Paying for College

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Discounts or Scholarships? 50% off a College Education?

It may sound strange, but if your family received a “scholarship” to buy a car would it lead you to buy it?  We encourage college parents to consider the implications for your own college admissions experience and be careful to understand the difference between a true scholarship from what would otherwise be viewed as a […]
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Financial Literacy for Parents and Students

Dear Parents:When your children leave home for college, they will face a host of new experiences and responsibilities. As a parent, you recognize that now they will be "on their own" to tackle life's basic functions - at the same time that they are adjusting to a new environment and new freedoms. To help your student in this transition, he/she should know the "financial facts of life" before opening that first checking account or making that first purchase on credit.
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The Path to Influence

Last week, in this column, I wrote about the upcoming “road to reauthorization” for the Higher Education Act, certain provisions of which are already being considered in the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee, chaired by Rep. John Boehner of Ohio.
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Balancing Cash, Savings and Financing Options to Pay for College Costs

You were ecstatic when she was awarded that merit scholarship. Even better when she still got a need-based grant. She accepted the admission offer, and then life was a swirl of senior year ceremonies, graduation, parties, and maximizing her last summer before going off to college. You hadn’t really thought more about college costs until […]
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How to Develop Good Spending Habits in College

Balancing fun and finances is never easy, especially in college. During these memorable years, students should balance their education and social lives.So, what exactly is the best way to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a healthy financial future during and after school? For the most success in developing great spending habits and making intelligent […]
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FAFSA Tips – Do it Early & Honestly

FAFSA can equal money for college parents. However it is best if you file early and take care to answer honestly. Those are always topics we aim to discuss in a clear and transparent way for college parents.
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FAFSA Tips – Cashing In On College Aid

For parents of high school seniors or college students, Thanksgiving is a good time to complete the FAFSA.  This free online government form unlocks a world of financial aid alternatives for your college student and family.
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Five Practical Financial Tips for College Students

College can be one of the best times of your life, albeit stressful and difficult at times, but a valuable point in one’s personal life and growth.  College can also be one of the most expensive.  As we have written before, the average 2016 college grad left college with $37,172 in student debt.  Here are five practical financial tips for college students.
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National Survey of College Parents

We are pleased to share the results of the 2016 biennial survey of college parents. The findings of this report are consistent with our prior the two prior research studies and confirms that “college families are an important source of support for increasing student success and college completion.” The 2016 survey of more than 510 College Parents conducted by College Parents of America through internet channels and subscribers in late June of 2016. We have a high degree of confidence that the survey is directionally correct and will be valuable to colleges and universities as well as other stakeholders interested in increasing rates of college completion.
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FAFSA – Do it Early & Honestly

FAFSA can equal money for college parents. However it is best if you file early and take care to answer honestly. Those are always topics we aim to discuss in a clear and transparent way for college parents.
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Students and Families Pay More Out of Pocket as Grant Aid Fails to Keep Up with Moderate Increases in Tuition and Fees

All college parents and families will benefit from the insights from the annual Trends in Higher Education report by the College Board.  The capacity of families to contribute to an ever-growing cost of college is a pressing matter that is seen best in the context of general wage stagnation contained in this 2017 report.
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Report: Highlights the importance of College Completion to Young Adult Financial Health

A college degree is a powerful asset," said Jack Remondi, President & CEO of Navient, in a statement. "But, borrowing for college and not graduating, has lasting negative consequences.
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Five Financial Tips for College Students

College can be one of the best times of your life, albeit stressful and difficult at times, but a valuable point in one’s personal life and growth.  College can also be one of the most expensive.  As we have written before, the average 2016 college grad left college with $37,172 in student debt.  Here are five practical financial tips for college students.
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What will happen if your college student has to withdraw from college?

The American College Health Association annual survey on National College Health student health reports incidents such as illnesses, accidents, and injuries can frequently happen, even to young and healthy college students. The good news is that college families can protect their investment by purchasing tuition insurance coverage starting at $29.95 for $2,500 per term.
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Understanding Award Letters

Many times — maybe too many — high school seniors are just so happy to be accepted to their dream school that they don’t give a second thought to the financial implications of their college choice. Then reality sinks in when they start digging into the details of college award letters. At College Parents of America, […]
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The Importance of Filing the FAFSA Early and Honestly

Money. Money for college. Those are always topics we aim to discuss in a clear and transparent way for college parents. First, financial aid isn't always as simple as qualifying according to need--when you file also matters. Also, defrauding the government with regard to financial aid is a terrible idea.
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Latest College Board Trends Report: Students Are Borrowing Less, Paying More for College

We applaud the good work of The College Board to publish meaningful data on college pricing and financial aid. The annual Trends in College Pricing and Trends in Student Aid report, illustrates that while the increase in the average published tuition and fees across colleges and universities is not as sharp as it has been […]
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College Affordability & Student Loan Insurance

As a result, it seems prudent to consider why it is acceptable to place 100% of the burden of a student loan on a student when the school received the financial benefit and would potentially act differently if they shared the risk of student success. College Parents of America welcomes this discussion. It is timely for the United States to consider how we increase the capacity of our citizens to contribute and compete in a global economy.
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2016 Survey of College Parents

We are pleased to share the results of the 2016 biennial survey of college parents. The findings of this report are consistent with our prior the two prior research studies and confirms that “college families are an important source of support for increasing student success and college completion.” The 2016 survey of more than 510 College Parents conducted by College Parents of America through internet channels and subscribers in late June of 2016. We have a high degree of confidence that the survey is directionally correct and will be valuable to colleges and universities as well as other stakeholders interested in increasing rates of college completion.
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FAFSA Tips – Do it Early & Honestly

FAFSA can equal money for college parents. However it is best if you file early and take care to answer honestly. Those are always topics we aim to discuss in a clear and transparent way for college parents.