Frequently Ask Questions

Can anyone open a 529 account? What about grandparents?

A 529 account can be opened by anyone. Grandparents, other relatives or family friends can all be account owners, or simply choose to contribute to an existing account. In most states, a trust, corporation, non-profit or government entity can also open an account.

Why can't I see my student's grades?

Schools are prohibited from releasing certain information (including grades) to parents without permission of the student because of a federal law (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment).

If parents are divorced, which parent fills out the FAFSA?

Your FAFSA information should be completed based on the information of the parent you lived with most during the last 12 months. If you didn’t live with either parent, or if you lived with each parent an equal number of days, use the information of the parent who provided the most financial support to you in the most recent calendar year.

Where can we find discount priced computers for college students?

Typically, your student's on-campus bookstore will have the best rates and will offer student discounts. You can check out the bookstore online or in-person. Apple offers a hefty student discount here.

When is parents weekend at Purdue University for 2009?

This year, Family Day is September 19, 2009. Find out more here.

What are the biggest academic adjustments during the freshman year?

Learning to discipline oneself and manage time are critical adjustments. College classes may meet only every other day, or once a week, but the workload does not diminish. It is suggested that the student spend two hours of studying for every one hour in class, balanced with study breaks. Students should know to seek help for academic difficulties.

What is a Pell Grant?

The Pell Grant program provides grants to low-income undergraduates to help them pay for college. In 2002-03, this program provided $11.6 billion in grants to 4.8 million undergraduate students at 5,900 postsecondary education institutions. Individual grants ranged from $400 to $4,000; the average grant was $2,411. The average family income of Pell Grant recipients who were dependent on their parents for financial support in 2000-01 was $21,599. The average income for financially independent students was $13,658.

What is the LEAP Program?

The Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program, which provides incentives for states to provide grants to students who attend college, has played a significant role in encouraging every state to create and maintain its own student grant program. States are required to provide at least 50 percent of the funding for this program. In 2001-02, federal LEAP funds provided $50 million in grants to students who attended postsecondary education. Including state matching funds, approximately 2 million students receive LEAP funds in 2000-01.

How much does membership in a Greek organization cost?

The average cost is $450-600 including initiation fees. Students will get a break down of each chapter's due structure during formal Recruitment, so they can see and understand the cost of each organization.