Resources

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College Admissions Acronyms & Terms

Our comprehensive list of acronyms along with definitions for popular terms related to the college admissions process can be found here.
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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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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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“My Young Adult is F.I.N.E.”

How we can ask more specific questions to ensure that our young adults aren’t struggling in silence and be honest about what they’re experiencing in higher education. When asking “How are you?” to your young adult, have you ever wondered if there’s something more behind the curtains of their “I’m fine” answer?  I wish I […]
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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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Our Gratitude for High School Counselors

A recent story by National Public Radio brought attention to the enormous value high school counselors provide within our schools and to our students and families.
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5 Questions Every Parent, Student Should Ask About Campus Safety

College families and their students are wise to consider some practical questions about campus safety.
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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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2017-18 – College Parents Handbook for Student Success

We are delighted to publish the 2017-18 College Parent Handbook for Student Success. This publication marks the 20th-anniversary milestone of the founding of our organization.  Since our founding, more than one million families have been served by our membership benefits and services.  In the past 20 years, college has changed dramatically.  What hasn't changed is College Parents of America's focus on our mission to help students succeed in school as well as after graduation.
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Data Reveals – What is College Really Like

College Parents often ask what is college life really like. With polarized politics, rising student debt, mental health concerns, and increased institutional efforts to confront and prevent campus sexual assault represent some of the heated national topics that colleges and universities helped us measure in 2016. One resource we greatly respect is the Higher Education […]
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Social Networks & Friends May Affect Student Success

As college parents, we have witnessed the influence of our children's friends. From elementary school to high school many of us have taken steps to encourage certain friendships or even to discourage other friendships.
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Insights & Tips for Considering A Gap Year

We often discuss the types of productive conversations parents can have with their children.  We spend enormous time and energy discussing where students should attend college and the importance of “fit” for students and their families. College Parents of America long-held position is to suggest all families explore not just where your student wants to […]
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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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Prepare Your Child for a Job-Producing College Experience

A parent of a college sophomore is starting a support group called "No Basement- Dwelling Grads." Having seen his friends find their empty nests refilled by children who do "well" in college but are unable to get jobs, he doesn't want it to happen to him. Studies show that about 60% of college graduates move back home.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships – What We Do

At College Parents of America, we: