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Applying to college can be both time-consuming and expensive — with some schools charging as much as $75 just to apply. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process easier, and potentially cheaper.

The Common Application (or Common App) is an online college application platform used by more than 1,000 colleges that allows you to apply to multiple schools using one centralized application. The bulk of the application questions only need to be filled out once, though certain colleges and universities might also require supplements, such as short answer questions and/or essay prompts specific to that school. The new edition of the Common App opens Aug. 1 every year.

The Common App also provides students with valuable resources for the application process, including step-by-step application guidelines, information about financial aid and scholarship options, as well as how to get your application fee waived.

How Much Does the Common App Cost?

Although the Common App is free to use, individual schools often have their own application fees that students must pay to apply. The average undergraduate application fee for U.S. students is $56. However, some schools don’t charge application fees.

The Common App organization understands that some students are unable to pay application fees, and they don’t want this to be a barrier for students to be able to apply for college. For this reason, they have created the Common App Fee Waiver, which allows students to apply to schools without any fees.

Not every school will accept a fee waiver but thousands of schools around the world do.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

How the Common App Fee Waiver Works

You can use the Common App Fee Waiver section of your Profile to request a fee waiver. If you select that you are eligible for the Common App fee waiver, you will not be charged any application fees when you submit through Common App.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

How to Apply

Students can apply for the Common App Fee Waiver in the Personal Information or Profile section of their application. There is a place in this section to select “Yes” to apply for the waiver and indicate eligibility.

In order to complete the application for a Fee Waiver, students must also have their college counselor submit a fee waiver form.

Many schools use the honor system and trust that a form from a counselor proves a student’s eligibility, but some schools may ask for electronic or hard copies of paperwork for verification of eligibility.

Recommended: Important College Application Deadlines

Who is Eligible?

Students who fit any of the following criteria may be eligible to receive a Common App Fee Waiver:

•   Students who are orphans or wards of the state
•   Students whose family receives public assistance
•   Students who received or are eligible to receive SAT or ACT testing fee waivers
•   Students enrolled in or eligible to enroll in Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Programs
•   Students whose family’s annual income fits the eligibility for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
•   Students enrolled in local, state, or federal aid programs for low-income families
•   Students who are homeless, live in a foster home or in federally subsidized public housing
•   Students who get a written statement from a community leader, financial aid officer, school counselor or official

Each school decides whether to grant a student’s request for a Common App Fee Waiver.


💡 Quick Tip: Federal student loans carry an origination or processing fee (1.057% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 1, 2024). The fee is subtracted from your loan amount, which is why the amount disbursed is less than the amount you borrowed. That said, some private student loan lenders don’t charge an origination fee.

Beyond the Application: Paying for College

Students and families applying for Common App Fee Waivers may also be looking into financing options to pay for college tuition. There are several options for parents and students who need help paying for college. These include:

Filling out the FAFSA

The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid, it’s a good idea to fill out this form. The FAFSA opens up opportunities for students to receive student loans, federal grants, school aid, and work-study positions.

Applying for Scholarships

There are thousands of private scholarships available to students, and the benefit of scholarships is that they don’t have to be paid back, unlike student loans.

Finding Affordable Schools

Although some universities cost tens of thousands of dollars each year to attend, others are much more affordable. Some schools are also more generous with student financial aid than others. Students may want to carefully compare the financial aid packages offered to them to figure out which school is the most affordable for them.

Applying for Work-Study Jobs

Students can work part time to help pay for college. The federal work-study program provides work opportunities for students to get jobs on campus.

Applying for Grants

In addition to scholarships, there are thousands of grants available to students. These grants are issued by the federal government, the Pell program, and individual states. Some are need-based, while others are merit-based. To find out if you qualify and to become eligible for grants, you need to fill out the FAFSA.

Saving Money in a 529 Plan

Many families put money aside each month to help pay for college tuition. One way to do this is using a 529 Plan, which is an investment account that offers tax benefits when used to pay for qualified education expenses for a designated beneficiary.

Taking out Federal Loans

Federal student loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and may be subsidized (which means you won’t be charged interest while you are in college and for six months after) or unsubsidized (meaning interest starts accruing right away). Federal loans tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans.

To qualify for a federal loan, you will need to complete and submit the FAFSA.

