Yesterday, we talked about whether or not paying for college should be the parents' responsibility. At the end of the post, I asked what you thought about cosigning a student loan. Is co-signing a great way for parents to help out their kids with the rising cost of college? Or is co-signing a slippery slope that does nothing but hinder both parties? Lots of financial experts … [Read more...] about Should Parents Co-sign a Student Loan?
FAFSA
In the News: What Low Income Students Need
A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research has revealed that simplifying the rules of applying for financial aid is essential to facilitate more low-income students attending college. The study -- "Into College, Out of Poverty? Policies to Increase the Post-secondary Attainment of the Poor" -- is actually a review of 17 previous studies, all which examined the … [Read more...] about In the News: What Low Income Students Need
Financial Aid Critical to Graduation Rates
If you are a college student, or planning to be one in the future, here are some facts you should brush up on. According to the research group Public Agenda (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), more than half of all students who dropped out of school and failed to graduate did so because they "needed to go to work and make money." One-third of respondents said … [Read more...] about Financial Aid Critical to Graduation Rates
Winter Break Check List for High School Seniors
Hey college seniors: How's your winter break going? For me here in the Midwest, it's been all about snow, snow, and, oh, more snow. The good thing about being snow bound is that you have plenty of time to do paperwork -- and there's plenty where that comes from when it comes to getting into college and figuring out how to pay for it. Not sure where to start? Here's a handy … [Read more...] about Winter Break Check List for High School Seniors
529 College Savings Plans Comparisons
The Coverdell Education Savings: This type of college savings plan can be applied to more than college. A Coverdell Education Savings Account can be used as savings for elementary through high school education as well as college. Parents or students may contribute up to $2,000 a year tax-free. A few stipulations are that single parents may not earn more than $110,000 and … [Read more...] about 529 College Savings Plans Comparisons