Online College Education Truth

Principles of Saving for Retirement

2007-04-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, some deep thinkers come along with advice so excellent and points of reference so basic that I feel compelled to pass them on.

Naturally, I wouldn't pass them on if I didn't also agree with them. I think they form a solid basis for your progress on getting that house next to the 16th green for your retirement (if that's what you want).

Miles to Go

The first set of principles come from my old pal and colleague, financial planning whiz Raymond J. Lucia (or Ray Lucia, as I call him). He's written a fine new book called "Ready...Set...Retire!: Financial Strategies for the Rest of Your Life" in which he lays out the six most fundamental considerations for retiring.

Before he even gets to those, though, he insists that you consider how long you're likely to live. Of course, none of us knows the date we'll die, but you can assume that if you make it to 65, you have a darned good shot of making it to 83. And if you're a couple who makes it to 65, there's close to a 40 percent chance you'll make it to 90.

The web site for Northwestern Mutual, a large life insurance company, can help you estimate your longevity. But the main point to bear in mind is that you're probably going to live about 20 years after you retire. That's a long, long time if you don't have enough money saved up.

The Six Principles

With that in mind, Ray presents the bedrock principles that will influence how you live financially after you retire. Specifically, they are:

1. How much you save.

Simply put, if you're a typical American (who happens to save close to zero right now), you have to save more. When you're young, 10 percent of your income will get you there. If you don't start saving until middle age, aim closer to 15 or 20 percent. If you don't start until later than middle age, save every penny you can even if your only in college.

2. How long you give your savings to compound.

The great Milton Friedman famously said that the greatest invention of man was compound interest. Maybe he was joking, maybe not.

In any event, compound interest is a great gift to young people. If you start early, tiny amounts grow to immense amounts, and pretty soon you're all set for retirement. My pal, the genius investment advisor Phil DeMuth, says that if you're old enough to start thinking about sex, you're old enough to start saving for retirement.

A thousand dollars socked away when you're 20 and growing at 10 percent per year will be almost $73,000 when you're 65. The same sum saved when you're 50 will grow to $4,200 at age 65. That's a stunning truth that should compel any young person to start saving early -- and the rest of us to start right now.

As for timing your retirement, Ray advises that if you can push it back by even five years you'll allow your money to grow and have fewer years to need it.

3. How you allocate your assets.

Typically, for those who start early, stocks are the answer. Over long periods, a diversified basket of common stocks wildly outperforms bonds, cash, and real estate. The differences are breathtaking.

But, as we've seen lately, there's also a lot of volatility in stocks. As you age, you'll want more of your money in bonds and money market accounts. These have lower returns than stocks, but they also have far lower volatility.

common stock index such as the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX and half in the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX).

To me, that's a bit conservative if you're young like in college. I would have more in stocks and also a good chunk in international markets. (Phil has written a fine book about supercharging your portfolio that will be out in a few months. It's far beyond his basic portfolio in sophistication and returns, so watch for it.)

Ray has a portfolio that he uses in his "Buckets of Money" strategy that uses stocks, bonds, variable annuities bought with a sharp eye on fees, and real estate, and his returns have been excellent.

4. How much your investment returns annually.

Now, this is largely unknown from year to year. But over long periods, stocks return close to 6.5 percent after inflation, and about 10 percent before inflation.

The supernova-genius of investing, the investor's absolutely best pal ever, John Bogle, who founded index investing through Vanguard Funds, says -- and his evidence is powerful indeed -- that you'll do best as a stock investor with index funds that cover the largest possible universe of stocks in the free world. These tend to be very low-cost in terms of fees and loads (sales charges), and beat almost all actively managed funds in terms of return over long periods.

I heartily concur. I would add that it's also helpful to juice up your portfolio with real estate, and to lean toward high-dividend and real estate funds.

5. How low you keep your fees and costs.

This principle is largely about using index funds and no-load mutual funds, which makes perfect sense.

6. How closely you keep an eye on taxes.

Finally, Ray advises maxing out your tax-protected accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s; keeping high-dividend stocks in accounts that are tax-deferred; and, when retiring, carefully considering what bracket you'll be in and drawing out your funds to remain in the lowest possible one.

Remember the Basics

These are basic principles to be sure, but they're vital. The three most important to remember are: 1) Start saving for retirement when you're young like in college; 2) Save as much as you can; and 3) Maximize your returns by using index funds with low costs and high diversification. (Diversification and time are probably the investor's best friends.)

It may sound simple, but it isn't easy. If you're diligent, though, you'll be well on your way to that house on the fairway.

Have a great day and God bless!

Insider's Look at Online Learning

2007-04-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Susan Aaron, The Learning Coach

Ever wonder what e-learning is really like? Do you have what it takes to be a successful online learner? Cheryl Shutt and Geoff Maffett, who have both taken master's-level classes at the University of Illinois Online, and Ben Smith, a business student at the University of Phoenix, share their experience and offer their advice for learning virtually.

The Realities of Virtual Learning

It's Hard Work. There's a false perception that online classes are easier than traditional ones. Smith, Shutt and Maffett all noted the heavy workload involved and the amount of reading required. In addition to homework, the class must be read. One shouldn't expect to get by with sitting quietly or to be drawn out, either. All three students mentioned the need for self-starting behavior.

It's Fast-Paced. The speed of online courses surprised all three.

Smith: "My first impression was, 'Wow, this course really moves.' I remember writing two and three papers a week in certain classes."

Maffett: "[Online learning gives you the] ability to work faster than the pace that is set in most classrooms, [which] seems to be designed for the slowest participant!"

It's a People-Oriented Atmosphere. Rich interactions with your college classmates are an element of the online classroom that overturns the common perception that this type of learning is an isolated endeavor.

Shutt: "Communicating by email with classmates and instructors was wonderful and let us receive individual attention."

It Really Is Convenient. All three mentioned the convenience and flexibility of online education as a key reason to try this approach.

Shutt: "Online classes allow you to take classes regardless of the hours you work or where you live."

Maffett: "I was able to complete my master's degree without having to attend classes. This was vitally important since I was transferred from Illinois to North Carolina in the middle of my graduate studies…I was also able to do my coursework while I was traveling for business."

It Can Be Technologically Challenging. Most difficulties with online learning were related to technology. Shutt mentioned that it takes some time to learn how to get around in an online classroom, suggesting students devote time before a course starts to getting acquainted with the environment. She also had problems with the real time chat due to slow typing skills.

They also mentioned that extra communication might be necessary when working online to overcome the lack of visual cues present in a conventional classroom.

Maffett: "When online teams worked on a common project, it was difficult to fairly distribute the workload and manage the revisions…We had to develop some clear rules for who worked on what when."

