E2E bug fixes: 20

.build.hash

@@ -1 +1 @@
-3eefb2cd6c785e5815d042d108f67a87c6819a4d-22db19df6f582b90837f001b7bf6ead59acca441-e9eccd451b778829eb2f2c9752c670b707e1268b
+b632ad41cfb05900be9a667c396e66a4dfb26320-22db19df6f582b90837f001b7bf6ead59acca441-e9eccd451b778829eb2f2c9752c670b707e1268b

src/components/CareerCoach.js

@@ -1,8 +1,12 @@
 import React, { useState, useEffect, useRef } from "react";
+import { useLocation } from "react-router-dom";
 import authFetch from "../utils/authFetch.js";
 
 const isoToday = new Date().toISOString().slice(0,10);   // top-level helper
 
+
+
+
 async function ensureCoachThread() {
   // try to list an existing thread
   const r = await authFetch('/api/premium/coach/chat/threads');
@@ -21,6 +25,19 @@ async function ensureCoachThread() {
   return id;
 }
 
+const isHiddenPrompt = (m) => {
+  if (!m || !m.content) return false;
+  const c = String(m.content);
+  // Heuristics that match your hidden prompts / modes
+  return (
+    m.role === 'system' ||
+    c.startsWith('# ⛔️') ||
+    c.startsWith('MODE :') ||
+    c.startsWith('MODE:') ||
+    c.includes('"milestones"') && c.includes('"tasks"') && c.includes('"date"') && c.includes('"title"')
+  );
+};
+
 function buildInterviewPrompt(careerName, jobDescription = "") {
   return `
 You are an expert interviewer for the role **${careerName}**.
@@ -136,6 +153,7 @@ export default function CareerCoach({
   onMilestonesCreated,
   onAiRiskFetched
 }) {
+  const location = useLocation();
   /* -------------- state ---------------- */
   const [messages, setMessages] = useState([]);
   const [input, setInput] = useState("");
@@ -153,6 +171,45 @@ export default function CareerCoach({
     if (chatRef.current) chatRef.current.scrollTop = chatRef.current.scrollHeight;
   }, [messages]);
 
+   // If career_name is still missing, fetch the profile once
+ useEffect(() => {
+   if (scenarioRow?.career_name || !careerProfileId) return;
+   let cancelled = false;
+   (async () => {
+     try {
+       const r = await authFetch(`/api/premium/career-profile/${careerProfileId}`);
+       if (!r.ok || cancelled) return;
+       const row = await r.json();
+       if (!row?.career_name) return;
+       setScenarioRow(prev => ({
+         ...prev,
+         career_name: prev?.career_name || row.career_name,
+         soc_code   : prev?.soc_code || row.soc_code || ''
+       }));
+     } catch (_) {}
+   })();
+   return () => { cancelled = true; };
+ }, [careerProfileId, scenarioRow?.career_name, setScenarioRow]);
+
+    // Hydrate career_name/soc_code from nav or localStorage if missing
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (scenarioRow?.career_name) return;
+    let sel = null;
+    const navSel =
+      location.state?.selectedCareer ??
+      location.state?.premiumOnboardingState?.selectedCareer ?? null;
+    if (navSel) sel = navSel;
+    else {
+      try { sel = JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem('selectedCareer') || 'null'); } catch {}
+    }
+    if (!sel) return;
+    setScenarioRow(prev => ({
+      ...prev,
+      career_name: prev?.career_name || sel.title || 'this career',
+      soc_code   : prev?.soc_code || sel.soc_code || sel.socCode || sel.code || ''
+    }));
+  }, [location.state, scenarioRow?.career_name, setScenarioRow]);
+
 useEffect(() => {
   let cancelled = false;
 
@@ -170,17 +227,24 @@ useEffect(() => {
       if (cancelled) return;
 
       if (r3.ok && (r3.headers.get('content-type') || '').includes('application/json')) {
-        const data = await r3.json();
-        const msgs = Array.isArray(data.messages) ? data.messages : [];
-        if (!cancelled) setMessages(msgs.length ? msgs : [generatePersonalizedIntro()]);
-      } else {
-        if (!cancelled) setMessages([generatePersonalizedIntro()]);
-      }
+   const data = await r3.json();
+   const msgs = (Array.isArray(data.messages) ? data.messages : []).filter(m => !isHiddenPrompt(m));
+   if (!cancelled) {
+     setMessages(msgs);                    // no intro here
+     historyLoadedRef.current = true;
+   }
+ } else {
+   if (!cancelled) {
+     setMessages([]);                      // no intro here
+     historyLoadedRef.current = true;
+   }
+ }
     } catch (e) {
       console.error("Coach thread preload failed:", e);
       if (!cancelled) {
         setThreadId(null);
-        setMessages([generatePersonalizedIntro()]);
+        setMessages([]);
+        historyLoadedRef.current = true;
       }
     }
   })();
@@ -191,9 +255,11 @@ useEffect(() => {
 
   /* -------------- intro ---------------- */
    useEffect(() => {
-   if (!scenarioRow || !historyLoadedRef.current) return;
+   if (!historyLoadedRef.current) return;
+   if (!scenarioRow?.career_name) return;
+   if (!userProfile) return;                    // wait for profile (career_situation)
    setMessages(prev => (prev.length ? prev : [generatePersonalizedIntro()]));
- }, [scenarioRow?.id]);
+ }, [historyLoadedRef.current, scenarioRow?.career_name, userProfile]);
 
   /* ---------- helpers you already had ---------- */
   function buildStatusSituationMessage(status, situation, careerName) {
@@ -240,7 +306,9 @@ We can refine details anytime or just jump straight to what you're most interest
 
   function generatePersonalizedIntro() {
     /* (unchanged body) */
-    const careerName = scenarioRow?.career_name || "this career";
+    const careerName =
+      scenarioRow?.career_name ||
+      (() => { try { return (JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem('selectedCareer')||'null')?.title) || 'this career'; } catch { return 'this career'; } })();
     const goalsText = scenarioRow?.career_goals?.trim() || null;
     const riskLevel = scenarioRow?.riskLevel;
     const riskReasoning = scenarioRow?.riskReasoning;
@@ -407,7 +475,7 @@ I'm here to support you with personalized coaching. What would you like to focus
         className="overflow-y-auto border rounded mb-4 space-y-2"
         style={{ maxHeight: 320, minHeight: 200, padding: "1rem" }}
       >
-        {messages.map((m, i) => (
+       {messages.filter(m => !isHiddenPrompt(m)).map((m, i) => (
           <div
             key={i}
             className={`rounded p-2 ${

src/components/CareerPrioritiesModal.js

@@ -4,46 +4,104 @@ import authFetch from '../utils/authFetch.js';
 const CareerPrioritiesModal = ({ userProfile, onClose }) => {
   const [responses, setResponses] = useState({});
 
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (userProfile?.career_priorities) {
-      setResponses(JSON.parse(userProfile.career_priorities));
-    }
-  }, [userProfile]);
-
-  // Updated "interests" question:
-  const questions = [
-    {
-      id: 'interests',
+  const QUESTIONS = [
+    { id: 'interests',
       text: 'How important is it that your career aligns with your personal interests?',
       options: ['Very important', 'Somewhat important', 'Not as important'],
     },
-    {
-      id: 'meaning',
+    { id: 'meaning',
       text: 'Is it important your job helps others or makes a difference?',
       options: ['Yes, very important', 'Somewhat important', 'Not as important'],
     },
-    {
-      id: 'stability',
+    { id: 'stability',
       text: 'How important is it that your career pays well?',
       options: ['Very important', 'Somewhat important', 'Not as important'],
     },
-    {
-      id: 'growth',
+    { id: 'growth',
       text: 'Do you want clear chances to advance and grow professionally?',
       options: ['Yes, very important', 'Somewhat important', 'Not as important'],
     },
-    {
-      id: 'balance',
+    { id: 'balance',
       text: 'Do you prefer a job with flexible hours and time outside work?',
       options: ['Yes, very important', 'Somewhat important', 'Not as important'],
     },
-    {
-      id: 'recognition',
+    { id: 'recognition',
       text: 'How important is it to have a career that others admire?',
       options: ['Very important', 'Somewhat important', 'Not as important'],
     },
   ];
 
+  // Map legacy keys -> current ids
+  const KEY_MAP = {
+    interests: 'interests',
+    impact: 'meaning',
+    meaning: 'meaning',
+    salary: 'stability',
+    pay: 'stability',
+    compensation: 'stability',
+    stability: 'stability',
+    advancement: 'growth',
+    growth: 'growth',
+    work_life_balance: 'balance',
+    worklife: 'balance',
+    balance: 'balance',
+    prestige: 'recognition',
+    recognition: 'recognition',
+  };
+
+  // Map legacy numeric scales (1–5) to current option strings
+  const numToLabel = (n) => {
+    const v = Number(n);
+    if (Number.isNaN(v)) return null;
+    if (v >= 4) return 'Very important';
+    if (v === 3) return 'Somewhat important';
+    return 'Not as important'; // 1–2
+  };
+
+  const coerceToLabel = (val) => {
+    if (val == null) return null;
+    if (typeof val === 'number' || /^[0-9]+$/.test(String(val))) {
+      return numToLabel(val);
+    }
+    const s = String(val).trim();
+    // Normalize a few common textual variants
+    if (/^very/i.test(s)) return 'Very important';
+    if (/^some/i.test(s)) return 'Somewhat important';
+    if (/^not/i.test(s)) return 'Not as important';
+    if (/^yes/i.test(s)) return 'Yes, very important';
+    return s; // assume already one of the options
+  };
+
+  const normalizePriorities = (raw) => {
+    const out = {};
+    if (!raw || typeof raw !== 'object') return out;
+    for (const [k, v] of Object.entries(raw)) {
+      const id = KEY_MAP[k] || k;
+      const label = coerceToLabel(v);
+      if (label) out[id] = label;
+    }
+    return out;
+  };
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const cp = userProfile?.career_priorities;
+    if (!cp) return;
+
+    let parsed;
+    try {
+      parsed = typeof cp === 'string' ? JSON.parse(cp) : cp;
+    } catch {
+      parsed = null;
+    }
+    const normalized = normalizePriorities(parsed);
+    // Only keep keys we actually ask
+    const allowed = QUESTIONS.reduce((acc, q) => {
+      if (normalized[q.id]) acc[q.id] = normalized[q.id];
+      return acc;
+    }, {});
+    setResponses(allowed);
+  }, [userProfile]); // eslint-disable-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+
   const handleSave = async () => {
     const payload = {
       firstName: userProfile.firstname,
@@ -55,7 +113,7 @@ const CareerPrioritiesModal = ({ userProfile, onClose }) => {
       careerSituation: userProfile.career_situation || null,
       career_priorities: JSON.stringify(responses),
     };
-  
+
     try {
       await authFetch('/api/user-profile', {
         method: 'POST',
@@ -68,29 +126,23 @@ const CareerPrioritiesModal = ({ userProfile, onClose }) => {
     }
   };
 
