The Beat-Tuition Blog

Student Loan Payoff - Loan Forgiveness

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:53:52 GMT

I am collecting resources for a page on paying off student loans quickly, as well as loan forgiveness. I should have the page up this week. It's very easy to get yourself into problems with your student loans. You can get them easily while you go to school, and sometimes you might be over optimistic about how fast you can pay them back. I know, I've been there. But some students just go nuts - or at least that's how it looks. I read a story just the other day about a woman with something like $500K in student loans to become a doctor. People, get a grip! That's too much! Seriously, you need an education, but don't shoot yourself in the foot at the same time - keep your student debts as low as you can. Sometimes that means skipping a student loan even though you are approved. Or going to a less expensive and less prestigious school. It's rough, but debt - student loans - can live a long time. Do your best to avoid that, and only borrow what you absolutely need. Come back in a couple of days and I'll have some resources up for you to look over to get your loans of all kinds under control. Till then!

Save Tuition and Finish Your College Degree Fast

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:41:12 GMT

Here's a quick strategy to help you save tuition money and finish your college degree faster. I've know several people who used this method and succeeded, and a few who have failed at it - you'll see why below. Do More
That's the essence of it. My wife took 21 credits our final semester to she finish with me, and she did. She even had a higher GPA than many other semesters. Also, I just bought a book by Lawson Lau, Ph.D. called Undergraduate Studies in the USA, where he says he finished a 4 year degree in - are you ready for this? - 18 months at Wheaton College. He admits that he did transfer a few classes from Singapore and London. He points out that he took a very heavy load to cut down on tuition costs. But it worked. He even took a full load during the summer term. Those who didn't make it with this idea may have gotten sick or injured. Or perhaps they overestimated their capability. Keep that in mind if you try this. You can finish your college degree fast, and save tuition with this strategy, if you can keep up!

Scholarship Contests: 15 to Enter, plus 3 Tips

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:02:24 GMT

Scholarship contests offer a great opportunity to college students free money! You can enter a bunch on this page, plus tips on your entries

President Obama's Student Loan Program

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:47:55 GMT

President Obama proposed some interesting changes to government guaranteed student loans in his state of the union speech for 2010. In case you didn't see it, below is a summary of the plan: - Limit payments to 10 of your income - Limit repayment terms to 10 years for public servant jobs, then forgive the balance of the loan - Limit repayment terms to 20 years for everyone else, then forgive balance of the loan - The forgiveness would not be taxable As I understand it, you would use your adjusted gross income to calculate the payments. The plan will require some work from congress, but I think he'll probably get it through. President Obama's student loan program makes clear that he seriously wants to make a university degree affordable for everyone. Hope this helps you!

Finding Money For College - 4 Flavors of Student Loans

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:53:50 GMT

Finding money for college can be easier than you think. Look here for the 4 flavors of student loans and how to get them.

Tuition is on our minds - and another college topic

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 07:29:09 GMT

Tuition seems to dominate the conversation. Thanks for your participation in the 1 question poll I put up. I had some great answers, and learned a few things. First, of course, that you need help with tuition. Finding grants, scholarships and even loans to finish up a degree take a lot of brain power and time. I have some solutions on the way. The poll also had some answers that included why university students have to take classes unrelated to their major. Those classes are supposed to make you a more rounded person. I know, you might not ever use that class in your life. You can go to schools that don't require those classes. Some school like ITT, UofP and others minimize out of major classes. Saves time, gets you through faster. I'll get back to those tuition solutions for you as soon as I can. Keep going and finish that education!

January 2010 Beat-Tuition poll

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:13:47 GMT

What is your biggest challenge or problem with going to school? Take the Beat-Tuition poll

Beat-Tuition in the New Year

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:55:37 GMT

Hey! It's a whole new year. I have some great ways to Beat Tuition coming up. I took some time off recently, so I'm just getting back with it. I want to ask for your help. I only have one question: What is you biggest problem going to school? Is it finding the money for tuition? Expensive textbooks? Juggling work and school? I'll put up a little poll box to allow you to answer, but I haven't got it yet. If you can't wait, you can just click on the Contact us button and send me your question. Once I have a few responses, about 50, I'll start to see the trends and I'll answer them with new pages on the site. For your question though, I'll try to send you an answer right away. Make it a great new year, and finish that degree!

Happy Holidays!

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:09:55 GMT

What a great time of year! Hope you and yours are having a great time, too. I am going to add something special to my site here in the next little while - I'll have some new information on finding loans in tough times... I still find lenders, but they not the same as usual. You may have to look a little harder. Student loans can be difficult to get, and if you don't have enough money from other sources like grants, you may not have many options for paying tuition. Rough, right? So come back soon and I'll have some new answers to get you going to school again - or to keep you in - if your only option is a loan. For now, enjoy the season!

