Personal Finance

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

If you've been rejected from your dream school, you may be able to reverse the decision by submitting an appeal letter. What information should you include, and what else should you send with the letter?

By Tristin Hopper

Dental school isn't cheap. On top of tuition, books and other educational expenses, many students must pay for their own instruments. How do dental school students find financial aid to help them out?

By Jonathan Strickland

Incomes in the six figures help most lawyers chuckle through bad law jokes no problem. But actually paying for law school is no laughing matter. If you're determined to become a lawyer, how do you do it?

By Jessika Toothman

If you're looking to work toward your graduate degree, you'll need to take the GRE. What should you expect out of the test and how can you prepare for it?

By Meredith Bower

Members of AmeriCorps, a federally funded service program, have a chance to use financial aid toward higher education. How can you use the award once you've finished your term?

By Cherise Threewitt

Just when you thought you'd beaten the odds and gained acceptance to the college of your choice, the numbers game begins anew as you start to figure out how to pay for school. Luckily for you, your SAT score might be your ace in the hole.

By Marie Willsey

The ACT is one of two major standardized tests given to high school students across the United States every year. Although it tends to take a back seat to the better known SAT, more and more would-be college students are taking the ACT.

By Ed Grabianowski

For single parents, going back to school can seem practically impossible. What types of "free" scholarships and grants exist for single parents, and how can you find them?

By Julia Layton

During the admissions process, many colleges use a standardized test, such as the SAT or ACT, to measure how well students will perform academically. What are your options, and how can you prepare if you opt to take a test?

By Susan Sherwood, Ph.D.

Hablas espanol? Parlez-vous francais? Sie sprechen Deutsch? If you answered "si," "oui" or "ja," your college application might stand out a little more from the rest of the applicant pile.

By Meredith Bower

In addition to completing the FAFSA as early as possible, it's crucial that you follow up on it diligently and expediently. Not doing so can crush your plans for getting the education you're depending on.

By Victoria Vogt

Sure, it'd be nice to make the kind of money lawyers do, but think of the time it takes to get through law school. Can you really earn a quality law degree in just two years?

By Josh Briggs

Getting that college acceptance letter in the mail is exciting, but nothing can bring you down faster than navigating the student loan labyrinth. Knowing the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans is only the first step.

By Linda C. Brinson

Getting into college sure is exciting -- until you start figuring out how to pay for it. Your financial aid journey begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; college students know this fearsome form as the FAFSA.

By Dave Roos

With the advent of debit cards, the person slowly writing a check in the grocery checkout is gradually fading into a distant memory. But when will checks become entirely obsolete?

By Jessika Toothman

Scholarships and grants aren't just for college students. If you need aid for trade school education, there are plenty of places to apply for financial assistance.

By Sarah Winkler

What if using your checking account to pay bills could help you pay for a vacation? Online banking rewards programs make it easy for customers to stay loyal by helping them manage their accounts.

By Marie Willsey

Once you're comfortable with online banking, it makes sense to take the next step: Put down your checkbook and mess of stamps, and try online bill paying. How do you pay your bills online, and is it safe?

By Jessika Toothman

While student loans may be your only way to pay for college, paying them back might be harder than you think. We'll break down navigating the rough road of federal and private student loans, and how to survive them after you graduate.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Education doesn't come for free, but it's well worth the cost, particularly if you're able to finance some or part of it through grants and scholarships. How can you get help to pay for vocational school?

By Gerlinda Grimes

College students have a lot to think about when paying for school. But students with disabilities have a lot of extra things to consider that add up in the long run. What kinds of special financial opportunities are available?

By Jessica Brown

There are many reasons to have your request for financial aid declined. But you can appeal the school's decision. What can you say in your letter to convince administrators to reconsider your case?

By Jonathan Strickland