CollegeTreasure.com Blog

Finding A Financial Safety School

August 15th, 2011

I have always felt that the most important school is your safety school. In my mind a safety school isn’t just a school where you know that you will be accepted, since there are over 2,400 colleges in the US everyone will get in to at least one, but it is a school where you know you will be accepted and you will be happy if you have to go there. However, with the current state of the economy, it isn’t enough just to get accepted to a college, you have to be able to pay for it as well. That is where the financial safety comes in. For many students, that has become a state college in their home state or a community college in their home state. Yet, there are still many more options. Many states participate in regional states programs, where you can get reduced tuition at a state school in another state, if the major isn’t offered in your home state. Here is a link to a previous article we had written about regional states programs.

In addition, you can use CollegeTreasure.com to help you locate private colleges where you are eligible for merit scholarships that might bring the actual cost of the college below your home state school. We have added features to allow you to search by four of the five factors that we think are critical in making a good college match (the fifth is quality of life, and you need to determine that on your own by visiting and other resources). Here are the other four:

· Academic Profile: Can I get in to the school? How competitive is the admissions process? In our advanced search, you can sort by the level of competition of admission. You can choose more than one category, or all of them if you would like.

· Academic Program: Does the school have the major I want? Remember, most students end up changing their major, so does the school have enough majors that I am interested in? Again, you can sort by area of study in our advanced search.

· Size: If I don’t need to go to class, will I still go? Do I want to be more than a number? Do I need more opportunities in case I change my mind? Do I need more individual attention? How do I learn best?

· Geography: Where in the country do I want to study? Do I want to be in a city, suburb, or rural area?

The final sort you can run is to choose to only see schools where you are eligible for money, or all schools that meet your academic criteria. The best way to find your financial safety is to show the schools where you are eligible for money. In minutes you can easily locate your financial safeties. We do charge a $24 fee for a one-year premium membership, however, we give you a free one-day trial so that you can see the value before you decide to pay. We also have a number of other resources that we will highlight in future blog posts.

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CollegeTreasure.com State of the Website Address

July 12th, 2011

Summer is in full swing, and that only means one thing at CollegeTreasure.com: database update. Each summer our team of researchers updates our database of college based merit scholarships. This year we are adding new information to our reports. In addition to scholarship information, we are collecting information on the required letters of recommendation for all the schools. This way, when you check the school report, you will know if you need a letter of recommendation, from whom (teacher, counselor, coach, pastor, peer, etc) and how many. We also added some new fields to our scholarship data. While it was assumed in the past that you were eligible for these scholarships with just your regular admission application, we have made that even more clear. We have a yes/no field if there is a separate scholarship application, and if there is, we give you a link directly to that scholarship application. At this point, less than two weeks in to our scholarship update, we have added over 400 new scholarship programs to the database. That is our goal. Every year to make it bigger and better.

In addition, we have added an advanced search feature. This feature makes it possible for you to not only find schools where you are eligible for money, but to narrow the list down to schools that meet all of your other criteria. You can read our article on Searching for Schools, learn about the 5 factors we use to find the perfect college fit, and within minutes create a list of schools that meet your criteria and where you are eligible for scholarship money. Finally, when you create a premium account, you can save the colleges you like and create email deadline reminders for yourself.

While you have probably been told never to pay for a scholarship search, this search is a little different. You aren’t searching the private $1,000 scholarship. These are all from the schools, renewable, and in many cases guaranteed. You also get 1-year access to the premium content on our site, like our Essay Guide, Articles on topics such as finding the right school and acing your interviews, as well as the advanced search functionality. All of this for just $24.95 for one year. US News and World Report charges $19.95 for a one year membership to their site, and they don’t have the scholarship information. Before choosing to pay for the premium membership, you can see how much scholarship money you are eligible for based on your criteria.

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Avoiding the Summer Daze: Rising Seniors Use Your Summer Wisely

June 16th, 2011

Now that the school year is wrapping up (or has already been wrapped up), it is easy to just kick back, relax, and allow half the summer to go by without doing anything to get your self ready for college. The fall of senior year can be a very stressful time, so I recommend you use the summer to get a jump on your college applications. Here is a list of things that you need to get done this summer.

