Here's how these work: You buy credits for future use at current rates. It's similar to buying a futures contract on your tuition. When you're ready to enroll, the 529 plan is guaranteed to pay at your locked-in rates, even if tuition has increased. This is a time and money management investment. Start contributing to the plan three to seven years before college, the earlier the better. Check with a financial adviser and learn about the restrictions on withdrawals and transfers. As of early 2011, there are 18 states participating.
The government loaned students over 49 percent of the nearly $200 billion borrowed in 2009. Applying for federal student aid has become streamlined, with an online tool that will submit your application for selected loan products simultaneously. The advantages of borrowing money for college from the government is that interest rates are generally lower, good credit is not required and there are no application deadlines. After you apply you'll receive a Student Aid Report with further instructions.
If you have the academic heft, impressed your music adviser or garnered attention in athletics, there's probably a scholarship program for you. Since scholarships are awarded to students with special abilities, talents or circumstances, competition is keen. Clubs, banks and corporations are among hundreds of organizations that offer financial aid for college in the form of scholarships. Start your search for deadlines and requirements using FinAid.org's database of 1.5 million scholarship programs.
There are 3,400 federal work-study programs. Students are hired for part-time jobs through participating post-secondary schools. The federal work-study program is available to eligible students after calculating income, financial need and household expenses. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form to get started.