Financial Aid

As I was doing my research for tonight's post it occurred to me that although we've begun to discuss the many ways to pay for college and even some great sites to help you out, we have neglected to provide the entire picture. Below is the text of an article that I found on Howstuffworks.com . A Financial Aid Example As we already explained, need analysis and packaging policies can and do vary from institution to institution. Here is an example of what might happen (where I work) at Duke University : We ask the family to complete and submit the PROFILE and FAFSA no later than February 1. (We require tax forms, but those aren't due until May 1.) We also invite them to submit letters that explain any extenuating circumstances that might affect their family's ability to support educational expenses. At Duke, students are admitted without reference to their need for financial aid. This policy of "need-blind admissions" means that we do not determine an applicant...

Here's a great site when looking for FAFSA forms and other documentation dealing with the aid process. This site is for students and parents and is loaded with unbiased information to help you along the way to securing the money you need to attend the school of your choice. If your interested in saving time this is the site for you.

There are many ways to finance a college education. If you are anything like me, you can plan on taking out loans. Where you go and how much they help you will determine how much. Below I've broken down several options that people use to help pay for college. The truth is, if you want to go badly enough the money is out there. All you have to do is go find it. 1) Scholarships -there are scholarships available with qualifications as simple as being left handed-I actually got that one! The key to scholarships is research and dedication. The more applications you fill out, the better your chances of reducing your loan debt. 2) Loans -the three main options in this area are Student(Stafford or Perkins), Parent(PLUS), and Private(regular bank loans) 3) Savings Plans - the most popular of these programs is the Section 529 plan-compare here Please click here for a more detailed description of these options as well as a few more at Finaid.org . Let me know what you think.

I have a 15 year old daughter and if she doesn't get a scholarship I worry about how to pay for the sky-rocketing cost of a college education. Maybe some of you are sweating it out with me. For years I've told her to do the work and I'll make sure she gets to go to the school of her choice. Well, now I'm worried I won't be able to live up to that promise. In general I'm just worried about my kids future...I don't know what to do. Here are a few things I've been able to uncover: 50 out of our nations 2,500 4-year colleges are taking steps to ensure some students pay less tuition. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Cornell are devising different pay plans depending on a family's income level. Dozens of schools are replacing loan programs with grants, which don't have to be repaid. Comparison shop financial aid offers from school to school. It doesn't hurt to ask if one school will match another's offer. Be aggressive. Here are some w...

Despite the fact that we may be entering a recession, the need for education has never been more apparent. The more skillled you are, the more classes that you take, the more marketable you are and therefore less likely to struggle for a job. Colleges are capitalizing on the growing need for education and raising the prices. According to an AP article posted on MSNBC.com, tuition is up overall 6.6%. This trend is by far outpacing the availability of federal financial aid and its forcing more and more students to borrow. Feel comfortable in the fact you are not alone. Just look at the poll on this page to see just how many find themselves in the same situation. Check out the article at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21420361/