Taking out Private Loans

Another option for covering the cost of attendance for college is to take out a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates tend to be higher than federal student loans, but borrowing limits are typically higher. These loans are not need-based and generally require a credit check. Borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit tend to qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind that private student loans may not offer the same borrower protections that federal student loans offer, such as forbearance or income-driven repayment plans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

SOIS0823038

When you make the decision to continue your higher education beyond an undergraduate degree, you likely think about the payoff: Will the education, such as a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), help you secure a well-paying job? Will you be able to quickly pay off your graduate loan?

If you’re wondering what you can do with an MBA, you’re not alone. While there are many different jobs for MBA graduates, the important thing is identifying which you’re interested in so you know you’ve got a promising career ahead of you on the other side of that MBA program.

What the MBA Prepares You For

Because an MBA exposes you to many different aspects of business, from finance to marketing to economics, it can help you qualify for a wide range of business-related MBA careers. Because you aren’t focused in a single niche, you can apply the leadership, accounting, and communication skills you have learned in your MBA program to your future career, no matter what industry it’s in.

Some prestigious MBA programs (that also come with a hefty price tag) may have an alumni network that can help you find a good job right after graduation. But even if you’ve opted for a more affordable MBA program, the simple fact of you possessing an MBA may be appealing to employers and could help you command a higher salary than you could have earned with just an undergraduate degree.


💡 Quick Tip: Private student loans offer fixed or variable interest rates. So you can get a loan that fits your budget.

The Current Job Market

Despite recent layoffs in a variety of industries, particularly in technology, there are still a lot of industries that are growing and even the ones doing the layoffs are still hiring MBAs. Finding a great job, however, may require using your networks to your best advantage. Human resource experts also advise MBA grads to highlight skills that are especially marketable today, including training in artificial intelligence, project management, business analytics, and supply chain management.

Recommended: Is Getting A Degree In Marketing Worth It?

The Best Jobs for MBA Grads

This leads us back to that question: What jobs can I get with an MBA?

The good news is, no matter what the economic climate and your particular skill set, there are typically many jobs for MBA graduates.

Jobs in Finance

If you aced your finance, statistics, and accounting courses, your future may lie in finance. For someone with an MBA, you’ve got several possibilities.

A financial advisor provides financial planning and advice for clients, and may specialize in certain niches, like estate planning or high net worth clients. Financial advisors may continue to pursue additional certifications or licenses. The median salary for financial advisors is approximately $94,170.

A financial analyst is attuned to the stock market and may make forecasts about the behavior or stocks and bonds for clients. The median salary for a financial analyst is around $81,730.

If you enjoy managing a business’ finances, becoming an accountant may be a good fit. You may be in charge of accounts receivable and payable, as well as filing taxes for a business. The median salary for an accountant is around $77,250.

If you have a little technical skill, a budget analyst might be a good fit. You’ll prepare financial reports, evaluate budgets, and help the business manage its finances. Median salary for a budget analyst falls around $79,940.

Recommended: 9 Top Online MBA Programs

Jobs in Marketing

If numbers aren’t your thing, but you love the idea of promoting a brand and connecting with its customers, a career in marketing could be up your alley.

A marketing manager is involved in overseeing marketing campaigns for a company. You may be involved in the strategy, and/or actual execution of tools like social media, content, and advertising. Median salary for marketing managers is around $135,030.

If you want to get more hands-on with digital marketing, consider applying to become a digital media strategist. This role taps into analytics and data to build marketing and ad campaigns to build relationships with customers. The average salary for a digital media strategist is approximately $62,947.

If you’re a born salesperson, being a sales manager may come naturally to you. They develop sales and promotions and oversee sales teams for a company. The median salary for sales managers is about $130,600.

Jobs in Management

If you’re highly organized and have leadership skills, a career in management might be a good fit, particularly if you also have technical skills.

Management consultants often work in technology fields, and help companies solve problems or facilitate transitions. The average salary for management consultants is around $99,655.

Or you could become an operations manager, who is in charge of making sure a company runs smoothly. This role could be involved in finance, supply chain, hiring, and overall strategy, and the median salary is roughly $97,970.

HR managers are also involved in the company’s operations, though from the human resources perspective. This role recruits, interviews, and hires employees, as well as onboards them and trains them. The average HR Manager salary is around $116,792.

If you like keeping projects running smoothly, you might make a great project manager. You’ll be involved in assigning tasks to team members, communicating with company leaders, and facilitating the success of a project. Average salaries fall around $87,129.

