Archive for the ‘Paying for College’ Category

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The Easiest Way To Earn Savings For College.

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
Buying clothes can help you earn college savings

Sales are even better when they're earning you savings for college.

Did you know that earning savings for college can be as easy as pulling out your credit card and making a purchase?

It’s true! By signing up for Upromise and shopping with its partners, you can get up to 25 percent back on the purchases you make. Even better, the college savings you earn are tax free!

Sounds crazy, right? But don’t worry, Upromise is completely legitimate—in fact, it’s the brainchild of  the people at Sallie Mae (which runs federal student loan programs, among other things).

So, how does it earn you savings for college?

First, you have to create an account. That involves giving them some basic information, including which debit/credit cards you want to use to earn college savings. After your registration is complete, there are three super easy ways you can start getting savings for college:

  • Use the Upromise portal to shop online at any of their 800 partner sites
  • Download  eCoupons onto your shopper cards and use them when you shop at your local supermarkets and drugstores
  • Register as a Preferred Diner and eat at participating restaurants

Even better? You can invite your friends and family to be part of your Upromise account, too. When they do, you’ll earn additional college savings every time they shop!

Keeping track of  your college savings.

Wondering where all those savings for college go? The answer is anywhere you want them to!

Upromise gives you four ways to use the college savings you earn:

  • Have your college savings deposited in a 529 college savings account
  • Have your savings for college deposited in a high-yield savings account
  • Use your savings to pay down a student loan
  • Receive your college savings directly in the form of a monthly check

Cashing in on the savings for college you earn with Upromise.

The college savings in your Upromise account can be used for whomever you designate as the beneficiary – your children, a friend or family member, or even yourself! It also never expires, so whether you’re saving for a two-year-old or  a fifteen-year-old, the money will be there when you need it. Plus, you can use it however you see fit – for tuition, books, even room and board!

So if you could use some easy savings for college, open a Upromise account. You’ve got nothing to lose – and a whole lot of college savings to gain.

And don’t forget, you’ll get all the latest advice on saving for college on our blog, so subscribe today!

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Posted in Financial Aid, Online Tools, Paying for College, Scholarships | 4 Comments »

3 Reasons Why You Should Use Your Summer to Search for College Scholarships

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Whether attending the most affordable college is in your future or not, you can make life so much easier on yourself if you start finding and apply for scholarships during the summer! My College Guide has three reasons why you should stop procrastinating and start filling out those college scholarship applications.

Don't wait until the last minute to search for great college scholarships!

Don't wait until the last minute to search for great college scholarships!

College Scholarship Search

There’s a lot of scholarships out there. Sure, you may qualify for academic merit scholarships later, but why take the chance? Don’t wait until the last minute to search for scholarships and and apply! Get ahead of the game now to make it easier on you later.

Exhaust Your Search – There are many, many, MANY college scholarship websites. Besides the usual scholarship websites, there are plenty of other places where you can find college scholarships! By starting your search now over the summer, you can use all the resources at your disposal. When other students are going to wait until their senior year of high school and rush through websites and applications, you can use your time wisely now and search for free money for college.

More Time for Searching – As your high school years go by, you’ll have more and more to do! Start searching for college scholarships early in your high school career when it’s easier to fit in. Right now? You don’t have to fill out college applications, write your personal statement, or visit colleges (although you could). You won’t need to join the club of panicked Seniors who waste their time applying for everything under the sun (even when it doesn’t fit). Instead, you can take your time applying to scholarships now to make Senior year that much easier!

Improve Your Chances of Winning – Not only will you become better at applying for scholarships, but you will increase your odds at snagging one! Applying to scholarships may not be the most fun way to spend your summer, but racking up the free money to pay for college certainly is! You’ll become better at figuring out what an application is asking of you and proficient at deciding whether or not it’s something that fits. Waiting until the last minute? It’s never a good idea.