Private Student Loan: Pros and Cons, Plus A Few Extra Tips

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:12:06 GMT

Should you get a private student loan? Whats better, a Stafford loan or a private student loan? Why? Learn the answers here, plus a few extra tips on paying for college.

College Student Loan: Where to Get One Now, Plus 3 Tips

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:07:16 GMT

If you need a college student loan, do you know where to get one now? Learn who has money, and 3 great tips on student loans.

FTC Guidelines

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:11:45 GMT

As of December 1, new FTC guidelines go into effect for bloggers and websites in general to disclose paid relationships and other statements on the internet. I am in the process of updating my site to reflect these guidelines. In general, my ads look like ads. In a few places, I have links that I may get paid for. I'll update the site to disclose those relationships. In the mean time, click on the link with this post to learn a bit more about my site, or visit the FTC website for the actual guidelines. Thanks for visiting, and remember - stay in school, and finish! ;o)

Reduce Credit Card Debt in College: 5 Reasons to Get Started

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:27:26 GMT

5 quick reasons to reduce credit card debt while you are in college, and how to get started.

Medical Insurance for College Students: 3 Reminders

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:08:59 GMT

Many colleges now require medical insurance for college students. 3 reminders to keep yourself covered.

Injuries and Roadblocks along the way to a degree and tuition

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:43:43 GMT

Some of you have noticed I haven't been posting much. I had a little family emergency that has prevented it, along with plain old distractions. My wife and I are doing some remodeling, and replacing some appliances. While searching for the right ones, we had an accident - an appliance fell on my 4 year old. I have been looking out for our other kids while my wife stays at the hospital with her. Maybe you can relate. After going through ER and getting settled into a room, I went home for the night. My wife asked me to bring her college textbooks when I came back. Then she could study while our daughter sleeps. But in a situation like this, how much studying will she get done? Not much. You'll have distractions and roadblocks along the way. Do what you can to work through them. Of course, any time something like this happens, the family comes first. It's weird, but just before this happened, I wrote a short article on health insurance for college students. I'll try to put on here early next week. Like I said, the 4 year old comes first.

Missing School or Midterms Because You Are Sick? Quick Story...

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:33:29 GMT

If you find yourself sick and missing school, let me give you a little hope. When my wife was in college getting a BA degree, she had a operation that kept her out of college for a while. She had some help during recovery to keep up with most of her classes. At least one required class for her major didn't work out. Sad to say, she didn't get what you would call a passing grade. Since she needed this class to graduate, the question came up a couple of years later whether she would have to take it again. After an appeal to the professor who teaches the class, she worked out a deal to complete the assignments in the class, and then the professor would change her grade. I can't promise every university or college will do this for free. But if you can't finish a class, you might ask for an incomplete instead of a failing grade. You might also ask for a P, which stands for passing. In our case, missing school and midterms didn't keep her from graduating, and we graduated on the same day ;) Get better, and good luck!

The Scholarship Interview: 2 Important Questions to Ask

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:05:04 GMT

Many students worry about their scholarship interview without realizing they have more opportunities than they think. Learn some tricks to a great interview here.

I'm Back!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:52:34 GMT

I've been on vacation for a couple of weeks, but I'm back! I'll have some great information for you to use on scholarships this week. And if you have been waiting on an email from me - sorry! Some time off just had too much appeal. I'll get a note to you as soon as I can, as I get caught up. More ways for you to beat tuition coming up!

Cheap Textbooks in Key West?

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:09:14 GMT

I am traveling right now, and my relatives in Key West take evening and distance classes. Sometimes it seems like everyone is going to school! If you haven't found all your textbooks yet, and you still want to get them cheap, now can be a great time. Students who started a class, then decided to go on vacation ;0) might not get their money back, and will have to sell them online. Could work out for you. And if you are the one stuck with the book, you might try going to the prerequisite class and offering everyone in the class a deal. Just make up a little flyer with your email or Facebook/MySpace name or cell #, and drop it on all of the desks before class. I sold one of my books this way, except I did it without the flyer - I just told people I had a book for sale for the next class. It worked. I sold the book. Cool. 8) <-sunglasses & smile. Hope you are doing well and getting a good education. Bye, from Key West FL.

New Weird Way to Finance College Tuition

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:09:21 GMT

I heard about a news story that reminded me of a weird way to finance your college tuition. Apparently, a woman is panhandling to help her son attend a prestigious school of dance in California - a high school. She needs several thousand dollars, so whe is begging for it. This reminded me of another method you may have heard of: Cyberbegging. It is almost just like it sounds. In cyberbegging, you set up a website and tell your story, then ask for donations. If people find you in need enough and want to help, they will paypal you a few dollars. While I haven't tried this method, I thought some of you might like to know. It's not the traditional way to finance your school, but some people do find cyberbegging helps pay the tuition.