Finalize Your College List
Narrow list down to 8 to 10 schools
Revisit your original criteria, has anything changed?
Check application requirements at your list of schools
Have you met testing requirements?
Do you have teachers lined up for letters of recommendation?
When are the deadlines?
Visit Colleges Again
This will help you narrow down the list and come up with your own ranking of the schools
Demonstrated interest is becoming more important in the admission process. This is one of the best ways to show interest.
If possible, interview when on campus.
Prepare for Fall Standardized Tests
Take practice SAT or ACT tests
Review performance results from your spring tests, and study up on areas where you are weak
Consider tutoring, a course, or a book to help you improve
Start Your Applications!
The Common Application accounts open on August 1, but you can print a draft and get started earlier
Write a resume
Start your essay!
The Common Application has reinstated the 500 word limit on the long essay.
Work on the Common Application short answer
Make certain you know your school’s policy regarding transcript requests
Develop a List of Financial Aid Deadlines
When are the filing deadlines?
What forms are required?
Do you have a financial safety school?

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Making Money While You’re In College

May 19th, 2011

Many college students do not realize how many marketable skills they have right at the beginning of their college education. There are quite a few job opportunities available both in the summer and throughout the school year; being proactive about them will only increase your job-finding chances once you have a degree in your hand.

Work Study

This is probably the surest way to find a job while you’re at college. Most colleges reserve plenty of work study positions for students, so you’re bound to find something if you ask around diligently and sooner rather than later.

Of course, it helps finding a work study position for a department, professor, or studio that aligns with your interests, so it’s a good idea to look into work study positions as soon as you know what university you’re attending.

Other Campus Jobs

Many universities offer many different positions in addition to work study. The only difference is that these positions aren’t federally funded and are usually paid through the school. Some universities group these jobs in lists with work study positions while others keep them separate, so keep that in mind when looking for work at colleges.

Marketing Your Skills Outside College

It is a less common occurrence for students to look for work outside of their university, but it’s definitely something students should strive for. Employers will look at experience outside of the university through a slightly different light because it’s considered more “real-world” experience and it took initiative and ingenuity to look outside the university walls for work.

Electronic Repair

There are lots of different options here depending on what your skills and focus are. For tech savvy students studying computer science or engineering, finding a job at a computer repair center for a major electronic retailer like Best Buy can be a great way to find great pay and get some valuable tech experience.

Tutoring

Many college students can find jobs tutoring for public high schools or for standardized college admissions exams like SAT. These jobs usually offer lucrative pay and also great experience, especially for those establishing a career in education.

Blogging

This is becoming a more and more viable option to get some extra income while at school. Many of your classes will give you lots of different ideas for blogs, so you should never be starved for content (although you may find yourself mentally fatigued between schoolwork and blogging). Keep in mind that this wouldn’t be a mindless job and doesn’t guarantee decent (or even any) pay, but even keeping a blog that doesn’t gain revenue from advertising is still a great way to create an online presence for yourself that will impress future employers.

General Advice

As a general rule of thumb, try to find jobs that will help support your interests in one way or another. As an art student, you may not be able to immediately find a job at a gallery, but you could find a job at an art supply store. This would help keep you networked with other artists and most likely give you discounts to the art supplies you need for class.

Internships

Unfortunately, a large portion of internships for college students are unpaid. But even if internships are unpaid, they are still a great way to ensure a job after college. And some internships are only unpaid for the first few months or year. Once you have more experience interning for a company, you are more likely to receive opportunities that offer decent pay.

By-line:

This guest contribution was submitted by Pamelia Brown, who specializes in writing about associates degree. Questions and comments can be sent to: pamelia.brown@gmail.com.

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25 of the Weirdest Scholarships You’ve Never Heard of

May 5th, 2011

Finding money to fund your college education can be a tough process, but as these scholarships show there’s something available for everyone. If you happen to have an offbeat hobby that not too many people take part in, then one of these may be exactly right for you. While some of these scholarships are only available at certain colleges, I’ve tried to keep the list as broad as possible. Good luck in your academic endeavors!