Make Any College The Most Affordable College

Scholarships add up. It only makes sense to use your summer wisely now. Start thinking “college” now so that in the not too distance future, the college you choose will be the most affordable college!

Image Courtesy of Flickr, Kalexanderson.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!

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Posted in Paying for College, Scholarships | 3 Comments »

5 Great College Scholarships for the Writer in You

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Do you have a love for the written word? We get it. What we also know is that there are many great college scholarships out there that are perfect for those with a knack for writing. We’ve rounded up a few we think you’ll love!

When saving isn't enough...great college scholarships for writers!

When saving isn't enough...great college scholarships for writers!

Great Essay Scholarships

If writing is your thing, then applying for scholarships may actually be fun! While there are loads of unusual college scholarships out there, for the most part, the majority of scholarships still involve an essay. Here’s 5 college scholarships that might be your way of making any school the most affordable college!

The Ronald Reagan Essay Contest — Any Minnesota students out there? Whether you attend a public or private high school or are a homeschooled student, this essay is for you! Each year, you will have a different question to answer in no more than 1200 words. Yes, that is double-spaced. The first place winner snags $5,000 bucks. There are 3 places and 3  runner-up awards.

The American Justice Essay Scholarship – Sharpen those writing skills! Washington state seniors have a chance to win from $1,000 – $3,000 dollars for college. Students with an interest in the civil justice system will enjoy this one! Simply answer the essay question that deals with the American justice system in 1,500 words or less for a chance to win!

FRA Americanism Essay Contest – Each summer, the FRA releases a new theme. Anyone from grades 7-12 can enter! There are three awards available for each grade and, yes, this does include those who are homeschooled. First place is a $5,000 savings bond.

The Fountainhead Essay Contest – Ready for a challenge? Grab a copy of the Ayn Rand novel that fits your grade level. Select an essay question to answer—there’s three to choose from. You’ll be competing with other contestants from around the world so make sure you’ve proofread. A lot. Netting first prize would make you $10,000 richer!

The Good News

Don’t think it ends here. We’ve got all sorts of tips to help you turn in a scholarship application that shines! Wouldn’t you like free money for college? Winning the right college scholarship can make any school the most affordable college.

Image Courtesy of Flickr, enggul.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!

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Posted in Paying for College, Scholarships | No Comments »

Paying for Your Master’s Degree Online

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Considering going back to college and completing your master’s degree online? My College Guide has advice on how to pay your way through school. Plan now to make it easier later!

Paying for Your Master's Degree Online

Paying for Your Master's Degree Online

Just so you know, online courses frequently cost you less than on-campus courses—and that holds true for your master’s degree online, too! The amount of money you will need to invest can frequently be considerable less than what you would expect. In other words: it pays to shop!

Paying for Your Master’s Degree Online

You have a few options when it comes to paying for your master’s degree online.

Grants and Scholarships – While you shouldn’t rely on this method and think that it will pay all of your way through school, it never hurts to find and apply to anything and everything that matches your academic background! You can start with our list of college scholarship websites right here on My College Guide. Your school may have institution-specific scholarships that they will award you with as well!

Money in the Bank – Have a nice stash of savings? Depending on the program you choose (and if you received a few grants and/or scholarships), you might want to think about using some of your savings to pay your way. Of course, you will really want to think about whether this degree will actually improve your circumstances or not.

Private Loans – Paying interest? It’s not fun. But if you really think that going back to school and earning your master’s degree online will pay off in the long run, it just might be worth it! Look into your private loan options and see what you can find.

The Boss – What about your employer? If a master’s degree online will prove to be a huge boon to the company, many will help pick up your education tab. Check out if the company that you work for will do the same for adults going back to school like you!

Final Advice

Make sure to read our article, Three Things to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Master’s Degree Online. No matter how much money you may be able to save by earning your master’s degree online, it will still be a hefty expense. Make sure your degree will translate into higher pay for you later on!

Image Courtesy of Flickr, foreverdigital.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on master’s degree online that will get you on the road to the right career for you!

