The Ultimate Financial Aid & Scholarship Series for Parents
Your Roadmap to Financial Aid & Scholarship Successs
Missed a session? No worries! Access all webinar recordings below and take the next step by booking a one-hour session for personalized support and expert advice on how to pay for college—with confidence and clarity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Student Loan
Parent PLUS Loan rates have are just under 9% for all borrowers, plus a 4% origination fee. For some, private loans will be a better option. If you have good credit, you can get rates starting under 5% with no fees. Below is our guide to help you take the right steps in choosing your best loan option. We always recommend starting by taking utilizing the Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL). Be sure to scroll for step-by-step instructions.
Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Student Loan in 2025:
Step 1: Maximize Federal Direct Student Loans (FDSL)
Step 2: visit CAP's preferred lending partners Ascent Student Loans & College Ave to get pre-approved for two competitive private loan rates (each application is under 3 minutes each).
Step 3: Still want more data? Check out some other lenders:
- Universal state loan programs: Massachusetts , Rhode Island, Iowa
- Full Private Lender Table
Step 4: Lastly, compare your pre-approved rates to the Federal PLUS loan*
Follow these steps above and you'll get a view of the loan rates and terms available to your family so you make an informed, thoughtful borrowing decision.
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- Reviewing financial aid forms & Evaluating award letters to explore possible appeals for more aid
- Breaking down the final bill & Strategizing how to best use 529 plans and other savings
- Comparing student and parent loan options using our proven process to help you secure the lowest possible interest rate
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Webinar Recordings – Watch On Demand
Whether you’re just starting or want to revisit a specific topic, we’ve got you covered. Below are the recordings from each session in our webinar series:
🎓 January: Private Scholarships & Verification (Audits!)
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🎓 February: Understanding Your Award Letter
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🎓 March: How to Appeal for More Money
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🎓 April: How to Evaluate ROI in Making Your Final Decisions and Appeals
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🎓May: How to Pay the Bill: 529 Plans vs. Savings vs. Cash-Flow
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🎓 June: Why Every Student Should Use the Federal Direct Student Loan
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🎓 July: How to Find the Lowest Loan Rate
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🎓 August: Understanding the Best Practice for Paying the Bill
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Access Our Paying the Bill & Borrowing Toolkit
Explore smart borrowing options for college with our comprehensive guide on student loans, comparing rates and maximizing financial aid for your education costs.
Click Here to View Paying the Bill & Borrowing Toolkit 🛠️
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College Aid Pro: Smarter College Planning
At College Aid Pro, our mission is to help families make smarter, more informed decisions about college. We aim to educate college-bound families on how to maximize financial aid and scholarships to cover the cost of education—without relying on loans. With decades of expertise in financial aid, scholarships, and college planning, we make navigating the college process stress-free. Through a step-by-step, month-by-month approach, we’ll guide you with clarity and confidence, ensuring your family is empowered every step of the way.