All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

college costs, dorm life

College meal plan–to buy or not to buy

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college meal planWhen you send your kids off to college you’ll start to worry about all manner of things. Will kids stick to their schedule, attending class and getting their homework done in a timely manner, or will they fall in with a party crowd and neglect their studies in favor of social pursuits? Will they get enough sleep and pay attention to their physical and mental health? Will they use proper protection (condoms, for example, or pepper spray, should the situation call for it)? Will they employ a buddy system at parties, designate a sober driver, and avoid open containers of alcohol? These are all questions that plague parents sending their kids off to campus. But you also have monetary concerns to contend with, and these include tuition, books, and living expenses. So while you may be concerned about your kids’ eating habits on campus, the meal plan could seem like just one more expense. The question is whether or not the college meal plan is worth the purchase price.

Consider the options

The first thing to consider is that there are usually a couple of different options when it comes to meal plans. One type will provide students with a set number of meals in a week (ten, for example) while others provide for a set number of meals per semester. Or you may have access to a flex plan or a declining dollar plan that simply allows you to put a set number of meals or money on a student account that your kids can use at any time during the semester.

However, you should be aware that most meal plans are of the “use it or lose it” variety. This means any money you put towards meals for your kids will not carry over from one semester to the next. And often, the plans that come with a specific set of meals per week won’t even carry over from one week to the next. They may come with other limits, as well, pertaining to how often meals can be purchased within certain time spans, so that your kids can’t use their accounts to buy a meal for themselves and their friends, for example.

Are meal plans worth the cost?

Now, the real question is whether or not you’ll save money by opting to pay for a meal plan. If your students have little to no disposable income and you are unwilling to provide them with cash or access to credit cards, then a meal plan is probably a good way to ensure that they are able to eat during their time on campus. So long as they use all of their credits you will likely save money over other dining-out options. However, if you know that they are likely to dine out with friends, allowing their meal plan to lapse, then you’re simply throwing money away. Flex-type accounts may allow students to purchase items other than meals, such as snacks or other grocery items (laundry detergent, for example), so this could be a good option to ensure that all the money you contribute to the account is used.

How often will your student use the meal plan?

Many college students who purchase the meal plan rarely use it. Students snack in their rooms, skip meals and often go out with friends. If your kids aren’t interested in on-campus food options, or they’d rather try to do dorm cooking with the help of menu planning at emeals.com, then perhaps you’ll want to skip the campus meal plan. Just keep in mind that many schools require meal plans for students living in dorms, in which case you’d better impress upon your kids the importance of taking advantage of these “free” meals.

 

organization, parenting, social networks, technology

5 Essential smartphone features for students

 

smartphonesThese days it’s practically a given that you will send your students off to college not only with essentials like bedding and a computer, but also with a smartphone. For most parents, this is not only a way to ensure that they can get in touch with their kids at any time of day or night, but it’s also a way to put their minds at ease, knowing that kids will have a way to call for help should they find themselves in a sticky situation. However, not just any smartphone will do. And before your children are out the door with visions of frat parties dancing in their heads, you need to do a little research to figure out which smartphone options will best benefit them during their time on campus. Here are just a few essential smartphone features you might want to consider.

1. Front- and rear-facing cameras.

While you can certainly communicate with your kids via phone and email, you might want to get a look at them once in a while. Front- and rear-facing cameras mean that you can use a service like Skype to video chat with your students even while they’re miles away on campus.

2. 4G service.

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing wrong with 3G service, per se. Well, there is the fact that everyone has it now, which means that it has gotten a lot slower over the past couple of years. If you want your students to have instant connectivity and fast download speeds, 4G is where it’s at nowadays. Although coverage is spotty in some areas, many networks are diligently expanding their 4G zones in order to ensure the best service for their customers.

3. Intelligent personal assistant.

You’ve no doubt heard of Siri, the intelligent personal assistant that can seek directions and make reservations, all with hands-free functionality and a computerized wit to go with it. This type of technology is essential for student smartphones for a couple of reasons. For one thing, the voice activation and recognition means that your kids need never use their hands, a great boon if they can’t seem to disengage from a phone, even when they’re driving. In addition, it can help them to find any information at the drop of a hat without stopping to type, a handy feature for busy college students.