1. LaFontaine Aquatic Entomology Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduate students seeking advanced degrees in the field of Aquatic Entomology. Sponsored by the Federation of Fly Fishers this award is given out annually, and requires that the student submit a resume, research synopsis, and letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

2. The Fragrance Research Fund

Another scholarship for graduate students, this one is for psychologists working in the field of aromachology. While it may sound funny, the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to a research team studying smells. With scholarships up to $50,000 it certainly isn’t something to turn your nose up at.

3. Potato Industry Scholarship

The National Potato Council rewards up to $5,000 to graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in Agribusiness that directly affect the potato industry. The award is based on your academic achievement, leadership abilities, and the relevancy of your work to the potato industry.

4. The NCTA Help Santa Find the Perfect Real Christmas Tree Scholarship

While a belief in Santa isn’t a requirement for this scholarship, having that festive spirit certainly doesn’t hurt. Sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association, this scholarship rewards up to $5,000 to students between the ages of 6-16 years old.

5. FBI Common Knowledge Challenge

At $250 this scholarship isn’t quite as fruitful as the others we’ve covered so far, but considering the ease with which you can get it there’s really no reason not to. The FBI has a site where you can read up about their organization, and then take a short online quiz about it. The contest is held the third week of October and the money will go directly to your school should you win.

6. Excellence in Predicting the Future Award

This scholarship requires you to register at the cenimar.com website and take part in a contest where you predict the futures of fake stocks. Intended to increase students’ interest in economics, it’s free to apply for and will net you $400 should you win.

7. Culinary Institute of America’s All-American Apple Pie Recipe Contest

With rewards of up to $25,000 this contest will put your apple pie baking skills to the test. As one of the premier culinary schools in the country, the CIA certainly has one of the best reputations in the industry. This scholarship will require you to share your recipe, take pictures of your pie, and write a 500 word essay on how you got the recipe.

8. National Make It Yourself with Wool Competition

Sponsored by the American Sheep Industry Association this scholarship rewards up to $5,000 to students who promote the versatility of wool in fabrics and yarns. If you have involvement in the sheep industry or in fabrics then this is certainly a lucrative opportunity.

9. The Ayn Rand Institute

The Ayn Rand Institute offers a large number of scholarships for essays on several of her works including The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, We Are the Living, and Anthem. One contest winner for each essay is rewarded a $10,000 prize, with $2,000, $1,000, $100, and $50 prizes going out for the subsequent places. If you are interested in Ayn Rand’s works then this is a great opportunity to make some extra money for college.

10. Eileen J. Garret Scholarship from the Parapsychology Foundation

Do you have an interest in studying the paranormal using modern scientific techniques? If so this scholarship may be for you. You will have to provide samples of writings about parapsychology and letters of reference to prove your interest. At $3,000 this is a niche reward that can help quite nicely in your college funding.

11. The OP Loftbed Scholarship

Interestingly enough, OP Loftbed, the makers of the most popular loft bed for college students decides to give back in the form of a $400 scholarship. In order to qualify for the scholarship students need only to fill out a questionnaire on the OP Loftbed website.

12. The School Band and Orchestra Magazine Scholarship

This scholarship for grade school students’ promises $1000 reward for students up to grade 8 and an additional $1000 donation to the school’s music program for students in grades 9-12. Sponsored by the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle store requires the candidate to write a 250 word essay on various musical subjects that changes every year.

13. The MoneyMatters101.com Scholarships

This scholarship rewards $300 to the winners of an essay contest on why or why not federal income taxes are fair. Unlike most websites with money in the title, this one is actually for real.

14. The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Award

While The Elks may strike up visualizations of that one scene from the movie Stand By Me, it is a real organization and has an excellent scholarship program. With rewards going out to a total of 500 students every year, it is a competitive national event, but also comes with great rewards. Each candidate is evaluated on scholarship, leadership, and financial need and rewarded with a 4 year scholarship worth $1000 to $15,000 per year.

