Updated 2016

College Saving and Financing Resources

The list below provides college and technical school bound students and their families with tools and

information to help them make informed decisions about saving, paying or financing a higher education.

This information, compiled by members of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, provide free

resources from federal agencies.

SAVINGS OPTIONS

o 529 Plans ‐‐ Securities and Exchange Commission

Students may be eligible to select from two types of 529 plans: pre‐paid tuition plans or college savings plans

depending on state‐sponsored plans.

o MyCreditUnion.gov ‐‐ National Credit Union Administration

MyCreditUnion.gov and its financial literacy microsite Pocket Cents provides a list of saving options for college

as well as information on other financial services provided by credit unions.

o Savings Bond Education Tax Exclusion ‐‐ Treasury Direct

This site provides information about the Education Tax Exclusion, the requirements to qualify and the qualified

expenses.

o Tax Benefitsfor Education: Information Center—IRS

The IRS provides information on how taxes play a large role in addressing college expenses. Tax credits,

deductions, and savings plans can help taxpayers with college expenses, while scholarships, fellowships, and

exclusions can exclude students from paying taxes.

o Searching for Scholarships Can Save Money ‐‐ Federal Student Aid

Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools,

employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and

social organizations.

o Money Smart ‐‐Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Money Smart is a comprehensive financial education curriculum intended to help people of all ages

enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.  Age‐appropriate materials are

available for young people in Pre‐K through age 20.

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GETTING READY

o College Scorecard – U.S. Department of Education

This online tool was designed with direct input from students, families, and their advisers to provide the

clearest, most accessible, and reliable national data on college cost, graduation, debt, and post‐college

earnings.  

o College and Career School Help‐‐Federal Student Aid

Students can explore the different options available when deciding on a college or career school at

StudentAid.gov.

o Funding Your Education‐‐Federal Student Aid

The online guide provides detailed information for students and parents about the federal student aid

programs.

o College Information for Hispanic Students—U.S. Department of Education

!Gradúate! Financial Aid Guide to Success is a guide to help Hispanic students and families navigate the

college application process.

o Common College Scams – National Credit Union Administration

Be aware of scams or tricks that target young adults including scholarship and social media schemes.

o College Navigator – National Center for Education Statistics

Find the college or career school that is the best fit. Students can compare up to three schools and save the

search results for later review.

o Net Price Calculator – Federal Student Aid

What does net price mean? The net price is the grand total to attend an institution for one full academic year.

This total is determined AFTER grants, scholarships and other‐potential aid are subtracted. Net

price calculators are on each school’s website.

o Paying for College and Cars Module, Money Smart for Young Adults ‐Federal Deposit

Insurance Corporation.

This module within the Money Smart for Young Adults curriculum is intended to help participants

understand general information on installment loans, including car loans and student loans.

AFFORDABILITY, BORROWING and MONEY MANAGEMENT

o FAFSA – Federal Student Aid

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) helps students learn about potential

federal student aid eligibility.

o FAFSA4caster – Federal Student Aid

FAFSA4caster estimates eligibility for federal financial aid before attending college. This is helpful when
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making decisions about which college to attend.

o Compare Financial Aid and College Cost‐‐Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Compare Financial Aid and College Cost lets consumers explore the costs and financial aid of schools they plan

to attend.

o Choosing a Student Loan That’s Right For You—Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Those who are considering student loans to help pay for school are not alone. Choose a loan following these

3  steps. 1. Fill out the FAFSA® ; 2. Explore all federal loan options first;  3. Check private student loans if

needed.

o Managing Your College Money – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Unlike that first school ID photo, a student’s first banking relationship could last long after graduation. Learn

why it is important to manage money in college.

o Tips on Affording the Cost of Higher Education – National Credit Union Administration

The costs of higher education can be very expensive. This information will help borrowers make smart

investments for postsecondary education.

o If You Need to Borrow for Higher Education– Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

College or graduate degrees can provide career options and higher income, but they also can be expensive.

This article provides some quick strategies to keep in mind.

o Budgeting is Key to Managing Finances and Reaching Goals—Federal Student Aid

Learning how to manage finances, plan for changes, and prepare for the unexpected are key skills to

succeeding in school. Budgeting helps build decision‐making skills and reach financial and academic goals.

o Options and Responsibilities of Loans—Federal Student Aid

Students need to learn how to borrow responsibly and avoid borrowing more than is needed.

LOAN REPAYMENT OPTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

o Loan Repayment Options for Federal Loans

All the information students need to repay their federal loans can be found here.

o Loan Counseling—Federal Student Aid

This highly interactive tool shows what federal student loans are outstanding and provides a

personalized breakdown of income, expenses, and loans while in school and after graduation.

o Know Your Optionsfor Repaying Student Loans—Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Paying off student debt, federal and private loans can be confusing. This resource helps borrowers walk

through options and optimize how to pay off federal and private student loans.