Jun 20

The Paying for College Paradox

Ok...We’re getting a little thoughtful today. Consider this. The Oxford Dictionary defines “paradox” in part as “a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.” To qualify for need based financial aid, students obviously... read more →

Jun 15

Grandparents and 529 College Savings Plans: What You Need to Know

Grandparents want to help. They see the expense ahead for their kids to pay for college education for their grandkids. The goal for everyone is to help the student get a great education, graduate with little or no debt, and live a fulfilling life. Many grandparents choose to open a... read more →

Jun 07

Today’s Colleges: Sophisticated Marketing Machines

We have to warn you. The competition for your student is fierce. Many parents already know what we’re talking about. When your student reaches high school (often after they register for their first ACT or SAT exam), the deluge begins. The snail mail, email, phone calls, social media, and more... read more →

May 29

Parents With Their Own Student Loans

Recently, we talked with a divorced mom who put herself through college and now has student loans of her own. Suddenly, she is paying for her own debt, and she is faced with paying for her kids’ college at the same time. In today’s world of high student loan debt,... read more →

May 24

The Logistics of Paying for College: 6 Things You Need to Know

You finally made it to the end of your student’s senior year of high school. Congratulations! As a family, you successfully found a college that was just the right fit--academically, socially, and financially. Your student applied and was accepted. They weighed all the options and decided that they’ll be a... read more →

May 14

How Can Students Help Pay for College

With the price tag of a college education reaching higher levels every year, students will have a very hard time shouldering the entire cost burden all by themselves--unlike 30 years ago. However, students can help pay for college by putting in some work and doing certain things. When parents and... read more →

May 10

The Net Price Calculator: An Overlooked College Planning Tool

Can you imagine going to the grocery store and not being able to tell how much a gallon of milk will cost until after the cashier scans it and tells you the price?! Unfortunately, the cost of college is never really clear either. Students have to apply, be accepted, and... read more →

May 03

Paying for College Then vs. Now: Things Have Changed

1987! What a year! Baby Jessica was rescued from a well. George Bush (the first one) announced he would run for President. “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles was the number one song of the year. (With all the great music that year, that one was #1?!) Three Men... read more →

Apr 26

Tuition Freezes: Is it getting cold in here?

Have you heard the news about the University of Cincinnati? For the past five years, the university has frozen tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. They are not the only college to do this. Tuition freezing has been an appealing marketing trend to attempt to increase enrollment in recent... read more →

Apr 19

Paying for College: Working Together to Avoid Heartbreak

I think I write this blog every year. I would love to NOT have to write it ever again. Every year I hear the same heart-breaking stories from parents many of whom have never connected with Capstone before. Their senior high school student is making the final decision about where... read more →