College & Education Costs Books

How to Go to College Almost for Free

Ben Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 78 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Make your educational dreams come true!

Worried about how to pay for college? Afraid of drowning in a sea of student debt? Sure, Ben Kaplan once felt that way too. But that was before he discovered that there are billions of scholarship dollars out there for students with all types of interests, skills, and backgrounds. After winning enough college cash to cover virtually the entire cost of his dream school, he's written an indispensable guide that shows you how to stake your own scholarship claim.

Now in this fully revised and updated edition, Ben distills his proven step-by-step game plan that positions you to win big money for college -- regardless of your age, GPA, financial situation, or family background. With humor and insight, he reveals insider secrets for successfully finding, applying for, and winning lucrative scholarship awards -- empowering you with the information, inspiration, and know-how to afford the college of your choice and realize your educational dreams.

Special Note: As a valued reader of this book, you also receive access to the Coach's Locker Room at Ben Kaplan's ScholarshipCoach.com website. The Coach's Locker Room provides a wealth of bonus material, updates to information contained in How to Go to College Almost for Free, question and answer postings, and other helpful resources.

Paying for College without Going Broke, 2009 Edition (College Admissions Guides)

Princeton Review

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

College help 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I did not use this product,but sent it to my son who has a college bound daughter. He thought it quite useful.

Editorial Review:

As the cost of college steadily increases, paying for it requires insider strategies to maximize financial aid and minimize college costs. Paying for College Without Going Broke 2009 is thoroughly revised and updated to take the stress, confusion, and guess-work out of applying for financial aid.

The only book to include the latest financial aid forms and lists of annual changes in tax laws, it also shows students and their parents how to calculate their aid eligibility before applying to college and plan ahead to improve their chances of receiving aid. The book also includes advice on how to negotiate with financial aid offices, handle special circumstances (for single parents or independent students), and receive educational tax breaks. It is a must have for anyone concerned about the soaring costs of college tuition.

The Best Way to Save for College - A Complete Guide to Section 529 Plans

Joseph F. Hurley

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Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

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College savings plans, 529 Plans, Qualified state tuition programs, QSTPs, Prepaid tuition contracts, Educational savings accounts. They go by many names, but they all represent the same thing: a REVOLUTION in the way families with children are investing for the future.

What other type of program allows you to invest over $100,000 in a professionally-managed tax-deferred account for each child without regard to age or income level? Where else does your state offer significant benefits for investing, including tax deductions, income exemption, and even scholarship money. What other mechanism allows estates by hundreds of thousands of dollars without gift tax, and without giving up control of the assets?

The answer is that no other IRS-approved program provides the combination of benefits that a Section 529 state-sponsored college savings plan does. Investing for future college expenses will never be the same again. And forget what you may have heard about these plans. You are not limited to the plan in your own state, and you do not have to send your child to an in-state college. You can even set up an account for yourself!

In THE BEST WAY TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE - A Complete Guide to Section 529 Plans, Joseph F. Hurley, CPA describes how 529 Plans work: the tax rules, planning strategies, impact on college financial aid. He compares them to other alternatives such as the Education IRA, savings bonds, and mutual funds. And he describes each state's plan, including its best and worst features. The various state plans are not created equal. Learn which ones to use and which ones to stay away from.

You've heard about them. Now it's time to learn about them. Whether you are a professional planner, a college financial aid officer, or a careful investor, you need to have all the facts.

The Scholarship & Financial Aid Solution: How to Go to College for Next to Nothing with Short Cuts, Tricks, and Tips from Start to Finish

Debra Lipphardt

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Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

College costs are continuing to rise, with a four-year private school averaging $22,218 and a four-year public school averaging $5,836 for the 2006-07 school year. The good news is that more than $134 billion in financial aid is available. The Scholarship & Financial Aid Handbook will show you how to earmark some of that money for your college education, ensuring that you will be able to afford a higher education. In this book, you will learn about the different types of scholarships, including those based on academics, awards, honors, leadership, test scores, extracurricular activities, majors, community service, volunteer work, essays, financial aid, minority status, even some unusual ones. You will learn how to determine your eligibility for these scholarships, as well as how to enlist the help of your parents, how to recognize and avoid scholarship scams, how to create a résumé, how to ask and who to ask for letters of recommendation, how to ace interviews with scholarship committees, and how to prepare for your interview. Additionally, you will discover where to look for scholarships, from your school to local organizations, businesses, and online. You will be provided with tips on filling out applications and tips for writing essays, as well as how to alter your essays for multiple uses. Also included are possible essay topics, sample interview questions, and information on state grants, FAFSA, and work study. The Scholarship & Financial Aid Handbook is intended to be a guide for students, parents, and school personnel to assist students in finding and obtaining scholarships. The author uses her years of experience and exhaustive research to help you benefit from scholarships. Even if you do not have above average grades, participate in lots of extracurricular activities, or have an abundance of extracurricular activities, you can find money to go to college. Just read this book and apply the techniques found within.

