Financial Planning

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Financial Planning

20+ Scholarships for Illinois Students

Illinois is home to a long list of state-specific scholarships. BestColleges spotlights some award options for Illinois residents and students.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

My Top 7 Tips for Finding College Scholarships in High School

Applying for scholarships can be a confusing process. Discover one student's tips for finding and securing college scholarships in high school.

Madison May

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Financial Planning

How to Pay Back Student Loans Once Payments Resume

Student loan payments may start again in August. Learn how you can financially prepare and see if you qualify for repayment or forgiveness programs.

Kristen Grau

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Financial Planning

The 10 Best Part-Time Jobs for College Students

Finding ways to pay for college can be difficult. Check out the part-time jobs BestColleges recommends for students to help fund their education.

Ellery Weil

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Financial Planning

6 Ways College Finances Affect Mental Health

Stressed about student loans? Finances impact students' mental health. Find resources to support your wallet and your well-being.

Lyss Welding

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Financial Planning

30+ Student Discounts to Take Advantage of Today

College student discounts can save you money on laptops, plane tickets, clothes, and more. Learn about the best student discounts in this post.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

5 Countries With Free College for Undergrads

Looking to cut back on student debt while exploring the world? We've found five countries with free college tuition (or very low tuition fees).

Danika Miller

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Financial Planning

Top 12 Need-Blind Colleges of 2022

Need-blind colleges don't consider finances for admission. The best need-blind schools go one step further, meeting 100% of financial need without loans.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

9 Weird Scholarships and How to Qualify

Got a unique talent or hobby? There may be a college scholarship for you. Check out these nine weird scholarships and see whether you qualify.

Danika Miller

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Financial Planning

20 Colleges With Free Tuition for Senior Citizens

Retirement means more time, but staying active is important. Why not learn something new? Here are 20 colleges with free tuition for seniors.

Sharon Wilfong

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Financial Planning

Top 10 Colleges With the Best Financial Aid in 2022

Looking for colleges with the best financial aid? These top schools provide an average of $50,000 or more in grants and scholarships per student.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

14 Companies That Pay Off Student Loans

For borrowers with student loans, employer repayment assistance programs can be invaluable. Learn about the top companies that pay off student loans.

Kat Tretina

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Financial Planning

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Student Loans?

For many students, borrowing money to fund college is a reality. We review what happens if you miss payments and how you can manage student loan payments.

James Mielke

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Financial Planning

A Guide to Organic Farming Degrees and Careers

A growing industry, organic farming offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming. Discover why organic agriculture is gaining traction in higher ed.

Kasia Kovacs

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Financial Planning

Fellowship vs. Scholarship: What’s the Difference?

Fellowships and scholarships help students pay for college. Here are the key differences between two of the best forms of financial aid.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

11 Helpful Grants to Pay Off Student Loans

Tired of making student loan payments? Check out these grants to pay off student loans, including grants for nurses, teachers, and more.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

Dependent vs. Independent Student: Which Are You?

Dependency status matters on the FAFSA. Learn more about the definition of dependent students and independent students for financial aid.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

Are Loans Really That Bad? The Pros and Cons of Student Loans

Student loans get a bad rap, but they're a reality. Learn more about the pros, the cons, and how student loans can expand access to higher ed.

James Mielke

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Financial Planning

How to Pay Off Student Loans Fast: 9 Useful Hacks

Still paying off student loans? These nine hacks can help you speed up your loan repayment plan, save money, and become debt-free in no time.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

Forbearance vs. Deferment: What’s the Difference?

Both forbearance and deferment temporarily suspend monthly student loan payments for borrowers. Learn the difference between these two options.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

Financial Literacy for Black and African American Students

Learn about a variety of resources on financial literacy for Black and African American college students and where to find education and support.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

How to Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Learn how to spot student loan forgiveness scams and keep yourself — and your money — safe along the way.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

What Is the Financial Aid Office?

The financial aid office helps students find scholarships, take out loans, and make a plan to pay for college. Learn more about how this office works.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

What Can Student Loans Be Used For?

Can you use student loans for anything? If you're wondering what student loans can be used for, keep reading to find out.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

How to Find Scholarships for College Students: Top 12 Resources

Wondering how to get scholarships for college to help with tuition? Explore the best resources for college scholarship searches and databases.

Kasia Kovacs

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Financial Planning

What Is Federal Work-Study?

The Federal Work-Study Program provides on- or off-campus jobs for students with financial need. Read our guide to learn if this program is right for you.

