“ tuition free ”

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to understand where financial aid fits in. That is where FAFSA comes in. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the system that connects you to most forms of financial support in U.S. higher education, from grants and loans to work-study and even…

I was born in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. My childhood was filled with curiosity, ambition, and a strong desire to learn, but my dreams often felt larger than the opportunities around me. My family background meant that quality education was not something we could easily access, and higher learning felt like a distant goal rather…

University of the People (UoPeople) has emerged as a pioneering force in global higher education, offering accredited, tuition-free, fully online degree programs. In February 2025, the university achieved accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education — the same body that accredits many…

A master’s degree is an advanced academic qualification that students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. It typically involves specialized study designed to deepen knowledge, sharpen skills, and prepare learners for leadership roles, career growth, or academic research. These programs usually require intensive coursework, and many include practical projects, capstones, or research components that tie…

Applying for FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is one of the most important steps you will take when paying for college. FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, student loans, work-study programs, and, in many cases, state and school-based financial aid as well. While the form is completed online, it requires careful…

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) goes a lot smoother when you gather a few key details first. You will be asked for personal identifiers and (in most cases) income and asset information for you and any required contributors, such as a parent or spouse.  This guide walks you through the core…

A bachelor’s degree is the most common undergraduate academic credential awarded by colleges and universities worldwide. In the United States, it is traditionally designed to take about four years of full-time study and typically requires the equivalent of 120–130 semester credits, which generally translates to roughly 40 college courses. The degree combines general education, major-specific…

An associate degree is one of the most accessible and practical higher education credentials available. Situated between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree, it provides foundational academic knowledge and prepares students for entry-level careers or further studies. Globally recognized in many countries, the associate degree is particularly prevalent in the United States, where…

We all know that data-informed decision-making is better than intuition and face value judgment. Data, whether cold or warm, does not always underscore our impressions and can be counterintuitive, telling a different story to the one we would like to believe. Fundamentally, decisions taken using data well and intentionally will tend to address genuine institutional…

Paying for college, especially without FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or student loans, can feel overwhelming. Federal financial aid through FAFSA is a cornerstone of U.S. college financing, but not everyone qualifies or wants to take on debt. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to afford higher education without relying on FAFSA or traditional…

Gersom L. was born in Havana, Cuba, and currently lives in Miami, where he works as an aviation technician. His journey has been shaped by major life transitions, including his decision to seek refuge in the United States — a move that opened the door to new opportunities, personal growth, and long-term goals.  While Gersom…

My life journey has been shaped by conflict, displacement, resilience, and an enduring hope for a better future — for myself, my family, and others who face similar circumstances. I was born in Afghanistan, but when I was just three years old, my family was forced to move to Pakistan during the conflicts of the 1990s. Growing…