-  const allAnswered = questions.every(q => responses[q.id]);
+  const allAnswered = QUESTIONS.every(q => responses[q.id]);
 
   return (
     <div className="fixed inset-0 bg-gray-900 bg-opacity-60 flex justify-center items-center z-50">
       <div className="bg-white p-6 rounded-lg shadow-lg w-full max-w-2xl overflow-y-auto max-h-[90vh] z-60">
         <h2 className="text-xl font-bold mb-4">Tell us what's important to you</h2>
-        {questions.map(q => (
+        {QUESTIONS.map(q => (
           <div key={q.id} className="mb-4">
             <label className="block mb-2 font-medium">{q.text}</label>
             <select
               value={responses[q.id] || ''}
-              onChange={(e) =>
-                setResponses({ ...responses, [q.id]: e.target.value })
-              }
+              onChange={(e) => setResponses({ ...responses, [q.id]: e.target.value })}
               className="w-full border px-3 py-2 rounded"
             >
-              <option value="" disabled>
-                Select an answer
-              </option>
+              <option value="" disabled>Select an answer</option>
               {q.options.map((opt) => (
-                <option key={opt} value={opt}>
-                  {opt}
-                </option>
+                <option key={opt} value={opt}>{opt}</option>
               ))}
             </select>
           </div>
@@ -99,9 +151,7 @@ const CareerPrioritiesModal = ({ userProfile, onClose }) => {
           <button
             onClick={handleSave}
             disabled={!allAnswered}
-            className={`px-4 py-2 rounded ${
-              allAnswered ? 'bg-blue-600 text-white' : 'bg-gray-300 cursor-not-allowed'
-            }`}
+            className={`px-4 py-2 rounded ${allAnswered ? 'bg-blue-600 text-white' : 'bg-gray-300 cursor-not-allowed'}`}
           >
             Save Answers
           </button>

src/components/CareerRoadmap.js

@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ ChartJS.register(
   PointElement,
   Tooltip,
   Legend,
-  zoomPlugin,          // 👈  ←––––  only if you kept the zoom config
+  zoomPlugin,          
   annotationPlugin
 );
 
@@ -486,19 +486,30 @@ const zoomConfig = {
   zoom:  { wheel: { enabled: true }, pinch: { enabled: true }, mode: 'x' }
 };
 
+// Compute if any savings are negative to pick a sane baseline
+const minSavings = projectionData.reduce((min, p) => {
+  const e = Number(p.emergencySavings ?? 0);
+  const r = Number(p.retirementSavings ?? 0);
+  const t = Number(p.totalSavings ?? 0);
+  return Math.min(min, e, r, t);
+}, Infinity);
+const hasNegSavings = Number.isFinite(minSavings) && minSavings < 0;
+
 const xAndYScales = {
-  x: {
-    type: 'time',
-    time: { unit: 'month' },
-    ticks: { maxRotation: 0, autoSkip: true }
-  },
-  y: {
-    beginAtZero: true,
-    ticks: {
-      callback: (val) => val.toLocaleString()        // comma-format big numbers
-    }
-  }
-};
+   x: {
+     type: 'time',
+     time: { unit: 'month' },
+     ticks: { maxRotation: 0, autoSkip: true }
+   },
+   y: {
+    beginAtZero: !hasNegSavings,
+    // give a little room below the smallest negative so the fill doesn't sit on the axis
+    min: hasNegSavings ? Math.floor(minSavings * 1.05) : undefined,
+     ticks: {
+       callback: (val) => val.toLocaleString()
+     }
+   }
+ };
 
 /* ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
  * ONE-TIME “MISSING FIELDS” GUARD
@@ -1261,7 +1272,7 @@ const DAILY_CLICK_LIMIT = 10;  // example limit per day
   
   const emergencyData = {
     label: 'Emergency Savings',
-    data: projectionData.map((p) => p.emergencySavings),
+    data: projectionData.map((p) => Number(p.emergencySavings ?? 0)),
     borderColor: 'rgba(255, 159, 64, 1)',
     backgroundColor: 'rgba(255, 159, 64, 0.2)',
     tension: 0.4,
@@ -1269,7 +1280,7 @@ const DAILY_CLICK_LIMIT = 10;  // example limit per day
   };
   const retirementData = {
     label: 'Retirement Savings',
-    data: projectionData.map((p) => p.retirementSavings),
+    data: projectionData.map((p) => Number(p.retirementSavings ?? 0)),
     borderColor: 'rgba(75, 192, 192, 1)',
     backgroundColor: 'rgba(75, 192, 192, 0.2)',
     tension: 0.4,
@@ -1277,7 +1288,7 @@ const DAILY_CLICK_LIMIT = 10;  // example limit per day
   };
   const totalSavingsData = {
     label: 'Total Savings',
-    data: projectionData.map((p) => p.totalSavings),
+    data: projectionData.map((p) => Number(p.totalSavings ?? 0)),
     borderColor: 'rgba(54, 162, 235, 1)',
     backgroundColor: 'rgba(54, 162, 235, 0.2)',
     tension: 0.4,
@@ -1285,7 +1296,7 @@ const DAILY_CLICK_LIMIT = 10;  // example limit per day
   };
   const loanBalanceData = {
     label: 'Loan Balance',
-    data: projectionData.map((p) => p.loanBalance),
+    data: projectionData.map((p) => Number(p.loanBalance ?? 0)),
     borderColor: 'rgba(255, 99, 132, 1)',
     backgroundColor: 'rgba(255, 99, 132, 0.2)',
     tension: 0.4,
@@ -1510,7 +1521,7 @@ const handleMilestonesCreated = useCallback(
               {showMissingBanner && (
           <div className="bg-yellow-100 border-l-4 border-yellow-500 p-4 rounded shadow mb-4">
             <p className="text-sm text-gray-800">
-              To run your full projection, please add:
+              To improve your projection, please add:
             </p>
             {!!missingKeys.length && (
               <ul className="mt-2 ml-5 list-disc text-sm text-gray-800">

src/components/CollegeProfileForm.js

@@ -14,6 +14,12 @@ const parseFloatOrNull = v => {
   return Number.isFinite(n) ? n : null;
 };
 
+const fromSqlDate = (v) => {
+  if (!v) return '';
+  // Accept "YYYY-MM-DD", "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS", or ISO; trim to date part
+  return String(v).slice(0, 10);
+};
+
 function normalisePayload(draft) {
   const bools = [
     'is_in_state','is_in_district','is_online',
@@ -122,15 +128,69 @@ const onProgramInput = (e) => {
   setProgSug([...new Set(sug)].slice(0, 10));
 };
 
+// Prefill school suggestions when form loads or school changes
+useEffect(() => {
+  const v = (form.selected_school || '').toLowerCase().trim();
+  if (!v || !cipRows.length) {
+    setSchoolSug([]);
+    return;
+  }
+  const suggestions = cipRows
+    .filter(r => (r.INSTNM || '').toLowerCase().includes(v))
+    .map(r => r.INSTNM);
+  setSchoolSug([...new Set(suggestions)].slice(0, 10));
+}, [form.selected_school, cipRows]);
+
+// Prefill program suggestions when form loads or program/school changes
+useEffect(() => {
+  const sch = (form.selected_school || '').toLowerCase().trim();
+  const q   = (form.selected_program || '').toLowerCase().trim();
+  if (!sch || !q || !cipRows.length) {
+    setProgSug([]);
+    return;
+  }
+  const sug = cipRows
+    .filter(r =>
+      (r.INSTNM || '').toLowerCase() === sch &&
+      (r.CIPDESC || '').toLowerCase().includes(q)
+    )
+    .map(r => r.CIPDESC);
+  setProgSug([...new Set(sug)].slice(0, 10));
+}, [form.selected_school, form.selected_program, cipRows]);
+
 
   useEffect(() => {
     if (id && id !== 'new') {
       (async () => {
         const r = await authFetch(`/api/premium/college-profile?careerProfileId=${careerId}`);
-        if (r.ok) setForm(await r.json());
-      })();
+         if (r.ok) {
+        const raw = await r.json();
+        const normalized = {
+          ...raw,
+          enrollment_date                : fromSqlDate(raw.enrollment_date),
+          expected_graduation            : fromSqlDate(raw.expected_graduation),
+          is_in_state                    : !!raw.is_in_state,
+          is_in_district                 : !!raw.is_in_district,
+          is_online                      : !!raw.is_online,
+          loan_deferral_until_graduation : !!raw.loan_deferral_until_graduation,
+        };
+        setForm(normalized);
+        if (normalized.tuition !== undefined && normalized.tuition !== null) {
+          setManualTuition(String(normalized.tuition));
+        }
+      }
+     })();
+   }
+ }, [careerId, id]);
+ 
+// 2) keep manualTuition aligned if form.tuition is updated elsewhere
+useEffect(() => {
+  if (form.tuition !== undefined && form.tuition !== null) {
+    if (manualTuition.trim() === '') {
+      setManualTuition(String(form.tuition));
     }
-  }, [careerId, id]);
+  }
+}, [form.tuition]); 
 
  async function handleSave(){
   try{
@@ -245,6 +305,8 @@ const chosenTuition = (() => {
 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
 useEffect(() => {
   if (programLengthTouched) return;         // user override
+  // if a program_length already exists (e.g., from API), don't overwrite it
+  if (form.program_length !== '' && form.program_length != null) return;         // user override
 
 const chpy = parseFloat(form.credit_hours_per_year);
   if (!chpy || chpy <= 0) return;
@@ -266,7 +328,7 @@ const chpy = parseFloat(form.credit_hours_per_year);
   if (creditsNeeded <= 0) return;
 
