Students, parents, undergrads and prospective graduate students: this learning center is for you. Our goal is to make every aspect of college and student finances more accessible and manageable. We’ve curated the following articles from Fiscal Tiger’s financial blogs to help guide you through college finances. From first-time students going through applications to undergraduates looking for some tips to make college more comfortable and affordable, you’ll find a variety of resources and helpful articles here.
This learning center is growing all the time as we continue to address new topics and share diverse insights. Read on, discover, learn, and take control of your finances for college (and for life).
Table of Contents
College Finances 101
From applying for scholarships to paying for books, financially preparing for college can be a stressful experience. Never fear; this glossary will help students and parents alike understand the jargon, common terms, and other topics that come up when dealing with college finances.
The Pre-College Checklist: Questions to Ask Before You Apply for College
What is the real value of college, and how can you ensure you get the most out of it? With proper planning, you can graduate with much more than just a heap of student debt. These articles will help you determine why you need to go to college, and what the long term value will be financially, personally, and professionally.
- Should You Bother Going to College (and Can You Afford to?)
- Should You Go Back to School to Get a Masters?
- Will Your Parents Help You Pay (Or Have They Hurt Your Ability to Get Aid?)
- 529 and ESA: The Best Ways to Save for College
Applying to College: Budgeting and Finding Money
If you’ve got your heart set on going to college, there are a few steps you’ll have to take to ensure you are on firm financial ground as a student. A little planning now can really pay off in the coming years. This section will help guide you through finding money, accepting aid, and getting ready to enroll.
- The FAFSA: Your First Step on the Road to College
- How You Can Pay for College
- Parent PLUS Loans and Student Loans for Parents and Adult Students
- Independent Student Resources: Scholarships, Loans, and Financial Aid
- Single Parent Resources: Returning to School as an Adult With Children
- What Happens After You Choose to Accept Financial Aid?
Student Finances: The College Years
Life as a college student can be both exciting and terrifying; you may find yourself facing a whole new set of challenges and opportunities both personally and financially. This section will help you sort out a few common questions that students face trying to manage money while in school.
- Student Credit Cards: What They Are, How to Use Yours, and Other Helpful Tips
- Roommate Finances: From Paying the Bills to Sharing Credit Cards
- Should You Get a Job in College? Pros and Cons of Working as a Student
- Will Graduating Early Save You Money (and Is It Worth It)?
- Starting a Business in College: How You Can Do It and Why You Should Try
Graduation: What Happens Next — and Life with Student Loan Debt
When you finish college, you face a whole new set of questions. Money, purpose, independence, and happiness can all become much more complicated and connected than ever before. This section will help you think strategically about your goals, your finances, and your future as a college graduate.
- What Can (and Will) Happen If You Don’t Pay Back Student Loans
- Why Your Career is Now Your Greatest Asset
- Money and Happiness: Finding the Right Balance
- From Changing Majors to Changing Careers: Finding A Different Job
- Thinking About Paying Back Student Loans
Struggling With Student Loan Debt: Tips, Help, and Resources for Post-Grad Money Management
Earning a degree doesn’t guarantee you a job, but taking out student loans does guarantee you some debt. With an increasing number of graduates struggling to either find work, manage their loans, or even understand the terms of their student loans, it is important to understand your options. When it comes to both federal and private student loans, there are always ways to negotiate your monthly payments and avoid default — you just have to know where to look and who to talk to. These resources will help you manage your student loan debt, get the best terms and conditions on your loans and payments, and focus on getting your money, career, and life under control even during periods of turmoil.
- What Happens If You Default on Student Loans?
- Can You Be Arrested or Sent to Jail for Not Paying Student Loans?
- Bankruptcy and Student Loan Debt: What You Need to Know
- How to Stop Student Loan Wage Garnishment
- Escape From Default with Student Loan Rehab
- The Pros and Cons of Using Student Loan Rehabilitation Services
- Private Student Loans and Rehabilitation Services
- Recovering From Default: How to Fix Your Credit Score and Regain Control
- Student Loan Lawyers: What They Are, How They Help, and When You Need One