Strategies and Advice for New Online Students

If you're thinking about taking courses online, be sure to review Smith, Shutt and Maffett's tips for managing your online education:

Set up a schedule for yourself, and try to stick to it.
Get all the books ahead of time if possible.
Keep up with assignments to avoid being overwhelmed later.
Read through all the message postings from faculty and students each day.
Use email regularly to contact your fellow classmates.
Don't hesitate to email your instructor if you need help.
Don't be a wallflower.
Realize you have less opportunity to interact with peers and professors in real time.
Team projects may take more time than you would expect -- be prepared for this.
Try to attend any optional on-campus classes, if offered.

Are You a Good Online Learner?

Here's a quiz adapted from the attributes Smith, Shutt and Maffett say will help make someone well-suited to virtual learning.

Do you have good time management skills?o Can you set up and follow a schedule?
Are you self-motivated?o Can you set your own pace while learning?
Can you work from different locations?o Are you comfortable with the Internet and PC technologies?
Are you ready to put in extra reading time?

Did you answer "yes" to most of these questions? If so, you may be a good candidate for online education.

Have a great day and God bless!

All About Career Schools

2007-04-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Susan Aaron, The Learning Coach

Ever wonder about those schools that advertise on daytime TV? Can you compare traditional American colleges to schools that say they will prepare you for a career in just a few months? As it turns out, you can. Francis Giglio, director of Enhancement for the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), the accrediting body for many of these schools, offers some insights into the nature of these institutions.

The Career School Niche

Career institutions are similar to traditional colleges and community colleges in some ways, yet have a niche all their own. The ACICS works with "independent, nonpublic career schools, colleges and organizations." That means none of these institutions are overseen by a state's board of governors or enjoy state tax funding. According to Giglio, "the majority of these schools are for-profit. Some are publicly traded, some are privately held, and a few of them are nonprofit."

The key qualifier for a career school is its mission -- preparing students for specific careers. The education offered is very practical. Most of the majors offered are skill-focused, such as accounting, information technology and drafting. Success is defined by placement of students in jobs after graduation, and the track record those students establish in their jobs. Like community colleges, career institutions are bly linked to local interests. Part of the criteria for ACICS accreditation is that schools work with local businesses to create their curriculum, notes Giglio.

Many programs at career institutions are two-year or associate's degrees. There are also bachelor's and even master's degrees available. Among ACICS accredited institutions, Giglio says career schools follow the "same credit requirements and requirements of faculty members" as an academic college or university.

Look for Accreditation

Career schools are accredited just like nonprofit colleges and universities, and the ACICS is approved by the US Department of Education (DOE). According to Giglio, "There's a tremendous amount of federal funding (for education) and accreditation is a way the Department of Education can have oversight of educational quality."

Schools not accredited by a DOE-approved agency may have a license to operate, but their students may not benefit from Federal financial aid money.

Other reasons for accreditation include:

Fulfilling company requirements for educational reimbursement.
Transferring credits from other institutions.
Helping employers rate the value of an applicant's or employee's education.
Qualifying graduates for licensing/certification exams.

Why Choose a Career School?

Career-Oriented Mission: If the education you need is to prepare you for a career, these schools may be the right place for you.
Focused Education: Career institutions provide a very practical education. Working closely with businesses to fulfill local needs, these institutions can help you find a job in your immediate geographic area.
School and business networking opportunities: Career institutions often provide an intimate atmosphere. "I think the things that attract students are smaller classrooms, real-life training and more accessibility to people," says Giglio. "Most of these institutions are housed in one building. You are in contact with the people who run the school every day."

Finding a Career School

Career schools are growing. Giglio notes that in 1996, there were 280,000 students in ACICS-accredited schools, and in 2000, there were 365,000. To learn more, follow these steps to research schools and their reputations:

Start by locating the institutions in your area that provide an education in your field of interest.
Check to see if these schools are accredited, and if the accreditation information is up to date.
Visit the school and ask questions. Inquire about business contacts in the community and past graduates' placement rates. Ask for contact information for past graduates and ask them about their experiences.
Use the ACICS Web site to search for ACICS accredited schools by area or interest.

Have a great day and God bless!

Advance Your Career with an Advanced Degree?

2007-04-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

John Rossheim

It seems like all the pieces are in place for the next giant leap in your career: Your friend told you his sister went back to school for a professional degree and, a week after graduating, landed a job with a $10,000 salary increase. So you know a degree would boost your pay. You know from your college experience five years or three decades ago that you're comfortable living on a student's diet of rice and beans. You've got a couple of blank grad school applications on your dining room table, so why not fill them out and take the plunge?

Before you quit your job or your job search to pursue an MBA or other advanced degree, you owe it to yourself to think more deeply about this major fork in the road of work and life. Here are some major checkpoints for your go/no-go decision on graduate school.

Why Do You Want to Go Back to School?

Begin your deliberations with the basics. "One of the most important factors is, where is this going to get you?" says Jane Finkle, a Philadelphia career counselor. Finkle recommends that you thoroughly research the employment opportunities for graduates of the program you're considering.

Are you looking for advancement in your current field, or do you want to change careers? Either can be a good reason to get a graduate degree if you've thought things through.

Erin Doland is clear that career change is her prime motivator. "The more I sat behind a desk all day, the more I realized changing employers wasn't going to make me happy," says Doland, who quit her job as communications director for a nonprofit to pursue a master's degree in education at Johns Hopkins University.

Whatever you do, don't let outdated preconceptions prevent you from considering grad school. "People may get to a lull in their careers and think, 'I'm too old to make a career change,' but they're not," says Peter Syverson, vice president for research at the Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, DC.

What Will a Graduate or Professional Degree Do for You?

A cautionary tale: A high tech worker who asked not to be named was laid off from her job at a Burlington, Massachusetts, maker of medical devices. When she was studying for an MBA in healthcare administration at Canyon College, an online school based in Caldwell, Idaho, she was asked what job titles the new degree would qualify her for. Her response? "I'm not completely sure. As I read the paper, I see titles that are all new to me: billing manager, client and third-party resource delegate..."

Unlike this MBA student, be sure of the jobs your graduate degree will qualify you for, and how many graduates of the programs you're considering actually land those jobs. Also find out about those graduates' salary levels.

Ask admissions representatives for survey results from the program's recent graduates. Sit in on classes, and pick the brains of students enrolled in the program. Don't just listen to the marketing pitch of a student handpicked by the admissions office to sell you on the program, Finkle advises.

Your ultimate reality check: Ask potential future employers how they would value a particular degree from the programs you're looking into. Is the degree a requirement or preference for your target positions, or is it irrelevant?

How Will You Pay the Tuition -- and Live Without the Salary?

Suppose you've established all the right reasons for getting a graduate degree. Now the question is, can you afford -- or avoid -- the common triple whammy of lost income, tuition fees and then student loan payments?

Doland, who earned her bachelor's degree in 1998, says "it makes sense" for her and her husband to live like college students for two years. Since she hasn't been out of college that long, downshifting her lifestyle is easier for her than it might be for a mid-career worker accustomed to a second home and eating out five nights a week.

If you can't stomach the comedown, see if you can get a head start on your graduate coursework by keeping your job, taking classes part-time and getting your employer to pay the tuition.