   /* 2 – years = credits / CHPY → one decimal place */
-  const years = Math.ceil((creditsNeeded / chpy) * 10) / 10;
+  const years = Math.round((creditsNeeded / chpy) * 100) / 100;
 
   if (years !== form.program_length) {
     setForm(prev => ({ ...prev, program_length: years }));
@@ -522,6 +584,7 @@ return (
               <label className="block font-medium">Program Length (years)</label>
               <input
                 type="number"
+                step="0.01"
                 name="program_length"
                 value={form.program_length}
                 onChange={handleFieldChange}

src/components/EducationalProgramsPage.js

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import { ONET_DEFINITIONS } from './definitions.js';
 import { fetchSchools, clientGeocodeZip, haversineDistance } from '../utils/apiUtils.js';
 import ChatCtx from '../contexts/ChatCtx.js';
 import api from '../auth/apiClient.js';
+import { loadDraft, saveDraft } from '../utils/onboardingDraftApi.js';
 
 // Normalize DB/GPT KSA payloads into IM/LV rows for combineIMandLV
 function normalizeKsaPayloadForCombine(payload, socCode) {
@@ -71,6 +72,11 @@ function ensureHttp(urlString) {
   return `https://${urlString}`;
 }
 
+function cleanCipDesc(s) {
+  if (!s) return 'N/A';
+  return String(s).trim().replace(/\.\s*$/, ''); // strip one trailing period + any spaces
+}
+
 // Convert numeric importance (1–5) to star or emoji compact representation
 function renderImportance(val) {
   const max = 5;
@@ -168,24 +174,55 @@ function normalizeCipList(arr) {
   }
 
   // Fixed handleSelectSchool (removed extra brace)
-  const handleSelectSchool = (school) => {
-    const proceed = window.confirm(
-      'You’re about to move to the financial planning portion of the app, which is reserved for premium subscribers. Do you want to continue?'
-    );
-    if (!proceed) return;
-    // normalize selectedCareer and carry it forward
- const sel = selectedCareer
-   ? { ...selectedCareer, code: selectedCareer.code || selectedCareer.soc_code || selectedCareer.socCode }
-   : null;
+  // Replace your existing handleSelectSchool with this:
+const handleSelectSchool = async (school) => {
+  const proceed = window.confirm(
+    'You’re about to move to the financial planning portion of the app, which is reserved for premium subscribers. Do you want to continue?'
+  );
+  if (!proceed) return;
 
- navigate('/career-roadmap', {
-   state: {
-     premiumOnboardingState: {
-       selectedCareer: sel,     // SOC-bearing career object
-       selectedSchool: school   // school card just chosen
-     }
-   }
- });
+  // normalize the currently selected career for handoff (optional)
+  const sel = selectedCareer
+    ? { ...selectedCareer, code: selectedCareer.code || selectedCareer.soc_code || selectedCareer.socCode }
+    : null;
+
+  // 1) normalize college fields
+  const selected_school  = school?.INSTNM || '';
+  const selected_program = (school?.CIPDESC || '').replace(/\.\s*$/, '');
+  const program_type     = school?.CREDDESC || '';
+
+  // 2) merge into the cookie-backed draft (don’t clobber existing sections)
+  let draft = null;
+  try { draft = await loadDraft(); } catch (_) {}
+  const existing = draft?.data || {};
+
+  await saveDraft({
+    id: draft?.id || null,
+    step: draft?.step ?? 0,
+    careerData: existing.careerData || {},
+    financialData: existing.financialData || {},
+    collegeData: {
+      ...(existing.collegeData || {}),
+      selected_school,
+      selected_program,
+      program_type,
+    },
+  });
+
+  // 3) navigate (state is optional now that draft persists)
+  navigate('/career-roadmap', {
+    state: {
+      premiumOnboardingState: {
+        selectedCareer: sel,
+        selectedSchool: {
+          INSTNM: school.INSTNM,
+          CIPDESC: selected_program,
+          CREDDESC: program_type,
+          UNITID: school.UNITID ?? null,
+        },
+      },
+    },
+  });
 };
 
   function getSearchLinks(ksaName, careerTitle) {
@@ -738,7 +775,7 @@ const topSchools = filteredAndSortedSchools.slice(0, TOP_N).map(s => ({
                     school['INSTNM'] || 'Unnamed School'
                   )}
                 </strong>
-                <p> Program: {school['CIPDESC'] || 'N/A'}</p>
+                <p>Program: {cleanCipDesc(school['CIPDESC'])}</p>
                 <p>Degree Type: {school['CREDDESC'] || 'N/A'}</p>
                 <p>In-State Tuition: ${school['In_state cost'] || 'N/A'}</p>
                 <p>Out-of-State Tuition: ${school['Out_state cost'] || 'N/A'}</p>

src/components/MilestoneEditModal.js

@@ -173,30 +173,60 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
   });
 
   async function saveNew(){
-   if(isSavingNew) return;
-    if(!newMilestone.title.trim()||!newMilestone.date.trim()){
-      alert('Need title & date'); return;
-    }
-    setIsSavingNew(true);
-    const hdr = { title:newMilestone.title, description:newMilestone.description,
-      date:toSqlDate(newMilestone.date), career_profile_id:careerProfileId,
-      progress:newMilestone.progress, status:newMilestone.progress>=100?'completed':'planned',
-      is_universal:newMilestone.isUniversal };
-    const res = await authFetch('/api/premium/milestone',{method:'POST',
-      headers:{'Content-Type':'application/json'},body:JSON.stringify(hdr)});
-    const created = Array.isArray(await res.json())? (await res.json())[0]:await res.json();
-    for(const imp of newMilestone.impacts){
-      const body = {
-        milestone_id:created.id, impact_type:imp.impact_type,
-        direction:imp.impact_type==='salary'?'add':imp.direction,
-        amount:parseFloat(imp.amount)||0, start_date:imp.start_date||null, end_date:imp.end_date||null
+   if (isSavingNew) return;
+  if (!newMilestone.title.trim() || !newMilestone.date.trim()) {
+    alert('Need title & date'); return;
+  }
+  setIsSavingNew(true);
+  const toDate = (v) => (v ? String(v).slice(0,10) : null);
+  try {
+    const hdr = {
+      title: newMilestone.title,
+      description: newMilestone.description,
+      date: toDate(newMilestone.date),
+      career_profile_id: careerProfileId,
+      progress: newMilestone.progress,
+      status: newMilestone.progress >= 100 ? 'completed' : 'planned',
+      is_universal: newMilestone.isUniversal,
+    };
+    const res = await authFetch('/api/premium/milestone', {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type':'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify(hdr)
+    });
+    if (!res.ok) throw new Error(await res.text());
+    const createdJson = await res.json();
+    const created = Array.isArray(createdJson) ? createdJson[0] : createdJson;
+    if (!created || !created.id) throw new Error('Milestone create failed — no id returned');
+
+    // Save any non-empty impact rows
+    for (const imp of newMilestone.impacts) {
+      if (!imp) continue;
+      const hasAnyField = (imp.amount || imp.start_date || imp.end_date || imp.impact_type);
+      if (!hasAnyField) continue;
+      const ibody = {
+        milestone_id: created.id,
+        impact_type : imp.impact_type,
+        direction   : imp.impact_type === 'salary' ? 'add' : imp.direction,
+        amount      : parseFloat(imp.amount) || 0,
+        start_date  : toDate(imp.start_date),
+        end_date    : toDate(imp.end_date),
       };
-      await authFetch('/api/premium/milestone-impacts',{
-        method:'POST',headers:{'Content-Type':'application/json'},body:JSON.stringify(body)});
+      const ir = await authFetch('/api/premium/milestone-impacts', {
+        method:'POST', headers:{'Content-Type':'application/json'}, body: JSON.stringify(ibody)
+      });
+      if (!ir.ok) throw new Error(await ir.text());
     }
+
     await fetchMilestones();
     setAddingNew(false);
     onClose(true);
+  } catch (err) {
+    console.error('saveNew:', err);
+    alert(err.message || 'Failed to save milestone');
+  } finally {
+    setIsSavingNew(false);
+  }
   }
 
