The maximum Pell Grant is presently $5,500 for the 2010-2011 college year. In the beginning of February, House Republican Leaders proposed cutting the maximum grant by $5,500 to $2,310 in the 2011-12 college year. President Obama opposed this cut, suggesting that other student aid programs be cut to maintain the maximum Pell Grant, a grant available only to the neediest students.
Obama’s suggestions included cutting year-round Pell Grants as well as eliminating subsidized interest on graduate and professional student loans. Eliminating the year-round Pell Grants could save 8$ billion. This Pell Grant first became available during the 2009-2010 school year. This program is turning out to cost ten times more than was anticipated as well as being used mainly by students attending private colleges.
Eliminating subsidized grant programs for graduate and professional students could heavily burden students who take these loans. It could potentially increase a student’s debt by 20%, a large increase no matter how much the debt is, but particularly large considering the amount of graduate and professional student loan debt.
The United States Department of Education will also be offering the 6 million students who have loans that are part of the federally guaranteed program as well as loans under the Direct Loan program an incentive to move their federally guaranteed loans into the Direct Loan program. It could save these students up to 2% on the balances of their loans.
President Obama’s 2010 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act was meant to stabilize funding for the Pell Grant. However, the $20 billion in savings realized by the changeover to Direct Lending by the government and meant to go towards the Pell Grant Program went towards deficit reduction instead.
As a result of the poor economy, and due to an increase in the maximum grant, there has been a 45% increase in students receiving Pell grants from 6.1 billion in 2008 to 8.9 million in 2010. The average Pell Grant has also shown a 39% increase from $2,970 to $4,115. Now the Pell Grant is showing a $20 billion shortage of funding.
Another result of recent economic woes is the number of students filling out a FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There has been a more than 30% increase in students applying for the FAFSA formoney for college in the past three years and many of these students qualify for a Pell Grant.
By: ndxmart
Monday, September 26, 2011
Find Out How to Make College a Second Home. -
Everybody knows that college life is the happiest period of one’s life. It provides a lot of opportunities and shape person’s attitudes towards life, profession, education, socializing and so on. And what do a graduate expect to find in college? Is it useful contacts, self-realization, personal development or just wonderful time full of entertainment? Anyway, here are some aspects of students’ life in college that are necessary to know for every beginner.
Campus
1. The faster one learns to orient around the campus, the better. Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is advised to be friendly and smile. Every student in the campus once was in the same situation;
2. Get in touch with roommates and other residents. It is always easier to share emotions with people who go through the same experiences. Moreover, roommates are always there to help if questions or problems arise;
3. Make a home out of the dorm. It is obvious that the students often feel homesick. To ease this feeling decorating the room with photos of the family is highly effective;
4. Find out about sport teems, amateur theater, various groups and circles and get involved. Discover new activities and take a challenge;
5. Stay healthy. Studying and partying may lead to general weakness. Remember to eat healthy food, more fruits and vegetables. This helps concentrate better and study well;
6. Manage the budget. It is indulgent to overspend on parties and entertainment. Counting money prospectively is a wise step;
7. Allocate some time to relax and read a book or watch TV. College life is full of new duties and commitments. There is no surprise that the students often feel tired. Spare some time to do something inspiring and usual.
Academic life
When the students know everything about campus life in college, they may get ready for academic life. Take into account the following steps:
• Find out about courses and classes requirements;
• Make up a schedule;
• Find an academic adviser;
• Be ready with tasks on time;
• Do not cheat.
The balance of these aspects of students’ college life is the key to success.
