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New FAFSA Delay Presents an Opportunity
Guest Contributor
As you embark on your college journey, you've likely accounted for the top-of-mind expenses: tuition, textbooks, and living costs. However, several less apparent financial risks can catch even the most prepared students and families off guard. Understanding these potential pitfalls and planning accordingly ensures a smoother, more secure college experience.
While most students are prepared for the occasional cold or flu, the health risks college students face can be more serious and impactful than many realize.
College can be emotionally challenging. According to the American College Health Association, 1 in 4 students reported being affected by depression, and 1 in 3 students reported being affected by anxiety. Know the signs to look for among yourself and your peers and where to seek help, whether it's through on-campus counseling services, online therapy platforms, or off-campus medical professionals.
While most students recover from common ailments like mononucleosis or a concussion, some health situations may force an unexpected early departure from school, potentially delaying your progress toward your degree.
Action Step: Familiarize yourself with your school's health services and local medical facilities.
Many students and families operate under the assumption that if they need to withdraw from school due to illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, they'll receive a full refund. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.
Most institutions have strict refund policies that reduce the refundable amount as the semester progresses. After a certain point—often just a few weeks into the term—you may receive no refund at all for tuition, and virtually none for housing or fees.
Action Step: Review your school's refund policy. Consider tuition insurance from reputable providers like GradGuard, which can offer up to 100% reimbursement for tuition, housing, and fees if you need to withdraw for a serious illness, injury, mental health condition, or other covered reason.
Life doesn't always go according to plan. While some factors that extend your time in school (like changing majors) are within your control, others are not.
Unexpected health issues or personal emergencies can force you to withdraw from a semester, potentially adding significant time and cost to your degree. More than one-third of currently enrolled students have considered stopping out of their degree or credential program within the last six months, according to the 2024 Gallup/Lumina Foundation State of Higher Education Report. Among those who considered stopping out, 64% say emotional stress or mental health concerns are significant reasons. After understanding your school’s refund policy, evaluate if your family can afford the cost of an extra semester. If you can’t, you’re not alone. The 2022 College Confidence Index found that most families (52%) report it would be difficult to do so.
Action Step: Evaluate whether your family can afford the cost of an extra semester if needed. If not, explore options like tuition insurance.
Many students are surprised to learn that their college or university doesn't cover stolen, damaged, or lost personal property. Laptops, smartphones, bicycles, and other expensive items are vulnerable in dorm rooms and common areas such as the library or fitness center. Campus crime, while generally low, does occur. According to Clery Act Reports, more than 24,000 crime and safety incidents, including robberies, fires, and burglaries, are reported annually on college campuses.
Accidents happen, too—water damage from a neighbor's overflowing bathtub or a candle fire that started in a nearby room can destroy your belongings.
Action Step: Look into college renters insurance. Companies like GradGuard offer student-focused policies that can protect your belongings on and off campus, provide liability coverage in case a student accidentally damages their dorm room, and include a low $100 deductible.
While many students remain on their parent’s health insurance plans through college, this only sometimes provides comprehensive coverage, especially if a student is attending school out of state.
High deductibles, out-of-network providers, and limited coverage for mental health services are common issues. Some students unknowingly pay twice for health coverage by remaining on a parent's plan and paying for school-provided insurance.
Action Step: Carefully review your current health insurance coverage. Identify any gaps, especially related to out-of-state care or mental health services, and be sure not to pay twice for coverage.
Your college education is more than just classes and grades—it's a significant investment in your future. By understanding and preparing for these hidden financial risks, you can protect that investment and focus on what really matters: your education and personal growth.
By taking these steps outlined above, you'll be better prepared to handle unexpected challenges, allowing you to make the most of your college experience without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
Ready to protect your college investment? Explore tuition and renters insurance options tailored for students at GradGuard.
