Articles
Being prepared for college expenses may mean more than determining how much to contribute and where to invest. These articles may help you become more familiar with financial aid options and various tax regulations that may affect your bottom line.
College Costs
Just How Fast Are College Costs Growing?
Compare costs for public and private universities over the next 20 years.
The Price of a College Education
The cost of attending a four-year college or university increases steadily every year. In the ten years between 1988 and 1998, average costs were up 76 percent. Why are costs so high, and what can be done to combat inflated tuition expenses?
Where You Live Can Determine College Costs
A nationwide study examined tuition rates, financial aid availability, and family income in all 50 states. See how your state measures up.
Financial Aid
College Tuition Help Is Available
Finding money to pay for college is a challenge for many parents. Planners and college experts say that the best strategy is to start investing early, but other help includes financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships, student investments, student jobs, current income, and loans.
Financial Aid for College
If one or more of your children will reach college age soon, you may be wondering how you will pay all the costs. For many families, tuition may be covered by a financial aid package.
Understanding the Financial Aid Formula
Federal and state financial aid can help with college costs investments don't cover. Understanding the formula is an important part of improving your chances of getting the money you need.
Investment Options
Enrollment-Based Investing for College
Starting to plan early for a child's college expenses allows parents more time to put money into those investments that have historically paid a higher rate of return. Learn about these plans and why investing early is a good strategy.
Consider Advantages of 529 Plans
Section 529 college savings plans allow families to put money aside for tuition and related expenses. No federal taxes are due on qualified withdrawals if the money was used for qualified higher education expenses. Other advantages of the plans include high lifetime contributions and ownership control of the account.
An Overview of Your Options
The characteristics of your college savings options are listed side by side – 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts (formerly known as Education IRAs), UGMA/UTMAs, and investments in the parents' names.
Preparing for College
Is Your Student "Budget-Wise"?
One extracurricular activity that every student should master before heading off to college is personal money management.
Checklists
Making informed decisions is a significant part of preparing both parents and students for college. Here are a few suggestions to help you keep on track.
|
This Web site is accompanied by a