   /* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
@@ -204,7 +234,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
   /* ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
   return (
     <div className="fixed inset-0 z-[9999] flex items-start justify-center overflow-y-auto bg-black/40">
-      <div className="bg-white w-full max-w-3xl mx-4 my-10 rounded-md shadow-lg ring-1 ring-gray-300">
+      <div className="bg-white w-full max-w-3xl mx-4 my-10 rounded-md shadow-lg ring-1 ring-gray-300 overflow-hidden">
         {/* header */}
         <div className="flex items-center justify-between px-6 py-4 border-b">
           <div>
@@ -217,7 +247,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
         </div>
 
         {/* body */}
-        <div className="p-6 space-y-6 max-h-[70vh] overflow-y-auto">
+        <div className="p-6 space-y-6 max-h-[70vh] overflow-y-auto overflow-x-hidden">
           {/* EXISTING */}
           {milestones.map(m=>{
             const open   = editingId===m.id;
@@ -272,7 +302,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
 
                     {/* impacts */}
                     <div>
-                      <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+                      <div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-2 min-w-0">
                         <h4 className="font-medium text-sm">Financial impacts</h4>
                         <Button size="xs" onClick={()=>addImpactRow(m.id)}>+ Add impact</Button>
                       </div>
@@ -282,7 +312,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
 
                       <div className="space-y-3">
                         {d.impacts?.map((imp,idx)=>(
-                          <div key={idx} className="grid gap-2 md:grid-cols-[150px_120px_1fr_auto] items-end">
+                          <div key={idx} className="grid gap-2 items-end min-w-0 md:grid-cols-[150px_110px_100px_minmax(240px,1fr)_40px]">
                             {/* type */}
                             <div>
                               <label className="label-xs">Type</label>
@@ -296,21 +326,21 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
                               </select>
                             </div>
                             {/* direction – hide for salary */}
-                            {imp.impact_type!=='salary' && (
-                              <div>
-                                <label className="label-xs">Direction</label>
-                                <select
-                                  className="input"
-                                  value={imp.direction}
-                                  onChange={e=>updateImpact(m.id,idx,'direction',e.target.value)}>
-                                  <option value="add">Add</option>
-                                  <option value="subtract">Subtract</option>
-                                </select>
-                              </div>
-                            )}
+                             {imp.impact_type !== 'salary' ? (
+                                <div>
+                                  <label className="label-xs">Direction</label>
+                                  <select className="input" value={imp.direction} onChange={e=>updateImpact(m.id,idx,'direction',e.target.value)}>
+                                    <option value="add">Add</option>
+                                    <option value="subtract">Subtract</option>
+                                  </select>
+                                </div>
+                              ) : (
+                                // keep the grid column to prevent the next columns from collapsing
+                                <div className="hidden md:block" />
+                              )}
                             {/* amount */}
-                            <div>
-                              <label className="label-xs">Amount</label>
+                             <div className="md:w-[100px]">
+                                <label className="label-xs">Amount</label>
                               <input
                                 type="number"
                                 className="input"
@@ -319,12 +349,12 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
                               />
                             </div>
                             {/* dates */}
-                            <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2">
+                            <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2 min-w-0">
                               <div>
                                 <label className="label-xs">Start</label>
                                 <input
                                   type="date"
-                                  className="input"
+                                  className="input w-full min-w-[14ch] px-3"
                                   value={imp.start_date}
                                   onChange={e=>updateImpact(m.id,idx,'start_date',e.target.value)}
                                 />
@@ -334,7 +364,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
                                   <label className="label-xs">End</label>
                                   <input
                                     type="date"
-                                    className="input"
+                                    className="input w-full min-w-[14ch] px-3"
                                     value={imp.end_date}
                                     onChange={e=>updateImpact(m.id,idx,'end_date',e.target.value)}
                                   />
@@ -345,7 +375,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
                             <Button
                               size="icon-xs"
                               variant="ghost"
-                              className="text-red-600"
+                              className="text-red-600 w-10 h-9 flex items-center justify-center"
                               onClick={()=>removeImpactRow(m.id,idx)}
                             >
                               ✕
@@ -401,7 +431,7 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
                     <label className="label-xs">Date</label>
                     <input
                       type="date"
-                      className="input"
+                      className="input w-full min-w-[12ch] px-3"
                       value={newMilestone.date}
                       onChange={e=>setNewMilestone(n=>({...n,date:e.target.value}))}
                     />
@@ -420,69 +450,93 @@ export default function MilestoneEditModal({
                 <div>
                   <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
                     <h4 className="font-medium text-sm">Financial impacts</h4>
-                    <Button size="xs" onClick={addBlankImpactToNew}>+ Add impact</Button>
+                    <Button size="xs" className="shrink-0" onClick={addBlankImpactToNew}>+ Add impact</Button>
                   </div>
                   <div className="space-y-3 mt-2">
-                    {newMilestone.impacts.map((imp,idx)=>(
-                      <div key={idx} className="grid md:grid-cols-[150px_120px_1fr_auto] gap-2 items-end">
+                    {newMilestone.impacts.map((imp, idx) => (
+                      <div
+                        key={idx}
+                        className="grid gap-2 items-end min-w-0 grid-cols-[140px_110px_100px_minmax(220px,1fr)_44px]"
+                      >
+                        {/* Type */}
                         <div>
                           <label className="label-xs">Type</label>
                           <select
                             className="input"
                             value={imp.impact_type}
-                            onChange={e=>updateNewImpact(idx,'impact_type',e.target.value)}>
+                            onChange={(e) => updateNewImpact(idx, 'impact_type', e.target.value)}
+                          >
                             <option value="salary">Salary (annual)</option>
-                            <option value="ONE_TIME">One‑time</option>
+                            <option value="ONE_TIME">One-time</option>
                             <option value="MONTHLY">Monthly</option>
                           </select>
                         </div>
-                        {imp.impact_type!=='salary' && (
+
+                        {/* Direction (spacer when salary) */}
+                        {imp.impact_type !== 'salary' ? (
                           <div>
                             <label className="label-xs">Direction</label>
                             <select
                               className="input"
                               value={imp.direction}
-                              onChange={e=>updateNewImpact(idx,'direction',e.target.value)}>
+                              onChange={(e) => updateNewImpact(idx, 'direction', e.target.value)}
+                            >
                               <option value="add">Add</option>
                               <option value="subtract">Subtract</option>
                             </select>
                           </div>
+                        ) : (
+                          <div className="hidden md:block" />
                         )}
-                        <div>
+
+                        {/* Amount (fixed width) */}
+                        <div className="md:w-[100px]">
                           <label className="label-xs">Amount</label>
                           <input
                             type="number"
                             className="input"
                             value={imp.amount}
-                            onChange={e=>updateNewImpact(idx,'amount',e.target.value)}
+                            onChange={(e) => updateNewImpact(idx, 'amount', e.target.value)}
                           />
                         </div>
-                        <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2">
-                          <input
-                            type="date"
-                            className="input"
-                            value={imp.start_date}
-                            onChange={e=>updateNewImpact(idx,'start_date',e.target.value)}
-                          />
-                          {imp.impact_type==='MONTHLY' && (
+
+                        {/* Dates (flex) */}
+                        <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2 min-w-0">
+                          <div>
+                            <label className="label-xs">Start</label>
                             <input
                               type="date"
-                              className="input"
-                              value={imp.end_date}
-                              onChange={e=>updateNewImpact(idx,'end_date',e.target.value)}
+                              className="input w-full min-w-[14ch] px-3"
+                              value={imp.start_date}
+                              onChange={(e) => updateNewImpact(idx, 'start_date', e.target.value)}
                             />
+                          </div>
+                          {imp.impact_type === 'MONTHLY' && (
+                            <div>
+                              <label className="label-xs">End</label>
+                              <input
+                                type="date"
+                                className="input w-full min-w-[14ch] px-3"
+                                value={imp.end_date}
+                                onChange={(e) => updateNewImpact(idx, 'end_date', e.target.value)}
+                              />
+                            </div>
                           )}
                         </div>
+
+                        {/* Remove */}
                         <Button
                           size="icon-xs"
                           variant="ghost"
-                          className="text-red-600"
-                          onClick={()=>removeNewImpact(idx)}
+                          className="text-red-600 w-11 h-9 flex items-center justify-center"
+                          onClick={() => removeNewImpact(idx)}
+                          aria-label="Remove impact"
                         >
                           ✕
                         </Button>
                       </div>
                     ))}
+
                   </div>
                 </div>
                 {/* save row */}

src/components/PremiumOnboarding/CareerOnboarding.js

@@ -79,9 +79,7 @@ function handleSubmit() {
  }
 }
 
- const nextLabel = skipFin
-  ? inCollege ? 'College →' : 'Finish →'
-  : inCollege ? 'College →' : 'Financial →';
+const nextLabel = !skipFin ? 'Financial →' : (inCollege ? 'College →' : 'Finish →');
 
   return (
     <div className="max-w-md mx-auto p-6 space-y-4">
@@ -185,9 +183,9 @@ function handleSubmit() {
               <button
                 className="bg-blue-500 hover:bg-blue-600 text-white py-1 px-3 rounded mr-2"
                 onClick={() => {
-                  /* open your ScenarioEditModal or a mini financial modal */
+                  // user explicitly wants to enter financials now
+                  setData(prev => ({ ...prev, skipFinancialStep: false }));
                   setShowFinPrompt(false);
-                  /* maybe set a flag so CareerRoadmap opens the modal */
                 }}
               >
                 Add Financial Details

src/components/PremiumOnboarding/CollegeOnboarding.js

@@ -20,18 +20,24 @@ const [selectedUnitId, setSelectedUnitId] = useState(null);
 const [expectedGraduation,   setExpectedGraduation]   = useState(data.expected_graduation   || '');
   const [showAidWizard, setShowAidWizard] = useState(false);
   const location          = useLocation();
-  const navSelectedSchoolRaw = location.state?.selectedSchool;
-  const navSelectedSchool   = toSchoolName(navSelectedSchoolRaw);
+   const navSelectedSchoolObj =
+   location.state?.selectedSchool ??
+   location.state?.premiumOnboardingState?.selectedSchool;
+ 
+   const [selectedSchool, setSelectedSchool] = useState(() => {
+   if (navSelectedSchoolObj && typeof navSelectedSchoolObj === 'object') {
+     return { INSTNM: navSelectedSchoolObj.INSTNM,
+              CIPDESC: navSelectedSchoolObj.CIPDESC || '',
+              CREDDESC: navSelectedSchoolObj.CREDDESC || '' };
+   }
+   if (data.selected_school) {
+     return { INSTNM: data.selected_school,
+              CIPDESC: data.selected_program || '',
+              CREDDESC: data.program_type || '' };
+   }
+   return null;
+ });
 