Have a great day and God bless!

Is College Really Worth It?

2007-04-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

James C. Gonyea

Considering the high cost of a college education and the drain that expense can have on college studnets financial resources and future, I am often asked by college-bound students, "Is college really worth it?"

Here are 10 reasons you should pursue a college education:

Analytical thinking skills: Today's world is complex, and it requires making daily decisions about personal, economic, health, political, professional and social matters. Learning how to approach a decision, gather relevant facts, analyze comparative and contradictory data and draw correct conclusions are necessary skills for successful living. There is no better training ground to develop these skills than college.

Career beginnings: Significant knowledge is required to understand the nature of most occupations. College is usually the most effective way to acquire this knowledge. For many professions, a college education is a prerequisite for entering the field.

Career advancement: Many employers base promotion decisions on an employee's educational attainments. Whether or not a college education is truly required to handle the job is irrelevant. Employers need ways to rank employees, and a college education is an easily identifiable standard.

Financial gain: While there are notable exceptions, individuals with four-year college degrees earn more over their careers than people with less education do. The difference in lifetime earnings between a college graduate and a non-college graduate can amount to several million dollars.

Economic preparation: We all participate in a complex and continually changing economic environment, which requires some understanding of our economy. Where better to learn about managing your life's finances than in Economics 101?

Friends and spouses: Colleges, even non-residential institutions, bring disparate people together in one place. When individuals find themselves sharing similar experiences it's not surprising that lifelong friendships -- and life partnerships -- can develop. Networking within a profession often begins here too.

Life awareness: The next time you're in a group of people, step back and watch how they interact with each other. Humans are social animals -- we bond with each other through conversation and other activities. College serves an important role in preparing individuals for continuing social interaction.

Lifelong source of advice and information: Graduation from college doesn't mean you won't be back. Just the opposite. Today, colleges and universities are eager to keep in touch with alumni, some offering programs and services on both personal and professional issues.

Purpose in life: At some point, most of us wonder about our purpose in life -- why are we here and what should we be doing? An essential part of finding your way is understanding other possible paths. Colleges, by their nature, bring together people with different lifestyles, ideas and experiences. Beyond the opportunities for awareness offered by the classroom and social interaction, colleges also offer independent study and internship programs that can let you explore alternative paths to find the one best suited for you.

Self-actualization: Psychologist Abraham Maslow theorized that we humans have a need to be somebody, to feel important, useful and of value to others and society. This self-actualizing behavior can mean developing and applying knowledge over time to build expertise in a given subject. Becoming expert in one's chosen career field is one of life's greatest feelings of accomplishment. As we age and begin to satisfy the more basic needs in our lives, this need for self-actualization becomes more important. Lifelong learning is a key element in developing a sense of accomplishment, and a college education is the foundation for lifelong learning.

After 30-plus years of offering advice as a professional career counselor, I think my understanding of life is much better than it was when I was younger. I believe the old adage that with age comes wisdom, and on reflection I find that my college education -- BS in education and MS in guidance and counseling -- is worth more than I ever imagined.

Have a great day and God bless!

College Student Study Tips

2007-04-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

Studying can be one of the most painful things to go through at college but if you learn some good methods and tips and can become your strong point in school.

Study Frequently and in Short Sessions

Test show that short periods of maximum concentration repeatedly is more benefical than studying for long periods at one time. 10 minutes of complete concentration is all you need and then you can take a break and come back to it again. Why does this work?

Our brains need to recover and reboot as the rest periods is when our brain assimilates our effort. These are very powerful tools that many teachers and college professors do not acknowledge to their students. Studying for hours on top of hours only put your brain in fatigue, stress, and distraction. Your learn will be minimum.

Take Guilt-Free Days of Rest

Resting your brain is very important as school and college can become stressful to even the elite college students that college is easy for them. Being able to take a day off without stress and worry will give your brain the needed time and energy to absorb new data. Really enjoy yourself on your days off and do something active that will exercise your body instead of your brain.

Know Your Emotional State

The best time to study is when you are relaxed and not tired, distracted, and in a hurry. Our brains are like a sponge when relax and easily absorbs information without effort. When you are emotionally stressed than our brain repels information you are studying leaving you with nothing for your hours of studying.

Same Day Review

Learning new things in class are fun but are often lost the next day. Don't let this happen to you and try to look over your notes from class the same day after a break and I promise you will begin to retain more information having studying time when exams or close to be at a minimum.

Set Study Routine

By having a schedule of studying for your classes will give you more time in doing the things you want like hanging out with friends. Getting more stuff during your study times will have your exam scores increasing and your relationships with others doing the same.

Don't waste time and get poor exam scores at college when you can be saving time and getting more done. The tips and methods are very easy and worth giving them a shot.

Have a great day and God bless!

Recieve More Financial Aid

2007-04-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Last year over $152 billion dollars were given away in grants from the government and other organizations for college students. So how to you get you share of the money?

1. Apply Now

Don't put this off until it is too late. Financial aid goes to those who ask for it first so if you wait you might miss your chance to get free money. The very first thing you should do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You might have to check with the college you are attending or are planning to attend for some needed information. The FAFSA is used by many college and private college in deciding the college students financial aid that he gets.

Many people believe they will not receive any financial aid but you should fill out the FAFSA anyway. It has been proven that eight million students missed out on receiving aid from the government and this even includes 1.5 million who have qualified for Pell Grants.

Filling out the FAFSA is the basics step for qualifying for many non-need based loans, such as Stafford Loans that have very low interest rates unlike private loans.

2. Check With Your State

Checking with your state can also be an option as they have tons of money going towards bettering there state. During 2004 to 2005 college students received $7.9 billion in financial aid from their state. These came in forms of grants and scholarships that were based on merit and financial need.

The first step is to fill out the FAFSA and then contact the appropriate state forms. Click here to find your state's programs.

3. Start Your Begging

Writing a paper on your financial situation might not help solve your money problem so let's try something else.Melissa Diana, a financial aid consultant who runs the Web site Tuition Physician, recommends writing a letter to the financial aid office detailing any situation, such as a future hospital stay, which will affect your budget in the following year. You need to tell the financial aid offices that future events will hinder your ability to afford college as they only know information form last year.

Even after you receive your financial aid letter you can appeal your case as more colleges will give money if they know you are accepted and are considering attending. This could be your way to get some more money for college if you are accepted into these programs.

4. Scholarship Search

The majority of financial aid is given out in grants and loans but scholarships can help you as well pay for your college tuition. There is more than $15 billion available for you in scholarships but you will never get it unless you apply for it. Start off at FastWeb.com as I believe they are one of the very best scholarship searchers online.

5. Best Loan Search

Loans make up about half of all financial aid but it is very important to be very careful on what loans to take out and who from as they can come out to be thousands more than the actual loan. Taking the time and searching out the very best loans with your college and yourself is the safest way to go when looking for student college loans.

Have a great day and God bless!

