Paying for College Articles

12 Strategies for Smart Student Loan Borrowing

Is your goal to graduate with little to no debt? These 12 strategies for smart borrowing are a great place to start. Learn about gift aid, tuition payment plans, and how to minimize student loan debt.

College Financing Checklist for High School Seniors

Planning for college financing early is one of the smartest steps you can take to prepare for your future. Starting early gives you and your family more time to explore your options, apply for scholarships, and understand the costs. It helps you avoid surprise expenses and creates a clear path for how to pay for your education.

Family Financial Planning for College

Planning for college expenses is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your family’s financial future. Even if college might seem like a long way off, the costs can add up quickly. By planning now, you're setting yourself and your child up for success.

What to Ask Your College About Financial Aid

Financial aid is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for college. It’s the key to knowing how you’ll pay for your education and avoid unnecessary financial stress in the future.

Where to Get a Free College Education

The rising costs of a college education have become a significant concern for students and families alike, with tuition and fees increasing dramatically over the past decade. Finding free college education opportunities can relieve this pressure, making higher education accessible to a broader range of students.

Parent Involvement: How Families Can Support College Financing

Paying for college is a big step, and it works best when families come together as a team. When everyone is on the same page, it becomes easier to figure out how to pay for tuition, books, and other expenses.

Strategies for Parents Supporting Their Child's College Education

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but starting early can make a big difference for you and your child. Planning ahead gives you more time to save money, explore scholarships, and prepare for the costs of higher education.

Choosing the Right College: Financial Fit Matters

Selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life, and while academics and campus culture often take center stage, financial fit is a critical factor that should never be overlooked.

Pros and Cons: Borrowing From My 401K to Pay for College

Find out why students and parents should or should not borrow from a 401k retirement plan to finance a college education.

Can You Get Student Loans for Online College

You may be excited to know that you can use federal student aid, federal student loans, and private loans to cover the cost of attending many online colleges.

Free Money for College

Paying for college can be challenging. There are a number of resources to help by providing free money in the form of scholarships, grants or reimbursement.

HELOC to Pay Off Student Loans

Should you use a HELOC to pay your student loans? While it may seem tempting, it also puts your home on the line. Could student loan refinancing be a better solution? Understand what you will be sacrificing if you use a HELOC to pay your student loans and explore other options.

How to Graduate with Little or No Debt

Most college students take out loans to pay for their education. Learn ways to reduce or eliminate your student loan debt.

How to Pay for a Second Bachelor's Degree

You can secure financial aid to help you obtain your second undergraduate degree starting with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

How to Pay for College

Learn the variety of ways students and parents can pay for college both with and without student loans.

Best Ways to Pay for College Without Financial Aid

Paying for college without financial aid is difficult, but it’s not impossible. Here are 5 ways to pay for college without student loans or financial aid.

How to Start a Side Hustle for Extra Cash to Pay for College

Starting a side hustle or side gig while in college is not only a great way to earn extra income for to help pay for your education, but it also offers the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and experiences. Here are a few steps to begin your entrepreneurial journey.

Paying College Tuition with a Credit Card

Paying tuition with a credit card might be tempting, but swiping can come with a catch. Look out for these drawbacks before pulling out that card!

Strategies for Paying for Private College

When paying for private college, there are many important considerations you will want to keep in mind. First and foremost, the cost of tuition should be taken into account as this will be the single largest expense. The cost of attendance will also include: room and board, textbooks, supplies, meals and other education-related expenses.

Tuition Payment Plans

A tuition payment plan or installment plan splits your bill into equal payments, usually for a small fee. Find out if a tuition payment plan is right for you.

What is a 529 Plan?

A 529 plan, also known as a college savings plan, is a plan that allows you to save and pay for the future education of yourself, your child, a family member, or even friend.