Paying College Tuition With Credit Cards

I recently was contacted by Emily Tate of InsideHigherEd.com about paying college tuition with credit cards.  If you are in anyway thinking about using credit cards to pay college tuition, you need to read this article first.  Contact our office anytime about the best financial aid options to lower your out of pocket expense for college.

Credit Cards a Costly Option
Colleges increasingly accept credit cards as a form of tuition payment, but many experts wonder why.
insidehighered.com/news/2017/02/08/paying-tuition-credit-cards-comes-cost

Radio Interview Best FAFSA / CSS Profile 2017 Tips

It is always a pleasure to chat with the folks at WCCO Radio. During my talk with John Williams I discussed various topics of the financial aid process that included the best ways to borrow for a college education, the financial aid forms including FAFSA and the CSS Profile, the best loans (subsidize & unsubsidized), and why the financial aid system may not be fair for many families.

 

Financial Aid, FAFSA & Undocumented Parents

It was a pleasure to talk with Emily for USA Today and offer important advice for students with undocumented parents. Their pursuit to achieve the best for their education is praiseworthy. As the article states, these students should always file FAFSA if possible. Even though as a non-citizen, the student will not qualify for Federal aid, the FAFSA may stimulate other forms of aid. The student should always ask the financial aid staff for assistance when needed; they are happy to assist in any way possible.

The FAFSA requires Social Security numbers for the student and parents. Ron Ramsdell, founder of Minneapolis-based College Aid Consulting Services, says if your parents are undocumented, you should enter all zeroes for their numbers.

FAFSA application tips for students with undocumented parents
News Source: USA Today

Good Question: Can You Borrow Too Much Money For College?

It’s always a pleasure to talk to the WCCO team. I would like to share a couple of things that we did not have a chance to cover.

  1. Students should always utilize subsidize Federal loans (Stafford or Perkins). Why? There is no accruing of interest during the duration of their education and the first payment is not due until 3-6 months after graduation.
  2. Regarding private loans, they should be used as a last resort. If they need to utilize one, always shop around. There could be some good terms out there.

Ron Ramsdell, the founder of College Aid Consulting Services, says every student’s situation is different, but you can certainly borrow too much. “The key is families need to plan ahead.” He said families need to consider a few things like the real cost of college, how much money a student can get in scholarships and gifts, how much parents can and will help, the amount of assets from other family members like grandparents and a student’s starting salary upon graduation.

Interview With Randy Meyer WCCO Midday Show

Listen to my interview with Randy Meyer on the WCCO Midday Show.  I talk about the current state of financial aid for families, new ways to get grants, financial aid and other assistance.

Advice To Parents Financial Aid For College

Colleges have classes to fill and bottom lines to meet. Don’t forget that. “Parents need to treat this as a consumer purchase. They’re purchasing an education from the college,” said Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis. You need to learn as much as possible about a school, its benefits and its cost before paying the tuition bill.

College financial-aid guide for parents

Appealing Your Financial Aid Award Letter

But being proactive with an appeal letter can get the committee to rethink its original offer, sometimes to the tune of an extra $11,000 annually, according to College Aid Consulting Services president Ron Ramsdell. Average results vary, but that is how much extra gift aid one of his clients was able to get for her freshman year, after a successful appeals process with Pace University.

How to Appeal Your Financial Aid Award Letter

Must Ask Questions About Your Financial Aid Package

“You want to get reassurances from colleges that you can count on the same generosity all four years of attendance,” said Ron Ramsdell, founder of Minneapolis-based College Aid Consulting Services.

Getting the most from your financial-aid package

Why Work With A College Financial Aid Consultant?

“Parents can research this on their own, but it can take months,” says Ramsdell, who estimates that he saves families an average of $2,000 to $5,000 per year after appealing a financial aid offer.

Do you need a financial aid consultant?

Finding Ways To Pay For College

Watch College Aid Consulting Services founder and other experts discuss important ways to make investments in helping you pay for college.

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