Salah Assana

Salah Assana

118 Posts

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.

Financial aid for middle-class families. Why you often get the worst deals and what to do about it
Financial Aid Money

Financial aid for middle-class families. Why you often get the worst deals and what to do about it

College aid formulas squeeze middle‑income families. Understand why your aid is lower than expected and how to use merit aid, school choice, and appeals to save.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana
Financial aid for divorced or separated parents. What actually counts and what most families get wrong
Financial Aid Money

Financial aid for divorced or separated parents. What actually counts and what most families get wrong

Most families get financial aid rules wrong after divorce. Understand who the custodial parent really is, when stepparents count, and how to avoid costly errors.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana
The “gapping” problem. When financial aid doesn’t cover your need and how to spot it before it costs you
Financial Aid Money

The “gapping” problem. When financial aid doesn’t cover your need and how to spot it before it costs you

Understand how gapping works and how to identify hidden unmet need in award letters.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana
Choosing a college based on financial aid strategy. Not just rankings or acceptance
Financial Aid Money

Choosing a college based on financial aid strategy. Not just rankings or acceptance

How to choose a college using financial aid strategy, not rankings, so you can find a school you can truly afford.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana
Financial aid deadlines and how timing affects your aid
Financial Aid Money

Financial aid deadlines and how timing affects your aid

How financial aid deadlines really work and why filing early can mean thousands more in grants.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana
How to maximize financial aid eligibility. Legal strategies, myths, and practical steps
Financial Aid Money

How to maximize financial aid eligibility. Legal strategies, myths, and practical steps

Maximize financial aid legally with smart FAFSA, CSS Profile, deadline, and college selection strategies.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana
Why your financial aid drops after freshman year and how to prepare
Financial Aid Money

Why your financial aid drops after freshman year and how to prepare

Learn why financial aid often drops after freshman year and what you can do to manage rising college costs.
Salah Assana
Salah Assana