Chapter 1. How Are We Going to Pay for College?
The Myth About Paying for College
How Is This Book Different from Others?
Chapter 2. How Much Does College Really Cost?
What the Headlines Don't Tell You
The New Reality: Few Families Pay Full Sticker Price
Where to Find Your College's Price Tag
College Education as an Investment
Chapter 3. How Much Financial Aid Will We Get?
Even the 'Millionaire Next Door' Qualifies for Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Cornucopia
The Financial Aid Process Demystified
Parent Income: The Largest Factor
Parent Income + Assets = Parent EFC
Your Child's Contribution
Financial Need-A Moving Target
The Financial Aid Administrator: The Human Behind the Process
Chapter 4. How Do We Apply for Federal Financial Aid?
Your Information Is Subject to Verification
Chapter 5. How Do We Choose the Best Financial Aid Package?
The Financial Aid Award Letter
Evaluating the Award Letter
Chapter 6. Should We Borrow Money to Pay for College?
College: A Worthy Investment
Exploring the Federal Student Loan Program
Other Loan Forgiveness and Scholarships for Service Programs
Other Places to Borrow Money
Borrowed Money to the Rescue
Chapter 7. How Can My Child Win a Scholarship?
Dancing the Scholarship Two-Step
Starting the Scholarship Hunt
Seven Steps to Winning a Scholarship
Scholarships for Special Groups
Chapter 8. How Can the College Help Us Pay?
Dollars from Your College
Guaranteed College Scholarships
In-State Tuition Discounts
Pay for College in Installments
Emergency Aid: Money When You Need It Most
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Chapter 9. How Can My State Help?
State Scholarships and Grants
State Loan Repayment Programs
State Higher Education Agencies
Chapter 10. What's the Best Way to Save for College?
Smart Saving Step 1. Set Your Goal
Smart Saving Step 2. Reduce Expenses
Smart Saving Step 3. Grow Your Money
Impact of Savings on Financial Aid
If You're in a Time Crunch
Chapter 11. Can a Parent Catch a Tax Break?
Uncle Sam Wants You-To Have More Money
General Precautions before You Claim a Tax Break
Tax Credits Versus Deductions
Tax-Free Scholarships and Grants
Staying Current with Tax Changes
Chapter 12. How Can We Make College Cheaper?
Spend Less Time in School
Chapter 13. What About the Military or Public Service?
Soldiering Your Way to an Education
Earning Education Money for Community Service
Trade Your Time for College Dollars
Chapter 14. Financial Aid Scams
Chapter 15. Conclusion: The Start of a New Journey
Resources from Sallie Mae
About the Authors and Sallie Mae
