Financial Edge: Who Should Pay For College

There's little debate that higher education in the United States is not only quite expensive, but getting more so at a rapid rate. The average total cost for one year of college is now over $21,000, while the average private school costs nearly $33,000. By comparison, the median household income is around $50,000. What's more, while household net worth fell about 40% from 2007 to 2010, the cost of higher education rose about 10%. In a normal market, high costs are supposed to reduce demand. However, higher education isn't a normal market. Not only does the federal government get involved in the form of grants, subsidized loans and other kinds of assistance, but there is a widespread viewpoint that higher education is essential to future success in life. Consequently, students have little choice but to figure out some way to pay for their education.

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http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0612/Who-Should-Pay-For-College.aspx#axzz1yBpVFB1Y

Financial Edge: Summer School or Summer Job? How To Decide

Every year, college freshmen, sophomores and juniors have a difficult choice to make - whether to stay in "school mode" and take classes during summer sessions or earn money through a summer job. There's no right answer for every student, but there are compelling arguments for each option that students should consider.

Read the full column here:
http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0612/Summer-School-Or-Summer-Job-Weighing-The-Benefits.aspx#axzz1yBpVFB1Y