4. Storage.

Most savvy students these days store data in the cloud, but with a wealth of educational apps at their disposal they should also have plenty of storage space available on their device with which to run their plethora of applications. They may want to take notes, use talk-to-text functionality, keep a schedule of classes and assignments, or even share project information with group members for a specific class. All of these applications may have to be present and accounted for on the device (rather than in the cloud) in order to be useful, so phones that feature extra GB for storage are probably preferable.

5. Insurance.

In case you didn’t know, your mobile service provider (i.e. Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, for example) can offer you insurance in case your kids’ phones are lost or damaged. While it won’t cover issues arising from unlocked cell phones, and there may be restrictions on coverage due to negligence or abuse at the hands of users, it should pay out in cases where the phone is lost, stolen, vandalized, or even damaged by the user is some cases. You could rely on a protective case and a lost device locating program like the The Find My iPhone application. But only insurance will guarantee a replacement phone or parts.

The smartphone today is what the laptop was 10 years ago. Every student needs one to be productive in college. Not to mention, stay in touch with friends and family.
college costs, financial aid

5 Creative ways to finance a college education

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financing collegeAs a parent, you are probably willing to go to great lengths to ensure that your kids make it to (and through) college. You have no doubt tried hard to instill in them an understanding of the different options available to them should they complete a degree. And if you’re like most parents, you’ve likely been contributing to a college fund and you plan to help support your kids during their time in college. But even so, you simply might not have the money on hand to cover all the bills. Between tuition, books, a dorm, and other living expenses, you’re basically supporting two households–a tall order for any parent. So your children might have to take out loans, get a job, and find a few other creative ways to get the money required to pay for their education.

Here are five creative ways to finance a college education:

1. Crowdsourcing.

Random strangers probably aren’t going to help your kids pay for tuition and books. But their loved ones might be willing to kick in, especially if they stand to see a return on their investment. The way crowdsourcing generally works is that a business presents an idea to the public, which then decides if it will move forward via their donations (talk about putting your money where your mouth is). In return, those that donate may get free product, swag, or even cash back with interest (like a loan) when the idea comes to fruition (and to market). Your kids could make the same deal with aunts and uncles, grandparents, and so on. The real upside is that they’ll likely get better interest rates and more lenient terms all around than banks might offer.

2. Grant money.

Many kids apply for scholarships offered by their school and by outside organizations, but many forget that they can also apply for grant money (like the Pell grant) as a way to get additional funds for their schooling. These offerings are generally need-based, so your earnings could play a role in whether or not kids are able to get grants. But it’s definitely worth a try since they do not require repayment.

3. Scholarships.

Most families don’t realize that millions of dollars in scholarship money goes unused every year simply because students aren’t doing their homework to find available funds that they qualify for. Although your kids may be busy with their studies, they won’t be for long if they can’t pay their tuition. So encourage them to sign up for sites like Fastweb, Zinch, and Scholarships.com. If they apply for just one scholarship each week their odds of winning greatly improve.

4. Save everywhere.

There are so many ways for students to save money that they have no one to blame but themselves if they’re paying full price for anything. Textbooks, for example, can be purchased at a discount online (on sites like Chegg, PhatCampus, and so on) or even rented for a semester at a fraction of the cost of new (at BookRenter, eCampus, etc.). They can get numerous discounts using their student I.D., as well; all they have to do is ask to get deals on travel, entertainment, and food. This won’t exactly allow them to earn more money, but it can definitely help them to save some and put it towards college expenses.

5. Consider using other funds.

Suppose you have received structured settlements. You might want to consider selling the structured settlement for a lump sum (there are companies that buy them) as a way to send your kids to college. Yes, you will lose some money in the long run, but if you’re able to avoid student loan payments (and the interest that comes with them) it may just even out.

Get creative with college funding, especially with money that won’t have to be paid back. Don’t, however, use 401K money to finance college. It’s a poor financial decision and compromises plans for your future.

