College Planning Basics

Description

Twenty-five years ago, college planning used to encompass selecting a group of colleges and applying to them. Today, that has all changed. With many private colleges costing $70,000+ per year and public colleges ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, the question now is not, "Will the child get accepted?" but, "How will we pay for it?" Financial aid and scholarships may help pay for some of college expenses but they rarely cover all the costs.  

In this course, review student (and parent) loans, loan consolidations, educational tax benefits, the financial aid process, financial aid forms and what forms every family should complete and what forms not to complete. Finally, as more and more careers require advance degrees, we'll look at graduate school and what financial resources are available to the student.

Highlights

• Federal education loans
• Private educational loans
• Other loans
• Federal and private educational loan consolidations
• American Opportunity Tax Credit
• Lifetime Learning Credit
• 529 Plans and CoverdellEducation Savings Accounts
• U.S. Savings Bonds
• Student Loan Interest Deduction
• Financial aid forms
• Acceptance Letters and Award Letters
• Appeal Letters
• Graduate school

Objectives

• Determine what loans are available to the student and/or parent(s) and the pros and cons of each.
• Recognize when educational loans can be consolidated and who can consolidate them.
• Identify what deductions and credits are available and when they can be used.
• Review tax advantage college savings plans.
• Identify the different financal aid forms and which ones to file.
• Review the financial aid process.

Designed For

CPAs, CFPs, lawyers and financial professionals.