For many students, the summer is a time for family vacations, new friendships, new adventures in camps and summer learning programs, or taking summer classes to catch up or get ahead in school. For some families, affordable summer programs and camps can be a lifeline, while other families who may not be able to afford summer programs or activities…

Going to college and obtaining a college degree is an American dream. In 2006-2008, 27% of adults age 25 years or older had attained at least a bachelor's degree. This statistic would undoubtedly be higher if more potential college students had access to funds needed to cover college expenses. Lack of funds, steady overlapping college and general…

Provided are suggestions for parents to take to pay for their children's college education. Making systematic payments to a college fund, setting up a Clifford Trust, zero-coupons, and other areas (such as part-time student employment) are considered. Also suggests considering the cost factor of public over private institutions. (JN)

This guide to federal Direct PLUS loans for parents of students attending postsecondary education institutions begins with a list of frequently asked questions and answers. The first chapter is on the basics of what a Direct PLUS loan is and what parents need to know before applying for a Direct PLUS loan. The second chapter, which deals with…

This guide, designed for college-bound students and parents but also useful to counselors and other practitioners, provides information and a variety of practical strategies for anticipating, evaluating, and meeting college costs. An introductory section discusses the reality of college costs and the family's role in general terms. The next…

The Direct PLUS Loan is one of the low-interest loans provided by the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The U.S. Department of Education delivers loan proceeds through the student's school, and parents are responsible for repaying the Department. This booklet answers parents' questions about the loan program, including: (1) Am I…

Financial planning strategies for families who expect to pay most of their children's college costs are offered. Information on changes mandated by the 1986 Tax Reform Act is provided. Topics include: closing the gap between higher education and family savings; assessing the financial risks and rewards of investments; gifts; understanding the…

Many new loan and scholarship programs are available, most open to middle-income families. State loans and grants are increasingly attractive, aid packages are more likely to include merit scholarships and complex new financing arrangements offered by schools themselves. Families must learn to shop carefully for good, not gimmicky, aid. (MSE)

This pamphlet describes the Hope and Lifetime Learning Education Tax Credits program for students in college or vocational school. It briefly explains what a tax credit is; who is eligible to claim the credit; the difference between Hope credits and other education tax credits; what costs qualify for the credit; what the inflation-adjusted credit…

This resource paper provides an overview of postsecondary education financial aid for students with disabilities. Presented in a question and answer format, the paper covers the various types of financial aid, relevant technical words and phrases, and the process involved in financial aid disbursement. Particular attention is given to those…

This resource paper provides an overview of financial aid for postsecondary education. The discussion, reflecting information for the 1995-1996 school year, covers the various types of financial aid, the technical words and phrases used to discuss it, and the process involved in its disbursement. The paper discusses the roles and responsibilities…

A comprehensive guide to the cost of a college education today and the ways colleges and other sources can help people meet that cost is presented. All accredited institutions in the United States and U.S. territories offering full 4- or 5-year baccalaureate degree programs are included except institutions with primarily part-time, correspondence,…

Sources of funds for students at private colleges are assessed, along with major changes in student financial aid during 1979-1984, based on the Student Aid Recipient Data Bank of the National Institute of Independent Colleges and Universities. A random sample of actual student financial aid records was examined in order to show how aid is…

This brochure suggests steps students and parents can take to secure financial aid for higher education. The document contains six sections which cover: (1) types of aid available, including grants and scholarships, work-study programs, and loans; (2) determination of aid eligibility, a process including a demonstration of financial need (or merit…

This resource book is designed to help parents plan ahead, with their child and child's teachers and counselors, to ensure appropriate academic preparation for college. Planning financially for the costs of a college education is addressed. A question and answer format addresses topics related to each chapter heading. Chapters and topics addressed…