 

college guidance, college majors, college planning

The benefits of a liberal arts education

 

liberal artsStudents increasingly seek after liberal arts degrees, as it imparts comprehensive educational skills that they can apply to various jobs. Such students equip themselves with various skills including writing and communication. A well-written resume that conveys all one wants to impart and holds the attention of the potential employer is very important. Getting across your views and being able to do so in a precise and concise way is a valuable asset, and a student with a liberal arts major is trained to achieve superior communication and writing skills. They are able to write effective resumes and letters and market themselves effectively. It is not uncommon for them to gain higher positions with good salaries.

Communication

A majority of the workforce in many businesses needs training to improve their writing skills. Companies spend a substantial amount of money for this training. A person who is able to get across the policies, plans and decisions to employees located in different areas is a huge asset to any organization. Clear communication saves time and money. The person receiving the communication is able to get the message and is able to implement it effectively. A liberal arts graduate is able to effectively get across policies and procedures with his excellent communication skills.

When a student completes the degree plan, he gains personal qualities and skills that are sought after by employers. Teamwork skills, analytical skills, communication skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills, strong work ethics, willingness to take initiative and responsibility, flexibility, an eye for detail, and ability to think out of the box are a few qualities and skills one learns. The modules and course structures are formulated to increase problem-solving skills and enhance critical thinking. They are made aware of the various problems and ills that affect the society. The student gets insight into the culture and customs of people belonging to different communities in different parts of the country and world. He is acquainted with race, gender, education, class and other factors that affect the society and work. The student is made aware of the cultural differences and taught to see things from different perspectives and have empathy.

An Array of Knowledge and Skills

He is able to work with people with different views for the betterment of the organization for which he works. The education prepares him for a range of careers in diverse areas of work. It is unlike a professional bachelor’s degree that qualifies a student for a specific job.

This degree assists his quest for knowledge and helps him find solutions to various ills that affect the society. Such a student gains knowledge in various subjects, like media and communication, history, science and technology, literature, language, philosophy, history, mathematics, psychology, education and many more.

They get well-rounded education unlike students who enroll for other degree courses that focus only on a specific subject and equips them for specific jobs. They are able to converse on a range of topics and hold meaningful and intelligent discussions on numerous political, economic and social issues. The problem solving skills they learn help them tackle and find solutions to various issues. The liberal arts degree encourages free thinking and free expression. The decision making skills the students are trained in qualify them for higher positions in the work place.

Your options are open

If you are looking at options to pursue higher education, liberal arts degrees are still a promising choice. More and more students are opting for liberal arts instead of pursuing technical, medical vocational training or a course in business education. Some of the best educational institutions offer a Liberal arts degree plan that enables one to pursue a vocation in any field, including politics.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to the field of education. In this article, he describes the benefits of a liberal arts degree and aims to encourage further study with an art education online degree.

tutoring

An inside look at Blackboard

 

blackboardModern education programs are now widely employing Blackboard software. That has helped to expand online education resources. Distance education classes give students the opportunity to study on their own time.

Supporters also feel that distance education is less expensive. Electronic information is certainly one of the biggest advantages that Blackboard software provides. Instructors are completely free to issue whatever sort of materials they want to their students. If they have the right to do so teachers can actually give out entire electronic books.

Drop Folder Technology

Most Internet users are familiar with the idea of a network folder. Blackboard allows instructors to set up a single folder that students can upload work into. This can be an excellent way to collect assignments into one area.

Some teachers have set up multiple folders in this manner. They could create one for each week’s assignments. The system can work in reverse as well, which means that professors can issue handouts through the system. Teachers who have access to public domain materials really love this technique.

Teachers often post a welcome letter along with several PDF or RTF files that contain information about the course. Since they can change up the text printed in the header section above the drop folders, teachers often post a number of relevant links that can help students to understand the course material.

Message Board Options

Blackboard can work like any other forum system. Class discussions are carried out this way. Students who have experience with regular forums probably will not have any problem getting used to the format.

Whenever someone writes something, other people have the opportunity to reply. They can post a response that is on topic, or they can decide to post a new topic. Some installations will allow students to insert images straight into their posts. Instructors can participate in the discussions as well.

Hybrid Course Content

Some teachers have had success with hybrid courses. Blackboard has a few options for those who want to hold part of their class in a traditional classroom. Those with access to projectors can make the most out of these resources. That being said, telling students to log into the system on days that they are not in class works just as well. Some people have found the hybrid options to be unnecessary for this reason.

