Inflation impacts everyone and everything, and college tuition is no exception. For years, students and parents have often complained about the rising tuition costs and associated fees. These costs have prevented many students from pursuing their academic journeys because financial aid hasn’t been measuring up. According to College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year are $11,260 for in-state students at public four-year institutions and go all they up to $41,540 for private nonprofit four-year institutions. In the words of Gen Z, these numbers are crazy work. They don’t even account for room and board, books, or other living expenses. While the rising costs of college tuition can be daunting, it’s important to remember that there are specific strategies and financial options that can help alleviate this burden. With that said, understanding and securing student aid can make higher education more accessible and affordable. This guide is designed to...

Youth being backed by a motivating support system can often lead them to achievements that they initially didn’t perceive as being possible. When weighing out his options of which schools to apply to, any of the nation’s eight prestigious schools weren’t initially on Birmingham native Kylan Benson’s list of choices. But, with the help of a nonprofit and his family, the Ramsay High School senior’s future is bright. WVTM 13 reports that Benson was offered $3 million in scholarships and accepted into 18 out of the 19 schools he applied to, including four Ivy League schools.

We often hear of student-athletes securing name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals that lead them to thrive in their careers. However, learning of ones that specifically help others isn’t your typical story — that is until a recent partnership with Oregon State football player Alex Austin. The college defensive back teamed up with Access Scholarships and the Hirect App to create his own scholarship, the Alex Austin Overcoming Adversity Scholarship, according to Los Angeles Sentinel. I’m extremely blessed & fortunate to be able to launch my Overcoming Adversity Scholarship, created in partnership with Access Scholarships and @HirectApp The scholarship is open to all high school and college students in the US. Head over to the link in my bio to apply now! pic.twitter.com/7cvV74WJcK — Alex Austin (@kinnggalex) February 15, 2022 With the help of his agent Shawn O’Gorman, Austin launched his scholarship. According to the athlete, being a community activist since a young age played a role...

To not only be a first-generation college student, but to also be admitted to the school you envisioned growing up is truly what dreams are made of. Omarion Ikaika Calloway, a high school senior, is proof that your background doesn’t have to stop you from turning your ambitious goals into reality. From the age of 10, Calloway looked after the well-being of his grandmother and disabled autistic uncle, according to Black News. After grieving their passing, he used the inspiration that his grandma instilled in him as fuel to chase his dream of attending New York University. On Dec. 15, 2021, the teenager received his acceptance letter from the school. But, that’s not all. According to the outlet, Calloway’s academic excellence has led him to land acceptance into over 21 universities, as well as more than $1.3 million in scholarships. “I’m a happy and grateful mother, and I am immensely proud of him,” his mother Tiffany shared. “As his mother, I remain so proud of him that tears well up...