Help My Child Pay for College

Do I need this EduGuide?

Yes, if you have kids who will be attending college, whether in thirteen years or three, this EduGuide will help you learn more about financing their college education by saving money for college, finding free college money through scholarships and other financial aid for students, and making smart decisions about student loans for college.

How does it work?

Quizzes help you know where you stand.

• Take the “How Much Do You Know about Saving Money for College?” quiz to find out how you’ve been doing and what you need to do.

Articles give you the background information you need to make a decision.

• "The Real Cost of College" The cost of college might be less than you think.
• "Community Service Ideas That Help Students Pay College Expenses" Many programs are available that let students defer or repay student loans (and even pay for some college expenses) by working in disadvantaged communities.

ShortCuts help you take immediate action. Choose one or go through them all.

• "Know How Much To Save for College" This savings calculator will help you take the guess-work out of saving for college.
•  "Set Aside Twenty-five Dollars a Month for College" Practical advice to help you start saving for college—even if your kid is a senior in high school.
• "Choose a Tax-Free College Savings Account" How to pick the best inexpensive, tax-free option.
• "Choose the Right Student Loans for College" When you know your options, and can speak the lingo, it isn’t hard to select the right student loan.
•  "Ace the FAFSA" We’ll show you how to make the FAFSA work for you.

What will I learn from this EduGuide?

• What college savings plans are and how they work
• How to determine how much you need to save for your child’s college education
• What information you need to complete the FAFSA
• How even small savings can add up over time
• Why college may be more affordable than you think

Quick Solutions

• What can I do in 15 minutes? Have a family meeting and brainstorm ways to set aside twenty-five dollars a month toward college. Review the pros and cons of various tax free college savings accounts.
• What can I do in one hour? Talk with your child about how you and he can pay for his college education, reviewing your options for loans, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.