Financial Literacy

Who wants more tax breaks? Everybody.Who deserves a greater tax break on the cost of college tuition? All current and future college parents and that means you, the members of College Parents of America.One of our greatest priorities in the coming months will be to push in Congress the dual notion of greater tax deductibility for the cost of college, and universal eligibility for taking advantage of those deductions.

Overview Prior to 529 plans, UGMA/UTMA was the most tax efficient manner to save for college and transfer wealth to children and grandchildren. UGMA stands for The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, and UTMA stands for The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. UGMA and UTMA are virtually similar in all respects. Purpose of UGMA/UTMA UGMA […]

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.

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.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reports on the risks within and surrounding college life are very real.

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 […]

We value the good work and analysis of the Urban Institute on trends that impact access to the benefits of education. The value of a college degree has never been higher, but as we have often stated the value of a college education must be rational and include a discussion on college affordability for families […]

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.

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.

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.

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.

83% of families believe students will earn more money with a college degree.

Becoming a college parent for the first time brings a number of new things.  New language, new customers and even new legal rights for your student.  One of our purposes is to help college families avoid surprises. So this post aims to clarify some of the most common topics.   

Our bi-annual research on College Parents consistently finds that paying for college is most often the 2nd largest expense in the life of a family.  Next to purchasing a home, paying for college can be a daunting event.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Over the past twenty-years, much of the work of College Parents of America has been focused on highlighting research and promoting actionable insights for families to support their college student through to graduation.  As a result, it is noteworthy to see Allianz Global Assistance, publish research into the confidence college families and students have in higher education. 

How America Pays for College 2017, a national study by Sallie Mae® and Ipsos, looks at undergraduate families’ attitudes toward college, how much they spent, and the sources they used to pay for it. Did you know scholarships and grants cover 35% of college costs? That’s the largest share in a decade. Nearly half (49%) […]