By: Angela Lopez
Campus
1. The faster one learns to orient around the campus, the better. Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is advised to be friendly and smile. Every student in the campus once was in the same situation;
2. Get in touch with roommates and other residents. It is always easier to share emotions with people who go through the same experiences. Moreover, roommates are always there to help if questions or problems arise;
3. Make a home out of the dorm. It is obvious that the students often feel homesick. To ease this feeling decorating the room with photos of the family is highly effective;
4. Find out about sport teems, amateur theater, various groups and circles and get involved. Discover new activities and take a challenge;
5. Stay healthy. Studying and partying may lead to general weakness. Remember to eat healthy food, more fruits and vegetables. This helps concentrate better and study well;
6. Manage the budget. It is indulgent to overspend on parties and entertainment. Counting money prospectively is a wise step;
7. Allocate some time to relax and read a book or watch TV. College life is full of new duties and commitments. There is no surprise that the students often feel tired. Spare some time to do something inspiring and usual.
Academic life
When the students know everything about campus life in college, they may get ready for academic life. Take into account the following steps:
• Find out about courses and classes requirements;
• Make up a schedule;
• Find an academic adviser;
• Be ready with tasks on time;
• Do not cheat.
The balance of these aspects of students’ college life is the key to success.
By: Angela Lopez
Clothes for ones University or college or possibly Athletic Fanatic
Every last party inside the Indigenous Soccer Category has it's team emblem. You will find all of these relating to many jerseys as well as T-shirts for you to bandanas, leashes and also collars. You can actually put together your entire series and turn set for the entire period, as a result of playoffs. Skiing enthusiast are only because specialized in his or her teams because football followers are. Main Category Baseball (MLB) groups supply logos which were utilized in several items, which include doggie garments. A lot of sports activities supporters can do anything to encourage their own team or perhaps school this includes dress up your beloved doggie within wardrobe emblazoned by means of significance and even logos. Together with you will want to? Check out your crowds with a large bowl video game will probably look at biggest gentlemen by their face hand crafted, paid for within institution colors encircled by frenzied fans having on every manner of nba jersey cheap to signify guidance for a group and college. Inevitably a number of this enthusiast is likewise canine buffs.
Besides the jerseys, t-shirts and also bandana, skiing enthusiast could discover crew baseball hats thus to their dogs. Various pet owners can be advanced schooling graduates, or simply paid members of these groups tend to be. Shower your family doggie within higher education colors exhibits their faithfulness to the alma mater. However, college-themed animal garments need not cease using just the actual colors. Tops, jerseys, leashes together with collars really are elementary university items for your well-dressed doggie alumni. Develop all the armoire with the addition of a few higher education sweaters. For your specific sport young ladies, it is possible to investigate round with regard to higher education cheerleading outfits in your dog.
Constantly think of any k9s comfort and ease along with safety prior to purchasing the college and sporting power team canine wardrobe. Ideal compliment is very important into the security, coziness and additionally well-being of one's animal. Garments which can be likewise restricted along with binding are usually unpleasant. They could restriction taking in as well as create doggy overheat. Canine outfits which can be too free are available off or perhaps cause doggie to start to be complex, come and perhaps become getting injured.
It¡¯s not all pups receive gladly in order to donning clothes. If the doggie is normally unaccustomed to make sure you putting on apparel, get started with a low priced clothe and invest some time allowing the pup adjust to wearing that. Test it relating to as well as eliminate it quickly if for example the dog gets upset. In the event the doggie tolerates all the outfit, get out of this in for a couple minutes thereafter remove it from. Replicate practice several times a week so that the doggy is comfy wearing puppy nfl jerseys on sale. Afterward it is time and energy to bring in your sports or even college garments and luxuriate in.
By: xin
Besides the jerseys, t-shirts and also bandana, skiing enthusiast could discover crew baseball hats thus to their dogs. Various pet owners can be advanced schooling graduates, or simply paid members of these groups tend to be. Shower your family doggie within higher education colors exhibits their faithfulness to the alma mater. However, college-themed animal garments need not cease using just the actual colors. Tops, jerseys, leashes together with collars really are elementary university items for your well-dressed doggie alumni. Develop all the armoire with the addition of a few higher education sweaters. For your specific sport young ladies, it is possible to investigate round with regard to higher education cheerleading outfits in your dog.
