Several universities that we have visited have stressed the importance of getting you FAFSA completed in January. If we don't have all of our financial and tax information yet, how can we complete the application that early? — Claudia G. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. While the federal ...

Income-based Repayment Who: 1.6 million borrowers since 2008 with at least one loan in 2012 or later, generally borrowers whose total federal student loans exceeds their annual income What: Reduces cap on monthly loan payments by a third, from 15% of discretionary income to 10%, and forgives the remaining debt in 20 years instead of 25 When: Starts in 2012 ...

If she wanted to save money on tuition, Erin Patterson had to make some money quickly. As an out-of-state student at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Patterson needed to earn a certain amount on her W-2 in order to claim residency and thus lower her tuition bill. “I had no intention of becoming a resident of Missouri when I started college, but ...

I have twin daughters going to college in the fall. The annual tab (for both girls) after scholarships will be $58,000 in loans per year for four years. We have saved $47,000 for the first year and anticipate being able to save about $12,000 per year to apply towards payments over the three remaining years. This leaves us looking for loans ...

A common scholarship myth is that millions of dollars go unclaimed each year, and it is exactly that: a myth. But there’s another way to save money that has gone untapped by thousands of students and their families, a source of help “hidden” in plain sight. It’s so hidden, students failed to take advantage of millions of dollars in benefits, according ...

Parents of college students face added financial pressure. The federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loan can alleviate some of that pressure. The PLUS is a loan for parents and family members to help cover the education costs for dependent college students. PLUS loans cover up to the total cost of undergraduate education not already covered by financial aid for ...

"I am a college sophomore and I pay for school myself. For the last two years, I have used my parents' tax information on the FAFSA. Since I pay for school myself without any help from my parents, should I list only my own tax information to be eligible for more aid?" This is a common question about the FAFSA: When ...

I am a single parent of three children. One is a junior in college, the middle child will be attending college next year. I have always completed the FAFSA for my oldest daughter, claiming her as my dependent. Her father and and I have split the cost of out-of-pocket expenses. This past year, however, her father took me back to court ...

You've calculated tuition costs, figured in room, board and books. You've even checked out scholarships and grants, filled out the FAFSA and budgeted for day-to-day expenses like groceries and laundry money. You've covered all your financial bases. Yet even with careful planning, you may encounter college costs that take you by surprise. These costs crop up in the form of "miscellaneous ...

Sallie Mae and Gallup just released the results of a survey of how American families save for college. The survey found that most parents are continuing to save for college despite the economy and that saving for college slightly trails saving for retirement. More than 9 in 10 of the parents (92%) think that it is likely or very likely that ...

A computer for college is essential but can add a hefty expense to your budget, so choose wisely. Consider these points when computer shopping: Desktop or Laptop? Laptops are more portable and since many campuses and public areas provide wireless Internet service, you won’t be limited to your dorm room to work. If your courses will involve travel or fieldwork, a ...

We asked FastWeb members whether they would consider staying in their home state after graduation if it meant they wouldn't have to pay back their student loans and here's what they had to say: "I definitely would stay in my home state for loan forgiveness. I have personally already been a college graduate for a year and see this as ...

Did you know that your children’s credit scores may be more important to their future than their academic transcripts? Or that 68 percent of high school and college students say they have never had a meaningful conversation with their parents about personal finances? What’s your reaction to an Indiana University administrator candidly admitting that they lose more students to credit cards ...

Academic Year: The period in which school is in session - typically September through May. Accrual Date: The date on which interest charges on an educational loan begin to accrue. Adjusted Available Income: The remaining income after taxes and a basic living allowance have been subtracted (in the Federal Methodology). Assets: Cash in checking and savings accounts, trusts, stocks, bonds, other ...

I have been divorced for more than 10 years and receive a small amount of child support from my ex-husband. At the time of the divorce, I agreed to let my him claim my daughter on his income tax return during the odd years. He does not cooperate with any other expenses, so the bulk falls on me. He is anxiously ...

You're about to have a baby and you're already worrying about how to pay for their college education. Or your son or daughter just started high school and you read about some private colleges costing more than $50,000 a year. How are you going to be able to afford four years of a college education? Don't panic! The solution is to ...

With President Barack Obama's inauguration, many people are looking forward to the changes he promised during his campaign in 2008. He set specific goals in evolving the college application and attendance process. One specific plan is the American Opportunity Tax Grant. Another is the elimination of the FAFSA. President Obama and Vice President Biden hope to streamline the process of applying ...

My husband earns about $125,000 in salary and I am a stay at home mom. My husband just changed jobs and got his deferred salary and his retirement from 25 years of employment, so last year's income looks huge when it really wasn't. We also have a 19-year-old child with autism who lives in a group situation with social and living ...

Too much of a good thing can be bad, as Shakespeare demonstrated, and the axiom is true of student borrowing for college. Students may believe it is difficult enough worrying about the big exam next week or whom to take to the spring dance. Yet students must stretch themselves and imagine a much greater consequence, years into the future, when they ...

Last year my family had low income ($40,000) but high assets. The assets include $1 million in properties, other investments, the primary home, car, 401(k), IRA and pension plan. How are the assets counted for determining need-based financial aid? — S.S. Certain types of assets are not reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For example, the net ...