Managing Finances

For parents looking into 529 college plans to pay for their students’ education, considering the state’s financial position and understanding wise investment practices will help navigate the sometimes-murky waters of state-administered programs.

How to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

If Financial Aid does not cover the full tuition/fee balance.

Financial Aid is disbursed 10 days prior to the start of classes.

Pay class fees at the cashier's office.

Students have always worked their way through school. It helps keep them out of trouble, but more importantly, it gives students a ready-made source of contacts to help them find work once they have finished their educations.

Unfortunately, federal aid isn’t distributed on whether or not your parents want to pay for your education; it all depends on if they can. Parents have many reasons for not contributing to their child’s education: can’t afford it; it’s the child’s responsibility; sticky divorce. But your parents refusal actually hurts you more than they may know.

While preparing for college or even during those college years, parents and students will most likely find themselves trying to determine exactly how they will be able to pay for college. Many public colleges and universities cost thousands of dollars, while private colleges and universities can cost much, much more just to attend. Add cost of living, books and other needs and the costs of a college education reaches huge numbers very quickly. Read this article to explore the many available financial aid options and where to go online to learn how to apply.

As parents, we can help our students with the transition out of college and into their next chapter of life by discussing finances with them.