Prepaid Tuition Plan vs. 529 Plan: Which Is Best?
Prepaid tuition plans are benefit plans, while 529 plans act like contribution plans. Find out which one might be best for your needs.
Mark’s latest articles
Are Expensive Colleges Worth It? New Data on Price, Selectivity, and Graduation Rates
Do more expensive colleges lead to better outcomes? New data shows how tuition, selectivity, and graduation rates are actually connected.
Can The Government Sell Its $1.6 Trillion Student Loan Portfolio?
President Trump is looking to privatize student loans again. Here’s what can happen, what it means for borrowers, and why it’s even an issue.
Front-Loading Financial Aid: Watch Out For This Sneaky Trick
More than 80% of US colleges practice front-loading of financial aid and grants. Find out how this bait-and-switch technique is driving up the cost of college for families.
Gender Gap in College Degrees: 50 Years of Data Explained
Women now earn the majority of college degrees at every level. Explore 50 years of data on the shifting gender gap in higher education.
How Does A 529 Plan Affect Your Financial Aid And FAFSA?
How does a 529 plan affect your financial aid and how to report a 529 plan on your FAFSA.
Do More Expensive Colleges Actually Have Better Graduation Rates?
Do expensive colleges have better graduation rates? New data reveals how cost, selectivity, and student income shape outcomes.
University Loans: Private Student Loans Offered By Colleges
A university loan differs from other types of student loans, such as a federal loan. Learn more about them and whether you should apply.
The Truth About Administrative Bloat At U.S. Colleges
Viral claims about college staffing don’t hold up. Here’s what NCES and IPEDS data reveal about staff and students.
How To Avoid College Scholarship Mistakes When You Apply
Winning a scholarship can lessen the financial burden of college, but you must be aware of these common scholarship mistakes that can cost you financial aid.
No-Student Loan Colleges: What To Know And Gotchas To Avoid
No-loan colleges are designed to ensure students can attend college without student loans. But these financial aid policies have pros and cons.