July 1, 2026 Federal Loan Program Changes

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Uncategorized

Education Loan Changes July 1, 2026

 The Trump Administration, through the Office of the Secretary of the US Department of Education, has implemented major policy changes affecting federal student loan financing and repayment.

These changes affect several loan programs, including the Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS Loans. Changes that begin in July of 2026 and run through 2028.

Individuals and families hoping to access the federal loan program need to plan now to avoid critical financing challenges in September and for future enrollment.

Individuals who paused their student loan repayments or need to make adjustments due to changes in budgets and financial programs also need to move quickly to understand the new rules.

Download the Factsheet explaining the changes.

Contact us at Get College Going with questions or to discuss your planning needs. 

 

New Reality

by | Mar 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

As I wrote last month, the current approach is the old way! Planning for college and career school after high school, or in our adult years, is no longer about finding the school first, applying and getting in, and then figuring out how to pay for it. Why? Well, let me ask you.

Known as the Enrollment Barrier1, students and families discover too late in the senior year of high school, when it’s crunch time to decide, and while enrolled in college or a career school, that they can make the payment. Families will take out a private education loan to cover the payment, which may carry a high interest rate if credit is a concern.

The New Reality is approaching the process of acquiring a college or career school education as one would purchase a first home, buy a car, or invest for retirement. Ask yourself, would you make one of these high-cost investments without first understanding the cost of the investment? What will the long-term cost be, especially if loans are involved? Do we have the financial resources to make the 1st year, 2nd-year, and subsequent payments? Are resources immediate, disposable income, savings, or a reliance on scholarships and need-based aid?

To determine your purchasing power, conduct a college or career funding assessment. What would your demonstrated need be if applying today, based on family income and assets? Would we qualify for merit scholarships, and what would the net process amount be? Then ask, where will the money come from, what’s the financing strategy?

Shopping without this critical knowledge does not preclude a student or a family from pursuing their dream. It means ensuring that the search, evaluation, cost comparison, selection, and enrollment are grounded in reality rather than hope and dreams, thereby protecting one’s personal and financial investment.

College Planning in March looks a little different for high school seniors than their counterparts in the lower grades.

Class of 2026 – Decision Season

The focus shifts from possibilities to which institution will be my next educational home.

  • Watch for Admissions Decisions: All notifications should arrive in March or early April. Check your applicant portals frequently, as many schools no longer send physical mail.
  • Compare Financial (Aid) Offers: Once you are accepted, you will receive a financial aid award letter. Review these carefully, comparing “net price” (what you actually pay) rather than just the scholarship amount.
  • Visit Campuses: March and April are prime times to ask the hard questions to uncover the answers to the 5 Criteria to Say Yes. Go as a family to “Admitted Student Days” or through visits arranged by the Admission Counselor.
  • Mid-April Decisions Due: Official deposit day is May 1, but to lessen stress, get it in on or before the deadline.

Class of 2027 – Launch Stage

If we’re heading to college or a career school after high school, it’s time to get serious.

  • Spring Testing: This is a peak time for national testing. More and more colleges and universities are reinstating admissions requirements. The March SAT is a popular first attempt, allowing you to identify weak spots, obtain help, and plan retakes in May or June.
  • Build Your List: Start narrowing down your “Stretch, Match, and Safety” schools. The aim is a balanced list of 10-15 by August. You should attend Open House events and schedule your own visits to evaluate your options.
  • Draft a Résumé: A snapshot of your high school career to date, academics, activities, awards, and work—an important reference tool to share and demonstrate your uniqueness.
  • Plan Summer Activities: Research internships, summer programs, or work. Admissions officers look for “meaningful engagement” during the summer before senior year.

The journey of finding and selecting a college or career school can be complex, daunting, and exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is how parents can simplify the process and lower the temperature:

1 Have the Money Talk before the search starts to qualify the aspect of purchasing a higher education

  1. Talk about the Process, Journey periodically, not every day. Too much can lead to burnout for students, parents, and guardians.
  2. Stay organized; use calendars to track appointments, visits, and especially admissions, financial, and scholarship deadlines.
  3. Need help, outsource the nudge using your high school counselor, testing, essay, or college adviser. Keep the student-parent relationship strong.
  4. Read the 10 Admissions “Secrets” Families Often Miss2 by Kate Sonnenberg

For retirement savings, we turn to a financial adviser; for buying a home, to a realtor; and for home remodeling, to contractors.  Thinking of college & career school; how to pay, where to go, and how to get in, and managing education debt? That’s our lane, our expertise!

