Financial wellness webinars

No matter where you are on your educational path, we have the tools to help you achieve success. Catch our live webinars or watch a recording of a prior webinar. We discuss planning for school, financial aid, how to search for scholarships and more.

Free webinars for students and families

2024 Webinar Schedule

Your 1-2-3 Approach to Paying for College

Please note: Our experts will present this webinar in Spanish

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT

If college is in your future, you will want to join this webinar to help you plan and pay for college. You will learn about:

  • Saving for college – it is never too late!
  • How to select a college and how much it will cost
  • FAFSA® - what, why and how
  • Understanding a financial aid offer
  • How to find and apply for scholarships and grants – FREE $$$
  • Education loan options
  • Free tools and resources to make the process easier

Options to pay your remaining balance

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT

Many students and families will consider financing a portion of their college education. This session will focus on encouraging responsible borrowing and what students and families can do to find the right solution for their borrowing needs.


Upcoming professional development series

Resources, tools, and best practices to help you assist students and families on their higher education journey. Attend a free, live webinar, or watch a recording of a prior webinar. Together we can help students make informed decisions and pursue their education with confidence.

 


How America Completes College 2024

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT

The college journey isn’t a race, it’s a marathon. From the search for the right schools, the stress of applications, the emotions of acceptance, the discovery of future careers, and the challenge of figuring out how to pay – just to get to the start. Navigating the path to graduation is equally, if not more, important. With 62% of undergraduate students walking the stage at a commencement ceremony, it’s clear that there are many challenges on the road to college completion. Join us as we discuss our latest study - Sallie Mae’s How America Completes College 2024 - and examine the college experience through the lens of completion to uncover what separates students who are on track from those who are at-risk and discuss what opportunities exist to help more students complete their programs.

Watch our past webinars

Navigating financial aid offers

March 2024

After being accepted to college, students will receive a financial aid offer that outlines your financial aid eligibility at that specific school. Each financial aid offer will contain similar overall information but since there’s no standard format they can be difficult to interpret. In this session you will learn how to decipher each financial aid offer so you can confidently determine which college is the best fit.

Watch event

 


Better be Ready for Better FAFSA®: delays update and guidance from the experts

February 2024

The U.S. Department of Education has overhauled the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to an extent we haven't seen in a generation, and unexpected challenges and delays have left many with unanswered questions. Join our panel of college counseling, admissions, and financial aid experts for an overview of the recent FAFSA® changes and updates, answers to frequently asked questions related to the recent delays, and guidance to help students and families navigate these unprecedented delays.

Watch event

 


Helping Black Families Navigate the Admissions Process

February 2024

The entire college admissions process seemed challenging before, but emerging issues, such as the Supreme Court decision about race-conscious admission, and the emergence of artificial intelligence on college essay writing, have students, especially Black students, feeling overwhelmed.  Join us for a discussion with Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, authors of “The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions, Second Edition”, where we’ll discuss several topics helpful to navigating college admissions, including important factors Black students should consider when choosing a college.

Watch event

 


Completing the FAFSA® - Finding Free Money for College

January 2024

Please note: Our experts will present this webinar in Spanish.

Scholarships can be a huge help to college-bound students and their families, but many don’t know where to find them, or how to apply. During this session students and families will learn key tips on applying for scholarships, how to create a winning scholarship essay, and more. We’ll also share helpful tips and information to help you complete your FAFSA® and find the money you need to pay for college.

Watch event

 


The first step to finding the money you need for college: Completing the FAFSA®

January 2024

The U.S. Department of Education has overhauled the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to an extent we haven't seen in a generation. Join our experts for an overview of the FAFSA® and its changes. We’ll also share helpful tips and information to help you complete your FAFSA® and find the money you need to pay for college.

Watch event

 


Completing the FAFSA® - Finding Free Money for College

November 2023

PLEASE NOTE: Our experts will present this webinar in Spanish.

Scholarships can be a huge help to college-bound students and their families, but many don’t know where to find them, or how to apply. During this session students and families will learn key tips on applying for scholarships, how to create a winning scholarship essay, and more. We’ll also share helpful tips and information to help you complete your FAFSA® and find the money you need to pay for college.

