Tag: parents


10 ways to get colleges to show you the money

Posted on January 7th, 2014

With the cost of college reaching as much as $63,200 at the nation’s most expensive college, Sarah Lawrence, getting financial aid has become a necessity for most families and students.

There are several steps families can take to maximize their financial aid package in order to make college more affordable.

According to U.S. News Education, here’s how to get colleges to show you the money.

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8 things to remember about the FAFSA & Financial Aid

Posted on January 6th, 2014

Getting ready to go to college or have a child who is? It’s time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Many parents and students have misconceptions about what the FAFSA is and who should fill it out. Some families don’t bother because they assume they make too much money to qualify for federal aid.

But confusion about the FAFSA can cost you–you may lose out on financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and student loans.

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How to fill out the FAFSA

Posted on December 26th, 2013

January 1 is quickly approaching–are you ready to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

This video from the U.S. Department of Education tells you everything you need to know about preparing for and filling out the FAFSA.

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How 5 students are getting into college–and paying for it

Posted on December 17th, 2013

December is a stressful time for college-bound students and their parents. With the pressure to finish up scholarship and college applications, along with the impending doom of paying for it all, students and families’ anxiety can really build up.

Hechinger Report recently took a look at five students and their families to learn how they’re navigating the college admissions process, dealing with the pressure and stress of applying, and figuring out how to pay for college.

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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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How divorce impacts college costs & financial aid

Posted on December 4th, 2013

"Researchers found that marital status was a significant determinant of how much parents contribute toward college expenses, even after taking into account factors like parents’ income and education." -- NY Times

It might seem unfair, but researchers from Rice University in Houston and the University of Wisconsin have found that martial status plays a significant role in college costs and financial aid. Students from families of divorce pay more According to a NY Times report and a study published in the Journal of Family Issues, college costs fall more […]

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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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Plan for college early to maximize financial aid

Posted on September 30th, 2013

This video from Reuters TV offers a year-by-year plan for high school students and their parents to help them prepare for college. It includes some great tips on saving for college and how to get the most financial aid possible.

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Score high on your SAT, apply to college for free

Posted on September 25th, 2013

Want to apply to college, but worried about all those application fees adding up? The College Board wants to help you.

If you got a high score on your SAT or PSAT, you may soon be receiving a package that will make it free to apply to 6 colleges of your choice, the New York Times reports. The College Board is sending fee waivers to about 28,000 seniors who scored in the top 15 percent of test takers and whose family is in the bottom quarter of income distribution.

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