-function dehydrate(schObj) {
-  if (!schObj || typeof schObj !== 'object') return null;
-  const { INSTNM, CIPDESC, CREDDESC, ...rest } = schObj;
-  return { INSTNM, CIPDESC, CREDDESC, ...rest };
-}
-
-const [selectedSchool, setSelectedSchool] = useState(() =>
-  dehydrate(navSelectedSchool) || (data.selected_school ? { INSTNM: data.selected_school } : null)
-);
 
 function toSchoolName(objOrStr) {
   if (!objOrStr)            return '';

src/components/PremiumOnboarding/FinancialOnboarding.js

@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ const FinancialOnboarding = ({ nextStep, prevStep, data, setData }) => {
     retirement_contribution = 0,
     emergency_fund = 0,
     emergency_contribution = 0,
-    extra_cash_emergency_pct = "",
-    extra_cash_retirement_pct = "",
+    extra_cash_emergency_pct = 50,
+    extra_cash_retirement_pct = 50,
   } = data;
 
   const [showExpensesWizard, setShowExpensesWizard] = useState(false);

src/components/PremiumOnboarding/OnboardingContainer.js

@@ -86,9 +86,16 @@ export default function OnboardingContainer() {
       }
 
       // D) pick up any navigation state (e.g., selectedSchool)
-      const navSchool = location.state?.selectedSchool;
+   const navSchool =
+    location.state?.selectedSchool ??
+    location.state?.premiumOnboardingState?.selectedSchool;
       if (navSchool) {
-        setCollegeData(cd => ({ ...cd, selected_school: navSchool.INSTNM || navSchool }));
+        setCollegeData(cd => ({
+      ...cd,
+      selected_school : typeof navSchool === 'string' ? navSchool : (navSchool.INSTNM || ''),
+      selected_program: typeof navSchool === 'object' ? (navSchool.CIPDESC || cd.selected_program || '') : cd.selected_program,
+      program_type    : typeof navSchool === 'object' ? (navSchool.CREDDESC || cd.program_type || '') : cd.program_type,
+    }));
       }
 
       setLoaded(true);

src/components/ScenarioEditModal.js

@@ -1,14 +1,9 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
+import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import authFetch from '../utils/authFetch.js';
-import { simulateFinancialProjection } from '../utils/FinancialProjectionService.js';
 import { Button } from './ui/button.js';
-import parseFloatOrZero from '../utils/ParseFloatorZero.js';
 import InfoTooltip from "./ui/infoTooltip.js";
-
-// Data paths
-const CIP_URL = '/api/data/cip-institution-map';
-const IPEDS_URL = '/api/data/ic2023';
-const CAREER_CLUSTERS_URL = '/api/data/career_clusters.json';
+import CareerSearch from './CareerSearch.js';
+import api from '../auth/apiClient.js'
 
 export default function ScenarioEditModal({
   show,
@@ -17,11 +12,6 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
   collegeProfile,
   financialProfile
 }) {
-  /*********************************************************
-   * 1) CIP / IPEDS data states
-   *********************************************************/
-  const [schoolData, setSchoolData] = useState([]);
-  const [icTuitionData, setIcTuitionData] = useState([]);
 
   /*********************************************************
    * 2) Suggestions & program types
@@ -29,6 +19,7 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
   const [schoolSuggestions, setSchoolSuggestions] = useState([]);
   const [programSuggestions, setProgramSuggestions] = useState([]);
   const [availableProgramTypes, setAvailableProgramTypes] = useState([]);
+  const [selectedUnitId, setSelectedUnitId] = useState(null);
 
   /*********************************************************
    * 3) Manual vs auto for tuition & program length
@@ -38,14 +29,6 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
   const [manualProgLength, setManualProgLength] = useState('');
   const [autoProgLength, setAutoProgLength] = useState('0.00');
 
-  /*********************************************************
-   * 4) Career auto-suggest
-   *********************************************************/
-  const [allCareers, setAllCareers] = useState([]);
-  const [careerSearchInput, setCareerSearchInput] = useState('');
-  const [careerMatches, setCareerMatches] = useState([]);
-  const careerDropdownRef = useRef(null);
-
   /*********************************************************
    * 5) Combined formData => scenario + college
    *********************************************************/
@@ -65,81 +48,52 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
  *********************************************************/
   useEffect(() => {
   if (!show) return;                    
-  setShowCollegeForm(
-    ['currently_enrolled', 'prospective_student']
-      .includes(formData.college_enrollment_status)
-  );
+   const hasCollegeData =
+    !!formData.selected_school ||
+    !!formData.selected_program ||
+    !!formData.program_type ||
+    !!formData.expected_graduation ||
+    !!formData.enrollment_date ||
+    Number(formData.tuition) > 0 ||
+    Number(formData.annual_financial_aid) > 0 ||
+    Number(formData.existing_college_debt) > 0;
+
+  const enrolledOrProspective = ['currently_enrolled','prospective_student']
+    .includes((formData.college_enrollment_status || '').toLowerCase());
+
+  setShowCollegeForm(enrolledOrProspective || hasCollegeData);
 }, [show]);  
 
+
+ useEffect(() => {
+   (async () => {
+     if (!selectedUnitId || !formData.program_type || !formData.credit_hours_per_year) return;
+     try {
+       const { data } = await api.get('/api/tuition/estimate', {
+         params: {
+           unitId: String(selectedUnitId),
+           programType: formData.program_type,
+           inState: formData.is_in_state ? 1 : 0,
+           inDistrict: formData.is_in_district ? 1 : 0,
+           creditHoursPerYear: Number(formData.credit_hours_per_year) || 0
+         }
+       });
+       setAutoTuition(Number.isFinite(data?.estimate) ? data.estimate : 0);
+     } catch {
+       setAutoTuition(0);
+     }
+   })();
+ }, [
+   selectedUnitId,
+   formData.program_type,
+   formData.credit_hours_per_year,
+   formData.is_in_state,
+   formData.is_in_district
+ ]);
+
   /*********************************************************
    * 6) On show => load CIP, IPEDS, CAREERS
    *********************************************************/
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (!show) return;
-
-    const loadCIP = async () => {
-      try {
-        const res = await fetch(CIP_URL);
-        const text = await res.text();
-        const lines = text.split('\n');
-        const parsed = lines
-          .map((line) => {
-            try {
-              return JSON.parse(line);
-            } catch {
-              return null;
-            }
-          })
-          .filter(Boolean);
-        setSchoolData(parsed);
-      } catch (err) {
-        console.error('Failed loading CIP data:', err);
-      }
-    };
-
-    const loadIPEDS = async () => {
-      try {
-        const res = await fetch(IPEDS_URL);
-        const text = await res.text();
-        const rows = text.split('\n').map((line) => line.split(','));
-        const headers = rows[0];
-        const dataRows = rows.slice(1).map((row) =>
-          Object.fromEntries(row.map((val, idx) => [headers[idx], val]))
-        );
-        setIcTuitionData(dataRows);
-      } catch (err) {
-        console.error('Failed loading IPEDS data:', err);
-      }
-    };
-
-    const loadCareers = async () => {
-      try {
-        const resp = await fetch(CAREER_CLUSTERS_URL);
-        if (!resp.ok) {
-          throw new Error(`Failed career_clusters fetch: ${resp.status}`);
-        }
-        const data = await resp.json();
-        const titlesSet = new Set();
-        for (const cluster of Object.keys(data)) {
-          for (const sub of Object.keys(data[cluster])) {
-            const arr = data[cluster][sub];
-            if (Array.isArray(arr)) {
-              arr.forEach((cObj) => {
-                if (cObj?.title) titlesSet.add(cObj.title);
-              });
-            }
-          }
-        }
-        setAllCareers([...titlesSet]);
-      } catch (err) {
-        console.error('Failed loading career_clusters:', err);
-      }
-    };
-
-    loadCIP();
-    loadIPEDS();
-    loadCareers();
-  }, [show]);
 
   /*********************************************************
    * 7) Whenever the **modal is shown** *or* **scenario.id changes**
@@ -153,6 +107,12 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
     const safe = v =>
         v === null || v === undefined ? '' : v;
 
+     const hasCollegeData =
+    !!c.selected_school || !!c.selected_program || !!c.program_type ||
+    !!c.expected_graduation || !!c.enrollment_date ||
+    (Number(c.tuition) || 0) > 0 ||
+    (Number(c.annual_financial_aid) || 0) > 0 ||
+    (Number(c.existing_college_debt) || 0) > 0;
     setFormData({
       // scenario portion
       scenario_title           : safe(s.scenario_title),
@@ -182,7 +142,10 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
       is_in_state: safe(!!c.is_in_state),
       is_in_district: safe(!!c.is_in_district),
       is_online: safe(!!c.is_online),
-      college_enrollment_status: safe(c.college_enrollment_status || 'not_enrolled'),
+      college_enrollment_status: safe(
+      c.college_enrollment_status
+        || (hasCollegeData ? 'prospective_student' : 'not_enrolled')
+    ),
 
       annual_financial_aid   : safe(c.annual_financial_aid),
       existing_college_debt  : safe(c.existing_college_debt),
@@ -219,89 +182,35 @@ export default function ScenarioEditModal({
       setManualProgLength('');
     }
 
