Saving For College

Worried Your Student Aid Award Won’t Be Enough? Ask Again
The Balance - Elyssa Kirkham
For college students, preparing for a new school year is an exciting time. At least it should be. Some may be dreading the financial burden after …
How to Renew Your FAFSA to Get Aid for the New School Year
The Balance - Elyssa Kirkham
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a powerful tool that helps millions of students each year get access to not only federal …
How Much Can You Borrow for Medical School?
The Balance - Miranda Marquit
When you decide to attend medical school, you know you’re going to end up paying a lot for your education. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll need …
How to Get Paid to Go to College
The Balance - Rachel Morgan Cautero
With student loan debts reaching record highs – at last count, $1.56 trillion in student loan debt among 45 million borrowers – you may be searching …
What Does It Cost to Take the SAT?
The Balance - By Rebecca Lake
If you have a child who's soon heading off to college, taking the SAT is one hurdle they may still have to jump. The SAT is one of the factors …
Student Finance
The 8 Best Private Student Loans of 2019
The Balance - Eric Rosenberg
Because we could all use a little help footing the bill for college We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. We …
Average Law School Debt
The Balance - Bob Lotich
According to several reports, the average law school student graduates with between $100,0000 - $200,000 worth of debt. In 2008, students could …
Beat High College Costs With a Tuition Waiver
The Balance - Rebecca Lake
While a college degree can open many doors professionally, it often comes at a high price. According to CollegeBoard, the average cost of …
How Much Does College Cost (and Why It's Still Worth It)
The Balance - Wes Moss
The ever-increasing college costs probably have most of us scratching our head wondering if a college degree is really worth it. Will we really get a …
Best Ways to Get College Student Insurance and Save Money
The Balance - Mila Araujo
Do you need to buy specific insurance to cover college students while away at school in a dorm or rented home? Many people consider this option …
What Parents Should Know About Section 529 Savings Plans
The Balance - Ken Clark
Few things excite parents, relatives, financial planners and college-bound students like the availability of Section 529 College Savings Plans. While …
Are There Disadvantages of 529 Plans for College?
The Balance - By Rebecca Lake
College can be costly these days as tuition rates continue to rise steadily year over year. For many parents, a 529 plan is the preferred way to save …
The Best Ways to Send Your College Student Money
The Balance - Rachel Morgan Cautero
If you have a college student, chances are, you’re familiar with a frantic phone call due to a dwindling bank account. Or perhaps you allocate a …
5 Strategies for Finding an Internship During Winter Break
thebalancecareers.com - Penny Loretto
Winter break is a time that college students look forward to as early on as their first week on campus. When course schedules and commitments get …
Paying for College? The IRS Has Your Back With These 2018 Tax Benefits
The Balance - Beverly Bird
Although 2018 was a year of some very significant tax law changes, educational tax breaks emerged largely unscathed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act …
Which Education Level Has the Highest Return on Investment
thebalancecareers.com - Alison Doyle
How much more can you earn over your lifetime if you have a college or advanced degree? Is pursuing a two-year, four-year or graduate degree worth …
Are Savings Bonds for College a Good Investment?
The Balance - By Rebecca Lake
As a parent, helping to pay for your child's college education may be one of the largest financial investments you'll ever make. For the 2018-19 …
Should You Attend an All Women's College? We Break Down the Pros and Cons.
The Balance - Rachel Morgan Cautero
An all women’s college may not be at the top of your dream school list. But after considering the quality of education, the alumnae network, and the …
College Tuition Rates Reset? What to Do Next
The Balance - Rebecca Lake
Next to buying a home, paying for your child's college education may be one of the largest investments you ever make. For the 2017-18 academic year, …
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Scholarship Money? Maybe.
The Balance - Beverly Bird
Scholarships and grants are normally tax-free, which is good news if the school of your dreams is tossing a bit of cash your way. However, depending …
Should You Hire a College Coach for Your Student?
The Balance - Rebecca Lake
Getting into college can be a competitive business, especially if your student is aiming for a top tier school. Bringing a college coach on board to …
Dropping Out of College Could Cost Students In More Ways Than One
The Balance - Rebecca Lake
Earning a college degree can unlock career opportunities but the cost can be prohibitive for some students. For the 2017-18 academic year, the …
How to Apply for Student Loans as FAFSA Independent Student
The Balance - Rebecca Lake
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a rite of passage for many students and it's also a requirement if you're hoping …
A Breakdown of Student Loan Debt in the U.S.
The Balance - LaToya Irby
If you think you’re the only one struggling with student loan payments, think again. Americans hold an alarming amount of student loan debt, and with …
What Colleges Are the Best Bargains for Cheapest Out of State Tuition?
The Balance - By Rebecca Lake
As a parent, paying for college may be one of the largest financial investments you'll ever make. According to CollegeBoard, the average cost of …
What Are the Best Value Colleges for the Money?
The Balance - By Rebecca Lake
If you're a parent helping one or more children to pay for college, cost is likely to be a top concern. Looking for the best value colleges may be on …
Save Money and Avoid Being Broke In Your First Year of College
The Balance - By Rebecca Lake
In your first year of college, you might be juggling numerous things. From attending classes and keeping up with coursework to working a part-time …
Social Security
10 First Steps for Early FAFSA Success
The Balance - Jodi Okun
Whether you like it or not, completing the FAFSA is the first step on the road to receiving financial aid for college. And, whether you like it or …
What Every Student Should Know About Paying for College
The Balance - Justin Pritchard
Education is important. Unfortunately, it’s also expensive. Most people can’t afford to pay the costs of higher education out of their savings or …