Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 18h

Education Department lays off 466 workers—about 20% of its staff—as the government shutdown continues. Oversight and aid programs may face further delays.
#highereducation #education

Education Department Quietly Fires 20% Of Its Staff Amid Shutdown

The Education Department laid off 466 workers, nearly 20% of staff, amid the ongoing federal shutdown.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 18h

Over 1 in 10 college students transfer before graduation. If you’re one of them, make sure you know how your credits, aid, and timeline are affected. A better fit might be just a few questions away.
thecollegeinvestor.com/46086/transf...

Why Students Transfer Colleges And How To Do It Successfully

Learn when and how to transfer colleges, keep credits, and make a smooth transition to your new campus.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 1d

California high school seniors will now have a direct path to college with the new CSU Direct Admission program.
#college #highereducation

New California Law Will Automatically Admit Qualified Students To College

Starting in 2026, qualified California seniors will be automatically admitted to CSU campuses. Here’s who qualifies and how it works.

thecollegeinvestor.com

1 1

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 1d

The IRS released the tax tables for 2026, including the changes to the standard deduction. Here's what to know:
#taxes

2025 And 2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets And IRS Tax Tables

Are you wondering what the Federal tax brackets are, and where you land on the tax bracket system? Here's a table and other things to keep in mind.

thecollegeinvestor.com

2 2

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 1d

FAFSA doesn’t count cash value from life insurance — but once that payout hits your bank, it’s fair game.
#fafsa
thecollegeinvestor.com/65892/life-i...

Does Life Insurance Count on the FAFSA? Here’s the Truth

Learn how life insurance affects FAFSA: what counts as income, what counts as assets, and how to protect your financial aid.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 2d

Furloughed federal workers may have to make tough choices with their student loans soon:
#studentloans

What Furloughed Federal Workers Should Do About Student Loans

Furloughed federal workers can set student loan payments to $0 to protect PSLF progress during the government shutdown.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 2d

Your FAFSA should reflect the current marital status of your household—not what your tax return from two years ago says. If things changed recently (like divorce or separation), there are ways to correct it after filing. Here's what families need to know.
#fafsa

How to Answer “Marital Status” on the FAFSA When Your Situation Changed

Learn how to report your marital status on the FAFSA, even after divorce or recent changes.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 2d

Start building wealth for your child now. Our top custodial investment accounts for 2025 feature low fees, strong tools, and kid-friendly investing. From robo-portfolios to teen debit cards, these platforms help kids grow their financial confidence.
thecollegeinvestor.com/38421/best-c...

Best UTMA and UGMA Accounts for Parents in 2025

Compare the best custodial investment accounts for kids and teens. See fees, flexibility, and top picks.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 3d

We're live talking FAFSA on YouTube:
#fafsa
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRht...

Basics of the FAFSA | Live with Joe Saul-Sehy and Robert Farrington

YouTube video by Stacking Benjamins

www.youtube.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 3d

Want to know how to fill out the FAFSA? I’m going live tonight on YouTube to teach you:

m.youtube.com/live/lRhtWRK...

Basics of the FAFSA | Live with Joe Saul-Sehy and Robert Farrington

Getting ready for college? One of the most important steps is filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). But what exactly is it, why does it matter, and how do you fill it out w...

m.youtube.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 3d

Ever wonder what your student loans will really cost you each month? This calculator connects your expected salary with repayment plans so you’re not guessing.
#studentloans #college

How Much Student Loan Debt Is Too Much? This Calculator Has an Answer

Use this calculator to see how much student loan debt you can afford, based on your major, graduation year, and borrowing choices.

thecollegeinvestor.com

1

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 4d

Great update for working pros: 529 plans can soon help cover costs for CE classes & credentials. This is good news for financial planners, accountants, lawyers, and more!
#529plans
thecollegeinvestor.com/65795/529-pl...

New 529 Plan Rules Let Professionals Pay For Continuing Education Tax-Free

New 529 rules let you pay for continuing education and license fees tax-free. Learn how professionals can benefit.

thecollegeinvestor.com

2 4

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 4d

College enrollment is down, but selective schools are swamped with applicants. What’s happening? Test-optional policies, more apps per student, and strategic waitlists are reshaping who gets in.
#highereducation

College Acceptance Rates Are Plummeting in 2025 — Here’s the Real Reason (and What You Can Do)

College acceptance rates in 2025 are at record lows. Learn why applications are soaring, how test-optional policies changed admissions, and what students can do.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 4d

The Trump Administration is once again talking about privatizing the student loan portfolio. Here's what they can do, and whether it even makes sense?
#studentloans

Can The Government Sell Its $1.6 Trillion Student Loan Portfolio?