15. Tylenol Scholarship

While not quite as weird as the other scholarships on this list, Tylenol isn’t the first place I’d look for a scholarship. If you are studying in a healthcare related field, you can apply for this scholarship which will net you up to $10,000. Tylenol gives out 250 of these scholarships every year, which is good news since we all know how much of a headache school can give you.

16. The Discover Card Tribute Award

Wow, a credit card company handing out a scholarship? It’s great to see that at least one of them decides to give something back, and with rewards of up to $25,000 it can certainly put a big dent in your college debt. You will need to demonstrate community service, leadership, and a significant roadblock you have overcome in order to receive this award.

17. Tea Drinking Scholarship

The Calm-A-Sutra of Tea, an American Tea Council offers a scholarship two one student for $20,000 paid directly to the school. It is a video contest where the candidate must submit an original video about the health benefits of drinking tea. $20,000 may be enough to make tea lovers out of all of us, but you can expect some pretty stiff competition as well.

18. Greeting Card Scholarship

While you might be used to making fun of those “Hallmark Moments” there’s nothing funny about the $10,000 this scholarship rewards. In order to qualify you will need to submit original artwork to be used for the front cover of a greeting card. This is an excellent scholarship for art students that you might not readily think of.

19. Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship

Another scholarship for a niche market, you might not expect it but these guys have dished out $70,000 in scholarships so far. If you happen to be in a course of study that involves vacuum coating, then this is certainly a scholarship to look into. In order to apply you will need two references from your professors, and you will be judged based on the relevancy of your program, academic achievement, personal values, and financial need.

20. Collegiate Inventors Competition

For all of you aspiring inventors out there the United States Patents and Trademark Office sponsors a competition rewarding both graduate and undergraduate students with up to $15,000 and $10,000 rewards. Any invention is admissible and entries are judged based on how well articulated the idea is as well as to how beneficial it is to society.

21. Mycological Society of America Scholarships

These scholarships are primarily for graduate students and researchers that are already involved in mycological study. It’s tough to believe that people would have an interest in fungi outside of any academic involvement, which is probably why the only undergraduate rewards are for those involved in mycological research. Still, if you happen to fit into one of these categories they have plenty of different scholarships available ranging from $500 to $2000.

22. Michigan Llama Association (MLA) Scholarship

I can’t say I would have guessed that llama farming would’ve been popular in the state of Michigan, but apparently there are over 200 farms and 2500 llamas in the state. Who knew? Well, even if you aren’t a llama farmer you can join their organization and show your interest in llamas and farming to qualify for their $500 scholarship.

23. National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFAH) Health at Every Size Scholarship

While it is tempting to describe this as a scholarship for fatties, you don’t actually need to be obese to qualify for this scholarship. Instead, you need to be actively involved in research surrounding the effects of obesity on health. You will need to submit a 750 word essay on your research and can expect a $1000 check in return.

24. International Boar Semen Scholarship

Not only is this a weird one, but it’s also quite gross. Still, animal husbandry is an important aspect of agribusiness so it is not surprising to see a scholarship for it. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can attest to the validity of this subject. Although this is probably the scholarship on this list that is easiest to make fun of, the people involved in this business do make a good bit of money. If you happen to be pursuing this line of work then this is a scholarship well worth looking into.

25. American Nudist Research Library Scholarship

If you happen to find the idea of spending 3 years living in a nudist colony to be your thing, then the American Nudist Research Library will reward you with a $1000 scholarship. While I can’t imagine many people would want to live as a nudist for 3 years for $1000, if you already happen to be a part of this fringe culture, then why not take advantage of what they have to offer?

Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching molecular biology scholarships as well as scholarships for anthropoplogy students. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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Proposed Pell Grant Cuts: Will They Seriously Affect College Students?

March 21st, 2011

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives levied a $5.7 billion cut to the Pell Grant program, which provides aid to low and moderate income students. The changes, if passed, would take effect in the 2011-2012 school year. The amount of aid for the most needy students would decrease from $5,500 to $4,705, a difference of $845.

