Funding Options for College Bound Students

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Funding Options for College Bound Students

With so many funding options for college bound students, which one is best for you? Paying for college may be the largest expense a family can have, especially for families with multiple children. There are so many funding options to assist you. Here are some brief descriptions of your options.

A Coverdell educational savings account is a popular plan for college funding. You can contribute up to $2000 per year per child. If you use these funds for qualified education expenses, the earnings are tax deferred and free of federal tax. You select the investments for optimal flexibility.

Section 529 plans are state-sponsored plans that can be used to pay college expenses. This is a tax-advantage plan for approved education-related expenses such as tuition, room and board, supplies and fees. The state generally hires an investment firm as a program manager who provides various investment choices. You invest in the appropriate portfolios that match your investment time-line and risk tolerance. The two types of 529 plans are prepaid and savings. Prepaid plans (independent) let you purchase tuition credits at member colleges, at today’s rates, for future usage. Savings plans have growth based on the market performance of your investments.

UGMA/UTMA accounts are custodial accounts opened on behalf of a minor. This gift is considered irrevocable with all withdrawals required to be for the minors benefit. The balance of the account is turned over to the minor at the age of majority.

Grants and scholarships are “free money” options that don’t have to be paid back. This is a debt-free way to fund an education. Financial need typically must be demonstrated to receive a grant. Scholarships are usually based on merit.

Work-study programs provide part-time employment from the federal government to earn money for college. This program is not only in place to help to fund college, but a work-study job can provide essential work experience.

Federal student loans are low interest, long-term loans for students. These loans offer attractive repayment options including being able to post-pone payments while attending college and in times during repayment of financial difficulty. There are federal loans for both parents and students. The best know ones are Stafford Loans for students and PLUS for parents. A lot of people turn to these programs for their funding needs. You can also often find private loans that have low interest rates for college students. Be sure to choose a reputable lender who in knowledgeable on loan choices if using a private lender.

Tuition payment plans are an interest and debt-free way to spread payments over several months. Not all colleges offer this plan. Typically used by families who have income that will cover the gap between the amount they are billed for college and the amount of financial aid received.

Assets of a family are often used to fund college. IRA’s, savings accounts, 401k plans and stocks offer a debt-free way to fund an education. As a word of caution, before you liquidate one of these accounts, consider the earnings you may be missing out on. Use this number as a comparison to the amount of interest you would incur from a student loan plan.

Credit cards are often a popular but poor choice for funding a college bound student. This is for the simple fact that interest rates can be high. Use this funding choice with caution.

It’s important to think about your own situation as you plan to fund your education. Establishing a savings plan at an early age will make a huge difference. There are lots of funding options for college bound students. Which one makes the most sense for you?

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◦	College Savings/Investment Options
◦	Can You Afford It?
◦	Community College: A Financial Head Start on Education
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◦	Getting Started Saving For Colle
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◦	Important Steps to Take When Saving for College
◦	Is It Too Late To Start?
◦	Options To Think About
◦	Required Steps to Set up a Coverdell ESA for College
◦	Roth IRAs: A Viable Option for College Funding?
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◦	The Ins and Outs of Controlling a Coverdell ESA
◦	The Pros and Cons of the Coverdell ESA for College
◦	Viability of US Savings Bonds to Fund College
◦	What Are Your Options?
◦	Why Save For College?
◦	Why In-State Colleges Should Be a Financial Aid Solution
◦	College Funding/Grant Options
◦	Federal PLUS Program Smart Move for College Funding
◦	Free Money for College: How to Find It
◦	Funding Options for College Bound Students
◦	Helpful Hints for Identifying College Scholarships
◦	How Federal Work Study Programs Come into Play for College Funding
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◦	Wading Through the Financial Aid Options for College Students
◦	What About Scholarships?
◦	What Is Financial Aid?
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◦	Credit History and Student Loans
◦	Interest Rates, Now and Future
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◦	PLUS Student Loans
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◦	Seeking Loan Advice
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◦	The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP)
◦	The William D. Ford Direct Loan Program
◦	Your College Loan Options for the Future
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◦	Financial Know-How for New College Students
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◦	How Federal Work Study Programs Come into Play for College Funding
◦	Paying For College From the Student Standpoint
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◦	A Glimpse into the Independent 529 College Plan
◦	Overall Benefits of the 529 College Savings Plan
◦	The Lowdown On Prepaid vs Savings 529 College Savings Account
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◦	Changes Made To The "College Kid" Tax Rules
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◦	Tax Savings For 529 Plans Even If College Has Started
◦	What the $12k Gift Tax Exclusion is All about in Terms of 529 Plans
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◦	A Look at Mississippi's 529 College Plan
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