college Archives - Page 6 of 12 - Student Debt Diaries

How Much You Should Save in a 529 Plan

June 29, 2020 Jordan RothmanAdvice for Parents

This website has previously discussed how parents can save money in a tax-advantaged 529 account for their kids’ educational expenses. Indeed, a previous article noted how anyone can make a contribution to a 529 account, and this could be a good substitute for giving gifts to a child. Although there are many opinions on the internet about saving goals for 529s, there are a few things you should keep in mind when evaluating how much… Continue Reading How Much You Should Save in a 529 Plan

Living in a Dorm is Worth the Money

June 22, 2020June 22, 2020 Jordan RothmanAdvice for Parents, Saving Money

Most college students live in residence halls on campus for at least the first year or two of their studies. It is usually thought that dorm life is preferable for students starting their college careers so that they can meet people and have easy access to dining halls and other campus facilities. Of course, living on campus is often more expensive than most off-campus living options, and the amenities of on-campus living are often limited.… Continue Reading Living in a Dorm is Worth the Money

Tips for Applying for Financial Aid

June 15, 2020 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Financial aid is an important part of lowering education costs and graduating from school with as little student debt as possible. As discussed in several prior articles, I received generous need-based financial aid to attend college and graduate school. Although many people do not qualify for financial aid due to their families’ financial background, financial aid can be a critical lifeline for many students. After reflecting on my own experiences with financial aid, there are… Continue Reading Tips for Applying for Financial Aid

Best College Majors For Student Debt

June 8, 2020 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Students typically have a vast variety of subjects which they can study at many colleges and universities across the country. Although some technical schools focus on teaching science courses, and small liberal arts colleges have a limited range of majors, many universities afford students numerous options with respect to academic pursuits. It is important for students to consider the best college majors for student debt, since some majors may help graduates earn more money and… Continue Reading Best College Majors For Student Debt

Colleges May Go Bankrupt Because of COVID-19

June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Prior articles on this website have already discussed how student debt borrowers and the general public are adapting to meet the challenges of COVID-19. Indeed, this website has noted how students may wish to forgo enrolling at certain schools for the time being, since many campuses will be closed for the foreseeable future, and courses can be completed remotely at cheaper institutions. Many commentators have begun to discuss the financial challenges this situation may pose… Continue Reading Colleges May Go Bankrupt Because of COVID-19

Saving Money While Studying for the Bar

May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 Jordan RothmanSaving Money

As I can attest to from personal experience, law school is insanely expensive. Indeed, law students typically need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on tuition costs, books, housing expenses and other fees to earn a law degree. However, even after graduating from law school, attorneys-to-be need to spend even more money to pay for course materials and living costs in order to prepare for the bar exam. However, by keeping a few things… Continue Reading Saving Money While Studying for the Bar

Holding off on College Because of COVID-19

May 11, 2020 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted most college and graduate students. Many college campuses are currently closed, and students have been forced to participate in classes online. In addition, numerous schools have adjusted grading policies and other procedures to deal with the ongoing pandemic. Given the current environment, holding off on college because of COVID-19 may be a desirable strategy for many students. I recently read a New York Times article that discussed holding… Continue Reading Holding off on College Because of COVID-19

Asking Colleges for Refunds Because of COVID-19

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools, Repayment Strategies

Almost everyone in the United States has been impacted by COVID-19. Indeed, many people know someone who has been ill with the disease, and millions of Americans have lost their jobs because of the current economic downturn. College students have also been negatively impacted by the ongoing pandemic, since almost every college campus is currently closed, and classes have moved online. In light of the current environment, asking colleges for refunds because of COVID-19 seems… Continue Reading Asking Colleges for Refunds Because of COVID-19

Summer Jobs Can Help With Student Loans

March 16, 2020 Jordan RothmanEarning Extra Money

This website has already discussed how students can work a number of part-time jobs in order to earn money and lower the amount of student debt that is needed to obtain a degree. Indeed, I worked a variety of part-time jobs during the academic year in order to earn extra scratch as a student. However, summer jobs can help with student loans as well, since they may help students earn extra money that can be… Continue Reading Summer Jobs Can Help With Student Loans

Going to College Just for the College Experience

March 2, 2020March 2, 2020 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

This website has already discussed how student loan borrowers can face a number of issues after debt-financing their college educations. As a result, prospective college students need to make careful decisions about whether to go to college and what they should study once they are in college. However, going to college just for the college experience is sometimes appropriate, and college may be worth the cost even if you do not explicitly train for your… Continue Reading Going to College Just for the College Experience