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With college costs continuing to rise at an alarming rate, more and more parents and students are finding that the funds they've earmarked for college are coming up short. New from the education experts at U.S. News & World Report comes the complete guide to understanding the college financing maze and solving the problem of how to pay for it all.What College Really Costs explains the ins and outs of the myriad higher education financing vehicles and reveals the creative ways people are reducing their tuition bills. In clear language and with a focus on practical information parents can use, the education experts at America's most reputed college evaluator explain:-The basics of the college financial aid process-The truth about where the free money is and how to nab that sought-after scholarship-Long-term financing strategies, including tax-advantaged savings accounts (529s), prepaid tuition plans and more-Last-minute strategies for parents and students-Plus full appendices listing the key details of every state's 529 savings plan and indices showing you which schools offer the best value and the most free money-and where students graduate with the least debt burden
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Did you know?- Private schools can cost $150,000 for four years- Tuition and state schools can go up 15 percent in one year- A student's debt can range from $6,000 to $40,000With college costs continuing to rise at an alarming rate, students and parents are finding that the funds they've earmarked for college are coming up short. From the education experts at U.S. News & World Report comes the complete guide to understanding the college financing maze and solving the problem of how to pay for it all. Readers will find expert advice plus the most up-to-date figures on costs for more than 1,400 colleges and universities.What College Really Costs reveals the priciest and cheapest schools; which schools offer the best educational value and the most free need- and merit-based money; and where students graduate with the least debt burden. Also, an extensive directory features comprehensive profiles of more than 1,400 colleges, listing tuition, fees, and room and board; financial aid filing deadlines; estimated costs of all expenses; average financial aid packages and sports scholarships, and more.With a focus on practical information parents can use, the book explains:- The basics of the college financial aid process- Creative ways people are reducing tuition bills - The truth about where the free money is and how to nab that sought-after scholarship- How to strategically apply to the schools that will grant the greatest amount of financial aid - Long-term financing strategies, including tax-advantaged savings accounts (529s), prepaid tuition plans, and more- Last-minute strategies for parents and students
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