-    setCareerSearchInput(s.career_name || '');
   }, [show, scenario?.id, collegeProfile]);
 
-  /*********************************************************
-   * 8) Auto-calc placeholders (stubbed out)
-   *********************************************************/
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (!show) return;
-    // IPEDS-based logic or other auto-calculation
-  }, [
-    show,
-    formData.selected_school,
-    formData.program_type,
-    formData.credit_hours_per_year,
-    formData.is_in_district,
-    formData.is_in_state,
-    schoolData,
-    icTuitionData
-  ]);
-
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (!show) return;
-    // Possibly recalc program length
-  }, [
-    show,
-    formData.program_type,
-    formData.hours_completed,
-    formData.credit_hours_per_year,
-    formData.credit_hours_required
-  ]);
-
-  /*********************************************************
- * 9) Career auto-suggest
- *********************************************************/
-useEffect(() => {
-  if (!show) return;
-
-  // 1️⃣ trim once, reuse everywhere
-  const typed = careerSearchInput.trim();
-
-  // Nothing typed → clear list
-  if (!typed) {
-    setCareerMatches([]);
-    return;
-  }
-
-  /* 2️⃣ Exact match (case-insensitive) → suppress dropdown */
-  if (allCareers.some(t => t.toLowerCase() === typed.toLowerCase())) {
-    setCareerMatches([]);
-    return;
-  }
-
-  // 3️⃣ Otherwise show up to 15 partial matches
-  const lower = typed.toLowerCase();
-  const partials = allCareers
-    .filter(title => title.toLowerCase().includes(lower))
-    .slice(0, 15);
-
-  setCareerMatches(partials);
-}, [show, careerSearchInput, allCareers]);
-
 
   /*********************************************************
    * 9.5) Program Type from CIP
    *********************************************************/
   useEffect(() => {
-    if (!show) return;
-    if (!formData.selected_school || !formData.selected_program) {
+     if (!show) return;
+  if (!formData.selected_school || !formData.selected_program) {
+    setAvailableProgramTypes([]);
+    return;
+  }
+  (async () => {
+    try {
+      const { data } = await api.get('/api/programs/types', {
+        params: {
+          school: formData.selected_school,
+          program: formData.selected_program
+        }
+      });
+      setAvailableProgramTypes(Array.isArray(data?.types) ? data.types : []);
+    } catch {
       setAvailableProgramTypes([]);
-      return;
     }
-    const filtered = schoolData.filter(
-      (row) =>
-        row.INSTNM.toLowerCase() === formData.selected_school.toLowerCase() &&
-        row.CIPDESC === formData.selected_program
-    );
-    const possibleTypes = [...new Set(filtered.map((r) => r.CREDDESC))];
-    setAvailableProgramTypes(possibleTypes);
+  })();
   }, [
     show,
     formData.selected_school,
     formData.selected_program,
-    schoolData
   ]);
 
   /*********************************************************
@@ -314,67 +223,72 @@ useEffect(() => {
     setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, [name]: val }));
   }
 
-  function handleCareerInputChange(e) {
-    const val = e.target.value;
-    setCareerSearchInput(val);
-    if (allCareers.includes(val)) {
-      setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, career_name: val }));
-    }
-  }
-
-  function handleSelectCareer(title) {
-    setCareerSearchInput(title);
-    setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, career_name: title }));
-    setCareerMatches([]);
-  }
-
   function handleSchoolChange(e) {
     const val = e.target.value;
-    setFormData((prev) => ({
-      ...prev,
-      selected_school: val,
-      selected_program: '',
-      program_type: '',
-      credit_hours_required: ''
-    }));
-    if (!val) {
+    setFormData(prev => ({
+    ...prev,
+    selected_school: val,
+    selected_program: '',
+    program_type: '',
+    credit_hours_required: ''
+  }));
+  if (!val.trim()) {
+    setSchoolSuggestions([]);
+    setProgramSuggestions([]);
+    setAvailableProgramTypes([]);
+    setSelectedUnitId(null);
+    return;
+  }
+  (async () => {
+    try {
+      const { data } = await api.get('/api/schools/suggest', {
+        params: { query: val, limit: 10 }
+      });
+      const opts = Array.isArray(data) ? data : [];
+      setSchoolSuggestions(opts);           // keep full objects: { name, unitId }
+      // if the user typed an exact school name, commit now (sets UNITID)
+      const exact = opts.find(o => (o.name || '').toLowerCase() === val.toLowerCase());
+      if (exact) handleSchoolSelect(exact);
+    } catch {
       setSchoolSuggestions([]);
-      setProgramSuggestions([]);
-      setAvailableProgramTypes([]);
-      return;
     }
-    const filtered = schoolData.filter((s) =>
-      s.INSTNM.toLowerCase().includes(val.toLowerCase())
-    );
-    const unique = [...new Set(filtered.map((s) => s.INSTNM))];
-    setSchoolSuggestions(unique.slice(0, 10));
+  })();
   }
 
   function handleSchoolSelect(sch) {
-    setFormData((prev) => ({
-      ...prev,
-      selected_school: sch,
-      selected_program: '',
-      program_type: '',
-      credit_hours_required: ''
-    }));
-    setSchoolSuggestions([]);
-  }
+  const name = sch?.name || sch || '';
+  const uid  = sch?.unitId ?? null;
+  setSelectedUnitId(uid);
+  setFormData(prev => ({
+    ...prev,
+    selected_school: name,
+    selected_program: '',
+    program_type: '',
+    credit_hours_required: ''
+  }));
+  setSchoolSuggestions([]);
+  setProgramSuggestions([]);
+  setAvailableProgramTypes([]);
+}
 
   function handleProgramChange(e) {
     const val = e.target.value;
     setFormData((prev) => ({ ...prev, selected_program: val }));
-    if (!val) {
+    if (!val || !formData.selected_school) {
+    setProgramSuggestions([]);
+    return;
+  }
+  (async () => {
+    try {
+      const { data } = await api.get('/api/programs/suggest', {
+        params: { school: formData.selected_school, query: val, limit: 10 }
+      });
+      const list = Array.isArray(data) ? data : [];   // [{ program }]
+      setProgramSuggestions(list.map(p => p.program));
+    } catch {
       setProgramSuggestions([]);
-      return;
     }
-    const filtered = schoolData.filter(
-      (row) =>
-        row.INSTNM.toLowerCase() === formData.selected_school.toLowerCase() &&
-        row.CIPDESC.toLowerCase().includes(val.toLowerCase())
-    );
-    const unique = [...new Set(filtered.map((r) => r.CIPDESC))];
-    setProgramSuggestions(unique.slice(0, 10));
+  })();
   }
 
   function handleProgramSelect(prog) {
@@ -422,10 +336,9 @@ useEffect(() => {
         scenarioRow.planned_monthly_debt_payments ??
         financialData.monthly_debt_payments ??
         0,
-      partTimeIncome:
+      additionalIncome:
         scenarioRow.planned_additional_income ??
-        financialData.additional_income ??
-        0,
+        financialData.additional_income ?? 0,
 
       emergencySavings: financialData.emergency_fund ?? 0,
       retirementSavings: financialData.retirement_savings ?? 0,
@@ -618,40 +531,17 @@ if (formData.retirement_start_date) {
           />
         </div>
 
-        {/* Career Search */}
-        <div className="mb-4 relative">
-          <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 mb-1">
-            Career Search
-          </label>
-          <input
-            type="text"
-            value={careerSearchInput}
-            onChange={handleCareerInputChange}
-            className="border border-gray-300 rounded p-2 w-full focus:outline-none focus:border-blue-500"
-          />
-          {careerMatches.length > 0 && (
-            <ul
-              ref={careerDropdownRef}
-              className="
-                absolute top-full left-0 w-full border border-gray-200 bg-white z-10
-                max-h-48 overflow-auto mt-1
-              "
-            >
-              {careerMatches.map((c, idx) => (
-                <li
-                  key={idx}
-                  className="p-2 cursor-pointer hover:bg-gray-100"
-                  onClick={() => handleSelectCareer(c)}
-                >
-                  {c}
-                </li>
-              ))}
-            </ul>
-          )}
-          <p className="text-sm text-gray-600 mt-1">
-            <em>Current Career:</em> {formData.career_name || '(none)'}
-          </p>
-        </div>
+       {/* Career Search (shared component) */}
+           <div className="mb-4">
+            <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 mb-1">Career Search</label>
+            <CareerSearch onCareerSelected={(found) => {
+              if (!found) return;
+              setFormData(prev => ({ ...prev, career_name: found.title || prev.career_name || '' }));
+            }}/>
+            <p className="text-sm text-gray-600 mt-1">
+              <em>Selected Career:</em> {formData.career_name || '(none)'}
+            </p>
+          </div>
 