If the bill becomes law, over 9 million students will have a reduction in their federal funds. Also, approximately 1.7 million students who receive small Pell Grants will likely be made ineligible. Approximately 27 percent of U.S. college students currently receive Pell Grants. The primary cut to the Pell Grant program would be the year-round provision which allows recipients of the grant to receive more than one per year.

In general, the most needy students are barely able to pay their bills, and losing $845 a year would be a significant loss to them. These students will be forced to take out bigger loans. Pell Grants have allowed many part-time students to attend college on a full-time basis. A reduction in the Pell Grant may force some of these students to return to their part-time status.

Many students will be forced to work longer hours, which may decrease their study time and affect their grades. Other students may decide to pass on a bachelor’s degree and instead go for a less expensive associate’s degree from a community college. Pell Grants are also provided to working low-income adults who want to go back to school to specialize in something. These folks may decide to skip college altogether.

Some colleges and universities will find ways to make up for the loss in Pell Grant funding. For example, Thomas McWhorter, the Executive Director of Financial Aid at the University of Southern California, said his office would use other university need-based aid to fill gaps caused but cutting Pell Grants.

An article at the Chronicle of Higher Education website stated that the spending bill for the 2011 fiscal year, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, would not only slash Pell Grants in the short term, but would also reduce funding of the program by $64 billion over the next decade (according to the Congressional Budget Office).

Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, said, “It’s hardly a devastating cut when you are cutting such a small amount.” However, according to a report from the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (ACSFA), the cut in Pell Grant funding will reduce the number of low income students obtaining bachelor’s degrees each year by approximately 61,000.

If this bill is passed, there will be a lot less money available for college students in need. This would make looking for scholarships and other sources of funding all the more important.

Wes Harrison writes helpful articles about a variety of college topics for New Jersey Colleges.

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Juniors, Don’t Wait Till Senior Year for the College Onslaught

February 14th, 2011

It is hard to believe, but we are already in the middle of February. Most college admission officers will tell juniors that from now on they should be completely focused on college. But, what does that mean? First, you need to prepare for standardized tests (SAT, ACT, and SAT II if required by target colleges). Ideally you would have all standardized tests completed by the end of junior year, so you can devote the summer to drafting your essays and completing applications.

Second, continue to compile a transcript with rigorous courses and participate in meaningful activities. The most important piece of the college admission puzzle is your transcript. So, keep getting good grades and make sure to choose your classes wisely for next year. Colleges do not want to see you taking it easy in your senior year. In fact, a recent study corroborated what guidance counselors have been telling students for years: taking harder classes improves your chances of getting in more than improving your grades or your SAT/ACT scores.

Third, visit target colleges to create “demonstrated interest” and learn about schools. This is invaluable. You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first, so you shouldn’t attend a college without thoroughly evaluating it. In additon to visiting the campus to show demonstrated interest, you can also find local college fairs that the colleges youa re interested in will be attending. The NACAC college fairs are great, as you get a large number of colleges in one place, and typically they are attended by members of the college’s admission staff and not just local alumni recruiters.

Finally, as we near the end of the year start to approach teachers who know you best to request letters of recommendation. If they seem excited, get contact information so you can send the recommendation forms when they become available in July.

Buckle up, you are in for a wild ride. But, if you take the time to plan carefully, you will have a number of great options and it will all be worth it in the end.

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How to File the 2011-12 FAFSA

January 11th, 2011

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What to do when you get deferred from your Early Action/Early Decision application

January 8th, 2011

Is it a disappointment? Of course it is, but it is not a time for despair. It is a time for action. It is time to regroup and continue to put your best foot forward. You’ve done your research, and made your Early Action/Early Decision commitment to your college, but unfortunately they have not reciprocated. The first course of action is to continue your demonstrated interest that you’ve established over the past several months. Write a letter to the college expressing your continued interest. This letter is also an opportunity to update them as to any new developments since you submitted your application. Have you won any awards? Are you involved in any new activities? Inform and update the admissions commitment of your new activities or interests since you submitted your application. An example of an introduction to such letter is as follows: “While I am disappointed that I wasn’t accepted at this time, I am excited that I still have an opportunity to be a part of the class of 2015 at First Choice University. You are my first choice for college, and remain so…” Don’t hesitate to call the admissions office and ask them if there is anything additional you can do to enhance your application. Perhaps, they may suggest retaking the SAT. If you haven’t had an alumni or an on campus interview, ask if it is possible for you to schedule one. Consider asking if they would accept an additional letter of recommendation or an additional writing sample. Understand that every situation is unique, and doing all of these things might not make a difference, so make sure that you have a solid back up plan in place.