Another option is a product manager, who is involved in creating and marketing new products. The average salary for this role is $114,028.

Jobs in Technology

If your skill set lies in IT, there are several jobs to consider once you’ve graduated.

As IT manager, your role would be to manage and upkeep a business’ IT hardware and software, as well as build strategies and protocols for IT security. The median salary is around $159,010.

Business intelligence analysts assess business data and trends to find ways that a business can become more efficient and profitable. The average salary for a business intelligence analyst is around $87,267.

Recommended: Tips on How to Pay for MBA School

How to Stand Out from other MBAs

Now that you have a sense of your career options post-graduation, the question is how to get hired.

Start by networking. There likely are organizations in your community that cater to a general business audience, or even a specific niche, like IT professionals. Your university may have an organization to connect students with employers.

As you build relationships with people through these groups, you can put feelers out for potential jobs. Remember: Networking isn’t about what you can get out of it but rather what you can give. So contribute what you can and connect people when appropriate, and the favor may be returned.

Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your education as well as any internships or organizations you have been involved with. It’s also a great place to search for jobs and connect with people who work at companies you’re interested in.

Finding a job will take time, so start early and have patience. Have a few versions of your cover letter that you can modify, and customize the letter you send specific to the job and company you’re applying with.

If you make it to the interview phase, send a handwritten thank you note to the person who interviewed you. This is not only polite, but might help you stand out, since few people send physical mail anymore.

After all your hard work, you will likely be rewarded with a career that allows you to utilize the knowledge you gleaned in your MBA program, and ideally offers a competitive salary that can help you repay any MBA loans you took out to finance your education.


💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

The Takeaway

Getting your MBA can open doors for your career. MBA programs aim to teach students a broad range of skills that can help them thrive in a wide range of roles and industries, including tech, HR, marketing, and more.

MBA programs can be pricey. If federal aid, scholarships, and savings aren’t enough to fill the funding gap, private school loans could be one option to consider.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Loan limits vary from lender to lender, but you can often get up to the total cost of attendance, which gives you more borrowing power than with the federal government. Interest rates vary depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOIS0823039

Taking college classes at night can be a convenient option for students who have to balance work and school. However, doing your coursework in the evenings can be a big adjustment, especially if you’re used to taking classes during the day. Staying focused after a long day of work or rewiring your brain to study at night can be challenging.

Whether you’re gearing up for a degree’s worth of night school or a one-off evening class, take a look at these tips to survive night classes.

Nocturnal Animals

Generally speaking, night classes take place between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. College night classes typically follow the traditional semester schedule, though there may be shorter timelines for special-interest topics or certificate programs.

Because night classes are geared toward nontraditional students with family and work obligations, they typically occur once a week for two to four hours, but it depends on the course credits and subject matter.

Although this condensed format may mean fewer trips to campus, it can also make for much longer days. Students may want to keep the following issues in mind.


💡 Quick Tip: Pay down your student loans faster with SoFi reward points you earn along the way.

Controlling Caffeine Cravings

When feeling tired, it may be a natural inclination to grab a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage to get a boost of energy and keep going. While this may help a student get through a night class or hammer out an assignment at the last minute, it can disrupt sleeping patterns, creating further fatigue the next day.

Caffeine can last up to 12 hours in the system after consumption. Even for night owls, a coffee (or energy drink) after lunch could keep them awake well beyond when you want to go to bed.

If cold turkey seems like too drastic a change, you might want to try experimenting with less-caffeinated beverages, such as tea. Everyone is different, and the goal is finding the sweet spot between staying awake and engaged during night classes and not losing precious sleep later on.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

Staying Nourished and Hydrated

Staying focused during night classes can take practice and preparation. Packing healthy snacks and water is one way to maintain energy and feel comfortable as class discussions and lectures progress into the later evening hours.

If a professor doesn’t permit eating in the classroom, a student can likely squeeze in a quick bite beforehand or during break time.

Remaining Active

Between work, studying, class time, and other obligations, exercising may seem like a luxury that there isn’t enough time for. This can feel especially true on days when a full day at work is followed by a three-hour night class.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Broken down over the whole week, that’s about 20 minutes of exercise a day.

If you’re really in a pinch, fitting in a brisk walk before night classes start or during the midway break in a three-hour seminar can help with your energy and work toward meeting the 150-minute threshold.

