Pay off a Mortgage or Save for College?

Owning their home free and clear would give this family more cash to cover tuition expenses.

How to Shed Student Debt

Programs that forgive federal loans can help ease the burden.

Get the Best, Spend Less

You can't go wrong with our picks, no matter how much you want to spend.

529 Money for College Expenses Only

But you can use money from a Coverdell education savings account for primary- and secondary-school expenses.

College Can Be Affordable

Readers share their strategies for putting their children through college without racking up a mountain of debt.

5 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

Use the influx of cash to improve your financial situation.

Impact of Roth Conversions on College Aid

Converting an IRA to a Roth could affect the amount of funding your child receives for school.

Get Answers to Your Financial-Aid Form Questions

You can join a free online-chat with FAFSA experts.

Two New Money Rules for Military Families

Benefit from the new GI Bill and the home-buyer credits.

How We Rank the Schools

These criteria help us determine which universities make it onto our list.

Maryland on the Fast Track

The turtle is on the move.

Best Values in Public Colleges 2009-10

Despite widespread budget cuts, these schools still deliver strong academics at affordable prices.

Do the (College) Math: Families Getting More Value for Their Education Dollars

There's nothing like a financial crisis to get families to focus on how much they're paying for big-ticket items such as college expenses.

Now the GI Bill Is for Families, Too

You can transfer education benefits to your spouse and kids.

Make the Most of Tax Breaks for College Expenses

Kim Lankford answers more questions about the American Opportunity Credit and other deductions for postsecondary education.

Financial-Aid Form Gets a Facelift

The new FAFSA is shorter, more helpful and less confusing.

Outback Bonds

Kimberly Lankford explains how to buy Australian bonds, how to get a better tuition tax break and more.

Tax Breaks for Education Expenses

Delaying a Tuition Payment Could
Put Money in Your Pocket

Timing is everything when it comes to college tax credits.

Lower Your Taxes With a 529

You may be able to get a state income-tax deduction for contributing to a college-savings plan.

Better Ways to Spend
Your Holiday-Gift Budget

You and your significant other could agree not to give each other presents and use the money to improve your finances instead.

Why Davidson Scores Big

We profile one of our top 100 picks for best values in private colleges.

Find the Right Match

What to look for when selecting a college.

How We Rank the Schools

Best Values in Private Colleges

Our top 100 schools deliver an affordable, high-quality education and keep the financial aid flowing.

2009 Best List: College

Smart choices for your tuition dollars.

Broker Fee Fiasco

Kimberly Lankford tackles broker inactivity fees and saves one reader $430.

Get a Bigger Tax Break for
College Expenses

The new American Opportunity credit will reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar.

Reader's Choice 2009: Hokies Rule

Virginia Tech ranks No. 1 with our readers. Here are profiles of some other reader favorites, written by students.

8 Fundamental Money Lessons

Learn how to better manage your money with these simple and practical lessons.

College: Keep On Saving

Use tax breaks -- and time -- to help pay for your kids' education.

How You Can Use 529-Plan Money

Funds from a college-savings account can cover tuition, fees, books and some lesser-known expenses.

10 Things College Students Don't Need

Make sure you don't waste money on any of these unnecessary items.

Best 529 College-Savings Plans

See our top five picks, then use our state-by-state guide to pick the best plan for you.

Salvage Your College Savings

Fix the mix in your 529 account, or consider a prepaid-tuition plan.

Health Insurance for New Grads

In many states, adult children can stay on their parents' policies.

College Aid Gets Fresh Funding

Desperately Seeking Tuition

Covering next fall's college bills may take a little creativity.

Savings for a Grandchild

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges.

Best Values in Private Colleges 2008-09

Despite shrinking endowments, these schools deliver an affordable, high-quality education.