December is always a busy month, but for current and prospective college students it can be especially hectic! Here are some tips and resources:
Drumroll, please: The 2025-26 FAFSA is here
The 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open to all students and institutions! The FAFSA unlocks different ways to pay for your education at colleges and trade schools. Colleges use the FAFSA to create your financial aid offer, and some scholarship programs require it, too. The new FAFSA takes less than an hour to complete and doesn’t obligate you to anything. Want to learn more or sign up for a free FAFSA-filing appointment? Visit the Granite Edvance FAFSA page.
Shop around for private loans
Considering your college funding options? Remember, you can shop around for rates and use a different lender for the spring semester. Remember to evaluate the entire loan product, not just rates. Here are some things to consider:
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR) reflects both interest and loan fees, so you can compare the total cost of borrowing across various loan programs.
- Some consumers find program options and benefits such as deferment/forbearance, co- signer release, and different repayment options to be important as well.
- Consider the potential impact on your credit score. Some loan programs provide a personalized prequalification rate offer utilizing a “soft” credit inquiry, which doesn’t impact your credit score.
Still have questions? Ask your loan provider or financial advisor for more information. Looking to apply for a private student loan? Give our team a call to talk about the Granite Edvance private student loan!
How can we help you?
For more information and personalized support with college and career planning and financial aid, visit our website, Graniteedvance.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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