Befriending Classmates

Night classes can draw a more diverse student body than traditional college classes. For discussion-oriented classes, this can enrich the conversation with more perspectives.

It is also an opportunity to network and find a study buddy or two. Because night classes usually meet only once a week for a 15-week semester, even one absence could lead to falling behind or missing out on critical information. Classmates can be a resource for sharing notes and staying in the loop on what happened in class.

Also, becoming friends with classmates could make lengthy night classes more fun and add motivation to keep up strong attendance.

Recommended: Should I Go to Community College?

Creating a More Flexible Work Schedule

Even full-time students can expect to have at least one or two nights free from scheduled classes. If you have a flexible work schedule, you’re already in a position to craft an ideal balance of work, school, and social life.

However, if you’re working some version of the standard 9-5 schedule five days a week, the days with back-to-back work and class can feel like a marathon. Getting an education takes work, but you may not get the most out of it if it becomes something you dread.

Redistributing work hours to accommodate your night class schedule might prevent burnout. For instance, being able to come in an hour later on mornings after night classes and make them up later in the week can spread out the workload and help in catching up on sleep.

Talking to supervisors may feel intimidating, but if your college night classes are providing skills and knowledge to perform better at your job, you can make a case for getting some wiggle room at work while you finish school.

Recommended: Is it Possible to Take Online Classes While Working?

Avoiding Procrastination

As school traditionally runs from morning to early afternoon, conventional wisdom dictates completing homework and assignments the night before, at the latest. With night classes, the window to procrastinate can be extended later in the day.

Planning can help a student avoid a situation that requires picking between going to work or completing an assignment for class. Mapping out assignment due dates at the onset of the semester is one method to stay on track.

Managing Time

Between exams and papers, college classes often have a steady stream of readings and assignments to keep up with from week to week. Setting aside specific time frames to study for each class may counteract an urge to slack off between major assignments. Repetition can also improve knowledge retention, compared with cramming at the last minute.

After taking care of other responsibilities, such as an internship, job, or team practice, it may be difficult to recall readings and information at the end of a long day. Finding a moment before night class to review your notes could better prepare you to participate in discussion or ace a quiz. Creating a brief study guide covering key themes and topics for each week could help if you’re pressed for time.

Pacing Yourself

Before going full steam ahead with a full course load, you can consider testing the waters with one or two night classes. Education is a financial and career investment, and figuring out what’s right for your work-life balance could be the difference between burning out and graduating.

Keep in mind that whether you study full time or part time could affect financial aid or scholarships.

Exploring Night Class Options

Night classes are offered at community colleges and four-year universities alike. Researching multiple options could help a student find an ideal balance of cost, reputation, student body demographics, and campus environment.

Online courses are another option to consider. Synchronous courses may still have online lectures and discussions but allow students to participate from the comfort of home.


💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

Paying for Night Classes

Education comes at a cost. Beyond tuition, taking night classes may require buying textbooks, paying for a parking pass, and other associated fees.

Work-study programs, scholarships, and grants could cover all or part of these expenses, but some students take out loans to pay the remaining cost for their degree or night classes.

Federal loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized and come with protections, such as income-driven payment plans and forbearance in certain cases.

When federal loans and other aid aren’t enough, private student loans are an option to consider. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOIS0823034

Assets under management (AUM) refers to the total market value of client funds managed by a person or a financial institution, such as financial advisory firms, brokerages, and mutual funds. The term may refer to funds managed for an individual client or total clients.

Typically, the higher an institution’s AUM, the higher their earnings, so it’s a measure they’re often looking to increase. That said, institutions have different meanings of AUM. So it’s important to have a good understanding of why AUM matters and how it is calculated before using it as a metric to decide whether or not to invest with a financial institution or a fund.

What Is AUM?

As mentioned, assets under management (AUM) refers to the total market value of client funds being managed by an individual or financial firm. To calculate AUM, a firm adds up the total value of the securities they manage, such as stocks, bonds, treasury notes, or futures contracts. However, there are some differences in the ways that organizations do this calculation.

For example, some banks might include cash deposits in AUM, while others may only include assets over which they have discretion. While the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rules about what can and cannot be included in AUM, different firms may interpret these rules differently.

💡 Quick Tip: The best stock trading app? That’s a personal preference, of course. Generally speaking, though, a great app is one with an intuitive interface and powerful features to help make trades quickly and easily.

