College Financial Aid Unpacked with Granite Edvance's Matthew Wallace

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, Julie sits down with Matthew Wallace, VP of Education & Career Pathways at Granite Edvance, to unpack the FAFSA—what it is, why everyone should file, and how SAI, Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study actually work. Matthew explains Granite Edvance’s services (from one-on-one planning to scholarships and nonprofit student loans), clears up common misconceptions, and compares FAFSA with the CSS Profile. You’ll also hear practical timelines, tips for complex family situations, how aid letters differ, and when to request a professional judgment appeal.

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[00:00:00] Julie introduces the show, guest Matthew Wallace, and today’s focus: the FAFSA.

[00:01:11] Matthew defines FAFSA and confirms the official name.

[00:02:02] Granite Edvance overview: advising from middle school to adult learners, plus scholarships and nonprofit loans.

[00:04:34] Who qualifies: NH residents, NH “nexus” students, and broader resources for others.

[00:06:57] Massachusetts counterpart: MIFA; advice to compare products.

[00:08:25] Why everyone should file: SAI drives need-based aid, Pell eligibility, federal loans, and work-study access.

[00:10:41] Skipping FAFSA can mean leaving opportunities (and cheaper federal loans) on the table.

[00:11:40] Institutions use FAFSA data for their own aid; federal rates often competitive, with no underwriting.

[00:12:42] Barriers & fixes: you can decline loans; recent form improvements; typical completion ~20–25 minutes.

[00:16:32] Complex families: FSA “select my contributor” wizard and case-by-case guidance.

[00:18:53] CSS Profile basics: who requires it, deeper data, time to complete, and fee/waiver notes.

[00:20:19] Public vs. private patterns; in NH, Dartmouth as the CSS example.

[00:21:48] CSS fees and common waiver pathways.

[00:22:40] Granite Edvance programming: FA 101, Paying for College, FAFSA appointments, and offer reviews.

[00:23:39] Aid letters vary widely; know how to compare true costs.

[00:25:57] Timeline tips: FAFSA opens Oct 1; many priority deadlines ~Mar 1; list up to 20 schools and add later.

[00:27:55] Refile every year; prior-prior tax year; when and how to request professional judgment.

[00:31:10] Where to find help: graniteedvance.org/help.

[00:34:44] Quick challenges: file the FAFSA now if you’re a senior; start a 529 for the young student in your life.

Links:

Matthew Wallace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwallace121

Granote Edvance: https://graniteedvance.org

Rockland Trust: https://www.rocklandtrust.com/
Julie Beckham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-beckham-05589534