The Memorable College Essay: A Key to College Without Debt A standout college essay isn’t just about getting in — it can help determine how college is funded. Learn why memorability matters. February 8, 2026 I hope you’re staying warm if you’re in one of the many parts of the United States experiencing record-low temperatures right now. ❄️ In recent editions of this newsletter, we’ve been digging into a big question many families are wrestling with: Is college worth it? We’ve established that...
17 days ago • 2 min read
Happy February! I hope this message finds you well, even as we continue under extreme cold conditions in the northeastern United States. If you are in this region, I hope you are keeping warm. Yale made major headlines this past week with an announcement that’s worth unpacking carefully. The news: Students from households with incomes below $200,000 will now receive full tuition. Students from households with incomes below $100,000 will have their entire cost of attendance covered—tuition,...
24 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, I hope this message finds you well amid the monster winter storm sweeping a significant portion of the United States and the political storm sweeping this country. Today I want to share with you my answer to a question I have received many times. Students often ask how they should build their college list. Should they rely on college rankings such as U.S. News and World Report? Are highly ranked colleges inherently better? Below is a video clip of my answer to this question...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
The College Affordability-Democracy Nexus As college costs rise and alternatives are promoted, I examine why higher education still matters—for students, families, and democracy. January 11, 2026 In this first newsletter of 2026, we are picking up where we left off in our last issue: the question so many families are asking right now — is college still worth it? As I shared previously, for most people who would enjoy college and are prepared for its academic rigor, the answer remains yes. The...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Year-End Reflections: Is College Still Worth It? In our final newsletter of the year, we reflect on grief, gratitude, and why helping students secure college admission with full funding matters now more than ever. Why access, affordability, and full funding must be part of the conversation December 23, 2025 As we arrive at almost the end of December—and the close of another year—I want to pause and acknowledge something important. We made it. And yet, even as we give thanks for life, this...
2 months ago • 2 min read
This Thanksgiving, get early access to our biggest offer ever for CFF College Fully Funded®, GradSchool Fully Funded, CARA, and 1-on-1 consulting. It has been a tough year. From legislation coming out of Washington stripping away at the social safety net to the firing of federal workers—and the ripple effects this has had on communities and the small businesses built around the federal workforce—many families are feeling the strain. Added to this is the rising cost of everything. Amid all of...
3 months ago • 2 min read
November is Early Application Deadline Season Our students submit Early Action & Early Decision applications fully prepared — essays, recommendations, and financial aid done — earning multiple full-funding offers nationwide. November 9, 2025 In CFF College Fully Funded®, November marks one of the most exciting and intense times of the year. Our students are right in the middle of college application season — submitting their Early Action applications to schools with Nov 1, Nov 15, and Dec 1...
4 months ago • 3 min read
What Should Families Expect from New Changes to Federal Financial Aid in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025? October 12, 2025 It is financial aid application season and as student's and families complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you should be aware of changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 passed in July. There are two main changes that affect students applying to college this year. Changes to Parent PLUS Loans (more about these kinds of...
5 months ago • 3 min read
GFF GradSchool Fully Funded September 28, 2025 Organize Your Finances for a Fully Funded Grad School Experience ↓ Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the GradSchool Fully Funded newsletter! This newsletter is my monthly conversation with you about all things graduate school admissions. If you aspire to attend graduate school in the United States to obtain a master's or Ph.D., and to do so with full funding, then you are in the right place. And if not but you know someone who does, please...
5 months ago • 3 min read