Anne Dennon

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Financial Planning

The Best Financial Literacy Tools for Students

What is financial literacy and how can it help students? Learn how to use financial literacy tools for college students and make smarter money decisions.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

Top 10 Hidden Costs of College

College is more than just tuition and fees. Learn how to budget for the hidden costs of college and save money in school.

Christina Payne

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Financial Planning

Ask a Professor: Should You Go Into Debt for Graduate School?

Does it make sense to go into debt for grad school? A professor weighs in on grad school debt with seven money-saving tips for grad students.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

5 Financial Planning Tips for Recent College Grads

College graduates deal with major financial issues — from new jobs to student loan bills. Learn about the best financial planning tips for recent grads.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

10 Free Online Personal Finance Courses for College Students

It's important for students to learn how to manage money. These free online personal finance class options for college students can show you how.

Whitney Sandoval

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Financial Planning

5 Ways Student Veterans Can Maximize GI Bill® Benefits

Want to make the most of your GI Bill benefits but aren't sure how to maximize their usage? Keep reading to learn our tips and tricks.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

Why Financial Literacy Matters for Students of Color

Financial literacy can improve students' ability to accumulate wealth and feel financially stable. Discover resources to build financial literacy.

Vanesha McGee, M.Ed.

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Financial Planning

Understanding the Impact of the Racial Wealth Gap

The racial wealth gap creates inequities in higher education and beyond. Discover the ways colleges can help close the gap and support students.

Vanesha McGee, M.Ed.

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Financial Planning

How to Build Credit in College: 7 Essential Tips for Students

Credit helps college students take out loans and even land jobs. Here are the best tips to build credit in college.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

The 7 Best Private Student Loans of 2022

Students may decide to take out private loans to help with the cost of their college education. Learn about the seven best private student loans of 2022.

James Mielke

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Financial Planning

9 Common Misconceptions About Paying for College

What are the biggest myths about paying for college? Avoiding these misconceptions can save you money and set you up for financial success.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

6 College Savings Accounts and How They Work

College savings accounts help families and students save money for college. Learn about the pros and cons of six types of college savings accounts.

Jessica Walrack

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Financial Planning

What to Know About Tax Breaks for College Students and Parents

College is a big investment. By taking advantage of college tax credits and deductions, you can save thousands of dollars on higher ed expenses.

Stephen Gaffney

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Financial Planning

How to Save for College: 10 Essential Tips

Saving for college isn't easy. Learn key money-saving hacks, such as earning college credit in high school and opening a college savings account.

Jessica Walrack

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Financial Planning

10 Public Colleges With the Best Return on Investment in 2022

Some colleges give you more bang for your buck. Check out these 10 public colleges with the best return on investment for students in 2022.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

How to Appeal Financial Aid to Get More Money

Didn't receive enough financial aid to attend your target college? Consider submitting an appeal letter to explain your situation and request more money.

Tyler Epps

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Financial Planning

The 16 Best Apps for Saving Money in College

Saving money in college can feel overwhelming. These 16 money-saving apps will teach you how to budget so you can reach your financial goals.

Chinh Ngo

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Financial Planning

Should You Get a Student Credit Card?

Many students start to build credit in college. Learn the pros and cons of getting a student credit card and how to build credit wisely.

Lindsay VanSomeren

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Financial Planning

Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Aid: What Is the Difference?

Learn about merit-based and need-based financial aid and how you can get the support needed to fund your higher education journey.

Steve Bailey

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Financial Planning

10 Personal Finance Books Every College Student Should Read

Check out these 10 personal finance books for college students. Learn how to take control of your future, pay off debt, and achieve financial independence.

Steve Bailey

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Financial Planning

Forbearance Isn’t Forever: How 6 Student Loan Borrowers Prepare to Pay

Federal student loan deferment ends in May, and 69% of borrowers will need to make repayment adjustments. We spoke with six people about their plans.

Danika Miller

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Financial Planning

Can You Pay College Tuition With Crypto?

A handful of colleges currently accept tuition payments in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.

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Financial Planning

9 Winter Break Jobs for College Students

Looking to make some extra cash over the holidays? Check out our guide describing nine winter seasonal jobs for college students.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

The 15 Best On-Campus Jobs for College Students

College students can find many jobs on campus to fit their busy schedules. Learn about the best part-time jobs for college students.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

FAFSA Deadlines Rundown for 2022-23

Each year, the FAFSA helps millions of students get aid for college. Learn when FAFSA deadlines are and what changes to expect for 2023-24.

Tyler Epps

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Financial Planning

How to Make Money in College

Even with financial aid, many college students are strapped for cash. Learn how to make money in college and why working now can help you earn more later on.