Fast Web #1 Scholarship Finder

2007-04-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

FastWeb.com is like your own little college scholarship organizer for scholarships, colleges, jobs and internships with other resources at your figure tips. It has become my favorite website.

FastWeb for College Scholarships

I have been applying for about two months now on all kinds of scholarships and have already made $1,200 for college next year and I am thrilled.

It is so easy as well. After you finish the list of questions, FastWeb sends you hundreds of scholarships that apply to you and you actually have a good chance at winning. You have total access of these scholarships as well with your favorites, warnings on deadlines, and notifications of new scholarships.

Benefits of FastWeb

• Largest source of local, national and college-specific scholarships
• Personalized scholarship matching
• Search and compare colleges that are right for you
• Find colleges with scholarship money for you
• Tools and tips to help you pay for college
• Jobs and internships for students

FastWeb.com is by far the best college scholarship finder ever and I will be using it till I am out of college.

Have a great day and God bless!

College Scholarships Take TIme

2007-04-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

When I first started applying for college scholarships, college grants, and some way to paying for my college education everything seemed to be a waste of time.

Spending hours after hours on research, applying for scholarships, and writing essay after essay hoping one will earn some money for my college tuition.

Most people just give up. But not you!

I kept with it and learned how to win and earn scholarships that made all that time worth $300 an hour. It's worth the time.

Scholarship sites like FastWeb, CollegeBoard, etc. can help find you the right scholarships for you to increase your winnings.

I will be posting information on scholarships, grants, loans, and everything a college student needs to know so stick around.

Have a great day and God bless!

Improving SAT Scores For College

2007-04-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Two improving SAT scores steps:

Step 1: Set your goals
Step 2: Develop a preparation strategy

Setting Goals

Good SAT SCORE?

SAT scores range from 200 to 800 points in each of the Verbal and Math areas of the SAT, or a overall score of up to 1600 points. Only 20 out of over 1,000,000 students each year get a perfect score on the SAT, so how do you figure out what a good score for you would be?

There are two good ways

1. Find out what the college you desire to attend requires. This can be in terms of a minimum SAT score or an average score for admitted Freshman. You can get this information by either calling the school's Admissions Office directly or by buying (or looking at) a book in your local book store or library. These books are usually found in the Reference section and distributed by a variety of publishers or can be found on the Internet using the links below:

2. Score at least as high on the SAT as the national average for your GPA in high school. Colleges and universities use SAT scores to compare students from different high schools across the country. They don't usually know how difficult or easy your high school is or the classes you took. So they use your SAT to compare or "validate" your GPA. Your SAT score should be roughly equivalent to your GPA (or better!).

Colleges are looking at SAT scores and high school GPA's more than ever so make sure you take that in consideration if you want to get into a really nice college.

Have a great day and God bless!

Free Federal Grant Money

2007-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about getting money for college, tuition, and some for fun college student spending. Start with one of the largest sources of "tree Money for Education & Business Help" the Federal government.

While the governments concern is economic develop, you have the chance to take advantage of their generosity of recieving free money for a business or for college. It is estimated that next year they will give out over $35 billion dollars in grants and low interest loans.

This government giveaway program as college students and business owners recieving around $80,000 dollars each for their future. And it's all free!

Why have you not heard about this yet? Simple!

The governments advertising in this area of grant programs to the public. For most people it just becomes a losing battle and a waste of time.

Even though you hear about budget cuts, grant money still increases very year that is available to you. The amount of money given to college student has actually gone up 30 percent and the amount of money going to small businesses went up 5 percent.

Can average people get grants from these government giveaway programs?

Absolutely!

Most people believe they have to be very rich or very poor to get college grants from a government grant program. It is not true!

To be continued...

Have a great day and God bless!

Government College Grants Beginning!

2007-03-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Are you as a college student who can't get enough financial aid, scholarships, and grants for youe college tuition?

Well, be ready to learn everything you need to get all the grants you need for college, starting a business, and much much more!

I have just ordered the #1 Government Grant Program and you can follow along and learn everything I learn right besides me without spending a penny. It's that awesome.

Ready, lets begin.

Private Foundation Grants

Most people seek out the federal government when in the search for grants to pay for college. Even though federal grants are the majority of financial aid, they are one of the hardest to get with all the competition.

Here is one of the secrets, private agencies offer other opportunities for you to recieve money for college. The hard part is addressing the concerns needed for private funders and improving your chances for getting more money for college.

Soon you will learn the "10 Commandments" for recieving all sources of research grants and not only private foundations.

Be Realistic

Don't try to make up stories and stretching the truth or your project as it might be better not submitting your application at all.

Follow Instructions

Use the format that is requested as applications that don't follow their instructions are usually thrown out.

Another thing that is also mis taken is putting the wrong agency on the applications. Make sure you post to the correct agency and grant company to avoid dumb rejections.

Avoid Overfamiliarity

Do not get caught up in a agency or company coming into your personal life but try to be interested in everything that agency or company is doing. The better connections you have the better chances of someone picking you to get the college grant and financial aid for college.

Sending a financial report could be a major turn on as it shows them your situation while telling them that you are not hidding anything from them. Everything that happens with college, scholarships, financial aid, etc. is nothing as you need to keep going as your college tuition will come to you.

The grants, college scholarships, and financial aid is out there so don't quit and keep searching to find money to pay for college.

Have a great day and God bless!

Top Internet scams exposed!

2007-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here you will learn the truth about online money scams, and pointed to the trust worthy ones that could earn you money college.

Learn to avoid Government Grant Information Scams

You probably are here because you've seen ads on google or yahoo or msn like:

Get Government Grants Free!
Get Up To $250,000 From The Government!
Free Government Grant CD
Obtain Government Grants Today !
Free Money From The Government

These ads seem to be everywhere. You will no doubt see several of these ads on forums, popular search engines, and possibly even on Television.

Why are there so many out there and why are they spending thousands of dollars advertising free money for college. Basically, they are selling us the promise of free money becaus eit if something we all need as college students to pay for our college education.

Isn't it possible to get grants from the Government?

Absolutely! There are several trust worthy companies that will send you information on how to apply for government grants. But the fact is that 99% of all people will be denied money from the government because they are scams.

These companies just take your money without helping you at all finding and getting grants for college.

To tell you the trust, most of these web sites offer you nothing more than the following:

Old out dated web site and phone number information
No help with filling out applications
No organization, just a huge list of unsorted grant programs, with addresses
No customer service or help available, sometimes not even an email address!
No refunds. Most of these fly-by-night companies just take your money, and when they get enough complaints they simply close the site and start up a new one. (a common scam site tactic)
Amateur web sites with broken links. (this is a dead give away to a scam site)
Guarantees to get you a specific amount of grant money (no one can do this!)
Guarantees to get you grants just by making a phone call (this is just not possible)

I have researched and looked further into some college grant programs and have discover only a couple are for real.

My absolute favorite is Uncle Sam's Money as it offers a free consulation with a grant start up specialist! Their grant specialist will tell you what grants you qualify for and help you through the application process step by step. This is a limited time offer though.