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Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Search, Distance Learning, Financial Aid, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Paying for College, Scholarships, Student Loans | No Comments »

5 Easy Ways to Save Money For College

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

If going back to school is on your To Do list, you’re probably wondering how you’ll find money for college. But don’t worry—while going back to college can be expensive, there is plenty of help available.

Money for college: where will you find it?

Money for college: where will you find it?

Federal financial aid, private student loans, and scholarships can all help ease the burden. Plus, there are tons of simple things you can do to find money for college in your budget—even if money is tight.

Did you know your refrigerator could help you find money for college?

If you’re like most Americans, a significant portion of your budget goes to food. But there are lots of little ways you can cut back—and those small contributions can really add up when it comes to finding money for school.

Learn to love those brown bags. If you routinely eat out, try packing your lunch a few days a week instead. Just think—if your average lunch costs $10, you could save up to $50 a week! That’s $2,600 a year!

Give up the daily latte. When you’re under a time crunch, it can seem easier to stop at the nearest coffee shop drive thru than to take the time to brew a pot of coffee at home. But at $4 a pop, losing those lattes can add up to a lot of money for college!

Leave the convenience foods at the store. Those pre-packaged dinners can be a lifesaver when your family’s hungry and you’re out of time. But that convenience comes at a price. Consider investing a few hours on the weekend to making freezer meals—things that you can freeze and defrost whenever you find yourself pressed for time. You’ll be amazed at how fast the savings stack up!

Is money for college hiding in your bills?

It might sound bizarre, but by taking a good look at your monthly bills, you might be able to find ways to save money for college!

Cut the cable cord. If you’re like most people, you probably spend more than a hundred dollars each month for your cable TV. But there are ways to avoid paying that huge fee. Sign up for a mail order DVD service, or invest in a device that lets you watch Internet-streaming shows right on your TV! You could easily cut your bill in half—if not more! That’s good news for adults going back to school.

Budget your utilities. By signing up for yearly “budget plans,” you can avoid those $300 heating bills or $400 electric bills. Instead, you’ll pay the same (lower) amount all year long. That could add up to hundreds of extra dollars for college!

These are just a few of the ways you can find money for college—without feeling the sting. If you take a good hard look around you, you’ll probably find plenty more!

Image Courtesy of Flickr, Colby Cosh.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on finding money for college to get you on the road to the right career for you!

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5 Reasons Applying for the Pell Grant is a Smart Move

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Applying for the Pell Grant is a great way to ease the financial burden that going back to school as an adult can cause. In fact, it’s one of the best federal student aid programs available to adult learners. My College Guide gives you five reasons why!

Trying to figure out how to pay for college? Applying for the Pell Grant is a great first step!

Apply for the Pell Grant

Applying for The Pell Grant

Pell Grants are open to almost anybody. The only requirements? You have to have either a GED or a high school diploma, and be working on your first bachelor’s degree. That’s it. There are a few instances where they can be used for post-baccalaureate teaching programs, but those are few and far between.

Applying for the Pell Grant is easy. In fact, you’ll automatically be considered when you fill out your Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Pell Grants eligibility is based solely on economic need, so there are no essays to complete or hoops to jump through. And as a working adult? The easier it is to get something done, the better.

Convenient and Quick

Applying for the Pell Grant gives you flexibility. No matter whether you plan to attend school part-time or full-time, online or on campus, a Pell Grant could work for you. They’re accepted at most online colleges as well as their traditional counterparts, for both part and full-time students. In fact, as a part-time student, you can qualify for up to 18 semesters—so you can get your degree at your own pace.

Free Money for College

The amount of your Pell Grant is not set in stone. Pell Grants are calculated based on four factors—the amount of tuition, your family’s financial status, the size of your family and your enrollment status. So if your situation changes, the amount of your grant can too. Having a baby? Your award could increase. Transferring to a pricier college? You could get more help. Thinking about taking the plunge and going full-time? You guessed it—you could get a bigger grant!

