFSA, CSS profile, and more.
College search filters—how to compare your options.
Application timelines and organization.
What college admissions officers look for.
How to Afford College
Calculating your maximum amount of student loan debt.
How to lower your cost of attendance (COA).
Scholarship application strategy: lessons learned after 100+ scholarship applications.
Understanding federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
Loans, interest rates, and credit: essential personal finance concepts.
Avoiding scams and predatory loans.
About the Author
Deanna Kalel is a tired, nuerodivergent millennial who came of age during the Great Recession of 2008. She borrowed over $25,000 to afford her first year of college and shortened her program to three years to save money, became an R.A. for the free housing, and applied to 100+ scholarships. By the time she graduated, she managed to re-extend her program to four years, pay off her loans, and graduate debt-free. Now, she is committed to helping the next generation of students afford college.