What’s the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized student loans? What credit score do you actually need to borrow for college? And can those ads promising to slash your Student Aid Index by 50% really be trusted?

In this month's Old College Try Q&A, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough tackle some of the biggest questions families are asking about paying for college. From federal student loans and credit scores to building a realistic four-year budget, navigating financial aid after separation or divorce, and helping an undecided student find the right college fit, this episode covers a little bit of everything.

In this episode, we cover:

💰 The difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans

🎓 Why CAP recommends families consider taking the Federal Direct Student Loan—even if they don't immediately need it

📈 What counts as a "good" credit score when shopping for college loans

🏦 How your credit can affect your private, state, and Parent PLUS Loan options

💵 The different pieces that should go into your family's four-year college budget

👵 How to factor grandparents and other family contributions into your college plan

👨‍👩‍👧 What separated and divorced parents need to know about financial aid

🎯 How to help a student who's stressed because they don't know what they want to major in

🏫 Why being undecided isn't necessarily a disadvantage—and how the right college can help students explore their options

⚠️ Whether companies promising to reduce your SAI by 50% are legitimate

🔍 Why lowering your SAI doesn't automatically mean you'll pay less for college

💡 The red flags to watch for before making major financial moves solely to increase financial aid eligibility

Key Takeaway: There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for paying for college. Your borrowing options, financial aid eligibility, budget, and even the colleges that make financial sense depend on your family's individual situation. Build the budget first, understand your options, and always look beyond flashy promises before making a major financial decision.

🎵 Song of the Week: Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits

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