         {/* Status */}
         <div className="mb-4">
@@ -937,13 +827,10 @@ if (formData.retirement_start_date) {
                     max-h-48 overflow-auto mt-1
                   "
                 >
-                  {schoolSuggestions.map((sch, i) => (
-                    <li
-                      key={i}
-                      className="p-2 cursor-pointer hover:bg-gray-100"
-                      onClick={() => handleSchoolSelect(sch)}
-                    >
-                      {sch}
+                   {schoolSuggestions.map((sch, i) => (
+                    <li key={i} className="p-2 cursor-pointer hover:bg-gray-100"
+                        onClick={() => handleSchoolSelect(sch)}>
+                      {sch.name}
                     </li>
                   ))}
                 </ul>
@@ -1216,11 +1103,6 @@ if (formData.retirement_start_date) {
           <Button variant="primary" onClick={handleSave}>
             Save
           </Button>
-          {!formData.retirement_start_date && (
-            <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-red-500">
-              Pick a Planned Retirement Date to run the simulation.
-            </p>
-          )}
         </div>
 
         {/* Show a preview if we have simulation data */}

src/components/SignUp.js

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+import React, { useState, useEffect, useRef } from 'react';
 import { useNavigate } from 'react-router-dom';
 import { Button } from './ui/button.js';
 import SituationCard from './ui/SituationCard.js';
@@ -54,11 +54,16 @@ function SignUp() {
   const [zipcode, setZipcode] = useState('');
   const [state, setState] = useState('');
   const [area, setArea] = useState('');
-  const [areas, setAreas] = useState([]);
   const [error, setError] = useState('');
   const [loadingAreas, setLoadingAreas] = useState(false);
   const [phone, setPhone] = useState('+1');      
-  const [optIn, setOptIn]   = useState(false);  
+  const [optIn, setOptIn]   = useState(false);
+  const [areas, setAreas] = useState([]);
+  const [areasErr, setAreasErr] = useState('');
+  const areasCacheRef = useRef(new Map());       // cache: stateCode -> areas[]
+  const debounceRef = useRef(null);              // debounce timer
+  const inflightRef = useRef(null);              // AbortController for in-flight
+  
   
   const [showCareerSituations, setShowCareerSituations] = useState(false);
   const [selectedSituation, setSelectedSituation] = useState(null);
@@ -235,6 +240,60 @@ const handleSituationConfirm = async () => {
   }
 };
 
+useEffect(() => {
+    // reset UI
+    setAreasErr('');
+    if (!state) { setAreas([]); return; }
+
+    // cached? instant
+    if (areasCacheRef.current.has(state)) {
+      setAreas(areasCacheRef.current.get(state));
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // debounce to avoid rapid refetch on quick clicks
+    if (debounceRef.current) clearTimeout(debounceRef.current);
+    debounceRef.current = setTimeout(async () => {
+      // cancel previous request if any
+      if (inflightRef.current) inflightRef.current.abort();
+      const controller = new AbortController();
+      inflightRef.current = controller;
+
+      setLoadingAreas(true);
+      try {
+        // client-side timeout race (6s)
+        const timeout = new Promise((_, rej) =>
+          setTimeout(() => rej(new Error('timeout')), 6000)
+        );
+
+        const res = await Promise.race([
+          fetch(`/api/areas?state=${encodeURIComponent(state)}`, {
+            signal: controller.signal,
+          }),
+          timeout,
+        ]);
+
+        if (!res || !res.ok) throw new Error('bad_response');
+        const data = await res.json();
+
+        // normalize, uniq, sort for UX
+        const list = Array.from(new Set((data.areas || []).filter(Boolean))).sort();
+        areasCacheRef.current.set(state, list);   // cache it
+        setAreas(list);
+      } catch (err) {
+        if (err.name === 'AbortError') return; // superseded by a newer request
+        setAreas([]);
+        setAreasErr('Could not load Areas. You can proceed without selecting one.');
+      } finally {
+        if (inflightRef.current === controller) inflightRef.current = null;
+        setLoadingAreas(false);
+      }
+    }, 250); // 250ms debounce
+
+    return () => {
+      if (debounceRef.current) clearTimeout(debounceRef.current);
+    };
+  }, [state]);
 
 return (
   <div className="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-gray-100 p-4">
@@ -341,35 +400,37 @@ return (
           </select>
 
           <div className="relative w-full">
-            <label>
-              <span
-                title="Selecting an Area will allow us to provide regional salary data for your career choices."
-                className="absolute top-2 right-2 translate-x-7 -translate-y-3 
-                           inline-flex h-4 w-4 items-center justify-center 
-                           rounded-full bg-blue-500 text-xs font-bold text-white cursor-help"
+              <label>
+                <span
+                  title="Selecting an Area will allow us to provide regional salary data for your career choices."
+                  className="absolute top-2 right-2 translate-x-7 -translate-y-3 inline-flex h-4 w-4 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-blue-500 text-xs font-bold text-white cursor-help"
+                >
+                  i
+                </span>
+              </label>
+              <select
+                id="area"
+                className="w-full px-3 py-2 border rounded-md"
+                value={area}
+                onChange={(e) => setArea(e.target.value)}
+                disabled={loadingAreas}
               >
-                i
-              </span>
-            </label>
-            <select
-              id="area"
-              className="w-full px-3 py-2 border rounded-md"
-              value={area}
-              onChange={(e) => setArea(e.target.value)}
-              disabled={loadingAreas}
-            >
-              <option value="">Select Area</option>
-              {areas.map((a, i) => (
-                <option key={i} value={a}>
-                  {a}
+                <option value="">
+                  {loadingAreas ? 'Loading Areas...' : 'Select Area (optional)'}
                 </option>
-              ))}
-            </select>
-            {loadingAreas && (
-              <span className="absolute right-3 top-2.5 text-gray-400 text-sm animate-pulse">
-                Loading...
-              </span>
-            )}
+                {areas.map((a, i) => (
+                  <option key={i} value={a}>{a}</option>
+                ))}
+              </select>
+
+              {loadingAreas && (
+                <span className="absolute right-3 top-2.5 text-gray-400 text-sm animate-pulse">
+                  Loading...
+                </span>
+              )}
+              {areasErr && (
+                <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-amber-600">{areasErr}</p>
+              )}
           </div>
 
           <Button type="submit" className="w-full">

src/utils/FinancialProjectionService.js

@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ const n = (val, fallback = 0) => {
 const num = (v) =>
   v === null || v === undefined || v === '' || Number.isNaN(+v) ? 0 : +v;
 
+const toDateOnly = (v) => (v && typeof v === 'string' ? v.slice(0, 10) : v);
+
 /***************************************************
  * HELPER: Approx State Tax Rates
  ***************************************************/
@@ -278,22 +280,32 @@ function simulateDrawdown(opts){
     // else Bachelor's = 120
   }
   const remainingCreditHours = Math.max(0, requiredCreditHours - hoursCompleted);
-  const dynamicProgramLength = Math.ceil(
-    remainingCreditHours / (creditHoursPerYear || 30)
-  );
-  const finalProgramLength = programLength || dynamicProgramLength;
+  // If we must derive a length (years), round to the nearest month (not always up)
+  const derivedYears = (creditHoursPerYear || 30) > 0
+    ? Math.ceil((remainingCreditHours / (creditHoursPerYear || 30)) * 12) / 12
+    : 0;
+  const finalProgramLength = programLength || derivedYears;
 
-  const enrollmentStart = enrollmentDate
-  ? moment(enrollmentDate).startOf('month')
-  : (startDate ? moment(startDate).startOf('month') : scenarioStartClamped.clone());
+ // Use the explicit enrollmentDate if provided; otherwise fall back to scenario.start_date
+   const enrollmentStart = enrollmentDate
+  ? moment(toDateOnly(enrollmentDate), 'YYYY-MM-DD', true).startOf('month')
+    : (startDate ? moment(startDate).startOf('month') : null);
 
   const creditsPerYear   = creditHoursPerYear || 30;
   const creditsRemaining = Math.max(0, requiredCreditHours - hoursCompleted);
   const monthsRemaining  = Math.ceil((creditsRemaining / Math.max(1, creditsPerYear)) * 12);
 
-  const gradDateEffective = gradDate
-    ? moment(gradDate).startOf('month')
-    : enrollmentStart.clone().add(monthsRemaining, 'months');
+  // Graduation date: trust explicit, else derive from enrollment+credits,
+  // else (as a last resort) from enrollment + programLength (years)
+  const derivedGradFromCredits =
+    enrollmentStart ? enrollmentStart.clone().add(monthsRemaining, 'months') : null;
+  const derivedGradFromProgramLen =
+   enrollmentStart && finalProgramLength > 0
+     ? enrollmentStart.clone().add(Math.ceil(finalProgramLength * 12), 'months')
+     : null;
+   const gradDateEffective = gradDate
+  ? moment(toDateOnly(gradDate), 'YYYY-MM-DD', true).startOf('month')
+    : (derivedGradFromCredits || derivedGradFromProgramLen || null);
 
   /***************************************************
    * 4) TUITION CALC
@@ -321,7 +333,7 @@ function simulateDrawdown(opts){
       lumpsSchedule = [...Array(12).keys()];
       break;
   }
-  const totalAcademicMonths = finalProgramLength * 12;
+  
   const lumpAmount = totalTuitionCost / (lumpsPerYear * finalProgramLength);
 
   /***************************************************
@@ -339,9 +351,11 @@ function simulateDrawdown(opts){
   const maxMonths = simulationYears * 12;
   let loanBalance = initialLoanPrincipal;
   let loanPaidOffMonth = null;
+  let prevLoanBalance = loanBalance;
 
   let currentEmergencySavings = emergencySavings;
   let currentRetirementSavings = retirementSavings;
+  let cashBalance = 0;
 
   let projectionData = [];
 
@@ -354,14 +368,6 @@ function simulateDrawdown(opts){
   // We'll keep track that we started in deferral if inCollege & deferral is true
   let wasInDeferral = inCollege && loanDeferralUntilGraduation;
 