These companies have a good reputation and live up to that guarantee. This is excellent because you can try out these members areas for 2 months and if you don't like the results they will refund your money.

The Federal Government gives away billions of dollars every year to college students just like you and me. No matter what you need the money for the Government has a college grant for it. Do you want to start a small business? Did you just have a baby? Need to pay for college? Want to remodel your home? Want to buy a new home? The best part is you can get approved for as many grants as you qualify for and you never have to pay it back. As always I will keep you updated on my findings.

Have a great day and God bless!

Financial aid: How to get what's coming to you

2007-03-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

By Sarah Max

1. Introduction

Colleges use both formulas and feelings when awarding aid. Here's how to stack the odds in your favor.

Here's something that may surprise you: Four years at Harvard could actually cost the same as four years at a state school. That's because financial aid often makes up the difference between the sticker price and what you have to pay. If, for example, your "expected family contribution" is only $5,000, you might qualify for $25,000 in annual aid for a school that costs $30,000 each year. But if the school's annual costs are only $8,000 a year, you're likely to qualify for just $3,000 in aid.

When it comes to college financial aid, people have plenty of misconceptions. The cardinal rule for parents: assume nothing. Just because the family next door or your colleague's kid received aid doesn't mean you will -- or won't. Financial aid is based on a combination of factors, and differs from school to school, even child to child.

Despite the climbing costs of a college education, the outlook for parents seeking aid is pretty bright. A record $90 billion in financial aid was available in the 2002-2003 school year, according to the College Board, a non-profit organization that tracks college trends.

After adjusting for inflation, that's an 11.5 percent increase over the prior year. In all, more than 75 percent of private college students and 60 percent of public college students got some type of aid this past school year.

"While there have been tremendous increases in the cost of private education, there is a tremendous amount of aid available as well," says Alan Posich, an independent education consultant.

The trick is figuring out what aid you're eligible for -- then getting it.

2. Who gets aid?

Financial aid is no longer limited to just the hardest-pressed families. "There's a huge misconception that financial aid is only available if you are poor," says the College Board's Jack Joyce. Of course, you are still more likely to qualify for aid if your annual income is less than $70,000, but many schools will offer some aid to talented students whose parents earn more. Colleges and universities are increasingly offering aid to good students to improve the reputation of the school. "Colleges are recognizing that there are some very good students who don't qualify for federal aid, but can't afford to pay the full bill," says Posich.

The federal government dishes out the majority of available aid as grants and loan guarantees. The formulas used to calculate who gets aid are based largely on income. "The financial aid process is driven much more by income than assets," says Joyce. In general, aid is harder to obtain when income exceeds $100,000 and only one child is in school. If there are two or more children in school simultaneously, however, a family with an income of $150,000 may still qualify. Of course, it is impossible to give hard and fast guidelines about whether a particular student will receive aid, but you can do some preliminary calculations on websites such as www.collegeboard.com and www.finaid.com.

3. Cracking the aid formulas

Federal and state aid is awarded based on the information on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (You can complete the form online or download it from www.fafsa.org). Public colleges adhere closely to the form, and private schools also factor it into their offers. A second form, the College Scholarship Service Profile, is also used by hundreds of schools and many organizations that offer scholarships. Most people don't submit the form until the fall of the student's senior year of high school, long after the FAFSA, because you must indicate the schools to which you're applying. (Find the CSSP on the www.collegeboard.com.)

Both forms need to be completed every year that you apply for aid. Like filing your taxes or applying for a mortgage, the process isn't complicated, but it will be a good deal smoother if you are organized. Make things easier by saving your key financial information including tax forms, pay stubs, brokerage and bank account statements beginning in the student's junior year of high school.

Once a college has your FAFSA, it calculates eligibility by taking the cost of attending a particular college minus the expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is based largely on income, but is also affected by your assets, the number of children you have attending college at the same time, and the number of years you have until retirement. (Schools try to avoid ransacking your nest egg if you are within ten or fifteen years of retirement.)

The institutional method used by most private schools is slightly more complicated than the federal formula. It makes allowances for such things as emergency savings and money put aside for younger children. Because private schools have their own money to dole out, they are often more willing to look beyond the numbers and take other situations into account, such as a sibling with a chronic illness or a particularly high cost of living. If your family has special financial circumstances that affect your ability to pay for college but are not apparent in the numbers, consider sending a letter to the college's financial aid office after submitting all the necessary forms.

4. Interpreting your award

Expect preliminary aid offers to arrive in your mailbox around the time your child receives an acceptance letter from the school. If you wind up getting aid offers from more than one school, you'll likely see differences. Aid packages vary not only in how much aid is offered, but how it is divided into grants and loans.

The best packages are made up by grants, which are categorized as need-based, merit-based, federal, state, and institutional. Grants are usually tax-free and don't have to be repaid. The largest federal grant programs, the Pell Grant and the federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, are based strictly on need and are generally non-negotiable. Pell Grants, which usually go to students from low-income families, offer a maximum of $3,300 annually. SEOP grants range from $100 to $4,000 a year. Grants that come directly from a school are often a mix of need-based and merit-based, which can be based on anything from academics to ethnicity to athletics.

The bulk of student aid -- about 60 percent-- comes in the form of subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The best of these will be subsidized loans, which typically carry low interest rates and which don't have to be repaid until several months after the student has graduated. With the federal Perkins Loan, students can borrow up to $4,000 a year for five years at a very low interest rate, usually 5 percent. The government puts a $20,000 annual cap on the loans, but it is up to a particular college to determine the size of a specific student's loan. The Stafford Loan also carries a relatively low interest rate, capped at 8.25 percent. College students may borrow up to maximums that rise the longer a student remains in school, from $2,625 in the first year to $5,500 in the senior year. Interest begins to accrue on these loans six months after a student graduates, at which time repayments begin.

Students who apply for aid are also eligible for unsubsidized Stafford loans. Interest on these loans begins to accrue immediately, although the borrower can defer the interest payment until he begins to repay the principal, typically after graduation.

In most cases, students who accept a federally subsidized loan will be required to participate in the federal Work-Study program, in which students are given on-campus jobs and expected to work between 10 and 15 hours a week.

Parents may also borrow. The Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) allow parents to borrow up to the total cost of four years of college, minus any financial aid received. The loan depends on your credit rating, although requirements are not as stringent as they are for a mortgage. The downside: repayment begins 60 days after you receive the loan, although you can stretch repayment over 10 years. The interest rate is tied to the short-term Treasury bill rate, with a maximum of 9 percent.

Keep in mind that you do not have to accept the entire package. You can decline a particular loan if you decide that you do not need it. However, you may not be able to decline a work-study job and still receive certain other loans.

Be sure to make your decision before the school's financial aid deadline. And don't forget to decline the offers made by other schools so that they can distribute the aid to other students.

