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College finance

	Unexpected ways to save for college Need help paying for college? Try these savvy, nontraditional ways to save money. Make the most of your FAFSA application CSS Profile: How to maximize financial aid 7 lesser-known financial aid programs

	Recent college finance stories
	10 college degrees that yield high-paying jobs Math and science degrees lead to rewarding jobs. These other majors do, too. Where do all your college tuition dollars go? Yes, those thousands of dollars spent on tuition seem absurd, but here's where it all goes. 6 things to know about private student loans When in college, a private loan to cover extra costs seems like a good idea. But watch out. When a grad student is a freshman in borrowing Here's a crash course in student loans if grad school will be your first time taking on debt. Students face big financial aid changes in 2012 Fewer students will qualify for grant money, and federal student loans will get more expensive. Is going to college really worth the cost? With tuition bills and loan defaults on the rise, more students wonder if college is worth it. Will prepaid tuition money move with us? If a family changes states, the old one may still be used for the kids' prepaid tuition accounts. Beat student debt blues: Get a job pre-diploma Reduce the risk of student loan default by landing a job before you even finish college. Financial aid opportunities for older students Older adults might have an advantage over traditional college students in getting college aid. When in Rome, save for college in US A family living in Rome half of the year can use several college savings vehicles in the U.S. Prepaid student ID cards making the grade? A hybrid payment product lets student IDs double as prepaid cards. Here's what to know. 12 smart tips to finance college costs in 2012 Finding college financing takes time and research. Use this guide to get the most help. College loans: Graduate then consolidate? Bogged down by college debt? A financial aid guru weighs in on loan consolidation. Back to school? College aid for older students Age isn't a barrier when it comes to financial aid for college, if you know where to look. Don't make your 529 plan distribution taxing Want to keep your earnings from being taxed on a 529 plan distribution? Here's what to know. A dozen unusual scholarships for students Scholarships abound for students with interests in everything from sheep to duct tape fashions. 529 college savings plans: 2 are better than 1 Ex-spouses can open separate college savings plans for a child. Here's how to iron out the details. Students score top discount perks Don't pay full price when you're a student. From laptops to new clothes, student discounts abound. 3 ways to cash in on 529 plans College savings plans can work for and against you. Get the most out of yours. 10 ways to pay college tuition in 2011 College is pricey. Get schooled in these creative cost-cutting strategies. Is it smart to buy tuition insurance? Your investment can be protected if your scholar withdraws from college, but consider the caveats. Raid 529 college plan to pay down debts? With college paid by the GI Bill, direct your 529 to trim debt unless tax issues arise. Financial aid timeline for the college-bound High school seniors should start lining up financial aid now. This timeline can keep you on track. Life insurance or 529 for college savings? Weigh the pros and cons of using a cash value life insurance policy over a 529 plan. Pros and cons of prepaid tuition plans While most states assume the risk of prepaid plans, they're not risk-free for families. Raid 529 to pay off student loan? You can pay off a student loan with a college savings plan, but it may be a taxing matter. Gifts for the high school graduate With their generous gifts, relatives may unwittingly negate a grad's financial aid. No parents, no financial aid (mostly) There are instances where you can file for aid without parents, but they're slim and grim. 4 strategies for resetting college savings Will your 529 plan cover college? If you're not sure, look for new ways to pay for school. Ace college financing while in high school Your high school kids can enhance their college financial aid chances with these tasks. 9 stealthy 529 plan fees to avoid There are fees attached to college savings plans, but these charges might sneak by you. Do you need a financial aid consultant? With tuition prices increasing, a private consultant could get you more college cash -- or not. Debt-free college degree There are many benefits to getting a college degree. Here's how to be debt-free and educated. Is a 529 plan right for college savings? Do some homework before determining the best tax-advantaged college savings plan. Taxes on bonds used to pay college Claiming the education tax exclusion on savings bonds depends on who the owner is. Is there a way out for student co-signer? Some private student loans allow a co-signer to be removed under certain conditions. Age-based 529 plan adjusts automatically Convert your 529 assets to less-risky choices as your child gets older. When 529 plans aren't the right choice A 529 plan doesn't fit everyone. Here are some alternatives when it's not the best option. Timing Section 529 withdrawals The IRS has specific rules about when to withdraw from a 529 for college expenses. Convert IRA to 529 for college? Using an IRA to pay for college could trigger taxes, but you can avoid a penalty. Coverdells offer investing flexibility Coverdells have some advantages over 529 plans. Find out whether they could work for you. Can 529 fund graduate school? The 529 account isn't limited to undergraduate expenses, if you follow the rules. Roth IRA or 529 plan for college savings? Prepaid college plans can trump college savings plans, but there are limitations. 529 college savings plans reduce fees Many states are cutting 529 plan fees. It might be time to look at changing plans. The rising costs of college Skyrocketing college costs are definitely daunting, but there’s more than one silver lining in the cloud. College tax break tied to student's status Parents are not eligible for the education tax exclusion unless one fact is true about their child.

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Stafford Loan Rate-in school average
6.80%

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Student Loan Averages

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
Stafford Loan Rate-in school	3.40%		4.50%
Stafford Loan Rate-after school	6.80%		7.14%
Plus Loan Rate	7.90%		8.50%
$30K home equity loan FICO	6.19%		6.17%

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ByJoseph Hurley

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College finance

Unexpected ways to save for college

Recent college finance stories