Study abroad experience in college can be a life changing experience that brings many benefits, including making new friends and seeing new places. It gives you an opportunity to develop skills that look great on a resume, such as cross-cultural communication, independence, flexibility, and foreign language skills. It can be a great experience to live somewhere new and have a …
Federal Work Study Explained
In advance of the academic year, students receive notice of their financial aid awards, which outlines any grants, scholarships and federal loans they qualify for. In addition to these items, qualifying students will be notified of an additional Federal Work Study (“FWS”) Program option. FWS is considered earned aid as students work part-time jobs and is specifically designed to provide …
Budgeting Lessons
Budgeting and financial discussions may not be the most exciting topic for young adults, but studies show the earlier you introduce financial literacy to your children, the more likely they are to have long-term financial success. Here are a few topics to discuss with your children about having a disciplined approach to earning, spending and saving to foster great money …
College Interview Basics
For some students, the college interview may be their first ever formal interview with a prize on the line: admission to the college. An interview can be an important piece of the admission puzzle, along with academics and extra curriculars, and may even help maximize your student’s merit-based financial aid (free money awarded by the college, not based on family …
End of Year College Savings Tips
It’s never too early or too late to save for college. Here are four tips to help bump up your college savings accounts before the end of the year. Tip 1: Find Loose Change (and Many Dollars) in your Checking Account Review the automatic payments connected to your checking account and cancel those services and subscriptions you don’t regularly use or …
College Selection Criteria
College selection can be very difficult and often an emotional decision. Use the criteria below to help assess logical factors that can help lead to a confident final decision. Cost of tuition With the rising cost of college, it’s no surprise that students and their families still consider the total cost of tuition and fees as the top factor when …
College Spending Tips
The total cost of college is rising across the country, but tuition and housing aren’t the only expenses college students need to plan for. Other expenses such as books, groceries, transportation and entertainment can add up quickly. Use these tips to help budget and manage spending. Books: The average college student spends up to $1,200 on textbooks each year, according …
Managing the Demands of College
Balancing your studies, social life, job, and health while in college can be difficult. Take control of your time and achieve your goals more effectively with these time management tips! The most important thing to realize is that you have the power to decide what you want to accomplish with your time every day. School work should be your …
College Housing – What are the Options?
Making a choice about housing during college years can be a stressful process for students transitioning out of high school. Weigh the options carefully and consider personal, social, and financial needs to help ease the decision-making process. Simply understanding your options will keep you from being overwhelmed! There are pros and cons for each, so let’s take a look. Living …
Are there savings plans specifically to pay for education?
Are there savings plans specifically to pay for education? In honor of 529 Day (May 29th), let’s take a look at a few savings options families have to pay for education: 529 Plans Two types of qualified tuition plans Prepaid tuition plans Locks in tuition prices at eligible colleges and universities Pays for tuition, mandatory fees, and sometimes room and …