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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

how structured settlements impact financial aid
March 27, 2025

How Structured Settlements Impact Financial Aid

Unlike lump sum settlements, there are times when the money from structured settlements will have no impact on financial aid. Learn why.

529 plan for estate planning
March 19, 2025

How To Use A 529 Plan For Estate Planning

Wondering if it would be beneficial to use a 529 plan for estate planning? We explain when that strategy could make sense and how to do it.

This image is a minimalist, two-toned graphic illustrating college cost estimates and financial planning. The left side, set against a light background, features outlined icons in black and green, including a pie chart with one slice highlighted in green, a magnifying glass, a graduation cap, and various geometric shapes like a plus sign, dots, and a triangle, all representing different aspects of college expenses. The right side is dominated by a large calculator with a dollar sign on its screen and two coins marked with "1" underneath it, all set against a solid green background. This visual effectively conveys the article's focus on calculating and understanding the true cost of attendance (COA), including direct and indirect costs like tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and transportation, and the importance of budgeting before borrowing for higher education.
March 15, 2025

How To Find The Net Price Of College And What You’ll Pay

A look at how to calculate the net price of college – or in other terms, how much college really costs!

what to do if your financial aid appeal is denied
March 14, 2025

What To Do If Your Financial Aid Appeal Is Denied

Are you in need of student financial aid? Here’s what to do if your financial aid appeal has been denied. Learn more.

Student Loan Forgiveness For Engineers
March 11, 2025

Can Student Loans Be Discharged In Bankruptcy?

Student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy, but it’s rare. Here’s what borrowers should know and why it’s so uncommon.

This image is a minimalist, two-toned graphic illustrating college cost estimates and financial planning. The left side, set against a light background, features outlined icons in black and green, including a pie chart with one slice highlighted in green, a magnifying glass, a graduation cap, and various geometric shapes like a plus sign, dots, and a triangle, all representing different aspects of college expenses. The right side is dominated by a large calculator with a dollar sign on its screen and two coins marked with "1" underneath it, all set against a solid green background. This visual effectively conveys the article's focus on calculating and understanding the true cost of attendance (COA), including direct and indirect costs like tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and transportation, and the importance of budgeting before borrowing for higher education.
February 26, 2025

College Cost Reduction Act: What To Know

The College Cost Reduction Act seeks to fix student loan lending, improve student outcomes, and hold colleges accountable to their costs.

invest in S&P 500
February 25, 2025

S&P 500 vs. College Endowments: The Results Are In

College endowments trail index funds, underperforming by 50% compared to the S&P 500. Why do schools keep losing billions on their investments?

Student Loan Debt In Congress
February 23, 2025

Republicans Target Student Loan And Financial Aid Cuts

GOP proposals to cut federal student aid include changes to loans, repayment plans, and tax breaks. See what’s on the table.

529 Dynasty Plan
February 18, 2025

What Are Multigenerational Or Dynasty 529 Plans?

With a Dynasty 529 Plan, high net-worth parents can continue to save in the plan even after their kids have graduated. Here’s what to know.

What is the Ivy League
February 17, 2025

The Outsized Impact Of Ivy Plus Colleges

Ivy Plus colleges enroll just 1% of students but shape leadership, tech, and business. See how their influence extends beyond the classroom.

the best scholarships math science
February 7, 2025

The Best Scholarships For STEM Majors

If you’re a student studying math, science, and engineering, these are the best scholarships to help cover the cost of college.

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  • Financial Aid
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  • FAFSA

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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