Schedule a free consultation or learn more at www.getcollegegoing.com

1 NASFAA: Report: The Biggest Barriers to Higher Ed Enrollment Are Cost and Lack of Financial Aid
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter

The Quiet Month – Not?

by | Feb 15, 2026 | Before, College Planning, Uncategorized

Now that the new year is in full swing, we’re wrestling with whether to keep our resolutions or change them; life’s events keep pressing forward and filling the calendar.

Can you believe it? Students are entering the final semester of their 1st year of college, their K-12 career, 4 years of college, or 18 months of career school. WOW

When speaking with students, especially high school seniors, they express a strong sense that things “are real now”. “Ya, I am going to be done in May. Those completing their 1st year of college often note that classes, faculty, and possibly the adjustment were more complex than anticipated. For now, focus on preparing yourself as a parent! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/deviced/202205/how-to-parent-a-graduate

ICYMI

Significant changes are coming to college funding this July 1, 2026

The changes affect the rules governing federal student loan financing and repayment programs. Here is a small taste of what’s ahead for new and existing families and individuals:

  • Elimination of Grad PLUS Loans: This program has been a critical resource for individuals seeking financial aid to pursue professional degrees, including Nurse Practitioners, Physical and Occupational Therapists, and Teachers.
  • Parent PLUS Restrictions: New Parent PLUS loan limits to be capped at $20,000 per year, with an aggregate limit of $65,000.
  • Limited Repayment Options: New borrowers after this date will only have access to two plans: the New Standard Plan and the RAP.

Final details on the full implementation of these changes have not been revealed. My calls to Congress and the Administration to inquire have gone unanswered. We will share more as we learn.

NOTE: Before you plan to raid your retirement or ask a 65+ to co-sign a private education loan, check with your financial professional or call me. There is always PLAN B.

Employers & Employees

Last month, I briefly touched on the impact of financial wellness on employees’ productivity and mental well-being. Money stress isn’t just a personal problem anymore—it’s a business risk.

Managing debt, financing college, and helping high school- and college-age students pursue their dreams are not employers’ direct responsibilities. But if your employees bring their stress to work, and they will, having the workforce’s financial well-being programs can save your bottom line. can have on the bottom line and spark employee loyalty. Call to learn more.

WHAT’s NEXT  

 Families of High School Seniors

  • Comparing College Offers – Apps are in, and now it’s time to step up the process of evaluating and comparing offers, admission & financial aid to select the college, university, or career school to attend in.
  • Don’t Be Pressured – Postponing the start of college by taking a gap year is becoming increasingly common among students at all levels. After a K-12 journey, many students question their next steps, need a break, or want to evaluate which path to pursue after high school. Read my blog article on Education and Career Pathways After High School https://getcollegegoing.com/education-career-pathways-after-high-school/
  • Scholarships – The hunt is on! Check with the School Counselors Office, current employers, colleges of interest, and beyond. Be creative, use unique keywords, and make it a family competition. The more you can find, the less you might need to borrow.

Families of High School Juniors

  • The Old Way is Broken – What is your spending and buying power? Are you ready for the cost to obtain a 4-year public or private undergraduate degree, or a career school education? Understanding investment savings, eligibility for financial aid, and expectations for each family is critical before creating a list or visiting a campus. The financial risk is too high!!
  • Line in the Sand – This year is Pivotal! Students need to focus on their academic and personal development. Enrolling in challenging academic courses, maintaining strong grades, drafting an essay, and refining one’s skills are essential this year. I’m asking my clients, what makes you unique?
  • Build College Relationships – If you think college admissions know you, think again. They buy students’ names, mail, and email love notes, and we all think we’re being recruited. No!! Students need a resume, a LinkedIn profile, and a plan to reverse the recruitment process.

Kickstarting Your Return – Transfer

Whether you’re a recent high school grad, have been out for a short while, or are considering a different venue, your work is not any different. Just shorter!!

