College finance | Student Loan Advice
Follow Us:
 
Bankrate.com

College finance

What you need to know about 529 plans

These college savings plans can aid your family. They're also complicated.
Full Story

Recent college finance stories

Maximize financial aid by filling out FAFSA
Score the most financial aid by knowing what assets count against you on the FAFSA form.
Private college students: Tackle the CSS Profile
Filling out the CSS Profile may result in a lucrative award for private college students.
Prepaid student ID cards making the grade?
A hybrid payment product lets student IDs double as prepaid cards. Here's what to know.
7 lesser-known financial aid programs
Tap these little-known resources to maximize the college aid you might otherwise miss.
12 smart tips to finance college costs in 2012
Finding college financing takes time and research. Use this guide to get the most help.
10 college degrees that yield high-paying jobs
Math and science degrees lead to rewarding jobs. Try these majors.
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.
10 best colleges for the money
Some of the schools boast low tuition, while others offer handsome financial aid packages.
Is college worth the cost?
With tuition bills and loan defaults on the rise, more students are questioning conventional wisdom.
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.
College savings: 529 plan or Roth?
What is the best way to save for college? The answer differs from family to family.
New college financing rules in place
Rules that went into effect this summer change the college financing picture for the better.
Strategies to minimize college tuition
Spending too much on college can burden you for years. Here's how to cut costs and still get a great education.
College loans swamp out-of-work dad
A jobless father wonders how he'll pay off $70,000 in school loans for his children.
Student loans
Find a 529 plan by state
Compare Student Loan Rates



About our rates
advertisement
About this index
Student Loan Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
Stafford Loan Rate-in school 6.80%
6.80%
Stafford Loan Rate-after school 6.80%
6.80%
Plus Loan Rate 8.50%
8.50%
30K FICO-based Home Equity Loan 6.42%
6.42%
View rates in your area:
ByJoseph Hurley
College Money Guru»
Steve R. Bucci (debt)college
Transferring a grandparent's 529 plan to the parents can help them in several ways. Find out how.
View more Bankrate Advisers »
advertisement
Partner Center
advertisement
RSS icon
Subscribe:RSS Feeds