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 ...

Tom is a graduate student at a Midwestern university completing a major research and writing project on student credit card debt. When Tom was in college, he built up $15,000 of credit card debt because he never learned how to use credit cards responsibly. In some ways, Tom was fortunate. He didn’t suffer many of the consequences of getting into that ...

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 ...

The price of textbooks has risen at twice the rate of inflation (.pdf) over the last 20 years according to the Government Accountability Office. Even used books don't soften the blow. What's a student with a bruised bank account to do? Net Yourself a Used Textbook Amazon, Abebooks and eBay are familiar resources. Other Web sites (like Campusi) list available titles ...

The federal government's newest rate cut could have an impact on some student loans. Learn how it could affect your student loans below. Q: How do I know whether this rate cut affects me? A: The rate cut will affect recently-graduated students for whom ALL THREE of the following are true: 1. You're within the six-month grace period following graduation AND ...

The United States is home to the world’s most expensive higher education system. So says the College Board, an educational testing and services group. That probably doesn’t surprise you, especially if you are among those paying or preparing to pay the average of $5,800 a year in tuition to attend a four-year public university. (That figure skyrockets to an average of ...

Last week, a friend and fellow writer had problems finding a captivating intro to his article. “Write about toothpaste,” I said helpfully. He looked at me. I shrugged, “Hey, everybody’s got teeth.” The fact is, not everyone has teeth. But I think everyone — at some point or another — has money. I have about as much of the sweet stuff ...

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 ...

You've probably already calculated tuition bills and costs for room and board. Yet the hidden costs of college — from pizza to airfare, from library fines to laundry money — can easily add up to another $2,000 per year. To get a handle on those extras, you'll want to put together a monthly budget that estimates your costs. Be sure to ...

Recent changes on popular student loan programs will affect recent college graduates, incoming college freshman and parents too. Interest Rates Up As of July 1, new Stafford loans carry a fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent for the life of the loan. Previously, Stafford loans had a variable interest rate that was adjusted every July and a lower interest rate while ...