College

Top 12 graduation gifts for college-bound students

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

As you get ready to watch your high school senior make his or her final steps towards graduation, finding the perfect gift means more than just handing over a pretty package. To find a gift that shows your pride for your grad combined with the benefits of helping him or her get ready for the next big academic step, check out our list of the top 12 graduation gifts that help prepare your kids for college.

Kids, financial aid and FAFSA

Kelly Phillips Erb — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

College is expensive. As reported by CNN, the average cost of attending an in-state public college for the 2012-13 academic year is $22,261. The average cost of attending a private college or university for one year is a staggering $43,289. Those increases are, on average, more than twice the rate of inflation.

Student loan interest: How parents can pay and give their child the deduction

Kelly Phillips Erb — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Paying for college can be expensive. According to American Student Assistance, close to 60 percent of the nearly 20 million Americans who attend college each year borrow to cover the cost. That works out to nearly 12 million students who are financing their education each year.

How this mom went back to college

Monica Beyer — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Sarah left behind her college career early on and became a stay-at-home mom to her two boys, but now, nearly a decade later and expecting her first daughter, she has traveled back onto campus as a college mom.

Facing the challenge of being a student parent

Monica Beyer — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:00:00 -0800

Raising kids while you are going to college is a unique challenge — it’s unlike working outside the home in many ways, and it can be extremely difficult to manage and prioritize your time. However, there are strategies that parents can employ, and ways to work around your kids’ schedules.

Great jobs that don't require a four-year degree

Selena Dehne — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 04:57:00 -0800

Many people assume that a four-year degree is the only path to rewarding jobs. It’s certainly true that a bachelor’s degree broadens job seekers’ opportunities and qualifies them for more jobs, but there is also a wealth of good job opportunities that don’t require a four-year degree.

Headbands of Hope

Nicole Schwab — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:48:00 -0800

Looking for an easy way to give back and be inspired? Look no further than Headbands of Hope and their fight against childhood cancer.

Most beautiful colleges in the U.S.

Claire Gallam — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:48:00 -0700

When you are buying a home or planning a vacation, location is one of the most important deciding factors. Surprisingly enough, the same is true for incoming college freshmen when they are considering where to attend. Unique architecture, natural and artistic landscape and picture-perfect views all play a larger role than you think when it comes to attracting potential students, faculty and even tourists! If the thought of cramming for finals with a view of the ocean, mountains or historical buildings sounds good, one of these colleges is for you!

Lindsey Pollak shares her expert career advice

Jessica Watson — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:30:00 -0700

If you are just finishing college, completely immersed in finding a perfect job or waiting tables until the career of your dreams comes along, Lindsey Pollak can lead you to success. An expert on helping Generation Y make the most out of their career choices, Lindsey shares her most sought-after tips with SheKnows readers.

Parenting Guru: Want to raise a future innovator?

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 08:00:00 -0700

If you thought getting your kids “college-ready” was the key to a bright future, think again. Though business leaders, educators and policy makers stress loading up on math and science classes and getting good grades, it’s no longer enough, says Tony Wagner, Ed.D., the first Innovation Education fellow at the Technology & Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard, and author of Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World. Wagner says kids today need to be “innovation-ready” and strive to create their own jobs for the future.

Communicating with your college kid

Sherri Kuhn — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Your teenager has always been just a cell phone call or text away, but now that she’s off to college how often should you touch base? It’s hard for some parents to adjust to their teenager being away, but this is the time to start giving her a little bit of breathing room.

Best college savings plans

Vicki Clinebell — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 02:33:00 -0700

College expenses are rising, so find the best savings plan and be prepared!

Working with your teen to save for college

Vicki Clinebell — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:41:00 -0700

If a college education is the goal, encourage your teen to help save for expenses.

Retirement fund vs. college fund -- planning for the future

Vicki Clinebell — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:51:00 -0700

Planning for retirement and saving for your children's college simultaneously can be a challenge.

The golden ticket to middle class

Guest Author — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:00:00 -0700

At a time when college tuition has skyrocketed over 400 percent over the past 25 years and a struggling global economy has made jobs scarce — even in the professional ranks — many young people are wondering if they should skip college and jump right into the work force.

Helping your child transition to college

Maggie Marton — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:48:00 -0700

Heading off to college is a huge shift for both you and your child. It’s the first time your kid will be entirely responsible for him or herself. Help your child succeed by making the transition to college easier.

Keeping connected with your college student

Whitney Coy — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:01:00 -0700

Your college student is packing up and ready to head out into the world, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be in touch. We have a ton of different technologies at our fingertips, all of which can help you keep in touch with your college-age kiddo.

How to have a successful first day of college

Hannah Parker — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 07:21:00 -0700

The first day of college is a momentous occasion! What you do at the start of the semester sets the tone for the rest of the year. To start school on a productive note, here are a few tips to ease the nerves.

How to make a dorm room feel like home

Hannah Parker — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:21:00 -0700

A dorm can feel so empty compared to the cozy bedroom that you’ve spent so much time in. Without the familiarity of your favorite posters and trinkets, you may find yourself missing home. To feel more comfortable, give your dorm room a little TLC -- and it just might give a little right back.

Why does your college kid act that way?

Sherri Kuhn — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Your teenager has been home from college this summer and you expected things to be just like the old days, but they are far from it. While some of your time together is enjoyable and fun, there is also tension and behavior that you hadn’t expected. Keep reading for why your college-aged kid is testing the limits and why you may need to change your frame of mind.

Do's and don'ts for successful studying

Selena Dehne — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:57:00 -0700

Early in the first semester of college, many students discover that they don't actually know how to study effectively. This can be frustrating, particularly if the students have already botched a quiz or exam.