Pell Grants range in size from $550 to $5500, with the average student receiving somewhere around $3500. And since they’re recalculated every school year, they can keep pace with the changes in your life. For adults going back to school, that’s really good news.

Best of all, you don’t have to pay Pell Grants back. Unlike student loans, money from federal Pell Grants is yours, free and clear. Meaning you can concentrate on your schooling—not on how you’ll make good on the loan.

It’s easy to see that for adult learners, applying for the Pell Grant just makes sense. But you better get cracking—the application deadline for the 2011-2012 school year is June 30th.

Image Courtesy of Flickr, espensorvik.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on any applying for the Pell Grant to find the right career for you!

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Posted in Financial Aid, Paying for College, Student Loans | 1 Comment »

Private Student Loans vs. Federal Student Loans

Saturday, April 16th, 2011

It would be great if scholarships and grants could cover all of your tuition, but many students—especially adult learners—need to get either private student loans or federal student loans. Why? Well because there’s often a gap between the amount you can get from scholarship programs and the amount you actually need to make going back to school financially feasible.

Adult learners have financial aid options!

RambergMediaImages / Keith Ramsey

That’s where student loans can help. In fact, depending on the type of private student loan or federal student loan you get, you may be able to apply the funds toward your college textbooks or even living expenses!

Which is better—private student loans or federal student loans?

It’s best to try your luck at getting a federal student loan first. There are three types—Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans.

Perkins Loans are low fixed-rate loans awarded based on financial need, and can cover up to $5,500 in undergraduate tuition each year. If you need more aid, you can also take out Stafford Loans.

There are two types of Stafford Loans; subsidized, which are based on financial need, and unsubsidized, which are available to any student.

Both types offer a low, fixed rate and don’t have to be repaid until you graduate from college! The main difference between them is that unsubsidized loans accrue interest while you’re attending school—subsidized loans don’t.

Both Stafford programs have borrowing limits, but if you qualify, you can combine them to obtain a bigger loan package. Currently, as an independent learner (i.e. a student over 24 who can’t be claimed by anyone else on their taxes), you can take out a maximum of $57,500, with no more than $23,000 of that coming from subsidized loans.

The only other caveat? You have to be enrolled at least half time to qualify, so if you plan on taking just one class at a time, this isn’t the federal student loan program for you.

There’s one other type of loan to consider. If you’re under 24, single and have no dependents, your parents can take out a federal PLUS loan for your education—assuming you can talk them into it!

When should you look at private student loans?

Sometimes you simply can’t get what you need from federal student loan programs. If you’re still in the red after receiving your federal student loan package, a private student loan could be a big help!

Also, if you’re planning to attend a college that isn’t an accredited Title IV school, you won’t be eligible for federal programs. In that case, a private student loan can make all the difference in the world!

While private student loans can have higher interest rates than federal loans, they do allow you to finance up to 100 percent of the cost to go to college—including living expenses! That can make a private loan a very attractive option!

Whatever your situation, a combination of private student loans and federal student loans can help make your college dreams a reality. If you need help sorting through your options, ask the financial aid staff at your school for assistance!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on private student loans, federal student loans and other financial aid programs to get you on the road to the right career for you!

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Benefits of Online Education

Friday, April 15th, 2011

The benefits of online education are many! Making time for on-campus courses for adults working full-time is next to impossible—but online? It’s infinitely easier: Here’s why!

The benefits of online education are many--you won't even believe it!

kennymatic / Kenny Louie

Benefits of Online College

Your Life, Your Way – It’s not very often that you get to call the shots but one of the big benefits of online education is that you don’t have a specific place to be. You’ll have a specific course  schedule for when assignments are due. So, you can complete assignments in your business administration class at 2 AM or 2 PM—it doesn’t matter.  On-campus courses just can’t compare!

