Back in the 1980s, Philip Johnson was transitioning from a 15-year career as a college administrator into financial planning when he discovered something interesting. Seminars on saving for college, geared for people with young children, drew only a handful of participants. But the ones on paying for college, which focused on those with children on the cusp of graduating from high school, were standing room only.
"It's one of those great 'manana' issues that people often don't address until they have to," says the Clifton Park, N.Y. college-planning specialist.
For parents facing next year's college tuition, tomorrow is already here, and will soon be upon those with kids in high school. These last-minute moves can ease tuition stress and potentially save thousands of dollars.
1. Consider the real costs
Grant aid from federal and state governments, institutional funds, and private sources lowers the net price for a majority of college students, while benefits from federal education tax credits and deductions can reduce the costs students and their families incur. In 2006-2007, reports the College Board, the typical student at a four-year public college received about $3,100 in grant aid and tax benefits combined. At four-year private colleges, students received $9,000 in grants and tax benefits, on average.Labels: academy awards, career training, education online, financial aid, free college, free education, high school, scholarship, student loans, study abroad |