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Useful Tips for Financing A Graduate School Education

December 27th, 2010

There is plenty of financial aid available for worthy graduate students, as long as they apply for it as early as possible. Graduate students taking out loans need to be realistic about the job opportunities and additional income generated by obtaining a graduate degree.

You can typically save thousands of dollars by enrolling in a graduate degree program at a public university in the state where you’re a legal resident. Also, some states have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states which lets each state’s residents attend their colleges and universities at state tuition rates. For more information contact your state department of education or some schools of interest. Some states consider out-of-state students as residents after they have attended the school for one year.

Government Assistance

Federal Perkins Loans: Need-based program.
Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans: Students must have financial need as determined by their school.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Not based on financial need.
Cooperative Education: Combines education with an off-campus job related to the student’s program.
Work-Study: Need-based program in which the college finds jobs for students. Salary is usually close to minimum wage.

Graduate Stafford Loans

Graduate Stafford Loans are fixed rate loans for graduate students attending a college or university on at least a half-time basis. These loans are one of the lowest-cost ways to pay for graduate school. Graduate students using Subsidized Stafford Loans are not charged interest before they begin repayment or during periods of deferment.

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Graduate PLUS Loan is a non-need credit based loan, guaranteed by the Federal Government. Students can borrow the total cost of graduate school, including tuition, supplies, room and board, travel, and lab expenses. It’s a fixed rate student loan and payment can be deferred while students are attending college.

School Financial Assistance

Many colleges and universities offer teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and administrative fellowships. These positions typically include tuition waivers and some of them offer health insurance.

The recipients of departmental fellowships and scholarships are often determined by the departmental chair and not the financial aid office. Prospective graduate students should talk to a department staff member who’s knowledgeable about financial aid opportunities.

Perhaps the best type of college based financial aid is the fellowship. It’s a cash reward that doesn’t need to be repaid and typically doesn’t require the student to work. Most are based on an excellent academic record, however some are based on financial need. Fellowships usually include a stipend.

Corporations

Many companies sponsor tuition assistance programs. According to IRS regulations, employers can provide up to $5,250 for each employee per year on a tax-free basis. Additional employer tuition assistance is taxed. Employers may restrict the choice of a major to a subject related to the employee’s current or future position at the company. Some employers stipulate that the employee work for the company for a specific length of time after obtaining the degree.

Foundations

The Foundation Center in New York City publishes a reference book about graduate study financial aid. Grants provided in different fields are included in Grant Guides, a fee-based databank.

The National Research Council provides hundreds of fellowships of up to $14,000 per year for students in the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

Mellon Fellowships cover tuition and provide stipends for graduates students in the humanities.

Medical School

Some of the loans available for Medical School are MedSHARE-Nellie Mae, AAMC Medloans-Alternative Loan Program, and Medical Access Loans-Access Group.

Business School Loans

Some of the loans available for business school are MBADHARE-New England Loan Marketing Association-Nellie Mae, Business Access Loan Program-Access Group, and M.B.A. Loans/Tuition Loan Plan.

Online Resources

There are numerous online resources that help students find graduate education funding, and these include the following:

National Association of Graduate and Professional Studies
FastWEB
Thomson Peterson’s Graduate School Planning
The Foundation Center
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs
Education World
FinAid!
Education World

Putting together the best financial aid package requires a lot of research. However, taking the time to do this research could save you a lot of money on your graduate education.

Brian Jenkins writes about a variety of education topics for BrainTrack, including financial aid opportunities for college students.

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