Factors Impacting AUM

AUM, also known as funds under management, is not a static figure, and several factors that can cause the number to fluctuate.

Inflows and Outflows

As clients and investors increase or decrease the amount of money they have invested with a firm or in an investment fund, the total AUM will change. For example, if investors sell off shares of a mutual fund, AUM will likely start to fall. Or if a client at a financial advisory firm decides to use that firm to manage more of their money, that firm’s AUM will likely go up.

Market Shifts

Market shifts can also have a big impact on AUM, as the value of the securities in which the firm or fund has invested changes. For example, in a year when the stock market does poorly, assets managed by an advisory firm may decrease in value. During a market sell off, AUM often goes down for many firms. When markets do well, AUM will increase.

Dividends

If a firm or portfolio manages investments that pay dividends and the firm reinvests those dividends instead of distributing them, AUM can also grow.

A Moving Measure

The factors above mean that AUM is constantly in flux. How dramatic the fluctuations are depends on how many investors are shifting their money, as well as the types of investments AUM includes. For example, funds with a lot of volatile investments, such as stocks, may see broader swings in AUM than funds that hold more stable investments, such as bonds.

Recommended: Understanding How Bond Markets Work

Is a Larger AUM Better?

A larger AUM can be a plus or minus depending on circumstances. For banks, asset managers, and other financial institutions, larger AUM can be a sign of prestige and a measure of success. That’s because a larger AUM can determine things like compensation and bonuses for managers and how the company ranks against its peers. Larger AUM often also means higher revenues for the company.

However, larger AUM isn’t always a positive factor. For example, in actively managed mutual funds where a manager is looking to outperform a benchmark, large inflows of cash that boost AUM may hinder their goals. That’s because allocating large amounts of money quickly can be difficult to do without changing the price of the investments being bought or sold. To compensate for this issue, the fund may purchase other types of investment that cause it to shift away from its initial focus, a process called style drift.

Investors may consider the size of a fund as an indicator of the ease by which they can buy and sell shares in a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). High net assets and trading volumes suggest that the fund is highly liquid and investors should have no problem buying and selling shares at any time.

It can also be helpful to understand how a firm’s AUM has changed over time, and how they compare to peers.

Recommended: Top ETF 9 ETF Trends for 2023

Why is AUM Important?

AUM can have a big impact on individual investors’ decisions as they consider where to put their money. Companies often use their AUM as a selling point when they market themselves to clients. They contend that the larger the AUM, the more client interest and participation there is. In other words, AUM signals a vote of confidence in a firm. On the flip side, the lower the AUM, the fewer clients are interested in working with the institution or fund — theoretically anyway.

But AUM doesn’t always tell a full story. One firm with a handful of high-net-worth clients might have a higher AUM than a firm with dozens of clients with less savings. In this case, more clients actually chose to work with the firm with a lower AUM. So investors should be careful to look at other factors, such as investment approach, when determining who they want to work with.

Or a firm could decide to limit the number of investors it works with in order to provide more personalized service. In that case, the AUM might be lower, though the service could be better.

AUM can also have an impact on the investment fees that you pay. Many firms charge clients based on a percentage of their individual AUM, the money they hold with the firm personally. That percentage often goes down as the client’s AUM goes up.


💡 Quick Tip: When you’re actively investing in stocks, it’s important to ask what types of fees you might have to pay. For example, brokers may charge a flat fee for trading stocks, or require some commission for every trade. Taking the time to manage investment costs can be beneficial over the long term.

AUM Regulation

AUM may determine how financial advisors must comply with certain regulations. Firms with $100 million or more in AUM must register with the SEC, disclosing their AUM and a host of other information, each year.

In addition to information about AUM, Form ADV contains disclosures about disciplinary events involving advisors and their key personnel. Investors can access this information through the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website and use it to make informed decisions when choosing an advisor or money manager.

The Takeaway

As you choose funds to invest in — or firms to invest with — it’s important to understand their AUM. When it comes to investment funds, AUM can help you get a sense of the size of the fund and how easily you will be able to buy and sell shares.
When it comes to choosing an advisory firm or other financial institutions, AUM can help you understand the size of the firm.

That said, investors should consider a wide array of other factors, including the fees, fund’s performance and manager’s experience, when choosing investments and the professionals who can help manage their portfolios.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

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