Getting Student Loans With Bad Credit: What To Do

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:35:58 GMT

Do you know what student loans with bad credit are and how they work? Take a look here for the scoop on these student loans.

College Funding and College Choices

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:04:25 GMT

Just a quick note for you to consider on college funding questions. Right now, you might be looking for more money for college. Lots of students probably have a similar problem. While this isn't a popular solution, you might consider your college choice. In other words, could you go to school somewhere else and get the same education for less money and fewer student loans? Switching schools can be rough, and some people lose credits, which makes it even worse. But if you can finish your degree at a less expensive school, maybe that is the solution you need to your college funding crisis. Just a thought before you mortgage the farm and leverage your future to the hilt. Good luck, and finish as soon as you can!

Free Scholarship Money: Your #1 Source for Scholarships

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:36:56 GMT

The most common place to find free scholarship money. What to do about it to get more.

Subsidized Student Loans versus Unsubsidized: The Difference

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 05:47:10 GMT

Going to college can be confusing. What's the difference between subsidized student loans and unsubsidized? Read it here.

When Student Loans Can Help You Get A Degree Faster

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:01:56 GMT

How student loans help you get through your degree more quickly and help you finish. Where to look for more information on student loans.

Can You Get A Free High School Scholarship by Improving One Thing?

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:09:55 GMT

Learn one important way to get a free high school scholarship you may have overlooked or ignored. Try it. May work for you at your college.

Student Loan Payoff: 3 More New Ways to a Student Loan Bailout for Your Budget

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:19:54 GMT

3 zany ways to get your student loan payoff finished, and some good ideas on debt.

Student Loan Debt Help: 3 Zany Ways to Pay It Off Fast!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:57:40 GMT

Funny, zany, crazy ways to get student loan debt help and get rid of that student loan! Your Student Loan Bailout Guide.

Cheapest Textbook Case Study: 3 Places to Look

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:51:59 GMT

Time to find the cheapest textbook? If you need to save money, take a look at these three ways to get cheap textbooks for college.

Summer is Screaming by! Textbook season coming!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:40:37 GMT

I can't believe how fast summer is going. My wife just decided to get a masters degree, so we are looking for textbooks, and we made a great find - I'll write it up when I have a minute. Check the link attached to this post for some great ideas on buying cheap textbooks. Hope you are earning money for college and having fun!

Free Money for College Students? 5 Quick Ideas

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:40:21 GMT

Quick list of places to look for free money for college students, both US students and international students.

Loan Forgiveness Update!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:31:42 GMT

I updated my loan forgiveness page - the link is below - with descriptions of a couple of programs that offer loan forgiveness to engineers, and one also includes computer science majors. Hope they help!

Obama's Summer Job Stimulus Plan

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:19:00 GMT

You may have seen news reports today of President Obama's summer job stimulus plan to create 600,000 jobs. It sounds great, so I took a quick break to post this note. As soon as I see anyplace where you can apply for one of these summer jobs, I'll post it here. I recommend you keep looking yourself, as the President is plenty busy and hasn't announced much more about these jobs. He has said he will accelerate the stimulus spending, to create more jobs and save many as well. I'll be back tomorrow with another set of jobs to think about and apply for. Good luck!

2 Ideas for earning more money for college

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:56:49 GMT

Looking to earn more money for college? I went to a little presentation today about how to be a young entrepreneur by Jon McKenzie. I liked a couple of things he said, so I'll pass them on. First, you can earn some money from your garden. The example he gave was a pumpkin patch, along with selling candy and hot chocolate. People love to go pick out a pumpkin, but don't always love the planting and raising the vine. So you could do this in another way to earn money this summer for college this fall. You could offer people the chance to pick their own fruit - if you have trees available. You could also have your own fruit stand, and sell candy as well. Second: Have you ever smelled a sour garbage can? Some people wash their garbage cans to keep that smell away. You could do this for them. It's a dirty, smelly job, and that's why people will pay you to do it. Charge accordingly. $15-20 per large garbage can. Get some help so you can get more done and earn more. Good luck!

You College Job Search: Student Leadership Jobs on Campus

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:05:36 GMT

Your college job search should include this excellent category: student leadership jobs. Learn how these can help with tuition as well as your future.

Got a Summer Job question?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:21:13 GMT

IF you have a summer job question, send it in and I'll do my best to answer it right here. I'll be back as soon as I can with another write up of a summer job experience you can use.

Money for College Students: An Amusement Park Job

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:22:04 GMT

What to expect from a job at an amusement park, how much money for college students can earn, and more.

