Financial Aid Tips

How do you get the most out of your student financial aid? This collection of articles will give you tips on how to maximize your aid, and how to pay it off as quickly as possible.

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Student loan refinance and student loan consolidation are completely different beasts. If you're weighed down with student loan debt, you need to know the difference.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Refinancing your student loans seems like a no brainer. But is it always a good idea?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Getting an education is one of life's great accomplishments, and, just like many valuable things, it doesn't come cheaply. Many of us will need some type of financial aid, and we have 5 tips to keep in mind while you're applying.

By Melissa Sandoval

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There are many benefits to student loan consolidation, like lower monthly payments, more time to repay the lender and special repayment plans. But is consolidation the right option for every graduating student with loan debt?

By Eric Baxter & Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

If you're paying off student loans, you might be able to take advantage of a perk that lets you deduct the interest when paying income taxes. How do you know whether you're eligible for this tax break?

By Jane McGrath

If you're having trouble paying off your student loans, deferment or forbearance may be an option. What's the difference between the two, and how could they help you pay off your debt?

By Susan Sherwood, Ph.D.

You might be happy about that scholarship or fellowship you just got, but don't jump for joy just yet -- you may have to pay a portion of that money back to the government. Do you owe Uncle Sam part of your financial aid package? Find out here.

By Linda C. Brinson

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Every year, millions of American adults head into college classrooms to improve their job skills or upgrade their resumes. Higher education may be pricey, but the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit can help alleviate the financial burden.

By Dave Roos

Planning on using the leftover cash from your student loan to pay for a brand new computer for school? Not so fast. The type of financial aid you receive may dictate how you can use those last remaining dollars.

By Jonathan Strickland

Your financial aid has been credited to your college account, but now there's money left over. So when can you expect your refund check, and what do you need to know before you spend your leftover cash?

By Cristen Conger

It won't be long now before the banks come looking for that money they lent you to go to college. How do you pay it back? It all depends on what kind of loan you have.

By Stephanie Crawford