Tag: college debt


Illinois introduces interest-free college tuition bill

Posted on March 4th, 2014

"With the recent explosion of student debt, it is clear we need a new approach to how students pay for college." -- Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea)

Imagine if you took out $30,000 for college and that’s all you had to pay back. For most student loan borrowers, that’s not the case. Due to compound interest, that $30,000 can easily turn into $40, $45, $50,000 or more by the time the graduate has paid it off. The burden of student loan interest […]

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Why you should work with a financial aid consultant

Posted on January 10th, 2014

During the college admissions process, the cost of standardized testing, test prep services, college applications, and college visits can really add up.

And that’s before you even start thinking about paying for major expenses like college tuition, fees, textbooks, room, and board.

With college such an expensive investment, you may be wondering why anyone would pay someone just to help them figure out how to pay for it.

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Is college worth the cost?

Posted on January 5th, 2014

"In a world where about half of humans live on less than $2.50 a day, the opportunity to learn and study in a formal, dedicated way is still a gift, even if it has become a very expensive one." -- John Green

As we’ve written in the past, the high cost of college has many people questioning whether attending is worth all of the debt and time that could be spent working and making money. With the rise of MOOCs and other forms of online education, some have argued that a formal college education is no longer […]

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The best gift for college grads

Posted on December 10th, 2013

For college graduates and adults struggling with student loan repayment, the holiday season can be difficult. So many gifts to give, so little money in the bank account.

But a new service from Tuition.io lets family and friends ease the burden of student loan borrowers during the holidays.

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Why is college so expensive?

Posted on December 6th, 2013

"I think that universities are the biggest scam going in America. There's no reason a college education should cost thirty, forty, fifty thousand dollars a year." -- Stephen Moore

Without a doubt, college is one of the most expensive investments a student will ever make. Even for families who have saved since their child was born, the cost of higher education can be crippling. Even respected journalists say the cost of college has gotten out of control. In the video below from CNNMoney, Stephen […]

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Average student loan debt rises to $29,000

Posted on December 5th, 2013

According to a report released Wednesday, the average student loan debt for a member of the class of 2012 was $29,000, up from $26,600 in 2011.

This increase follows recent trends, with student loan balances for new graduates rising at an average rate of 6% per year from 2008 to 2012.

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Advice for millennials, from millennials on student loans & money management

Posted on November 22nd, 2013

"Does an 18 year old really understand the concept of what $40k in debt is? I hardly think so. " -- Shay, Polson, Montana

In a recent Guardian article, millennials were asked what they wish their parents had taught them about choosing a college, student loans, and managing their finances. Millennials regret taking on student loan debt Many millennials expressed regret that they had spent so much on their college degree and wished they had looked into less expensive […]

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Can’t pay your student loans? This college will pay them for you.

Posted on November 20th, 2013

After graduating college, many former students have difficulty finding jobs that allow them to afford their monthly student loan payments.

If you graduate into a low-paying field, you may find yourself barely scraping by–even before you pay your student loans. The lowest-paying major for 2013, Child and Family Studies, has an average starting salary of just $29,300.

Houghton College knows the economy is tough, and it can take new graduates several years to make enough money to pay back their loans, especially in smaller cities, job markets, and careers.

That’s why the small liberal arts college in Houghton, NY has decided to launch an innovative new student loan repayment plan for graduates.

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Should you buy a private island or go to college?

Posted on November 19th, 2013

What will $179,380 buy you? Four years of tuition and mandatory fees at New York University, currently the most expensive college in the United States. But don’t expect free books, food, or housing–those are all extra (and not cheap in New York City).

Buzzfeed put together a list of 29 private islands that cost less than an NYU Degree. For the same price, you could buy your own island and hire your own professors to teach you physics in paradise.

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Who should get financial aid?

Posted on November 11th, 2013

"Student aid forms and formulas are so complicated that they practically serve as obstacles to success, and for some of the truly daunted, even barriers to access." -- Mark Kantrowitz

How should financial aid be given out? How can we make college more affordable? How can student loans be improved? The NY Times recently explored these questions and more in a Room for Debate column. Simplifying financial aid The higher education professionals involved in the discussion emphasized the need for creative solutions to pay for […]

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