Financial Planning for College

Anderson, Ball State, Butler, Indiana, IPFW, IUSB, Manchester, Notre Dame, Purdue, St. Mary's,  and Taylor are only a few of the colleges and universities from which a student may choose to attend.  Depending on the course of study and type of environment he or she prefers, any one of them will be a great choice.  The big question for students and their parents is, 'How are we going to pay for this?'

The National Center for College Costs is an excellent resource providing just such information.  This organization provides free support and advice on a broad range for those interested in pursuing higher education.  This is exclusively for those who reside in Elkhart County (& other counties that are funded).  I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where Dave Murray, from The National Center for College Costs, gave a dynamic presentation on the College Cost Estimator, which is only one of the many services provided by the organizaton.   

The College Cost Estimator is a FREE tool for parents and students to use that enables them to find out the amounts of federal and state awards and grants available to them, and the estimated amount that parents and/or students will be expected to pay.  To complete the form, parents and students need their information from their W-2 form; students also need to know their G.P.A. and have a ready list of colleges they are interested in attending. (They may have already applied, or are getting ready to apply).  After that is submitted, the college cost estimator will do the rest.  You will receive your results in the form of a customized College Costs Estimator report either at a College Costs Estimator workshop (at your school or other designated location) or through the mail.  You may email or actually speak to a person regarding any questions you may have.  Their main goal is to help parents and students find ways to plan and fund a college education - there is never a cost involved in their services.  Also, it is important to note your child does not have to be a senior to begin using this resource, and it is also available for adults who have long since graduated from high school!

When you go to the link for the National Center for College Costs, you may go to the "Hot Topics" tab to download printable materials, or under the "Our Programs" tab you can find the Online College Cost Estimator.

Other items of interest you may find include: a listing of Indiana College Costs, tips for Writng a College Application Essay, and Scholarship Searches (under Hot Topics). 

By using this resource, it is my hope that students and parents may see that pursuing higher education is not simply a dream, but a reality.