  • What are your personal goals? – Are you ready for full-time or part-time? Do you need to keep working to maintain your lifestyle or meet your family’s needs? Which educational environment suits me best? Community College, Certificate, Online, or Skilled Professional Training at the IBEW Training Center?
  • How will I afford this reboot? – Employee tuition assistance, traditional college financial aid, scholarships, and other resources are all on the table.

Guidance – Counseling & Advice?

For retirement savings, we turn to a financial adviser; for buying a home, a realtor; and for home remodeling, contractors.  Thinking of college & career school; how to pay, where to go, and how to get in, and managing education debt? That’s our lane, our expertise. Consider Get College Going!

Schedule a free consultation to learn [617-240-7350] (email: tom@getcollegegoing.com ) or visit www.getcollegegoing.com

 

Hunting for Scholarships – Are You??

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Uncategorized

Are You Hunting?

For some, it might be considered the last refuge to pay for college; for others, it is the saving grace to reduce borrowing and out-of-pocket expenses. Out of the gate, the harsh reality is that it takes time, and there is no single resources to help uncover programs. That is true, but…..

Every years scholarship available to first-time and returning undergraduates, grades and professional students seem to go unused.

Eligible programs are provided by local and regional businesses, nationwide companies and high-power brands, your local and regional Chamber of Commerce, trade groups or foundations, employers, and philanthropic groups. All aim to provide financial assistance to students and families.

But …. yes, it takes time, patience, and some grit to find, determine eligibility, apply, and potentially be awarded valuable financial resources. Right, there are no guarantees, but

When to start? 9th grade. Most students and families are encouraged to begin hunting too late, in the senior year of high school. You have lost precious time! Yes, you apply then, but the blocking and tackling of finding them conflict with preparing for the final preparation of submitting admission and financial aid applications. Plus, the excitement of ending senior year – everyone is burnt out!

Where to Look?

  • HS Guidance—awarded at graduation, the guidance department lists all local scholarships, application guidelines, and some from outside resources. Knock on their door and ask for a copy of the list. Find out if it is an invitation-only scholarship or an open application for the entire 12th Attend a session where many guidelines are reviewed for rising 12th-grade students and families.
  • Internet – a vast number of scholarship programs can be found by running queries on the Internet. Schedule time during your day, evening, or weekend. Create your search queries or subscribe to search engines (lead generation companies) that will supply you with programs they have compiled.
    • Register with one or more national scholarship engines, including Fastweb, Going Merry, iGrad, Bold, Scholarship America, and Big Future – provide leads to programs that offer opportunities to research and apply.
      • Note these organizations may share or sell your demographic information.
    • Register with Google, setting daily and weekly alerts.
  • Newspapers, radio commercials, last years winners 

Mechanics – Build a list, check it twice, and be ready to apply before deadlines. The longer the list, the more chances of securing financial resources – Scholarship Cash. Create a spreadsheet listing the eligible programs, documentation, and application requirements, including if a recommendation, essay, HS transcript, financial aid details (SAI), or an interview is required. Most importantly – deadlines. Apply on time!!

HINT: Applications are available now!
Double Hint: Many applications are available to returning college students in their second, third, and fourth years. Keep on hunting!

2025 – Life After High School

by | Jan 2, 2025 | Uncategorized

WOW – 2025 – I hope you are waking up every day with excitement in your step and joy in your voice as you take on the challenges and opportunities of the new year.

For many college-bound high school seniors and their families, the waiting game has ended with the arrival of acceptance and scholarship offers. More are still on their way. Fear not if you’re not heading to college—many exciting paths await. Tune in next month to learn where.

Work to Do Before September

The hard work of applying now turns to investigating and narrowing choices to reveal the final selection for September 2025. Here are a few things to help get to YES to my college:

  • Finalize your financing plan, combining what has already been awarded with savings, monthly disposable income, FAFSA-determined financial aid, and external scholarships.
  • Visit campuses and schedule meetings (administration, faculty, academic advisers, and coaches (for talent)) to confirm that educational, social, and personal needs & expectations align with the college’s offerings. Be a consumer!
  • Keep hunting for scholarships, a meaningful way to close the gap.
  • Look ahead to the spring to organize legal and medical documents to protect your 18-year-old student and the family.

