Education Investment Planner
Sallie Mae has a free tool available for those wanting to know how much money it is going to take to get that degree. It answers the following four questions:- How much might college really cost?
- Is there a way to compare costs from different schools?
- What will my student loan payment be after I graduate?
- What are the different ways I can pay for school?
Did you know when I started pursuing my degree at Keiser University I did not know how much it was going to cost? I had a vague idea, sure. All in all, I estimate the cost of my returning to school to be $25,000, not including books. When I am finished I will have taken 30 classes with an average book cost of $100, paid out of pocket (not through loans).
In-state versus out-of-state; local versus going away. It costs almost three times as much to attend an out-of-state school. My daughter did not apply to her first choice school due to the expense. Room and board plus a meal plan really adds to the cost of an education as well. If you have a college nearby, then save some money by living at home instead on in the dorm.
Many schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. What does this mean for you? It could mean you have a better chance of getting into your first choice. But, it most likely means you will be paying more for your education. With the drop in students, colleges and universities are looking to make up this lost income through higher tuition. The good news is there are plenty of ways to fund your education.
With Sallie Mae's education investment planner you can estimate costs at over 5,500 colleges and graduate schools for every year in school. Then you can build and save plans to compare costs. Forecast monthly loan payments for after you graduate. And explore the many funding options: savings, scholarships, grants, student loans.
When you sign up (remember, this is a free service) you are automatically entered in Sallie Mae's $1,000 monthly drawing.
