Post-Secondary Pathways & Funding

College isn't the only road that leads somewhere worthwhile. This lesson unpacks the vocabulary of post-secondary paths and equips students to use the College Scorecard so they can weigh trade schools, community colleges, and universities on real data instead of assumptions.

The four-year degree isn't the only road to a good income—and often not the smartest one. Explore trade schools, apprenticeships, the 2+2 strategy, and going straight to work as legitimate paths to a financially secure future.

College tuition is just the sticker price—the real bill runs far higher. This lesson breaks down the direct and indirect costs of attending college so students can plan for the true Cost of Attendance.

A tuition gift card isn't just generous—it's a tax-advantaged savings vehicle in disguise. Explore how 529 and 529A accounts turn education savings into a smarter, tax-free strategy.

A shiny campus website is basically a highlight reel. It won't tell you the real graduation rate or what students actually pay after aid. This lesson pushes students past brochures into hard data, then has them launch real fieldwork outreach.

Billions in free college aid go unclaimed every year over a 12-minute form. This lesson demystifies the FAFSA and helps students build a realistic plan to fund education beyond high school.

Work-study isn't a tuition discount—it's permission to earn an hourly paycheck while the government foots part of the bill. This lesson explores the Federal Work-Study program and weighs the trade-offs of working on campus versus off.

College money isn't just loans—billions in scholarships and grants go unclaimed every year. This lesson breaks down the difference between scholarships and grants and helps students build a personal strategy to claim their share of free money.

A student loan isn't free money — it's a bet on your future income that follows you for decades. This lesson explores subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans, federal vs. private options, and the 1x rule for borrowing within your means.

Six months of missed payments doesn't just mean a scary letter. It can mean wage garnishment and a credit score that takes years to recover. This lesson walks students through repayment plans, deferment vs. forbearance, and the real return on investment of student debt so they can borrow (and repay) with a plan.