Constantly think of any k9s comfort and ease along with safety prior to purchasing the college and sporting power team canine wardrobe. Ideal compliment is very important into the security, coziness and additionally well-being of one's animal. Garments which can be likewise restricted along with binding are usually unpleasant. They could restriction taking in as well as create doggy overheat. Canine outfits which can be too free are available off or perhaps cause doggie to start to be complex, come and perhaps become getting injured.
It¡¯s not all pups receive gladly in order to donning clothes. If the doggie is normally unaccustomed to make sure you putting on apparel, get started with a low priced clothe and invest some time allowing the pup adjust to wearing that. Test it relating to as well as eliminate it quickly if for example the dog gets upset. In the event the doggie tolerates all the outfit, get out of this in for a couple minutes thereafter remove it from. Replicate practice several times a week so that the doggy is comfy wearing puppy nfl jerseys on sale. Afterward it is time and energy to bring in your sports or even college garments and luxuriate in.
By: xin
Need to have college dating advice? Take our family and friends survey...
It is an thrilling time within your life. Now that you're beyond high university and off to college, you'll experience lots of adjustments as part of your existence. No 1 nagging you about groundwork, how very much time you invest at the mirror, running commentaries on your friends ?in short, you are pretty significantly on you own with regards to generating the each day decisions on how you spend your time and with whom. Obviously, this new freedom may be slightly scary as well ?it is now mostly all as much as you. In higher university, you had been most likely deluged with dating advice, mostly from Mother and Dad. Now you may well need college dating suggestions. In which do you turn?
1 thing you have possibly learned by now is that with regards to advice on any topic, there's certainly no shortage. Everyone has an opinion on everything and they're much more than willing to share with you
Before you rush out and get additional opinions and assistance than you need, take our family and friends survey, for an imaginary summary of what you'd hear should you did ask you typical consultants. You'll then discover that your parents did succeed in teaching you excellent judgment. Your very best college dating information is appropriate within your personal mind!
Let's begin our 'advice tour' with Mom. She generally has one of the most to say about the subject. "Don't remain out too late. Tend not to neglect your homework. Character is more crucial than great looks. Usually do not get into drugs or alcohol. Tend not to drink and drive. (Then, once more -) Tend not to neglect your homework." Okay, excellent sufficient.
Now, what's Dad's take on college dating? Fairly significantly what Mother had to say, plus several variations: "Don't let a excellent looker turn your head. Do not speed while driving ?your insurance will go up"
If you've got older siblings, what may well they offer inside the way of college dating information? (Maintain in thoughts which you likely view them as far more 'in the groove' than very good old Mom and Dad.) "Don't be inside a hurry to date one person exclusively. You could end up married as well young, along with your college education a forgotten dream." Your siblings may possibly echo some of Mom and Dad's dating information, but expressing it with cooler verbiage.
What about your friends? Their information may sound a ton like your older siblings, except perhaps not as bossy. Teachers? There, you're also guaranteed to hear assistance with a heavy emphasis on education, no surprise. Co-workers? Your cousins? See 'older siblings'.
Have we left anybody away from our college dating information tour? Younger siblings:" "Make sure your date is neat, has trendy clothes and is hot seeking!"
So, there you have the consensus of all the college dating advice you'll be able to use ?and much more. See? You had the answers all of the time.
By:kayla520
1 thing you have possibly learned by now is that with regards to advice on any topic, there's certainly no shortage. Everyone has an opinion on everything and they're much more than willing to share with you
Before you rush out and get additional opinions and assistance than you need, take our family and friends survey, for an imaginary summary of what you'd hear should you did ask you typical consultants. You'll then discover that your parents did succeed in teaching you excellent judgment. Your very best college dating information is appropriate within your personal mind!
Let's begin our 'advice tour' with Mom. She generally has one of the most to say about the subject. "Don't remain out too late. Tend not to neglect your homework. Character is more crucial than great looks. Usually do not get into drugs or alcohol. Tend not to drink and drive. (Then, once more -) Tend not to neglect your homework." Okay, excellent sufficient.