Presented by:

Sergio Gonzalez,  Director, Assistant Region Head West
Ed Gonzalez, Director, Assistant Region Head East

Watch event

 


Scholarships: Finding Free Money for College

November 2023

Scholarships can be a huge help to college-bound students and their families, but many don’t know where to find them, or how to apply. During session students and families will learn key tips on applying for scholarships, how to create a winning scholarship essay, and more.

Watch event

 


Navigating College Admissions & Financial Aid for First Generation Students

October 2023

College students often face many firsts that begin well before they step foot on a college campus. The entire college admissions and financial aid process can seem overwhelming for most students, but especially for students who will be the first in their family to consider going to college. We will be hosting a live event with panelists.

Watch event

 


What is the real cost of college? How to plan now

September 2023

If college is in your future, you will want to join this webinar to help you plan and pay for college. You will learn about:

  • Saving for college – it is never too late!
  • How to select a college and how much it will cost
  • FAFSA® - what, why and how
  • Understanding a financial aid offer
  • How to find and apply for scholarships and grants – FREE $$$
  • Education loan options
  • Free tools and resources to make the process easier

Watch event

 


Facing the Unknown with Confidence; Tips for Transitioning to College Life

May 2023

Heading off to college soon? It’s such an exciting time! But college brings lots of new challenges, and it can be overwhelming. Let’s help you feel ready—join our virtual event to hear from university experts on overcoming common challenges, mental health, all the resources available to help you at college. The goal? Helping you succeed on campus and make it through to graduation. 

Panelists Include:

  • Corey Farris, Dean of Students, West Virginia University
  • Darrius Mooney, Financial Aid Counselor, MSW, MPS, Howard University
  • Kevin Sutton, former Assistant Director of Financial Wellness, Virginia Tech

Hosted by Maureen Fagen, Director of Relationship Management and Sales Training.

Watch event

 


Options to pay a remaining balance

April 2023

Many students and families will consider financing a portion of their college education. This session will focus on encouraging responsible borrowing and what students and families can do to find the right solution for their borrowing needs.

Watch event

 


College Admissions Tips

March 2023

During this virtual event we’ll demystify the admissions process, and you’ll gain valuable insights directly from admission professionals.

Topics will include:

  • Importance of high school academic and extracurricular choices
  • Standardized tests (ACT and SAT)
  • Applying to colleges and the different admission types
  • Essays and letters of recommendation
  • Your online presence
  • Panelists include:
    • Mark Cortez, Director of Outreach and Recruitment at The Ohio State University
    • Chelsea Holley, Director of Admissions at Spelman College 
    • James (Jim) Rawlins, AVP for Enrollment Management at The University of California – San Diego

Watch event

 


Helping Black Families Navigate the Admissions Process

February 2023

Join us for a discussion with Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, authors of “The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions.” Fields and Herndon-Brown are experts with extensive experience in college admissions. We’ll discuss everything you need to know to navigate college admissions, including important factors Black students should consider when choosing a college.

Panelists include:

  • Timothy L. Fields, Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Emory University
  • Shereem Herndon-Brown, Founder and Chief Education Officer, Strategic Admissions Advice

Watch event

 


Navigating Financial Aid Offers
February 2023

After being accepted to college, you’ll receive a financial aid offer that outlines your financial aid eligibility at that specific school.  Each financial aid offer will contain similar overall information but since there’s no standard format, they can be difficult to interpret. In the session you will learn how to decipher each financial aid offer so you can confidently determine which college is the best fit.

Watch event

 


Authentic and Transparent: Assisting Students with Information on Costs and Payment Options

March 2024

When making an enrollment decision, students and families aren’t just concerned with cost and fit.  They are also looking for readily available information as well as transparency and simplicity in the college financing process.  This session will focus on ways to represent financing options in the aid offer, review best practices on gap finance counseling and discuss the value of a preferred lender list.  Our panel of experts will help you review the guidance and industry standards to improve financial aid offers and counseling on payment options.

 

Watch event

 


The real scoop on paying for college. Students' and families' expectations versus reality

February 2024

While most families agree that college is an investment in their student’s future, many are confused and stressed about paying for that education. Join this session where we explore what college-bound high school families know and expect about paying for college, and how that compares to the realities experienced by currently enrolled undergraduates. Our panel will discuss how families’ understanding of available funding sources, attitudes and behaviors change as families begin and follow their higher education journey.