President Trump announced he is considering privatizing student loans again. Can it legally happen and will it help or harm student loan borrowers?

thecollegeinvestor.com

1

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 5d

401(k) catch-up changes are coming in 2026. High earners 50+ will need to make Roth-only contributions. Some may lose the perk altogether if Roth isn’t offered.
#investing

High Earners Lose 401(k) Tax Break in 2026: What to Know

Starting in 2026, 401(k) catch-up contributions for workers earning over $145k must be Roth — no more pre-tax deduction.

thecollegeinvestor.com

1

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 5d

Thinking about college? The entrance exam you choose—SAT, ACT, or CLT—can shape more than your admissions. From timing strategies to test sections, here's how to play to your strengths before score time 🎓
thecollegeinvestor.com/44120/colleg...

College Entrance Exams 101: SAT vs ACT, Test-Optional Policies, and How to Prepare

Preparing for college entrance exams? Learn the key differences between the SAT, ACT, and CLT, how to prepare for each, and what test-optional policies mean for your 2025 college applications.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 6d

Your bank doesn’t tell the government everything, but certain transactions and income don’t stay quiet. Learn what gets flagged — and why it matters.
thecollegeinvestor.com/42330/inform...

Bank Reporting Explained: When the IRS Gets Notified

Banks share more than you might think. Discover what financial data the IRS and FinCEN can access — and how to protect your privacy.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 7d

CSS Profile® 2026–27 is open! Many colleges award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

Step-by-step how-to with deadlines (ED Nov 1–15, RD Jan 1–Mar 31), what to gather, and how to use your College Board ID.
thecollegeinvestor.com/css-profile-...

How To Fill Out The CSS Profile For 2026-27

Going to a private college? Find out how to fill out the CSS Profile step-by-step for 2026-27 and why it matters for financial aid.

thecollegeinvestor.com

2

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 7d

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save and invest up to $19,000 annually without risking SSI or Medicaid. Great news—age eligibility is expanding to 46 in 2026.
thecollegeinvestor.com/20310/529a-a...

529A ABLE Accounts Explained: Tax-Free Savings For People With Disabilities

Considering a 529A ABLE account due to a disability? Don't miss this awesome guide all about 529A ABLE accounts! ????

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 8d

The government shutdown continues... here's what it means for your student loans:
#studentloans

What Happens to Student Loans During a Government Shutdown?

The government shutdown and student loans: how will current student loan borrowers be affected? Take a look and understand how this works.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 8d

FAFSA refunds can feel like a reward but they’re just student loan and financial aid payments. Know what those funds are really meant for before you spend.
#fafsa #financialaid

FAFSA Refunds Explained: Don’t Mistake Them for Free Money

Ever heard of a FAFSA refund? It’s what happens when your financial aid exceeds tuition. Learn when refunds hit, how they’re paid out, and what expenses you can (and can’t) cover with the money.

thecollegeinvestor.com

1

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 9d

That number on your FAFSA (your SAI) isn’t your bill. It’s a reflection of financial need. Learn how it affects grants, loans, and what you might actually pay.
thecollegeinvestor.com/45946/good-s...

What Is A Good SAI (Student Aid Index)?

The new Student Aid Index can be confusing for families. Here's what a good SAI means.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 9d

A negative SAI means you’ve shown the highest financial need according to your FAFSA.
#fafsa

What Does A Negative SAI Mean?

A negative SAI (or student aid index) indicates the highest need for financial aid. Here's what to know.

thecollegeinvestor.com

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 9d

Need help filling out the FAFSA for 2026-27? This article walks you through each section—from student and parent info to financials.
Early filing can make a difference.
#CollegeAid #HigherEd #FAFSA

How To Fill Out The FAFSA For 2026-27

Need money to pay for college? Find out how to fill out a FAFSA step-by-step for 2026-27 and why it matters for financial aid.

thecollegeinvestor.com

1

The College Investor @thecollegeinvestor.com · 9d

Big updates on student loans: @aft.org is working to certify a class action lawsuit that could help with student loan forgiveness for over 1 million borrowers.
#studentloans #pslf
thecollegeinvestor.com/65401/aft-la...

Millions of Borrowers Could Be Covered by New Student Loan Lawsuit

AFT lawsuit seeks class action status to speed up student loan forgiveness for over a million borrowers.

thecollegeinvestor.com