Networking Education Resources

One of the best aspects of Blackboard software is its wide installation base. Instructors in more than 60 different nations use Blackboard to conduct classes. Exchange students can log into their accounts from around the world.

Physical distances do slow things down quite a bit. Teachers who have students from different regions in their classes might want to tone down their Blackboard pages. Images can be provided as direct links as opposed to embedded content. Videos and flash content are not necessary when teaching most classes.

Extending Blackboard Programs

Blackboard is a closed source program, but its developers offer two systems to extend it. Building Blocks can be used to make new education resources. Teachers with any experience in computer programming or Web design can easily put together new modules to interact with students.

Power Links is a more complete architecture. Some people might be disappointed to learn that only those who buy the campus and vista packages will ever get a chance to use it. Individuals who have experience with hypertext should have no problem developing modules with the Power Links package. That being said, extendable solutions are not always the best ones.

Blackboard is powerful software. Most tasks can be accomplished with the basic package. Some instructors have very ambitious projects that never go anywhere. Start small and build on early successes when making education modules.

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Author Bio

Joshua Turner is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to business. In this article, he describes a few benefits of the Blackboard system and aims to encourage further study with a masters in management information systems.

college costs, parenting

The smart way to shop for books

 

textbooksWhether you are a college student or just a book lover, you may wonder where you can shop for books for as little money as possible.  You can still find physical books as well as ebooks for a fraction of the cost.  In some cases, you can also find books for free if you know where to look.  In either case, remember to look for local outlets as well as online ones in order to find the best bargains.

Online Stores

Online outlets have been very good for the used book market and for finding rare or hard to find books.  Retailers like Amazon.com allow anyone including professional sellers and private owners to put their books on the market.  Sometimes this type of market is very competitive and some book owners are simply looking to get rid of unwanted items, so they will set prices very low in order to ensure a sale.

Of course, there are also other online outlets like Abebooks.  Brick and mortar bookstores such as Barnes & Noble have also gotten into the used book market, so it is possible to find books through major retailers as well.  Furthermore, you just may look at online book clubs such as those that offer early paperback editions of books in order to find newer books at a lower price.

Local Bookstores and Libraries

Supporting local booksellers has always been very important.  Many online stores have extensive used book sections.  Many of them also specialize in offering discount books, so it is possible to find many selections at only a fraction of the cost.  Larger chains may also occasionally have clearance sales when it is time to make room for new inventory, so it helps to keep an eye out for the sales and specials that occur throughout the year.

Libraries also tend to have sales in order to clear out books that may no longer see much circulation.  These sales are usually fundraisers, so buying books from libraries helps to keep them open.  In some cases, libraries may offer bags of books at a set price.  Like online outlets, libraries sometimes have books that are rare or out of print, so you just may find a treasure when libraries have their sales.

Yard Sales

You may not have considered garage and yard sales as a place to find discount books, but just as many people can find unexpected treasures, book lovers may also find books at a yard sale.  Yard sales can be an exciting way to find very inexpensive books because you never know what will be available.  However, many people are willing to let go of books for less than $1 each.

Book Swaps

You can also find out if there are any local outlets that will allow you to swap books for free.  Sometimes libraries offer book swaps.  Local residents may also organize their own swap or you may initiate an event yourself.  You may also find book swaps and exchanges online as well.  Typically, members of these sites will offer books they no longer want or need in exchange for books in which they are interested.

Little Free Libraries

Little free libraries have been growing across the country in recent years.  These are simply independently owned outlets that may be outside a business or private residence where anyone can leave and take books and other media at will.  You do not have to leave a book in order to take one and there is no limit to what you will find.  In fact, in addition to rare selections, you may also luck out and find a current bestseller for free.