5. Upgrade your aid

Not happy with your offer? You might try to appeal to the financial aid office for a better one. If your package contains an obvious error, or if you have reason to believe that an aspect of your finances was not taken into consideration, you may be able to successfully appeal. Also, be sure to let the financial aid office know if your circumstances changed after the application was signed, sealed and delivered.

But you may also win an appeal is if your child receives competing offers from two similar schools. (The College Board site, www.collegeboard.com, has an excellent worksheet for comparing offers.) If your child's first choice school made a relatively poor offer, however, see if anything may be done to improve it. "More and more schools are upfront about their willingness to compare competing offers," says Joyce.

Before you pick up the phone, be sure you are ready to state your case. Understand the terms of the current package and be able to articulate exactly what it will take to make the school affordable to you. Typically, the officer will ask you to send the competing offer or documentation of your new financial circumstances before making a decision.

Of course, the better your child's academic record, the better your chances for beefing up the offer. "Colleges want to match their resources with the students they most want to enroll," says Joyce. "This is no time to be shy." Even if your child is at the top of his class, you will want to emphasize affordability. Take care not to appear as though you are negotiating for the sake of negotiating.

6. Smart saving strategies

It's true that your family's income makes a big difference in qualifying you for most aid. But savings matter as well. Some critics maintain that schools punish those who, regardless of income, have scrimped and saved to pay for college. But schools have become much more sensitive when taking savings into account. It does not pay for parents to forgo saving money for college in the hope of receiving more aid. It is important, however, to find savings tools that will not hamper your ability to get more aid.

Most important, don't shortchange your retirement savings to save for college. The financial aid formula also assumes you can contribute "discretionary net worth," which is no more than 5.6 percent of your total net worth. And if you are older than 45, you will get an asset protection allowance as well, presumably because you need to use your savings for retirement. Your child's assets are a different story. Any money in your child's name is assessed at least a 35 percent rate. That's why it almost never pays to put savings in your child's name if you want to qualify for aid.

And if you are considering opening a 529 savings account, proceed with caution. These savings plans, available in most states, allow earnings to grow tax-free starting in 2002 (many states award a tax deduction for contributions as well).

The tax benefits of 529 plans are unmatched. Right now, however, it is unclear how 529 savings plans will be treated for financial aid purposes. In the past, earnings were categorized as the student’s income and, as such, reduced aid. Now that earnings are not subject to taxes, there is a chance that 529 plans will have no effect on aid.

That’s the best-case scenario. On the flip side, these plans could be treated more harshly than they were in the past. Joe Hurley, founder of Savingforcollege.com expects the Department of Education to offer some guidance on this subject this summer, before parents start applying for 2002/2003 financial aid.

Even if 529 withdrawals do affect aid, you don't have to skip the accounts altogether. Just make sure you only stash enough for the final year or two in the 529 account. Take out the biggest chunk to pay for senior year (when you no longer need to worry about qualifying for financial aid), and then the rest for junior year. In the student's first years of college, you may only want to withdraw a few thousand dollars or so, depending on your income.

Have a great day and God bless!

Financial Aid Myths

2007-03-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Don't Believe Everything You Hear

Literally billions of dollars in financial aid is available to those who need help paying for college. Yet lots of misinformation clouds the facts about what type of aid is available and who is eligible. Here are some myths dispelled for college students confronting the process of securing financial aid.

College Is Just Too Expensive for Our Family

Despite the media hype about rising college costs, a college education is more affordable than most people think, especially when you consider college graduates earn an average of $1 million more over their careers than high-school graduates. The average yearly cost of a four-year public school in 2006-07 is just $5,836. There are some expensive schools, but high tuition is not a requirement for a good education.

There's Less Aid Available Than There Used to Be

In fact, student financial aid in 2005-06 rose to a record level of more than $134 billion. Most students receive some form of aid. Less of this aid now comes in the form of grants, however; most aid is awarded through low-interest loans or institutional and other grants. You should consider carefully the financing packages you've been offered by each college to determine which makes the most financial sense.

My Parents' Income Is Too High to Qualify for Aid

Aid is intended to make a college education available for students of families in many financial situations. College financial aid administrators often take into account not only income, but also other family members in college, home mortgage costs, and other factors. Aid is awarded to many families with incomes they thought would disqualify them.

My Parents Saved for College, So We Won't Qualify for Aid

Saving for college is always a good idea. Since most financial aid comes in the form of loans, the aid you are likely to receive will need to be repaid. Tucking away money could mean you have fewer loans to repay, and it won't mean you're not eligible for aid if you need it. A family's share of college costs is calculated based mostly on income, not assets such as savings.

I'm not a Straight A Student, So I Won't Get Aid

It's true that many scholarships reward merit, but the vast majority of federal aid is based on financial need and does not even consider grades.

If I Apply for a Loan, I Have to Take It

Families are not obligated to accept a low-interest loan if it is awarded to them. "In my opinion, everybody should apply for financial aid," says Tally Hart, director of student financial aid at Ohio State University. "Student loans are at all-time low interest rates." She recommends applying and comparing the loan awards with other debt instruments and assets to determine the best financial deal.

Working Will Hurt My Academic Success

College students who attempt to juggle full-time work and full-time studies do struggle. But research shows that students who work a moderate amount often do better academically. Securing an on-campus job related to career goals is a good way for you to help pay college costs, get experience, and create new ties with the university.

I Should Live at Home to Cut Costs

It's wise to study every avenue for reducing college costs, but living at home may not be the best way. Be sure to consider commuting and parking costs when you do this calculation. Living on campus may create more opportunities for work and other benefits.

Private Schools Are Out of Reach for My Family

Experts recommend deferring cost considerations until late in the college-selection process. Most important is finding a school that meets your academic, career, and personal needs. In fact, you might have a better chance of receiving aid from a private school. Private colleges often offer more financial aid to attract students from every income level. Higher college expenses also mean a better chance of demonstrating financial need.

Millions of Dollars in Scholarships Go Unused Every Year

Professional scholarship search services often tout this statistic. In fact, most unclaimed money is slated for a few eligible candidates, such as employees of a specific corporation or members of a certain organization. Most financial aid comes from the federal government, though it's also a good idea to research nonfederal sources of aid.

My Folks Will Have to Sell Their House to Pay for College

Home value is not considered in calculations for federal financial aid. Colleges may take home equity into account when determining how much you are expected to contribute to college costs, but income is a far greater factor in this determination. No college will expect your parents to sell their house to pay for your education.

We Can Negotiate a Better Deal

Many colleges will be sensitive to a family's specific financial situation, especially if certain nondiscretionary costs, such as unusually high medical bills, have been overlooked. But most colleges adhere to specific financial aid-award guidelines and will not adjust an award for a family that feels it got a better deal at another school. "We won't bargain, but we want to make sure we know the family's full financial picture," says Tally Hart, director of student financial aid at Ohio State University.

Have a great day and God bless!

Parents are failing to save for their children's university courses, says a survey.

2007-03-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Scholarship Success Step One.