Free $ for College for Dummies

David Rosen, Caryn Mladen

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good Information! 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I originally borrowed this book from my local library but after reading through it a bit, I knew I had to have it! The information is good and easy to understand. I recommend it for anyone seriously looking into alternative ways of paying for college or just understanding what is going on around them.

Editorial Review:

Demystifies the scholarship selection process

Write winning essays and get financial aid

Need money for college? This simple, straightforward guide shows you how to find scholarships, grants, and other "free money" to use toward your college expenses. You get expert advice on applying for federal grants, participating in state tuition plans, competing for scholarships from private organizations, and more – with tips on avoiding scams, completing your applications on time, and finding financial aid from unlikely sources.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay: 30 Essays That Won Over $3 Million in Scholarships

Gen Tanabe, Kelly Tanabe

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very helpful book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a very helpful book! I got a good ideal of how to write a winning scholarship essay.

Editorial Review:

In this important resource, 30 real, winning scholarship essays are analyzed, revealing what makes them successful and how they fit the judges' criteria. Essays and interviews are the two components of scholarship competition that often determine the award's recipient, yet most books on scholarships simply provide a directory of awards. This book includes sample interview questions and answers, along with strategies to help students overcome nervousness and be more prepared. Roundtable panels of judges and applicants supply further inside information regarding the winning qualities sought after by award-giving organizations. Advice for finding scholarships—using books, the Internet, personal connections, and sources in the community—is covered. These tips are especially valuable in an era where private education tops more than $100,000, and most of the 15 million college students in the U.S. are in need of financial help.

The Scholarship Book, 13th Edition: The Complete Guide to Private-Sector Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Loans for the Undergraduate (Scholarship Book)

National Scholarship Research Service, Daniel J. Cassidy

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The Scholarship Book, 13th Edition 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book is a must have for any student who is looking for extra money but does not want to take out private loans

Editorial Review:

With more than one million copies sold, this is the first, best, and most comprehensive guide to private-sector scholarships, grants, and loans published in America. It gives students essential tips for determining which awards they qualify for, helps them write winning essays, applications, and cover letters, alerts them to scams and rip- offs, and provides useful lists of recommended websites and publications.

Rattiner's Review for the CFP Certification Examination, Fast Track Study Guide

Jeffrey H. Rattiner

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Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A CFP® Study Guide that delivers what you need to succeed!

This quick study guide for candidates preparing to take the CFP® Certification Examination covers the bare-bones essentials needed to pass this challenging exam in a logical and easy-to-absorb manner. Covering some of the most important disciplines of financial planning–– insurance, employee benefit, investment, income tax, retirement, estate, and general planning–– this text provides a no-nonsense approach to studying that includes:

• A highly logical and efficient format
• An in-depth outline of core essentials
• Explanations of all relevant exposures complete with solutions and practical examples
• Key points, exam tips, multiple choice, and mini—case study questions
• Mnemonic devices and study techniques to reinforce key points
• A format that directly parallels the CFP Board’s topic requirements
• and more!

Order your copy today!

Pay for College Without Sacrificing Your Retirement: A Guide to Your Financial Future

Tim Higgins

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Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Advice 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book. Teaches you how to avoid many mistakes and pitfalls. Everything in the book is easily accessible without a degree in finance (ie everyone can understand it). A must read for anyone with a college age child or those heading off to college.

Editorial Review:

Every year the cost of college goes up, and every year families struggle harder to meet these rising costs. Pay for College without Sacrificing Your Retirement offers help for taking on the double challenge of paying for your children's college education and saving for your retirement. It shows how to maximize your resources, evaluate colleges and financial aid opportunities, avoid crushing student debt, make the tax system work for you, and save for retirement. Offers essential information for families at all income levels:

* financial aid and figuring your "expected family contribution"

* academic, athletic, and need-based scholarships

* tax-sheltered savings plans such as 529s

* business assets, loans, home equity, and retirement savings

* potential help from grandparents

* how to choose the best college for the money

FastWeb College Gold: The Step-by-Step Guide to Paying for College

Mark Kantrowitz, Doug Hardy

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Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

One of the Best 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

College Gold is written in plain language and is logically organized. The book is an excellent resource manual that provides essential information in a user-friendly manner. As a HS Guidance Director, I especially recommend College Gold for students and parents just starting out, with little or no knowledge of what lies ahead. Planning and savings suggestions are quite sound as are the sections on evaluating aid "packages," making monetary decisions, and avoiding scams. Overall, I'd rate College Gold as one of the better comprehensive financial aid guides on the market today.

Editorial Review:

Each year more than three million new students enter college. If you're one of them, or the parent of one of them, your biggest worry might be how to afford the up to $120,000 that a college education can cost. FastWeb's College Gold can help.

This book offers a step-by-step program that builds a complete package of scholarships, loans, and federal aid. Learn how to develop a plan, apply for loans, scholarships, and grants, and pull it all together. Let FastWeb's College Gold help you figure out how to cover the costs of college one step at a time.