What Does My Crystal Ball Say for 2025

 Fearing FAFSA—Over 40% of all eligible high school students and families* have not filed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Why? Entering the trades, military, or workforce after high school is OK. The curious mind says no, that’s not the reason. Many students and families fear sharing personal information on an application that will go into a national database. Such fears will impact low-income, first-generation, and unsuspecting victims of poor information, who are the most financially needy. Support completing and filing the FAFSA in your community and workplace. If you need any resources, call me! *National Center for Educational Statistics

Free Tuition—More colleges will offer free tuition tied to family income. Several states, including Massachusetts, and up to fifteen colleges nationwide have announced plans to provide free or discounted tuition for accepted students who meet income thresholds. Read the fine print to understand eligibility requirements, as many vary based on income levels, tuition and fees only, and residency.

The decline in HS Graduation – We are fast approaching the point when a steady decline in high school graduates will happen nationwide. Regions of the country, including the Northeast, will suffer the greatest losses, resulting in closures and mergers of colleges and universities. It will also open up opportunities. Something we will explore next month. *National Center for Educational Statistics

Educational Cost—The business logic of supply and demand will continue to be evident at many private and flagship public institutions, which exceed their application and enrollment levels while successfully marketing their brands. In 2025, these colleges will hit $100K (private) and $35K (public) for total educational costs. Knowing their attractions, many of these will be even more conservative in distributing and awarding institutional aid. The wise college-bound consumer will evaluate their “buying strategy” with a new eye on college enrollment.

Life After HS—2026—When should I start planning? Yesterday. Whether we are talking about enrolling, enlisting, or seeking employment after high school, the process takes time, research, and a strategic plan. How to pay, where to go, and get in with a keen lens specific to the needs and capabilities of students and families. The outcome is finding the right path for the right reason at the right investment.

Business Leaders

What is your role in 2025? If you have employees, clients, or customers experiencing stress, confusion, or a sense of paralysis about managing their own educational goals or decisions for their students, consider introducing resources to your EAP or consumer benefits. Simple things like programs on financial literacy, saving for college, managing education debt, and other awareness programs can significantly improve attitude, loyalty, and revenue. Call me to learn how to turn stress into gratitude!!

2025

We are back to our routines, working, serving as drivers, attending sporting and dance events, and stressing to make a buck. Don’t forget the importance of community, kindness, and sharing talent. And please, keep asking WHY.

CALMING THE WATERS—Do you feel paralyzed or anxious about managing life after high college planning? As a parent of four and having spent a career working with families and college and university administrators, I understand the complexity of planning for life after high school. If you need clarity and insights into your questions, tools to manage the process, or individual one-to-one assistance, reach out. Feel free to reach me by text or telephone at 617-240-7350 or email at tom@getcollegegoing.com.

 

2024 Fall College and Career Fairs

by | Aug 20, 2024 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, Uncategorized

Time to Meet Your College Counselors

High school gyms, cafeterias, and local auditoriums open their doors so students and families to meet college representative and learn about life after high school options..

Families of 10th and 11th grade students its time to explore and learn about colleges and universities, locally, statewide and in other parts of the country. You will learn about educational offerings, cost and how to get in. For seniors on the door step of graduation  and the end of high school its a chance to ask unanswered questions, share a resume and shake hands with a member of the Admissions decision making team.

Specialty events are also held for students and families interested in visual and performing arts, and STEM.  Events are always open to students and families living or working in the immediate area of the fair.

Maximize Your Event

  • Bring your list of prospective schools
  • Learn about new “unknown” possibilities
  • Ask questions, and be inquisitive
  • Register for information
  • Shake hands, introduce yourself, and collect business cards
  • Leave Behind Your Resume

Hint: When you return home, send your current and new interests an introductory email with a second copy of your resume (leave off your GPA and test scores).
Let the ‘reverse’ recruiting begins!!!!

Stay alert to announcement from your Guidance Department on when a specific college or university will be visiting your high school. It could be your one to one interview.

2024 Massachusetts Fall Evening and Special Event College and Career Fairs
Check with the host school or organization for a list of colleges and universities scheduled to attend.

To learn more about our services, and approach to assisting family’s with planning and funding your student’s educational pathways after high school, visit www.getcollegegoing.com. Start a Conversation- the office is always open.