Now, what's Dad's take on college dating? Fairly significantly what Mother had to say, plus several variations: "Don't let a excellent looker turn your head. Do not speed while driving ?your insurance will go up"
If you've got older siblings, what may well they offer inside the way of college dating information? (Maintain in thoughts which you likely view them as far more 'in the groove' than very good old Mom and Dad.) "Don't be inside a hurry to date one person exclusively. You could end up married as well young, along with your college education a forgotten dream." Your siblings may possibly echo some of Mom and Dad's dating information, but expressing it with cooler verbiage.
What about your friends? Their information may sound a ton like your older siblings, except perhaps not as bossy. Teachers? There, you're also guaranteed to hear assistance with a heavy emphasis on education, no surprise. Co-workers? Your cousins? See 'older siblings'.
Have we left anybody away from our college dating information tour? Younger siblings:" "Make sure your date is neat, has trendy clothes and is hot seeking!"
So, there you have the consensus of all the college dating advice you'll be able to use ?and much more. See? You had the answers all of the time.
By:kayla520
5 Common College Planning Mistakes
When paying for college, parents often make common mistakes that end up costing them financially. Listed below are five tips parents should read to avoid making these common mistakes.
1. Assuming 529 Plan distributions are always tax free
529 plan earnings withdrawals may be taxable. Distributions of earnings from the 529 plan will be subject to income tax if the amount withdrawn from the 529 plan exceeds the qualified education expenses. Therefore, it is very important to be sure the amount withdrawn from the 529 plan does not exceed the qualified education expenses if you do not wish to pay tax on the earnings. Keep in mind that any expenses used in determining the Lifetime Learning or Hope credit will reduce the total qualified expenses used in calculating the tax exclusion for distributions from a 529 plan. For example, if you claim the Lifetime Learning credit based on qualified expenses of $10,000, the qualified expense is reduced by $10,000.
2. Assuming private schools always cost more than public schools
A student who attends an expensive private school may qualify for more financial aid than a student attending a lower-cost public school. The difference in the true cost may actually be less than you might expect because the student may receive gift aid from the private school.
3. Not reading the Award Letter carefully
Often times the colleges are awarding you debt! There are two types of financial aid: gift-aid and self-help aid. Gift aid includes grants based on your financial need, and scholarships usually based on academic performance. Self-help aid includes loans, which must be repaid, and government work-study programs. Most of the financial award at public institutions is self-help aid, however most financial aid at private schools is gift aid.
4. Not filling out the FAFSA because you think your income is too high to qualify for financial aid
Even if you do not qualify based on financial need, many schools will not consider you for non-need based aid if you do not apply for need-based aid. So regardless of what you think your eligibility status might be, it is important to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). Federal student loan applications (Unsubsidized Stafford and Plus) also require the completion of the FAFSA. It is important to check with each school for its requirements.
5. Borrowing too much from Life Insurance to pay for college
Some parents use life insurance loans as a source of college funding. You should beware of taking out a life insurance loan. What typically happens when you take out a life insurance loan for a long period of time is that the loan balance increases because you do not pay the interest. Therefore, as the loan value increases, your family gets very little, if any death benefit. Also, the loan balance can eat up all the cash value, and there is not cash value left in the policy to sustain it. The policy will terminate unless you can pay back the loan.
- By: Karen Bolton
1. Assuming 529 Plan distributions are always tax free
529 plan earnings withdrawals may be taxable. Distributions of earnings from the 529 plan will be subject to income tax if the amount withdrawn from the 529 plan exceeds the qualified education expenses. Therefore, it is very important to be sure the amount withdrawn from the 529 plan does not exceed the qualified education expenses if you do not wish to pay tax on the earnings. Keep in mind that any expenses used in determining the Lifetime Learning or Hope credit will reduce the total qualified expenses used in calculating the tax exclusion for distributions from a 529 plan. For example, if you claim the Lifetime Learning credit based on qualified expenses of $10,000, the qualified expense is reduced by $10,000.
