Is college worth it? How to think about ROI without obsessing over salary
Learn how to assess whether college is worth it by looking beyond earnings and considering long‑term value.
Salah Assana
I’m a first-generation college student and the creator of The College Grind, dedicated to helping peers navigate higher education with practical advice and honest encouragement.
How financial aid actually works. Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study explained
A clear guide to how financial aid really works, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work‑study.
What to consider before choosing pass/fail, withdrawing, or requesting an incomplete
Learn when pass/fail, withdrawals, and incompletes help you and how to avoid unintended consequences.
What a "good" college schedule actually looks like and why it depends on you
Understand what makes a college schedule sustainable and why the answer is different for every student.
How to use the course catalog to plan a manageable semester
Understand what the course catalog really tells you and use it to plan a semester you can handle.
How to choose your classes strategically and build a semester that works for you
Choose classes with a clear strategy so you can build a semester that supports your goals and capacity.
What academic advising is—and what it is not
A practical summary of what advising is, what it is not, and how to navigate it effectively.