Every fall, securing financial aid for your current or prospective college student can be one of the most stressful times of the new school year. Especially with changes to the process and definitions being phased in this year, it can feel as daunting as ever. We want to help! 

The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is available each academic year beginning October 1st and is one of the most important parts of receiving financial aid for college or university. Stephen Jagard, a 529 College Savings Plan Specialist with John Hancock Investment Management, will share what to expect with the FAFSA® process in the 2022-23 academic year – as well as the major changes scheduled to take place the following year.

Three Numbers to Remember: 5 – 2 – 9. Every year we hear that private and public college education costs are rising. And now we hear that college graduates’ debt loads are climbing right along with tuition prices. (According to the 2019 student loan debt statistics the average undergraduate who borrows leaves school with about $30,000 in debt.) The COVID-19 Pandemic added more fuel to the fire for those asking “Is it worth it to go to college?”. College enrollment sank 25% among graduating high school seniors in 2021. Most chose to delay their college plans due largely to their parents or guardians being less able to provide financial support due to the pandemic.