2. Assuming private schools always cost more than public schools
A student who attends an expensive private school may qualify for more financial aid than a student attending a lower-cost public school. The difference in the true cost may actually be less than you might expect because the student may receive gift aid from the private school.
3. Not reading the Award Letter carefully
Often times the colleges are awarding you debt! There are two types of financial aid: gift-aid and self-help aid. Gift aid includes grants based on your financial need, and scholarships usually based on academic performance. Self-help aid includes loans, which must be repaid, and government work-study programs. Most of the financial award at public institutions is self-help aid, however most financial aid at private schools is gift aid.
4. Not filling out the FAFSA because you think your income is too high to qualify for financial aid
Even if you do not qualify based on financial need, many schools will not consider you for non-need based aid if you do not apply for need-based aid. So regardless of what you think your eligibility status might be, it is important to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). Federal student loan applications (Unsubsidized Stafford and Plus) also require the completion of the FAFSA. It is important to check with each school for its requirements.
5. Borrowing too much from Life Insurance to pay for college
Some parents use life insurance loans as a source of college funding. You should beware of taking out a life insurance loan. What typically happens when you take out a life insurance loan for a long period of time is that the loan balance increases because you do not pay the interest. Therefore, as the loan value increases, your family gets very little, if any death benefit. Also, the loan balance can eat up all the cash value, and there is not cash value left in the policy to sustain it. The policy will terminate unless you can pay back the loan.
- By: Karen Bolton
College Admissions Fall of Senior Year
Fall semester during the senior year of high school is an electric time. As the weather cools social calendars heat up. There is homecoming, dances and talk of senior trips. During all of the excitement it may be tempting to block out the 900 lb. gorilla in the room: College admissions. Fall is crunch time for students and their college search.
If senior year of high school is the first time a student even thinks about applying to a college, then thecollege admissions process will be that much harder for them to navigate. The key to success in college admissions is to start early; preferably in junior year of high school. Most colleges have application and admission deadlines that are open months, and sometimes, in excess of a year before the expected starting date.
College admissions can be a tricky part of the college search process. It’s the time in a student’s life when they have virtually no control over the outcome. Once an application is sent and all transcripts, reference letters and other accompanying documents reach the school-the decision is pretty much in the hands of admissions officials.
The waiting process can be less difficult if students have done their work beforehand. Starting early is the key. Some colleges begin awarding admission spots to students as they receive acceptable applications. Other schools wait until one universal deadline has passed and then examine the applicants. Getting started early will help ensures the student hits all of the deadlines.
Another tip for college admission success would be getting others involved in the application process. Asking pertinent questions of guidance counselors and using the resources they have available can be quite advantageous. Guidance counselors know more about the college admissions process than most other people students may have access to. Also, running important decisions by parents and other family members can also be helpful-as some of these people have gone through the same stressful situation, too.
By: Ron Smarjess
If senior year of high school is the first time a student even thinks about applying to a college, then thecollege admissions process will be that much harder for them to navigate. The key to success in college admissions is to start early; preferably in junior year of high school. Most colleges have application and admission deadlines that are open months, and sometimes, in excess of a year before the expected starting date.
College admissions can be a tricky part of the college search process. It’s the time in a student’s life when they have virtually no control over the outcome. Once an application is sent and all transcripts, reference letters and other accompanying documents reach the school-the decision is pretty much in the hands of admissions officials.
The waiting process can be less difficult if students have done their work beforehand. Starting early is the key. Some colleges begin awarding admission spots to students as they receive acceptable applications. Other schools wait until one universal deadline has passed and then examine the applicants. Getting started early will help ensures the student hits all of the deadlines.
Another tip for college admission success would be getting others involved in the application process. Asking pertinent questions of guidance counselors and using the resources they have available can be quite advantageous. Guidance counselors know more about the college admissions process than most other people students may have access to. Also, running important decisions by parents and other family members can also be helpful-as some of these people have gone through the same stressful situation, too.