Rent or purchase used

Since textbooks are often only used during a semester, consider renting them, or purchasing them used online. There are numerous sites that offer these options, including Chegg.com and Amazon.com.
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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer and blogger who creates articles relating to education. In this article, he offers a few financial tips for students buying books and aims to encourage further study through online masters in education programs.

college guidance, internships, parenting

The importance of college role models

 


Everyone needs a role model at different stages of life; a role model is that the person you look up; it is he or she who inspires you to stay focused on achieving your goals. Role models are very important because they sort of define the path that you should follow in order to reach a certain end. A good way to describe these individuals is as a guiding star; a bright shining light that directs you to where you need to be. Role models are of great importance and more so during the formative years. It is during this period of time that a person requires guidance so that they do not end up on the wrong path.

Quite a number of people have actualized their dreams because of the role models they chose; dream actualization is a vital element in the equation of happiness. The college years are among the most important in a person’s life; in fact for quite a number of people, this is the make or break period. At this level, therefore, good role models are very important. There are various college role models who can significantly influence the life of a college student; the following are some of them.

Coaches

college role models

Sport is a big part of college life. In fact, it is during the various college sporting events that scouts from the big leagues come to search for new talent. It is coaches who are tasked with ensuring that members of the various teams deliver on the pitch, court, in the pool etc. College coaches are very influential because their job is not just to teach team members how to throw, swing or kick; their responsibility exceeds that. How a coach reacts when greatly distressed during or after a game can greatly influence how team members behave in similar times. It is only that, for them, it won’t necessarily be limited to the field, court etc; they may actually extend it to their daily lives.

It is also the duty of a coach to instill sound work ethic to his or her team members. Good sportsmanship is also something that coaches teach as well as general presentation during practice sessions and games. How a coach handles all these aspects of sport will determine just how the team members carry themselves in their daily lives.

Parents

It is during the college years that an individual is supposed to learn how to become almost completely independent. There are no parents to boss them around; in fact, some might say that parents are not needed anymore. This can’t be further from the truth; parents have a very big role to play throughout their children’s college years. How parents relate with each other will greatly influence how their children view relationships. Most college kids are just that: kids, and therefore, they still need their parents to guide them through life. If parents aren’t approachable or available, chances are that their kids will never consult them on vital life issues. Instead, they will find their own solutions; this, of course, can have dire consequences both in the immediate and distant future.

Professors

College professors have a duty to ensure that their students not only get the best possible academic knowledge but life related teachings, as well. Most college students view their professors in high regard probably because of their achievements and what they have gone through to make it to where they are at present. A professor can either use this high opinion to impact positively or negatively on the lives of their students. All this can be achieved simply through the words they use and the things they do both in and out of the lecture hall.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he describes the importance of role models in students lives and aims to encourage further study with a masters in coaching and athletic administration.

college guidance, college health, college planning, parenting

Your student’s college health insurance plan

 

college health plansCollege is an exciting time in a young person’s life, and most of the excitement comes from being away from home and meeting new and interesting people. However, being close to new people and moving to new places can also have a negative aspect on your health through exposure to all sorts of bugs and germs. If you have a decent health plan, then you don’t need to worry much because you are protected, but if you don’t, it’s time you learned about your options.

The Parent’s Health Plan

Recent litigation has left many students eligible for coverage through their parent’s health plan, which continues until they are 26. Each school will have their own specific requirements about your parent’s health plan, and this will determine the doctors you can access through an in-network program and so on.

Students whose parents don’t have health insurance are not eligible and have to work with the following options:

College Health Insurance

The majority of colleges in the country have their own health plans, and they’re usually low cost.  However, low costs shouldn’t be the driving force behind your search for a health plan. Some of the low cost plans come with questionable coverage caps and wouldn’t be ideal if you get an illness. Coverage usually focuses on smaller threats, such as immunization and medicine because schools tend to focus on keeping the population healthy.

Individual plans

This is a valid option if you have concerns about your school’s health plan and would like more features on the policy. Individual plans won’t cost much and they also come with more options than the typical college plan. In addition, they can be applied for online. The premiums would be slightly higher, but if you have a chronic condition to worry about, this route offers you more security.

You will have to contact an insurance broker or agent who will give you more information about the kind of coverage you need and the related costs. Your health will have to be evaluated before you can get any type of plan, and should you have any major pre-existing medical conditions, several stipulations will be added to the plan, or in some cases, your application could be rejected.

