Financial Aid Basics: A Complete Guide for Online and On-Campus Students
How FAFSA, grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans fit together, and the order to pursue them in — for online and on-campus students alike.
Michael Anderson
College Planning & Financial Aid Writer
Michael Anderson writes about college planning, financial aid, and the many ways students and families can make higher education more affordable. He has a particular interest in simplifying complicated topics such as grants, student loans, FAFSA, tuition costs, and everyday college budgeting.
Michael’s goal is to turn confusing financial information into practical guidance students can actually use. Whether comparing ways to pay for school or looking for opportunities to reduce college expenses, he focuses on helping readers make informed decisions about their education and their money.
Articles by Michael Anderson
Defining Assets And Liabilities: How To Use Them To Your Advantage
Assets and liabilities are the two building blocks of your personal finances, and understanding them early — while you’re still a student — makes every…
Emergency Fund, How Much Cash To Have On Hand
An emergency fund is money set aside strictly for the unexpected: a laptop that dies mid-semester, a medical bill, a sudden trip home. Having one…