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Mark Kantrowitz

Mark Kantrowitz is an expert on student financial aid, scholarships, 529 plans, and student loans. He has been quoted in more than 10,000 newspaper and magazine articles about college admissions and financial aid. Mark has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Reuters, USA Today, MarketWatch, Money Magazine, Forbes, Newsweek, and Time. You can find his work on Student Aid Policy here.

Mark is the author of five bestselling books about scholarships and financial aid and holds seven patents. Mark serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Student Financial Aid, the editorial advisory board of Bottom Line/Personal, and is a member of the board of trustees of the Center for Excellence in Education. He previously served as a member of the board of directors of the National Scholarship Providers Association. Mark has two Bachelor's degrees in mathematics and philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Master's degree in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

Mark’s latest articles

Harvard University | Source: The College Investor
February 11, 2026

Do More Expensive Colleges Actually Have Better Graduation Rates?

Do expensive colleges have better graduation rates? New data reveals how cost, selectivity, and student income shape outcomes.

A minimalist graphic illustration depicts a white university building with dark outlines and blue window accents on the left, symbolizing higher education and institutional loans. To its right, a large unfurling scroll, also outlined in dark blue, features a dollar sign at the top and several lines of text, representing a bill, financial aid award, or loan document. This visual emphasizes the connection between colleges and financial obligations, such as university loans or private student loans. The background is a light, speckled pattern with a large teal circle behind the scroll and a plus sign near the university, reinforcing the article's focus on understanding and comparing different types of student loans, including those offered directly by colleges and universities.
February 1, 2026

University Loans: Private Student Loans Offered By Colleges

A university loan differs from other types of student loans, such as a federal loan. Learn more about them and whether you should apply.

Sunny view of a tree-lined campus path winding past historic stone university buildings. This scene visualizes the setting for the ongoing debate about administrative bloat at U.S. colleges, providing context for the analysis of staffing ratios and operational costs at institutions like Ivy League schools. Source: The College Investor
January 28, 2026

The Truth About Administrative Bloat At U.S. Colleges

Viral claims about college staffing don’t hold up. Here’s what NCES and IPEDS data reveal about staff and students.

An illustration depicts a student, identified by a graduation cap, nearly stepping into a dark circular hole in the ground, symbolizing the pitfalls of disorganization in scholarship applications. Floating around him are financial documents resembling scholarship application forms, each marked with a dollar sign, and several individual dollar coin icons, representing the numerous scholarship opportunities available. An exclamation point in a thought bubble above the student's head conveys alarm and the urgent need to track applications, avoid missing deadlines, and stay organized to successfully navigate the complex process of securing financial aid for college. Source: The College Investor
January 26, 2026

How To Avoid College Scholarship Mistakes When You Apply

Winning a scholarship can lessen the financial burden of college, but you must be aware of these common scholarship mistakes that can cost you financial aid.

This graphic illustrates the concept of securing private student loans without a cosigner, a challenging but possible endeavor for students. The central image features a bold outline of a document, possibly representing a loan application or a student's financial profile, with a paperclip attached to the top. To the lower left of this document, a prominent white circle with a dollar sign inside emphasizes the financial aspect of student loans. The background is a vibrant red, adorned with various white and black geometric shapes and symbols, including circles, crosses, dotted squares, and triangles, creating a dynamic and modern visual. These elements subtly reinforce the complexity and various factors involved in qualifying for a no-cosigner private student loan, such as credit history and income requirements, as discussed in the article. The "COLLEGE INVESTOR" logo is clearly visible in white text at the bottom left. Source: The College Investor
January 23, 2026

No-Student Loan Colleges: What To Know And Gotchas To Avoid

No-loan colleges are designed to ensure students can attend college without student loans. But these financial aid policies have pros and cons.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, March 31, 2025. (Pool via AP)
January 23, 2026

Can President Trump Reverse Student Loan Forgiveness?

Can President Trump claw back student loan forgiveness? Understand the legal limits and what borrowers need to know about future forgiveness changes.

student loan discharged disability
January 19, 2026

Student Loan Forgiveness Due To Disability: What To Know

Find out what options you have if your student loan was automatically discharged due to disability. Otherwise, the loan may be reinstated.

State Taxes and Loan Forgiveness | Photo Credit: Aleximx
January 16, 2026

Which States Tax Student Loan Forgiveness?

The guide to state taxes and student loan forgiveness: learn which states exclude forgiveness from your income and which states may levy taxes on forgiven student loans.

Grandparent-Owned 529 Plan
January 15, 2026

Understanding Grandparent-Owned 529 Plans

A grandparent-owned 529 plan is a type of college savings plan where the account owner is a grandparent, as opposed to a parent.

A stylized graphic illustrates the concept of writing a financial aid appeal letter, a key topic for students seeking to increase their financial aid package. On a light gray background, a white document titled "Appeal" is prominently displayed on the right, with several lines representing text. This document is layered over a dark teal rectangular shape, adding depth to the composition. To the left, various abstract elements in teal and white create visual interest: a square grid of dots, two plus signs, and a circle. The image visually reinforces the article's focus on how to write a successful financial aid appeal, emphasizing the importance of providing relevant new information about special circumstances to college financial aid administrators. Source: The College Investor
December 31, 2025

How To Appeal A Financial Aid Award (Merit And Need-Based)

Is a sudden loss of income or other circumstance leaving you unable to pay your college bills? Find out how to write a financial aid appeal letter. Learn more.

First Mid Bank and Trust Review
December 29, 2025

IRS Raises Standard Mileage Rate To 72.5 Cents for 2026

The IRS has announced the 2026 mileage rates: 72.5¢ for business, 20.5¢ for medical/moving, and 14¢ for charity. Find out what this means for you.

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Education

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Philosophy
  • Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Science in Computer Science

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