Money & FinanceStudent Aid Index (SAI): What It Is and What Yours Means
What your FAFSA Student Aid Index means for a Pell Grant and other aid, how it's calculated, and what to do if the number looks wrong.
Priya Sharma8 min
Research Director
Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma is the Research Director at Tips for Students. She takes public higher education data and turns it into analyses students can actually use, covering policy changes, financial aid access, and student outcomes.
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Higher Education ResearchStudent OutcomesEducation EquityPolicy Analysis
Articles by Priya Sharma
- Money & FinancePriya Sharma8 min
Money & FinanceFederal vs Private Student Loans: How to Choose Without Regret
About one in four student loan borrowers regrets the type of loan they took out, mostly because they took private when they could have taken federal. This guide breaks down how each works, what the new 2026 rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act change, and the rare situations where private loans actually make sense.
Priya Sharma14 min
Money & FinancePell Grant Eligibility: Who Qualifies and How to Maximize Your Award
Most students assume they won't qualify for a Pell Grant. Most students are wrong. Over 5 million students got one last year. Half a million more would have qualified and never applied, mostly because they heard "federal aid" and assumed it was meant for someone else.
Priya Sharma13 min
Career & JobsWhat Can You Do With a Biology Degree? Careers Beyond Pre-Med
Most biology majors don’t become doctors. Here are the five branches, real salary data, and an honest pre-med plan B for the 57 percent.
Priya Sharma14 min
Career & JobsBiology Summer Internships for High School Students: The Regional Map
Are you a high school student with a passion for biology and a dream of becoming a scientist? Summer internships are a fantastic way to get into the world of research, gain experience, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in science. Imagine spending your summer in a lab, discovering new t
Priya Sharma10 min
College GuideExplore The 24 Best Non Ivy League Schools in the United States
When thinking about top colleges in the U.S., Ivy League schools often come to mind. However, many excellent non-Ivy League schools offer fantastic education, strong alumni networks, and vibrant campus life. These institutions can be just as prestigious and offer unique opportunities for students. I
Priya Sharma13 min
College GuideLiberal Arts College vs University: Making the Best Choice
Choosing between a liberal arts college and a university is an important decision for many students who would like to pursue a carrier through liberal arts school. Both types of institutions offer unique experiences and benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make the right ch
Priya Sharma6 min
Research by Priya Sharma
Study Abroad Participation: Trends and Demographics
Only 10% of students study abroad, yet alumni earn $4,100 more per year. The students most likely to benefit (low-income, first-gen) are the least likely to go. Here is why, and what you can do about it.
Priya Sharma9 min
Mental Health on Campus: Student Wellness Survey Results
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation have declined for three consecutive years. But 37% of students are still depressed, 52% report high loneliness, and one in ten considered suicide last year.
Priya Sharma10 min
College Graduation Rates by Race, Gender, and Institution Type
The six-year graduation rate is 64.5%. But if you are a Black man at an open-admission school, your odds drop below 30%. Race, income, gender, and where you enroll all shape whether you finish.
Priya Sharma8 min