Panelists include:

  • Jamie Storey, Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Director of Higher Education Innovation
  • Roslyn White, Murray State University, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management
  • Mike Frechette, Pacific Lutheran University, Dean of Enrollment Management

Watch event

 


Better be ready for Better FAFSA®

December 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has overhauled the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to an extent we haven't seen in a generation. Join our panel of experts for an overview of the FAFSA® and its changes. Panelists will share their insights on topics that may impact family’s education decisions, communications to help families plan, and sharing FAFSA® updates across campus. This session will be ideal for enrollment management and admissions staff, one-stop offices, and counselors, so please share with your colleagues.

Moderator:

Keri Neidig, Sallie Mae Director of Relationship Management, Assistant Region Head

Panelists Include:

  • Chad Olson, Director of Student Financial Aid, Iowa State University
  • Jared Menghini, Vice President of Enrollment, Wilkes University
  • Frank Gomez, Associate Director of Student Financial Aid, University of Houston

Watch event

 


How America Pays for College 2023

November 2023

Join us for a discussion of findings of “How America Pays for College 2023” - Sallie Mae’s annual national research study. We’ll discuss the range of funding sources families rely on to pay for college--from scholarships to 529s, and from federal grants to private student loans, evaluate trends that impact families’ strategies and uncover misconceptions that prevent some families from making college more affordable.

 

Watch event

 


Better be ready for Better FAFSA®

October 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has overhauled the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to an extent we haven't seen in a generation. Join our panel of experts for an overview of the FAFSA® and its changes. Panelists will share their insights on topics that may impact family’s education decisions, communications to help families plan, and sharing FAFSA® updates across campus. This session will be ideal for enrollment management and admissions staff, one-stop offices, and counselors, so please share with your colleagues.

Panelists:

  • Michelle Pretopapa, Associate Director of Financial Aid, Lafayette College
  • Brent Shock, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, Miami University 
  • Kandi Teeters, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Eastern Washington University


Watch event

 


Parenting Gen Z Hits Different

April 2023

Discover how Gen X and our world is influencing a generation of radically unique students. Join our panel as we discuss exciting approaches to better support Gen Z students and their parents when it comes to higher education. By exploring the relationship of Gen Z and Gen X, you will learn about the similarities and differences between these two generations, and how these impact their thoughts and behaviors around culture and finances, and how they work together when making higher education and career decisions.

Moderator:
Annat Shrabstein , Director II - Consumer Research, Sallie Mae

Panelists:

  • Andrea Ruth, Director of Financial Aid, Eastern University
  • Bethany Perkins, Assistant Vice President, Miami University of Ohio
  • Dawn Coleman-Glenn, Training Specialist, Scholarships and Financial Aid, Texas A&M University

Watch event

 


Creating an Inclusive Financial Wellness Program on Your Campus.

March 2023

Our “College Confidence: What America knows about paying for college” study showed that students and their families crave more financial education information and material. During this virtual event, we will share insights from our study on the topics students want to hear more about, discuss obstacles some students face in the world of finance, and experts will discuss real world wellness programs wins. 

Join our panelists for a discussion about building an inclusive financial wellness program on campus. Greg Spadea, Director of Retail Deposits at Sallie Mae®, will share insights from the banking industry and our university experts will share strategies for having meaningful financial wellness programs that help all students grow their financial savvy. 

Panelists include:

  • Greg Spadea, Director of Retail Deposits, Sallie Mae
  • Rhoda Posey, MPA, Financial Literacy and Loan Default Coordinator, Financial Aid Office at California State University, Dominquez Hills
  • Dr. Gilbert Rogers, Assistant Director of Financial Wellness, University of Oregon
  • LaKesha Landers, Director of Financial Literacy, Clark Atlanta University

Watch event

 


Paying for College: Expectations & Reality
February 2023

While most families agree that college is an investment in their student’s future, many are confused and stressed about paying for that education. Join this session where we explore what college-bound high school families know and expect about paying for college, and how that compares to the realities experienced by currently enrolled undergraduates. We will investigate how families’ understanding of available funding sources, attitudes and behaviors change as families begin and follow their higher education journey. The insights shared are based on two new research studies by Sallie Mae and Ipsos, College Confidence: What America Knows About Paying for College and How America Pays for College 2022.

 

Watch event