Category: Financial Aid

California Bill Would Expand College Financial Aid to Asylum Seekers

A California bill that would expand college financial aid to those seeking asylum passed the state Assembly and will now be heard in the state Senate. Currently, Cal Grant financial aid awards are available only to U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, such as those who possess a visa or those who are a part of…


Colleges, Financial Aid Reforms Should Focus on Workforce Preparation: Experts

David Trulio said the late former President Ronald Reagan would be proud of the Reagan Institute Summit on Education. The Institute wrapped up the 2023 event in Washington on May 25, discussing how institutions can better prepare students for the workforce. Trulio, President and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, touted the…


California Budget Deficit Threatens Financial Aid Expansion: State Legislative Analyst

The expansion of financial aid for California’s college and university students may not happen next year as planned due to insufficient revenue, according to state analysts. Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged in his 2022-23 fiscal year budget to expand access and eligibility to Cal Grant, the state’s financial aid program for college and university students, beginning…


No Disaster Aid for Homeowners Who Don’t Buy Flood Insurance, Suggests Feds Report

A federal government report suggests that homeowners who experience flooding but had declined to buy flood insurance should not receive aid from its program established to help the provinces and territories (PTs) respond to large-scale natural disasters. “Some PTs are moving toward refusing claims when someone is uninsured but flood insurance is available,” said the…


Steer Clear of Fee-Based Scholarship Websites

By Steve Rosen From Tribune Content Agency When it comes to college scholarship online search sites, there are many to choose from—perhaps too many. A Google search using the words “college scholarship sites” turned up dozens of candidates. But having so many choices can be all the more confusing to students looking for scholarships, grants,…


How to Prep Before Shopping for a College

By Steve Rosen From Tribune Content Agency The biggest traffic jam in my community occurs like clockwork every fall in late October. That’s when hundreds of high school students and parents descend upon a local high school for a college clinic night. It’s an opportunity to meet face to face with college admissions recruiters from…


Returning Community College Students May Have Tuition Waived Under California Bill

More Californians may soon go to community college for free under a bill introduced by a Los Angeles Assemblymember, which passed in the California Assembly in May and will be heard in the state Senate next week. Assembly Bill 2266, known as the “Free Community College for All” program, was introduced by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago…


Fake ‘Bot’ Students Enrolling in California’s Community Colleges | Kim Rich

A scam is spreading through California colleges where fake students are registering for classes to receive financial aid money. As a result of this fraud, we could be losing billions of dollars. My guest is Kim Rich, professor of criminal justice at Pierce College. She explains how she discovered this fraud and her speculation on…


College Ahead: How Can I Improve My Child’s Chances for Financial Aid?

Dear Carrie: My daughter is starting high school this year, and I’m worried about paying for college. I’ve saved some money, but as a single mom, I’m afraid I just won’t be able to cover it all. Is there anything I can do to increase her chances of receiving financial aid?—A Reader Dear Reader: I’m…