The College Investor Audio Show

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Early Action vs. Early Decision: What You Need To Know Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

There are three main options for college admissions applications: early action, early decision, and regular decision.

Early decision applications involve a commitment to enroll if admitted. In contrast, early action is non-binding.

Students who are admitted early action are not required to accept the offer of admission. They may accept or reject the offer of admission at the same due date as the regular admission pool, typically by May 1.

Students who apply for early decision are limited to applying to just one college. Students who apply for early action may be limited to applying to just one college, called single-choice early action or restrictive early action.

In some cases, restrictive early action colleges will allow early action applicants to apply early action to public colleges but not other private non-profit colleges. Some colleges with non-restrictive early action say that they do not share information about their early action applicants with other colleges, allowing the student to apply early action to more than one college.

Here's a full breakdown of early action vs. early decision vs. regular admission.

Going Back To School As An Adult: Is It Worth It? Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Economic uncertainty has been known to drive adults back to school to boost their educational credentials.

Now, that the pandemic is over but there is still a lot of economic uncertainty, and student loans are restarting, more and more adults are wondering if it makes sense to go back to school.

If you're considering going back to school as an adult to earn a higher education degree, you'll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Let’s explore whether or not going back to school as an adult may be worth it for your situation.

What Is The PSLF Buyback Program? Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

The PSLF Buyback Program allows you to "buy" missing payments that would have allowed you to qualify for loan forgiveness.

To qualify for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness, you must have 120 months of qualifying payments made while employed in a qualifying public service job.

Here's what you need to know.

Where To Apply To College - Finding Academic and Financial Fit Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

When students prepare to apply for college admissions, they should start to make a list of colleges they want to apply to.

When crafting a well-balanced college list, students should apply to a variety of colleges, considering financial fit in addition to academic fit. They should also include at least one financial aid safety school and pick three dream schools instead of just one.

Here's how you should craft a college list, with a focus on both academic and financial fit.

Who Gets Merit Based Scholarships At Private Colleges? Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Wondering which students and families actually get merit-based scholarships and grants at private colleges? We have the data.

Parents of college-bound children who are considering high-cost private non-profit colleges often wonder how to qualify for institutional financial aid. These grants and scholarships may or may not really be based on merit, but rather function as a discount on the cost of attendance.

Students who want to increase their chances of receiving an institutional merit grant at a private non-profit 4-year college should apply to moderately selective colleges (especially higher-cost colleges), have stellar grades and test scores, pick wealthy parents, do not take a gap year and enroll in college full-time.

We look all the statistics of which students are getting institutional merit grants.

Trade School Loan Forgiveness Programs May 31, 2025

Show notes

Student loan forgiveness applies to a variety of degrees, even trade schools. So even if you went to a trade school, vocational school, or apprenticeship program, you could be eligible to get your student loans forgiven.

If you attended school for HVAC repair, cosmetology, the culinary arts, or any other trade program, your student loans could qualify for one of these student loan forgiveness programs.

We cover the factors that make trade school student loans unique, and how you can figure out whether your trade school loans qualify for loan forgiveness.

Must-Ask Questions About College Costs: Protecting Your Investment May 29, 2025

Show notes

Paying for college isn’t just about covering tuition. It’s about understanding what happens when life takes a turn and what protections exist if it does.

Each year, families across the country commit thousands of dollars toward college without fully understanding the terms behind the payment. If a student gets sick or has to take a leave during the semester, even for a serious medical reason, many schools don’t refund tuition. Housing and fees can be nonrefundable. Grants may be forfeited. And student loans may still need to be repaid, even without a completed term to show for it.

That’s why understanding school refund policies and looking into tuition insurance before the semester starts can help families avoid financial stress if a student’s college experience is interrupted. With tuition topping $25,000 a year at many public universities and twice that at private schools, a few hours of research can mean the difference between peace of mind and unexpected debt.

We’re partnering with GradGuard to help you understand how tuition insurance can protect your investment. GradGuard is a leading tuition insurance source, with affordable coverage. Get a quote or learn more here >>

Which Payments And Periods Count For PSLF? May 19, 2025

Show notes

After years of payments, pauses, and paperwork, many public service workers are confused on what payments and time periods may count for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

However, there are also more options to have qualifying periods count - thanks to the PSLF buyback program.

If you've been stuck in the SAVE forbearance, served in the military, or paused your payments for economic hardship, you might be closer to loan forgiveness than you think.

But there’s a catch: the buyback program is only available to borrowers who are already near the finish line.

It also raises a question: if you’re just a handful of months away from forgiveness and in forbearance, should you apply for buyback? Or wait and risk getting stuck? Or switch repayment plans and start making payments again?

Common Dorm Room Disasters That Could Cost You Big May 14, 2025

Show notes

College move-in day is filled with excitement, but new students often learn quickly that shared living spaces come with unexpected risks. And if you’re not careful, even small accidents can be expensive.

From laptop spills to missing laundry, a range of common mishaps can cause financial stress.

In partnership with GradGuard, we’re going to highlight the most common dorm disasters you can face. GradGuard Renters Insurance Plan can help you manage the financial aspect of these disasters and you can make sure that you’re protected financially if something happens. Get a quote here >>

As you settle into dorm life, understanding these risks and how to manage them can prevent bigger problems later on.

Quick Update On What's Happening With Student Loans May 13, 2025

Show notes

Robert was on MoneyLife with Chuck Jaffe this week talking about the current status of student loans. Tune in to hear Robert's thoughts on what's going on with student loans today.

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