By: Ron Smarjess
What Every Student Needs to Know About College Student Credit Cards
College student credit cards can become both a blessing and a curse. They are a wondeful financial resource for high school grads just starting out on their own, but they are also a temptation that some students just can’t resist. If you want to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes so many other students have made with college student credit cards, follow these five tips.
1. It’s Not a Loan
When you become the recipient of college student credit cards, don’t look at it like a loan. Never charge more than you can pay off at the end of the month (unless it’s an emergency) and definitely don’t look at it like a license to go on a shopping spree.
The purchases you make with your student credit cards will add up quickly -- more quickly than you may realize. If you bite off more than you can chew, you may find yourself in financial trouble before your financial future even gets started.
2. They’re Not for Sharing
So you have one or two college student credit cards and your best friend doesn’t have any. Real friends share, right?
Wrong!
Never share your college student credit cards unless you’re willing to be responsible for paying for the purchases your friends make. Nothing can break up a friendship faster than fights over finances.
Do yourself a favor and keep your college student credit cards in your own wallet.
3. Mommy and Daddy Are Not An Out
Don’t be tempted to get in over your head with your college student credit cards because you think mom and dad will be there to bail you out if you run into trouble. College student credit cards are the first step into your adult financial future. Mom and dad have nothing to do with it.
4. Do Not Charge School Expenses
You may be tempted to use your college student credit cards to pay for school tuition or books. Don’t do it. That’s what student loans are for. College student credit cards carry a higher interest rate than student loans, so if you use them for education expenses, you’re throwing away money.
5. The Due Date Is Not a Guideline
When you start using your college student credit cards, realize how important the terms and conditions are. Make sure your payment will reach the bank well before the due date (the due date is not a guideline, it’s written in stone) and don’t go over your limit.
If you default on your credit card’s terms and conditions, you’re going to be hit with ugly fees and your interest rate is going to take a hike skyward. Manage your college student credit cards wisely and respect the responsibilities you have been given.
It’s true -- college student credit cards can be overwhelming. Don’t let it scare you. By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to managing your college student credit cards responsibly and building a respectable credit history.
By: Max Anderson
1. It’s Not a Loan
When you become the recipient of college student credit cards, don’t look at it like a loan. Never charge more than you can pay off at the end of the month (unless it’s an emergency) and definitely don’t look at it like a license to go on a shopping spree.
The purchases you make with your student credit cards will add up quickly -- more quickly than you may realize. If you bite off more than you can chew, you may find yourself in financial trouble before your financial future even gets started.
2. They’re Not for Sharing
So you have one or two college student credit cards and your best friend doesn’t have any. Real friends share, right?
Wrong!
Never share your college student credit cards unless you’re willing to be responsible for paying for the purchases your friends make. Nothing can break up a friendship faster than fights over finances.
Do yourself a favor and keep your college student credit cards in your own wallet.
3. Mommy and Daddy Are Not An Out
Don’t be tempted to get in over your head with your college student credit cards because you think mom and dad will be there to bail you out if you run into trouble. College student credit cards are the first step into your adult financial future. Mom and dad have nothing to do with it.
4. Do Not Charge School Expenses
You may be tempted to use your college student credit cards to pay for school tuition or books. Don’t do it. That’s what student loans are for. College student credit cards carry a higher interest rate than student loans, so if you use them for education expenses, you’re throwing away money.
5. The Due Date Is Not a Guideline
When you start using your college student credit cards, realize how important the terms and conditions are. Make sure your payment will reach the bank well before the due date (the due date is not a guideline, it’s written in stone) and don’t go over your limit.
If you default on your credit card’s terms and conditions, you’re going to be hit with ugly fees and your interest rate is going to take a hike skyward. Manage your college student credit cards wisely and respect the responsibilities you have been given.
It’s true -- college student credit cards can be overwhelming. Don’t let it scare you. By keeping the above tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to managing your college student credit cards responsibly and building a respectable credit history.
By: Max Anderson
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