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College planning

Explore the articles in this section to learn expert tips on paying for college, saving money, getting financial aid and making informed decisions on student loans

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College Planning

Federal student loans - What you need to know

This article explains how federal student loans can be used to help pay for college and which types of federal aids students and parents may qualify for.

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College Planning

How schools determine what you are expected to pay

Curious as to how much financial aid you can receive to help pay for a college education? Colleges use various methods to determine your EFC, which in turn helps decide your eligible financial aid.

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College Planning

Paying for college out of pocket

After securing funding for tuition, there may still be expenses that need to be covered. This article discusses some points to consider when deciding to pay out of pocket or accept student loans.

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College Planning

Student loans: Can parents pay off their child's college debt?

This article examines consequences a parent may face when assisting their child with student loans and ways to avoid these consequences, such as income-based repayment plans.

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College Planning

Top-rated college textbook websites

Before purchasing textbooks at the campus store, be sure to do research on several textbook websites to ensure you are receiving the best deal.

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College Planning

What is student loan forbearance?

If you're having trouble repaying your student loans, forbearance may be a solution. While it is not a long-term strategy, it could be the right option for a brief time.

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