More and more colleges are dropping the student health plan because the federal government requires it to be more comprehensive than it is currently. The 2010 healthcare overhaul helped put in place guidelines, which necessitate substantial coverage for students. About two-thirds of full time college students operate on their parent’s health plan and aren’t affected by less than satisfactory plans offered by college insurance.

A minimum of 600,000 students in college, about 7% of the total number, purchase their own insurance from the school. An increase in premium by the president requires most colleges to up the cost to much higher figures than the students are currently paying, which is why many colleges just opted to drop insurance this year.

In order to stay safe and informed, take time to check your school’s health policies, and see which type of coverage they offer. A school may offer several types of policies, and depending on the school, they can range from widely comprehensive policies which cover major critical illnesses and minor accidents among other conditions. It is advisable to take up the more comprehensive cover because it will take care of your visits to health services, any medical procedures and diagnostics you may need and any visits to a specialist.

Much information is required when assessing medical insurance and medical plans, so take your time, and ensure you only pick the health plan that will keep you safe over a range of situations and isn’t costly.

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Author Bio

Andrew Deen is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to law. In this article, he explains student’s health insurance plans and aims to encourage further study with an online masters in health law.

college costs, financial aid, scholarships

The True Cost of College

 

How much is the average American spending on higher education? More than you might expect. This infographic goes beyond tuition and offers a comprehensive breakdown of the real costs of college, as well as what goes into financing a degree, including the realities of student loan debt. What is the true cost of college?

Did you know?

  • The total annual expense of attending an in-state public four-year institution averages $22,261 (only $8,655 of which is tuition and fees, the rest is room and board, books and supplies, transportation and other expenses)
  • Attending an out-of-state four-year public institution averages $35,312 and a private non-profit college or university averages $43,289 each year
  •  $237 billion in financial aid was given during the 2012-13 school year; the average student received $13,218 in financial aid
  • 67 percent of 2009 college graduates are in debt with student loans
  • Total student loan debt exceeds $1 trillion and increases nearly $3K every second

These are just a few statistics that emphasize how important it is to understand all the expenses of college and identify potential funding opportunities while budgeting for higher education. The full infographic can be seen at VarsityTutors.com.

college costs

 

financial aid, parenting, student loans

How co-signing can get your children lower student loan rates

 

co-signingWhen it’s time for your children to start looking at colleges, you may be wondering how you are going to pay for tuition and other expenses. Private student loans for college may have lower interest rates than some federal loans and flexible repayment options which can help your student get the funding needed in a way that’s simpler to manage. However, your child may not have the income or credit score to qualify for student loans or lower student loan rates that are available.

Benefits of co-signing a student loan for college

Co-signing your student’s loan may open up private student loan options that would not have been available to him if he was applying on his own. Since income and credit score are important factors when banks approve private loans, and your student may not have a steady source of income or any credit score to speak of, co-signing may be the only way he can obtain a student loan for college. By co-signing, not only will you help his chances of loan approval, but your credit score could also contribute to lower student loan rates.  Plus, getting your student started with a loan that has his name on it can possibly help improve his credit score for future lending opportunities.

Information to consider before co-signing student loans for college

While lower student loan rates mean lower monthly payments for your student, you should understand the responsibility of co-signing before you make a commitment. Your child will be the primary borrower, but by co-signing you are responsible for loan payments if he defaults. Late payments could also negatively affect your credit score. Be sure your child fully understands the responsibility this puts on you, and the importance of making payments on time before you decide to co-sign. You may also want to draw up an agreement, stating he will eventually reimburse you for any loan payments you need to make on his behalf.

Look for private student loans with a release option

Since there are some cautions surrounding co-signing student loans for college, you may want to look into a private student loan that offers a co-signer release option. This allows you to co-sign, helping your child get approved and obtain lower student loan rates, but it also releases you of payment obligation after the student has made a certain amount of consecutive, timely payments. This shows the bank enough confidence in the borrower that you (as co-signer) no longer need to be included for security purposes. Make sure your child understands that once the co-signer is released from obligation, they will be solely responsible for the loan payments. Speak to a lender at your local bank today to learn more about private student loan options and how co-signing could help your child obtain financing for college.

Sponsored content was created and provided by RBS Citizens Financial Group.