Anne Dennon

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Financial Planning

8 Scams Targeting College Students and How to Protect Yourself

Read about scams targeting college students, including financial aid, scholarship, and credit card scams. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

What Is the Pell Grant?

The Pell Grant is a form of federal aid designed to assist low-income students. Learn how to apply for the award, how much you can earn, and who is eligible.

Chinh Ngo

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Financial Planning

A Complete Guide to the CSS Profile for College

Similar to the FAFSA, the CSS Profile is a financial aid application required by certain colleges for the purpose of awarding nonfederal aid.

Hannah Muniz

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Financial Planning

Evans Scholarship Provides Full Ride for Golf Caddies

More than 11,500 golf caddies have received full scholarships to attend top universities nationwide.

Mark J. Drozdowski, Ed.D.

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Financial Planning

7 Useful Budgeting Tips for First-Year College Students

Want to keep a college budget? We've sourced the seven most important budgeting tips for first-year students from experts.

Danika Miller

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Financial Planning

A Guide to GI Bill® Benefits and Resources

The GI Bill® can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Discover helpful VA resources and get answers to common questions about the GI Bill.

Veronica Freeman

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Financial Planning

What Is a Grant for College?

Many students use grants to pay for college. Learn about the different types of grants and how to apply for them so you can graduate with less debt.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

Education Dept. Will Forgive $5.8 Billion in Student Loan Debt for Some Disabled Borrowers

The path to debt cancellation for student loan borrowers with total and permanent disabilities.

Anne Dennon

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Financial Planning

How Students Qualify for COVID-19 Emergency Grants

Earlier COVID-19 emergency grants excluded undocumented and international college students. Now all students may be eligible for grants and other support.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

How to Save Money on College Textbooks

Discover ways to cut costs and find cheap college textbooks. You can also recoup money by selling your used textbooks.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

Should You Buy or Rent College Textbooks?

Read this guide to figure out whether you should rent or buy your textbooks for school, and learn about the best college textbook rental websites.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

What Is an Income Share Agreement?

Learn everything you need to know about income share agreements, including which schools offer them and what to watch out for with this new payment option.

Jordan Stewart-Rozema, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

Comparing the Costs of Online vs. On-Campus Programs

Understand the real costs of an online vs. on-campus education to determine which is better for your unique needs and circumstances.

Melissa Venable, Ph.D.

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Financial Planning

8 Smart Moves That Will Help You Save Money in College

You can enjoy life and still save money while going to school. Learn how to save money in college without missing out.

Dana Sitar

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Financial Planning

Best Student Bank Accounts in 2022

Explore the best student bank accounts to find the most convenient features that help you manage your money throughout college.

Dana Sitar, Lauren Ward

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Financial Planning

Student Loan Payments Suspended Due to Coronavirus

In response to COVID-19, the Department of Education announced it will suspend payments and waive interest on federal student loans until October 1, 2021.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

How to Be Financially Secure as a College Student

Many students struggle to stay afloat financially in college. Learn how to stay financially secure with these tips and resources.

Lindsay VanSomeren

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Financial Planning

How to Make College More Affordable

U.S. student debt has swelled to $1.7 trillion, but you can make college more affordable through a combination of grants, jobs, and other money-saving tricks.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

Can I Claim My College Student as a Dependent?

Taxes can be confusing, especially if you're a parent with a kid in college. Learn how to claim your student as a dependent and the benefits of doing so.

Stephen Gaffney

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Financial Planning

HEROES Act Would Extend Student Aid, Loan Suspension

Democrats passed a large coronavirus relief bill offering extended loan deferral and up to $10k in loan forgiveness, but Republicans think it's too costly.

Anne Dennon

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Financial Planning

What Is a University Endowment?

Colleges need money to operate but can't rely on tuition alone. This is where donors come in. Learn how university endowments work and what they fund.

Chinh Ngo

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Financial Planning

Scholarships for Computer Science Majors

The need for qualified technology professionals is on the rise and so is tuition. Click through for more ways to save on your computer science degree.

Staff Writers

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Financial Planning

33 Flexible Jobs for College Students

Many college students take on part-time gigs to earn extra money. These 33 side hustles can help students increase their cash flow — even during a pandemic.

Chinh Ngo

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Financial Planning

Why Is College So Expensive?

Student loan debt in the U.S. passed the $1.75 trillion mark this year, and while rising tuition may be slowing down, some variables continue to drive up the cost of...

Jessica Bryant, John Boitnott

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Financial Planning

Is Less More? The Impact of Limited Student Debt Cancellation

This article explores possible effects of student loan debt relief on borrowers and the economy and highlights a study by the Center for Responsible Lending.

Mikael Mulugeta