Find out where the sources of scholarships are. Some examples are scholarships given by the government, including federal or state governments. Another source would be from the actual school itself. Sometimes, there are bursaries available, which are based more on financial need than on merit. If you have any questions at all about the scholarship, do not hesitate to contact the person managing the scholarship.

Try to also gage if the scholarship is coming from a reliable source because it is possible that there are scam scholarships out there, so beware. Just remember don't give scholarships any financial information such as your bank account information or credit card number.

Scholarship Success Step Two.

Determine which scholarships you are eligible to apply for by carefully reading their eligibility requirements, and keep track of their websites or save their forms so that you can fill them out later. The sooner you do this the better because different scholarships have different deadlines, so you will need to prepare your file, such as reference letters or transcripts, accordingly. So remember also to take a note of the deadline so that you start preparing for it a month or two before it is due.

Choose to apply to as many scholarships that you think you will have a good chance of getting and perhaps don't apply to ones where you will have a slim chance. If the information is available, try to determine the number of people who applied in the last competition versus the number of people who got the scholarship.

Scholarship Success Step Three.

Read the instructions carefully before filling out the scholarship application form. Be as complete and thorough as possible when filling it out. Check spelling and grammatical errors. If a friend or relative has time, ask them to double check the application for you. Remember to include extra materials such as reference letters or transcripts as required. Also don't wait until the last day to submit it. If submitting online, it is best to do it at least one day before in case there is too much of a demand for their servers on the day of the deadline.

Scholarship Success Step Four.

Do the extra activities required for each scholarship. Some scholarships school marks, some stress leadership, others stress community service, and still others emphasize athletic performance, so do emphasize your strong points in the area that they are looking for. That's another advantage of looking up the eligibility requirements of scholarships earlier because you will have a feeling as to what types of scholars they would like to support.

Even though marks may not be an important factor in the scholarship, it always helps to keep your school marks high in case they do become a factor.

Have a great day and God bless!

Savings Gap for College Parents

2007-03-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Parents are failing to save for their children's university courses, says a survey.

And they are underestimating how much a three years degree course is likely to cost.

Money problems also mean that students are taking term-time jobs, with another survey saying that more than half students are now working.

This is affecting their studies, as over 40% say they have missed lectures because of their jobs.

With students returning for the new university year, a survey suggests that many parents are failing to prepare for the financial pressures ahead.

The survey, from the Abbey National bank, found a third of parents are not yet saving for university costs - which the bank says is now going to be about £22,500.

Unprepared

This figure could be bad news for many parents - as the bank's survey says that a third of families are under the impression that they will only have to pay less than £10,000, with another quarter expecting to pay less than £20,000.

Only a tenth of parents are aware that the full cost is likely to be in excess of £20,000.

These figures apply to students now starting university - and the financial outlook is even tougher for those with young children - with forecasts that by 2020 university expenses will have reached £34,000.

In another survey, from NatWest bank, it appears that the number of students with part-time jobs is increasing - with 53% reporting that they are working, up from 48% last year.

This increase in work reflects the deepening levels of debt - up to an average of over £8,000, with more than a quarter of students owing more than £10,000.

Without working, three-quarters of students say they could not be able to financially survive through university, although 43% said that they had missed lectures because of their jobs.

And the survey found that six out of ten students believed that the current tuition fees system is not fair.

Have a great day and God bless!

Getting Grants For College Students

2007-03-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Grants are what every college student wants as they are just like colllege scholarships meaning you don't have to pay them back. This financial aid are usually awarded on the basis of financial need, unlike most scholarships, and come from the usual aid providers: the federal government, the states, the schools, private organizations and individuals.

In most cases, there are no separate applications for grants. When you submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Studetn Aid) you automatically apply for almost all forms of aid.

Federal Grants

The main players in the federal grant scene are the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). These grants go to families with exceptional financial need, and you apply for both by submitting a FAFSA. The only academic requirement for freshman applicants is that you graduate from high school or can document a comparable secondary education, such as a GED.

To keep the grant, you must maintain "satisfactory academic progress," which the government defines as C average. I wish it could be a little higher though.

Pell Grants.

The maximum award for the Pell Grant for 2006-2007 is $4,050, but this amount can change from year to year, depending on funding. How much you can get depends on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and the cost of attending the college at which you enroll. For example, a student would receive a Pell Grant of $400 if the EFC is $3,850, the maximum EFC for 2005-2006. Each school participating in the Pell Program receives enough money to pay the grant amounts its eligible students qualify for. Students who attend college less than fulltime can get partial Pell Grants.

Academic Competitiveness Grants and SMART Grants.

New for 2006-2007, these grants are open to qualified Pell Grant recipients. Academic Competitiveness Grants could give an extra $750 in the first year and $1,300 in the second year to Pell students who carry a B average and graduate from an academically challenging high school program. The SMART grant can give an additional $4,000 per year for Pell juniors and seniors who maintain a B average and major in science math, or a language of particular national interest.

FSEOGs.

FSEOGs are awarded to the students with the lowest EFC. Priority is given to those students who are also eligible for Pell Grants. FSEOGs are awarded based on the availability of FSEOG funds at the college. Not all colleges participate in the program. FSEOGs can range from $100 to $4,000, at the discretion of the college's financial aid office.

State Grants

Many states offer their own grant program. You must be a state resident and, in most cases, go to a state-supported public college (not required in California), be enrolled at least half time and, in some cases, maintain satisfactory academic progress. Such grants may be guaranteed to students with a specified grade point average or class ranking in high school.

They may also be earmarked for certain expenses, such as fees, books and supplies. In some states you apply by simply filling out the FAFSA. Other states have separate applications, usually available through the financial aid office.

School-Based and Private Grants

Most colleges, especially private colleges, award grants out of their own funds. They may appear quite similar to scholarships. The criteria are not always published, but colleges generally have the discretion to adjust the size of grants to financially needy students based on academic qualifications.

Many colleges also award grants to students regardless of financial need. Check with your college to find out the application process, if any.

Finally, private organizations, companies, associations, foundations and individuals award grants, whose criteria typically mirror those of the colleges that administer them.

If your family has a greater-than-average financial need and you are admitted to a college, you will probably be eligible for grants. Grants are easier to qualify for than scholarships, since financial need is usually considered before academic achievement. Since they don't have to be repaid, they are just about the most desirable form of aid. Nothing beats free money for college.

Have a great day and God bless!

Winning College Scholarships

2007-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

The college students that win the most college scholarships may not have more positive qualities than you, but they use the following strategy to get noticed by the scholarship committees.

So do you want to know these strategies?

Prepare Yourself!

Things you need to do to prepare yourself for filling out college scholarships:

Prepare yourself with teachers recommendations.
High school, and college transcripts.
Get involved with community, family, and church.
Determine why you are unique and goals for your future.
Get a picture of yourself.
A clear binder or organization.

And get ready to spend some time on college scholarships that will help you afford college and keep you from taking out too many college loans.

Get Organized

Begin researching scholarships that match your criteria and once you have the college scholarships for which you want to apply, keep track of the deadlines.