-  // If there's a gradDate, let's see if we pass it:
-  const graduationDateObj = gradDate ? moment(gradDate).startOf('month') : null;
-
-  const enrollmentDateObj = enrollmentDate
-  ? moment(enrollmentDate).startOf('month')
-  : scenarioStartClamped.clone();  // fallback
-
-
   /***************************************************
    * 7) THE MONTHLY LOOP
    ***************************************************/
@@ -369,6 +375,8 @@ function simulateDrawdown(opts){
 for (let monthIndex = 0; monthIndex < maxMonths; monthIndex++) {
   const currentSimDate = scenarioStartClamped.clone().add(monthIndex, 'months');
   
+  prevLoanBalance = loanBalance;
+
   if (!reachedRetirement && currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(retirementStartISO)) {
     reachedRetirement      = true;
     firstRetirementBalance = currentRetirementSavings;  // capture once
@@ -378,19 +386,24 @@ for (let monthIndex = 0; monthIndex < maxMonths; monthIndex++) {
         retirementSpendMonthly > 0 &&
         currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(retirementStartISO)
 
-  // figure out if we are in the college window
- const stillInCollege =
-  inCollege &&
-  currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(enrollmentStart) &&
-  currentSimDate.isBefore(gradDateEffective);
-  
-const hasGraduated = currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(gradDateEffective.clone().add(1, 'month'));
+// College window is inclusive of enrollment month and exclusive of the graduation month
+  const stillInCollege =
+    inCollege &&
+    !!enrollmentStart &&
+    (!!gradDateEffective
+      ? currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(enrollmentStart) &&
+        currentSimDate.isBefore(gradDateEffective)
+      : currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(enrollmentStart));
+
+    // Flip to expected salary starting in the graduation month when we know it
+  const hasGraduated =
+    !!gradDateEffective && currentSimDate.isSameOrAfter(gradDateEffective);
 
     /************************************************
      * 7.1 TUITION lumps
      ************************************************/
     let tuitionCostThisMonth = 0;
-if (stillInCollege && lumpsPerYear > 0) {
+if (stillInCollege && lumpsPerYear > 0 && enrollmentStart && enrollmentStart.isValid()) {
   const monthsSinceEnroll = Math.max(0, currentSimDate.diff(enrollmentStart, 'months'));
   const academicYearIndex = Math.floor(monthsSinceEnroll / 12);
   const monthInAcadYear   = monthsSinceEnroll % 12;
@@ -416,8 +429,8 @@ if (stillInCollege && lumpsPerYear > 0) {
   currentRetirementSavings -= withdrawal;
   baseMonthlyIncome += withdrawal;
 } else if (!stillInCollege) {
-  const monthlyFromJob = (hasGraduated && expectedSalary > 0 ? expectedSalary : currentSalary) / 12;
-  baseMonthlyIncome = monthlyFromJob + (additionalIncome / 12);
+  const annual = hasGraduated && expectedSalary > 0 ? expectedSalary : currentSalary;
+  baseMonthlyIncome = (annual / 12) + (additionalIncome / 12);
 } else {
   baseMonthlyIncome = (currentSalary / 12) + (additionalIncome / 12);
 }
@@ -516,9 +529,10 @@ if (loanDeferralUntilGraduation && wasInDeferral && !stillInCollege) {
       }
     }
 
-    if (loanBalance <= 0 && !loanPaidOffMonth) {
-  loanPaidOffMonth = currentSimDate.format('YYYY-MM');
-}
+        if (!loanPaidOffMonth && prevLoanBalance > 0 && loanBalance <= 0) {
+      loanPaidOffMonth = currentSimDate.format('YYYY-MM');
+    }
+
 
 
     let leftover = netMonthlyIncome - totalMonthlyExpenses;
@@ -552,6 +566,12 @@ if (loanDeferralUntilGraduation && wasInDeferral && !stillInCollege) {
       shortfall -= canCover;
     }
 
+    // any remaining shortfall becomes negative cash (credit/overdraft)
+   if (shortfall > 0) {
+     cashBalance -= shortfall;
+     shortfall = 0;
+   }
+
     // Surplus => leftover
     if (canSaveThisMonth && leftover > 0) {
       const totalPct = surplusEmergencyAllocation + surplusRetirementAllocation;
@@ -598,7 +618,8 @@ if (loanDeferralUntilGraduation && wasInDeferral && !stillInCollege) {
       loanBalance: +loanBalance.toFixed(2),
 
       loanPaymentThisMonth: +(monthlyLoanPayment + extraPayment).toFixed(2),
-      totalSavings: (currentEmergencySavings + currentRetirementSavings).toFixed(2),
+      cashBalance: +cashBalance.toFixed(2),
+     totalSavings: +(currentEmergencySavings + currentRetirementSavings + cashBalance).toFixed(2),
 
       fedYTDgross: +fedYTDgross.toFixed(2),
       fedYTDtax: +fedYTDtax.toFixed(2),

src/utils/getMissingFields.js

@@ -23,7 +23,8 @@ export const MISSING_LABELS = {
   loan_term: 'Loan term',
   expected_graduation: 'Expected graduation date',
   program_type: 'Program type',
-  academic_calendar: 'Academic calendar'
+  academic_calendar: 'Academic calendar',
+  expected_salary: 'Expected salary after graduation'
 };
 
 /**
@@ -42,7 +43,8 @@ export default function getMissingFields(
   if (!hasValue(scenario.retirement_start_date)) missing.push('retirement_start_date');
 
   // ── Financial base
-  if (!hasValue(financial.current_salary)) missing.push('current_salary');
+  // Intentionally do NOT require current salary.
+  // Missing/0 income is allowed; we only require expected salary (below) for students.
 
   if (!any(scenario.planned_monthly_expenses, financial.monthly_expenses)) {
     missing.push('monthly_expenses');
@@ -69,6 +71,12 @@ export default function getMissingFields(
   // ── College – only if they’re enrolled / prospective
   if (requireCollegeData) {
     if (!hasValue(college.tuition)) missing.push('tuition');
+       // If user has no income (0 or missing), require an expected post-grad salary
+    const incomeNum = Number(financial.current_salary);
+    const noIncome = !hasValue(financial.current_salary) || !Number.isFinite(incomeNum) || incomeNum <= 0;
+    if (noIncome && !hasValue(college.expected_salary)) {
+      missing.push('expected_salary');
+    }
 
     const plansToBorrow =
       (Number(college.existing_college_debt) || 0) > 0 ||

src/utils/onboardingDraftApi.js

@@ -1,30 +1,60 @@
-// src/utils/onboardingDraftApi.js
-import authFetch from './authFetch.js';
+ import authFetch from './authFetch.js';
 
-const API_ROOT = (import.meta?.env?.VITE_API_BASE || '').replace(/\/+$/, '');
-const DRAFT_URL = `${API_ROOT}/api/premium/onboarding/draft`;
+ const API_ROOT = (import.meta?.env?.VITE_API_BASE || '').replace(/\/+$/, '');
+ const DRAFT_URL = `${API_ROOT}/api/premium/onboarding/draft`;
 
-export async function loadDraft() {
-  const res = await authFetch(DRAFT_URL);
-  if (!res) return null;                 // session expired
-  if (res.status === 404) return null;
-  if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`loadDraft ${res.status}`);
-  return res.json();                     // null or { id, step, data }
-}
+ export async function loadDraft() {
+   const res = await authFetch(DRAFT_URL);
+   if (!res) return null;                 // session expired
+   if (res.status === 404) return null;
+   if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`loadDraft ${res.status}`);
+   return res.json();                     // null or { id, step, data }
+ }
+
+/**
+ * saveDraft(input)
+ * Accepts either:
+ *  - { id, step, data }                          // full envelope
+ *  - { id, step, careerData?, financialData?, collegeData? }  // partial sections
+ * Merges partials with the current server draft to avoid clobbering.
+ */
+export async function saveDraft(input = {}) {
+  // Normalize inputs
+  let { id = null, step = 0, data } = input;
+
+  // If caller passed sections (careerData / financialData / collegeData) instead of a 'data' envelope,
+  // merge them into the existing server draft so we don't drop other sections.
+  if (data == null) {
+    // Load existing draft (may be null/404 for first-time)
+    let existing = null;
+    try { existing = await loadDraft(); } catch (_) {}
+    const existingData = (existing && existing.data) || {};
+
+    const has = (k) => Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(input, k);
+    const patch = {};
+    if (has('careerData'))    patch.careerData    = input.careerData;
+    if (has('financialData')) patch.financialData = input.financialData;
+    if (has('collegeData'))   patch.collegeData   = input.collegeData;
+
+    data = { ...existingData, ...patch };
+    // Prefer caller's id/step when provided; otherwise reuse existing
+    if (id == null && existing?.id != null)   id = existing.id;
+    if (step == null && existing?.step != null) step = existing.step;
+  }
 
-export async function saveDraft({ id = null, step = 0, data = {} } = {}) {
   const res = await authFetch(DRAFT_URL, {
     method: 'POST',
+    headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
     body: JSON.stringify({ id, step, data }),
   });
   if (!res) return null;
   if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`saveDraft ${res.status}`);
-  return res.json();                     // { id, step }
+  return res.json(); // { id, step }
 }
 
-export async function clearDraft() {
-  const res = await authFetch(DRAFT_URL, { method: 'DELETE' });
-  if (!res) return false;
-  if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`clearDraft ${res.status}`);
-  return true;                           // server returns { ok: true }
-}
+ export async function clearDraft() {
+   const res = await authFetch(DRAFT_URL, { method: 'DELETE' });
+   if (!res) return false;
+   if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`clearDraft ${res.status}`);
+   return true;                           // server returns { ok: true }
+ }