College Savings Accounts - College Scholarship & Education News - Scholarship Search, Find Scholarships & Pay for College

The U.S. Department of Education's StudentAid.gov website debuted a variety of new tools, including a personalized loan simulator, new alert and notification system, and aid summary tool. These enhancements are some of the first of several upgrades to the website that will roll out in 2020, delivering on U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' promise to modernize and personalize the customer experience with federal student aid, according to the news release. Here are the latest tools released and what they mean:

StudentAid.gov Debuts New Online Tools

February 25, 2020 10:59 AM

by Susan Dutca-Lovell

The U.S. Department of Education's StudentAid.gov website debuted a variety of new tools, including a personalized loan simulator, new alert and notification system, and aid summary tool. These

Dozens of suburban Chicago families have been using a legal loophole to help their children get need-based college financial aid and scholarships. By their parents' forfeiting legal guardianship, students are able to declare financial independence so they qualify for federal, state and university financial aid.

Parents Giving Up Guardianship for College Cash?

July 30, 2019 9:24 AM

by Susan Dutca-Lovell

Dozens of suburban Chicago families have been using a legal loophole to help their children get need-based college financial aid and scholarships. By their parents' forfeiting legal guardianship,

Parents of boys are more likely to pay the entire cost of college than those who have girls, according to a
new study from T. Rowe Price. They are also more willing to prioritize saving for their sons' college over their own retirement.

Parents Save More for Sons’ College Education

September 26, 2017 9:39 AM

by Susan Dutca-Lovell

Parents of boys are more likely to pay the entire cost of college than those who have girls, according to a new study from T. Rowe Price. They are also more willing to prioritize saving for their

With more than 75 million struggling millennials and a colossal $1.3 trillion in student debt, parents should be wary of co-signing on a student loan, as it could greatly affect their future finances and retirement. While Americans highly value a college degree and many parents would sacrifice their finances to help their children, co-signers can be left in the dark if the college plan doesn't go as planned.

In 2017, Reconsider Co-signing Student Loans, Search College Scholarships First

April 4, 2017

by Susan Dutca-Lovell

With more than 75 million struggling millennials and a colossal $1.3 trillion in student debt, parents should be wary of co-signing on a student loan, as it could greatly affect their future finances

What makes February so lovely? It is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and since filling out the FAFSA is stressful - much like taxes - several higher education institutions and financial aid organizations have jumped on board to provide informational sessions for families and students as they navigate through, and apply for financial aid through the 2016-2017 FAFSA. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of students applying for, and receiving financial aid for their college education at a four-year-degree-granting institution has increased from 80% to 85% from 2007-08 to 2012-2013. Because of this, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) will be hosting a new topic weekly through a social media campaign that allows parents and students to ask questions about the FAFSA. To participate, NASFAA asks families to send their questions via Twitter using the hashtag #FinAidFeb to receive tips and advice, as well as the common mistakes to avoid. The social media campaign will take place on Wednesday, February 3rd from 7-8 pm ET and Friday, February 5th from 1-2 pm ET. Those interested can simply follow @NASFAA on Twitter or visit them at their website for full schedule and details.

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month

February 4, 2016

by Susan Dutca-Lovell

What makes February so lovely? It is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and since filling out the FAFSA is stressful - much like taxes - several higher education institutions and financial aid

Understanding the financial aid process, much less filing a FAFSA, can be tedious and daunting. With over 130 questions and requiring more than 30 minutes to complete, students may procrastinate, or completely avoid completing a FAFSA. With pending changes for the upcoming years - such as an earlier deadline - some experts claim the process won't necessarily get easier or more affordable, if not done correctly. Terry Savage, an expert writer for the Chicago Tribune, claims the new FAFSA will be more intrusive than federal tax forms because it not only asks about income but also the assets of parents and students. Savage outlines some tips and general information on how to prepare for the changes, including early application and knowing the logistics of 529s, financial aid, and FAFSA:

Pay Attention to Big Changes in FAFSA, 529s, Financial Aid

December 28, 2015

by Susan Dutca-Lovell

Understanding the financial aid process, much less filing a FAFSA, can be tedious and daunting. With over 130 questions and requiring more than 30 minutes to complete, students may procrastinate, or

After widespread criticism from both parties, the Obama administration decided to scrap its proposal to raise taxes on college savings accounts. Just last week, we blogged about President Obama's proposal to roll back tax benefits of 529 college savings plans and repeal tax incentives going forward for Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. Luckily, that's no longer the case.

Obama Hears Our Plea, Drops Proposal to Raise Taxes on 529 Savings Plans

February 3, 2015

by Suada Kolovic

After widespread criticism from both parties, the Obama administration decided to scrap its proposal to raise taxes on college savings accounts. Just last week, we blogged about President Obama's

Saving for your college education early is essential in the quest to actually affording it. And if you're lucky enough to have your guardians and relatives willing to help with college costs, the 529 tuition savings plan was the surest route to take. If you aren't familiar, the 529 tuition savings plan was designed to help parents begin saving for college by providing an investment option that allows them to withdraw funds for qualified educational expenses tax-free...or at least that was the case.

Don’t Tax My 529 College Savings Plan, President Obama!

January 27, 2015

by Suada Kolovic

Saving for your college education early is essential in the quest to actually affording it. And if you're lucky enough to have your guardians and relatives willing to help with college costs, the 529

High school students, as you move further into your senior year and really start making decisions that will shape your future – what college you'll attend, how you'll fund this endeavor and what you’ll possibly major in – it dawns on you: “OMG, I’m officially an adult.” And with that realization comes the fact that very soon, you'll no longer (legally) be the responsibility of your parents. Well, not everyone is willing to accept that as their reality: A New Jersey teenager who was financially cut off following her 18th birthday is suing her parents for immediate support, current private school fees and future college tuition.

Teen Sues Parents for Tuition, Expenses

March 4, 2014

by Suada Kolovic

High school students, as you move further into your senior year and really start making decisions that will shape your future – what college you'll attend, how you'll fund this endeavor and what

Choosing your major or school based solely on price is wrong. There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe my disagreement with this logic, but I will try.

Don’t Let Cost Dictate Your College Choice

October 1, 2013

by Mike Sheffey

Choosing your major or school based solely on price is wrong. There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe my disagreement with this logic, but I will try. First and foremost, college

News Articles About College Savings Accounts

StudentAid.gov Debuts New Online Tools

Parents Giving Up Guardianship for College Cash?

Parents Save More for Sons’ College Education

In 2017, Reconsider Co-signing Student Loans, Search College Scholarships First

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month

Pay Attention to Big Changes in FAFSA, 529s, Financial Aid

Obama Hears Our Plea, Drops Proposal to Raise Taxes on 529 Savings Plans

Don’t Tax My 529 College Savings Plan, President Obama!

Teen Sues Parents for Tuition, Expenses

Don’t Let Cost Dictate Your College Choice

Explore Scholarships.com