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
Grants
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
FAFSA Deadline – Fill Out Required Financial Aid Forms!
Apply as soon as possible for financial aid! The actual deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not officially due until June 30 in most states. However, if you wait this long your chances of obtaining federal aid could be very poor. The FAFSA is the only way you can qualify for federal aid and Pell Grants. More than 80% of students fill out … [Read more...] about FAFSA Deadline – Fill Out Required Financial Aid Forms!
Debt and Financial Aid
A common question students have is how they can manage their debt and their financial aid. Unfortunately when you fill out the FAFSA form there is no place to put down the amount of debt you owe. The form basically wants to know about your income, your family's income and assets. Non-traditional students may already have a substantial debt of some kind. It is wise to seek … [Read more...] about Debt and Financial Aid
How Most Americans Pay for College
Sallie Mae and Gallup Poll released its 2016 annual study of how parents pay for college. Parents are helping more, using more of their own income and savings, while students are taking out more and larger amounts of student loans. Students are also working more, and two out of five of them are living at home to help keep costs under control. When all is said … [Read more...] about How Most Americans Pay for College