College jobs and Summer jobs

Sat, 30 May 2009 06:31:57 GMT

I'm planning to start a series on college and summer jobs next week. I've had a few, and so have several friends. If what I have done can help, then I want to share it. If you have a question about a job I had or write about, or if you want to see if I have any experience that can help you with a specific job, feel free to contact me and I'll tell you what I know. If it's a general question, I may share it on the site. If not, I'll be sure to get back to you about your college job or summer job question directly. I'll share a bunch of types of jobs, and how to get them. I'll cover some of the pros and cons for each, and give you an idea of how much the positions turn over, meaning how often these places hire. As often as I can, I'll include some resources to get you started looking for a job in your area. Just click this link to send me a summer job or college job question: Contact me Come check out the ideas and the jobs...

Colleg job ideas

Sat, 23 May 2009 17:57:20 GMT

This is just a quick note on college jobs ideas in general. Right now is a great time to get a summer job on campus, since school is out for summer. You can swoop in, get a job, and usually be set for the next school year. I'm not talking about just landscaping, custodial or cafeteria jobs, either. You might consider applying for student leadership positions, like career center mentors, resident assistant, or similar positions. They provide great training. Also, front desk jobs on campus usually allow you to study while you wait for someone to come to the desk. And during the summer, you can also try to snag a tutor or correcting papers gig. Just start asking professors what it takes. For those that are more, um, mature, you might look online for actual online teaching jobs in something you know. Could be anything - sewing, writing, sculpting. Online schools need teachers.

Summer is coming! Looking for a summer job?

Thu, 21 May 2009 04:48:00 GMT

I'll bet you are either done or just about done with school for the year, and probably you don't want to think about school for a while. Fair enough! Maybe now is the time to find a good summer job- how are your espresso fluffing skills? Can you make a great sandwich? Good at answering phones? Cutting lawns and edging? Painting? Whatever you are good at, and most of the things you aren't - yet - you can do for a summer job to make some money for college this fall. And if no one will give you a job, try washing windows or painting numbers on curbs. You really can earn a few bucks doing these. Don't want to be outdoors? Try doing some freelance writing or coding work. Elance.com and rentacoder.com can help you find some gigs. Have a great summer, and remember to check back every so often to see what we're up to here at Beat-Tuition.com

Picking the Best College for Your Money? 2 Torpedoes

Sat, 16 May 2009 06:55:49 GMT

Looking for the best college for your money? Ill share my favorite torpedoes for choosing schools, and how much it matters.

Want An Undergraduate Scholarship? 3 Easy Strategies

Tue, 12 May 2009 05:15:25 GMT

Still need money for college, or thinking about next year? Learn 3 easy strategies for finding an undergraduate scholarship here.

Got a College Rejection Letter? Relax. Maybe its not that bad.

Sun, 03 May 2009 01:05:16 GMT

If you got a college rejection letter, this page has good advice from students and more. Look at how other schools may not have much tact, and bounce back.

A Few Weird Grants for You

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:56:41 GMT

Have any secrets to get through school without debt? Send 'em in! Use my Contact Me button on the bar at left. Strange Grants I am constantly looking for more places to get grants and scholarships - so I thought you'd like to see this. The link at the bottom will take you to a short list of weird grants you can look into. Good luck!

Improve Your ACT College Entrance Exam Score for More Scholarships: 8 Steps

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:46:35 GMT

A higher ACT college entrance exam score will help you win more scholarships. Learn the keys to raising your score here.

It's Scholarship Application Season!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:04:16 GMT

I hope you have started applying for scholarships! You can look for online scholarship applications, scholarship contests, essay contests, and whatever else works for you. I am putting together a few resources to help you find sources. I should have it up in a couple of days. In the mean time, see what you can find! Remember, apply more! Whether you look for unusual scholarships, talent competitions, or traditional scholarships, applying more means you can win more. The link above can help you find more sources for money for college. Also, I have a source for scholarship contests and grants that I think you will like. Back in a day or two!

National Merit Scholarship Winners Announced

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:37:14 GMT

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has begun announcing winners for 2009. The link above will take you to news stories about the winners, but I haven't found a full list yet. If you won this scholarship or another scholarship program, congrats!

The Robert Byrd Scholarship: 9 Reasons to Apply

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:41:39 GMT

The Robert Byrd Scholarship gives money to tons of students. Maybe you can be one of them. Look at these great reasons to apply for this scholarship.

Free College Grant Money: 54+ Sources

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:11:26 GMT

Looking for free college grant money? Look below for over 50 sources of grant money and where to start

A Choice: Guaranteed Student Loan or Second Mortgage?

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:47:14 GMT

When you or your kids go to college, you have to decide how to pay for it. If you have cash, use it. If not, you might have thought about a second mortgage instead of a guaranteed student loan.