Personal Finance Essentials

College Planning

The Most Expensive Decision Your Teen Will Ever Make

One in four freshmen drops out — but the student loans don’t go away

It’s one of the most important decisions you and your teen will ever make:  whether to pursue a college degree, and if so, what major to select and which school to attend.  

The benefits of getting a degree are well documented. Compared to non-graduates, those who attain a college degree enjoy better work-life balance, higher salaries and superior employee benefits, stronger marriages, better outcomes for children, improved relationships with parents and siblings, more friends, more engagement with their community, better health and longer lifespans.  

But a quarter (24%) of college freshmen drop out, and only 62% graduate after six years. All the time and money spent on college is lost – yet the student loans remain. Thus, it’s vital that you and your teen answer this question correctly: Is college the right path? 

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The Changing Paradigm of College Education

College used to be a given — now it’s a decision that can make or break your financial future.

The Benefits of Getting a College Degree

A college degree doesn’t just boost your paycheck — it improves your health, your relationships, and nearly every other dimension of your life.

The Peril of Going to College

For too many students, college means debt, dropout, and regret — with no degree to show for it.

How to Minimize the Cost of Getting a College Degree

College costs $135,000 to $385,000 — so your major and your school choice aren’t just academic decisions, they’re financial ones.

Today’s High Cost of College Means Teens Must Obtain an Economic Return on Their Investment

There are multiple ways to earn a college degree for a fraction of the standard price — or even for free.

A Vital
Warning About
Student Loans

Student loans can’t be erased in bankruptcy, follow you for decades, and derail nearly every major life milestone.

Cautions About Tuition Prepayment Plans

Start saving for college the day your child is born — and never raid your retirement to do it.

Saving for College with 529 Plans

529 plans offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for college — making them the smartest way to save.

Saving
for College

Tuition prepayment plans sound like a sure thing — but the fine print is full of traps.

Is College
the Right
Choice?

Before choosing a college, ask whether college is actually the right choice for you.

College is Out.
Lifelong Learning
is In.

A degree gets you started — but only lifelong learning keeps you competitive.

Life Insurance and Protecting Your College Plan

A term life insurance policy ensures your college savings plan survives even if you don’t.

Tax Benefits for Education

There are real tax breaks for college costs — but the rules are complex enough to require guidance.