Yes: There’s Still Community – Online college courses have come a long way. You won’t feel isolated from your peers at all. In fact, many colleges have special discussion areas so you can get to know and chat with your new online classmates. Some even have forums and allow online students to join on-campus activities and attend campus events. Now, is that one of the greatest benefits of online college, or what?

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Financially)

Let’s Talk Turkey – Higher education isn’t cheap but you know that if you want to advance in your career or get your foot in the door in a brand new career, it’s a necessary addition to your resume. Rather unknown benefits of online college include the cost of classes—in many cases, it’s cheaper! In state or out, some higher education institutions charge the same amount and the cost of online courses can be a significant savings. That’s money in the bank!

Free Money for College: Even for Online Students – Did you know that even adults going back to school can still apply for and receive free money for college? Fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and see if you qualify for financial aid. Your college will use this information to match you up to their own institution-based scholarships. Every non-traditional student should be sure to take advantage of awesome benefits of online college like this one.

What are You Waiting For?

There are plenty of reasons to consider beginning or finishing your college degree. The benefits of online education are many—why not see for yourself? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your future is waiting!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information for the benefits of online education and programs to find the right career for you!

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Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Financial Aid, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Paying for College, Scholarships, Student Loans, Vocational School | No Comments »

Financial Aid Process for New College Students

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

Butler University is making headlines with their basketball prowess, but college athletics aside, they’ve created a great video about the financial aid process! Whether you are an adult going back to college or your college bound teen is nearing graduation, this video covers a lot of ground regarding financial aid, the FAFSA, and how it pertains to new college students.

It’s a great overview of the financial aid process – no matter what college you choose! You’ll learn how to access financial aid information online (which is very similar to the process at many colleges and universities) and how to accept awards. Watch Financial Aid and New Student Registration on YouTube or below.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges.

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Four Top Scholarships for Women Returning to College

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

Finding money to go back to school can be tough, but lots of scholarships for women exist to help ease the burden. You just have to do some digging. To help get you started, My College Guide has rounded up some of the best programs providing scholarships for women.

Trying to find scholarships for women? We've got them!

kodomut / Zhao !

Industry-oriented scholarships for women

If you’re planning on attending college to go into a specialized field, check to see if related professional organizations offer scholarship opportunities. Here’s one example:

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships — Are you returning to school to pursue a career in engineering? Then the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) wants to hear from you. They offer a variety of scholarships for women, including two exclusively for non-traditional students. To be eligible for these awards of up to $2,500, you must be returning to college after at least two years out of both school and the workforce, and, of course, working toward an engineering degree.

Scholarships for women who are economically disadvantaged

When money is tight, going back to college can be a real economic hardship. Fortunately, there are lots of programs designed to help.

Emerge Scholarships — If you have big dreams, then this might be the scholarship program for you. To be eligible for this award, you need to satisfy two requirements. First, you need to be a woman over the age of 25, returning to school. Second, you need to be committed to bettering yourself and passionate about helping your community. While the number of scholarships awarded varies, the amount given is usually between $2,000 and $5,000—and always to women dedicated to making a difference.

Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarships – If you’re determined to return to school in spite of economic hardship, the Jeanette Rankin Foundation might be able to help. These scholarships for women are unique, because the money awarded can be used for anything—childcare, books, living expenses—whatever you need. The goal is simply to help low-income women make a better life for themselves and leave poverty behind.

Talbots Scholarships — Here’s proof that Talbots is about more than just great clothes. The Talbots Scholarship Foundation gives women returning to school a real shot at reinventing themselves. The award includes up to $30,000 in money for school along with gift certificates from Talbots, Borders and Office Depot. How’s that for going back to school in style?

These are just a few of the many scholarships for women out there. Don’t forget to explore scholarship opportunities in your community. You might be surprised at what you find!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on scholarships for women and other financial aid programs to get you on the road to the right career for you!

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Posted in Career Colleges, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Education, Paying for College, Scholarships | No Comments »

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