Tag Archives: financial aid

How to Maximize Your College Investments

Most experts would agree that the best vehicle for saving college funds is the 529 College Savings Plan.  In Virginia, the CollegeAmerica Plan, provided through the American Funds, provides a unique opportunity. 529 plans are invested in a selection of … Continue reading

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Change in Loan Origination

Federal student loans used to issued directly through the college or university or through a private lender, backed by the government.   Now however, Federal Stafford loans to students and PLUS loans to parents are no longer issued by private lenders. … Continue reading

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The Application Process

Let’s take a look at a time line of events that should be occurring.  This time line is based on initiating the process the fall of the junior year of high school, though in reality the steps can be compressed … Continue reading

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The New Landscape

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that nationally, tuition and fees at public colleges and universities increased by 8.3% on average this year over last. Private schools faired far better but were still ahead of inflation at 4.5%. This … Continue reading

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Campus Financial to Provide Free Workshop

On September 15, at 6:30 pm, Campus Financial will conduct a free workshop for families living in the greater Richmond metro area.  This is a great opportunity for parents to do their homework on college planning and  financial aid preparation.   See … Continue reading

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Some Options to Consider to Reduce the Cost of a College Education

The following is a sample of other options that may help reduce the cost of college for the family.   1  Alternative Payment Plans   Almost every college and university has some sort of payment plan to assist the family.  … Continue reading

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Trends in The Cost of Higher Education and Financial Aid

The following is the latest information from the College Board: Over the decade from 2000-01 to 2010-11, published tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities increased at an average rate of 5.6% per year beyond the rate of … Continue reading

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Comparing Financial Aid Offers

I Hopefully, around April of the senior year of high school, your student will have been accepted to three or four colleges and received financial aid award letters from each stipulating what assistance is being offered. It is important to … Continue reading

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Economic Analysis of Your College Costs

Paying for college is sort of like buying a car or a house.  We often overlook the assoicated costs of the investment.  What does it cost to maintain a home - the yardwork, the pest control, painting, etc.  Do we consider … Continue reading

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College Costs – It’s Not Just Tuition, Fees, Room and Board

One of the basic lessons of financial aid is that when comparing financial aid award letters, make sure the college or university is using the “total cost” of education, which should include transportation and miscellaneous expenses.  These estimates are provided … Continue reading

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