Create a chart to keep on top of all dates to make sure you do not miss any deadlines.

The chart should include:

Scholarship name and phone number
Date application must be received by scholarship committee
Date you requested the application
Date you received the application
Date application with above package was mailed
Date you called the Scholarship Agency to verify they received your application package

Get Noticed

Being organized, prepared, and filling out all the scholarships correctly is important but if you are not recognized than all that work was for nothing.

Even if you feel you master the English language, your essay should be critique by someone who has experience in essay writing.

Asking an english professor, teacher or anyone you know that is a really affective reader and writer would be an excellent choice to read your essay.

Have a great day and God bless!

College Scholarships & Financial Aid Types

2007-03-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Let me break it down to you in 8 categories for you to show you that there are many other program out there that you can get money from.

Free Scholarship Lotteries

Several sites have started giving away scholarships to attract traffic. Website like iWon.com, Publisher's Clearinghouse, and Jackpot.com that give away millions of dollars a year.

The odds of your winning a free scholarship from these lotteries is usually less than 1 in 10,000. (If the scholarship lottery isn't well-publicized, the odds may drop to as low as 1 in 500.)

Federal and State Government Aid

This includes the FAFSA, student/parent loans, grants, and college student financial aid online.

Many colleges and universities, especially public institutions, also require the FAFSA. Filling out the FAFSA is the first thing everyone should do.

Grants are a form of financial aid, based on need, which you do not have to repay. Below, you will find links to a variety of grant resources online.

Undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships are forms of aid that help students pay for their education. Unlike student loans, scholarships and fellowships do not have to be repaid. Hundreds of thousands of scholarships and fellowships from several thousand sponsors are awarded each year.

The best way to find this free college scholarship and grants is to go on FastWeb.com.

There are so many program for college students to pay for scholarships and recieve money from college scholarships, grants, and loans.

Have a great day and God bless!

College Tuition Keeps Rising

2007-03-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

College costs and tuition is rising each year is no sign of coming to a hault. It is said most students and their families can expect to pay, on average, from $90 to $1,238 more than last year for this year's tuition and fees depending on what college or university they go to.

So is there any good news about tuition rising? Yes, because financial aid is rising as well to over $134 billion.

Paying $30,000 for college a year can become a nightmare but is it really that bad when you know how to get financial aid. The higher college tuition goes up and with your family making less money means more money for you.

Did you know that, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a bachelor's degree earn nearly twice as much on average than those with only a high school diploma?

So it might seem if you really want to go to an expensive university that it would be worth every penny.

If you are a college student and are facing this major difficulty than don't worry and focus on scholarships and seeing how much help you will get from financial aid.

Have a great day and God bless!

College Student Scholarship FastWeb

2007-03-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

While beginning the process of filling all your college student information for scholarships that will apply for you the questions are simple and quick.

Throughout the series of questions there seemed to be a lot of advertising for other colleges and services like the army and airforce. There were even a lot of questions that were confusing and difficult for me to correctly answer.

When I was all done and through a page pops-up with job opportunities, scholarships, etc. with an easy way to control all your information. This website is one of the best resources for college students to search for loans, colleges, and scholarships.

I have visited many other websites and I believe now I have found one with trust worthy scholarships for college students in need for paying off tuition.

Have a great dat and God bless!

College Scholarship To Christian Leaders

2007-03-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

This scholarship for college students is directed at college students that want to be involved with Christian leadership and the church.

This college scholarship has the potential of big, medium, and small donation to your education but will all be worth it in the end.

Our Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Foundation is to assist Christian individuals with identified leadership history, high academic achievement and financial need with academic, vocational and ministry training to further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Guidelines: The following are the minimum guidelines that must be met before a candidate will be considered for scholarship:

Christian testimony, and verifiable Christian leadership.
Entering undergraduate studies, or currently attempting to attain a degree. (Occasionally we assist graduate level students who meet all other criteria).
3.0 G.P.A. or better.
Financial need. Combined income of parents and student is below $60,000. Foundation students natural and step parent's incomes are included in that income ceiling.
Primary residence or attending college must be in “Southern California."

All of these forms as well as the information and documents referenced or requested in them must be received in one package by the deadline of May 7, 2007, in order for you to be considered.

If you are a college student looking for a college scholarship and are involved in the church or some sort of ministry than this could be your college scholarship.

Have a great day and God bless!

College Students Need Money For College

2007-03-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Recommended Scholarship Websites

Here are some excellent websites for looking for scholarship to pay off college.

College Christian Leaders
www.collegechristianleader.com

FastWeb
www.fastweb.com

College Board Online Scholarship Search
www.collegeboard.org

Peterson's College Quest
www.collegequest.com

Scholarship Resource Network Express
www.srnexpress.com

Scholarship Search
www.scholarships.com

Have a great day and God bless!

College Student Life Questions & Answers

2007-03-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

EveryStudent.com is a safe place to explore issues about college, life, and what it might be like to know God.

Does it matter which God you call to?

Q: "People often pray to a 'God' in hard times. Is everyone having conversations with the same God? Does it matter which God you call to? Are there false gods?"

our A: People today like to believe that whoever you are praying to is fine. It doesn't matter if it's a Hindu god, a saint, Jesus, or Allah. The important thing is that you are praying, right?

Does it matter which God you call to? What if someone believed that a cactus could come to their aid? Is it likely that the cactus will come through for them? Can it analyze their situation? Know the needs of the person? Care about the person? And choose the wisest course of action to take on their behalf?

What if someone (true story) describes their higher power as a particular ocean wave at Venice Beach, California? What abilities does that wave possess? Any intelligence? Any power other than the wind's or tide's affect on it? Can that wave actually come to their aid? Of course not. The only benefit gained from faith in either the cactus or the wave is a misguided hope, a psychological boost.

Moving into some politically incorrect areas now...what if a person refers to God as Jesus or Allah or Buddha or Brahma or Mother Earth or themselves? Does it matter? Absolutely!

It's fine to say that a person can benefit from any "god" they choose to hope in. Even a false god can bring to the person's mind at least a temporary peace, encouragement and hope. But what if that "god" does not exist? It's like praying into thin air. Harmless? Yes, this is fine...as long as there is no real God. But as soon as a real, definite God comes into the picture, then the person runs into problems. Why?

Because the God Who Is might expect that everyone should be able to recognize that He is a supremely, vastly powerful God who created this universe, a God who created them, and One who expects to be acknowledged by them. And maybe to recognize that this God Who Is Really There is the only one who can really help them.

A person can pray to a wave or a cactus or to anybody or anything they want, but the God of the Bible says this...

"All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced." (Isaiah 45:16)
"I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 45:5)
"It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts." (Isaiah 45:12)

The Bible also says...

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7)
"The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love." (Psalms 33:18)
"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If we are wanting a secure hope, we need to choose the God who exists! How do we know the real God? We know by looking at the facts, by looking at what God has revealed about Himself.

Have a great day and God bless!