Personal Finance

Georgia started its HOPE Scholarship Program to reward academic achievement and retain in-state talent, and some other states now have similar programs. What does it take to get a HOPE Scholarship and keep it throughout college?

By John Kelly

Gaining admission to medical school can be quite challenging, and once you get in, it will likely entail four years of blood, sweat and tears. Wouldn't you prefer to do it in the Caribbean or some other exotic locale?

By Victoria Vogt

The U.S. Social Security system acts as a giant safety net that provides financial help to retirees and younger people who have suffered a serious injury or illness. It also helps out the family members of those who have died or endured a disability.

By Ed Grabianowski

Most working adults in the U.S. associate April 15 with frantic runs to the post office, but they might feel better about federal taxes if they knew what they paid for.

By Dave Roos

Sales taxes are more a pain in the neck than actual financial burden to the average consumer. What most don't realize is that these taxes are crucial to the health of some local economies.

By Linda C. Brinson

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) helps students cover college costs while getting military training. How do you know if you're eligible for ROTC, and what service commitments are required?

By Lance Looper

Joint degree programs can put you on the fast track to earning two degrees at once. How is their admissions process different from traditional college admissions?

By Nina Holmberg

During a downturn in the economy, it's likely that the number of people seeking out an MBA, or Master of Business Administration, will increase. With more people applying to business school, how can you stand out during the admissions process?

By Sarah Winkler

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.

Before you can even begin to tackle all the challenges college has in store, you first have to figure out how to pay for it. That's where financial aid can come in handy. But what's the difference between loans and grants, and which is right for you?

By Jennifer Sellers

There are people out there who don't fear dental work. They're called dentists, and all of those practicing in the United States took the Dental Admission Exam, or DAT. What does the DAT test?

By Julia Layton

A four-year degree at an Ivy League school runs a couple hundred grand, give or take. Fortunately, the Ivies have some great financial aid programs for low-income students -- you might even be surprised by what "low-income" means these days.

By Julia Layton

As it gets increasingly difficult for students to pay for college, it helps to know every possible option for financial aid. If your need is exceptional, you can consider a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, which helps out with expenses not covered by other grants or loans.

By Christine Venzon

If you'd like to link your interest in law with your interest in the environment, you might consider a joint degree. But you'll need to jump through some hoops to finance it.

By Patrick J. Kiger

State governments get some of their operating money from the federal government, but much of their funds come from a variety of taxes. And for many states, the largest source of revenue is income tax.

By Caitlin Uttley & Melanie Radzicki McManus

Private grants are a great way to help you finance your education, but how do you find them? Is there anything special you have to do to qualify for these unusual financial gifts?

By Josh Briggs

Of the many ways to get financial aid while paying for school, work-study programs offer more than just a dollar amount. They can also give students real work experience alongside an hourly wage that can go toward tuition.

By Martha Barksdale

You've taken the LSAT, sent off your college transcripts and filled out the required forms. You're almost done with your law school applications, but now it's time to think about your essay.

By Linda C. Brinson

Are standardized tests the stuff of your nightmares? Find out how you can sleep easy again with these 10 tips for making the GRE less daunting.

By Laurie L. Dove & Patrick Murray

Applying for postdoctoral positions isn't like other college admissions processes. What kinds of places can you apply to, and what information will you need to submit?

By Tristin Hopper

Paying for college can be stressful for many students. Even getting loans can be hard, since you'll have to pay them back with interest. Direct loans, however, are low-interest loans funded by the U.S. government.

By Meghan E. Smith

As the first federal student loan, Perkins Loans help those with financial need afford college. How does this loan compare with others, and how did the Russian space program prompt its creation?

By Lance Looper

Federal and local governments offer a number of grants to help college students pay for their education. Are public grants easier to get than private grants? What do you need to do to qualify and apply?

By Jonathan Strickland

As confidence in the economy wavers, many people are looking for a way to become more marketable to employers. Business school degree is a logical step, but an MBA can come with a steep price tag. What financial aid opportunities are available for business graduate students?

By Lawrence Schumacher

For decades now, U.S. college admissions counselors have used race as a factor when accepting applicants. The rules are constantly changing, though, as students, educators and leaders question whether race should still be a determining factor.

By Thorin Klosowski