Smart Ways to Pay for College

Our weekly #CreditChat started in 2012 to help our community learn about credit and important personal finance topics (e.g. saving money, paying down debt, improving credit scores). Each chat is hosted by @Experian on Twitter and all are welcome to participate. DM us any questions.

Choosing a college to apply to and attend is one of the most important decisions of your life, and the financial undertaking can be a real stressor. Tune into this week’s #CreditChat for tips and resources to help you  navigate paying for college.

Topic: Smart Ways to Pay for College

When: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 3 p.m. ET.

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include Mark Kantrowitz: Leading national expert on student financial aid, FAFSA, college scholarships and student loans and author of How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid; Reyna Gobel: College Parents of America Executive Editor, College Finance Contributing Editor, and pet journalist; Leslie H. Tayne, Esq: Founder and Managing Director of Tayne Law Group, P.C. (f/k/a The Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne, P.C.); Beverly Harzog: Credit Card Expert and Consumer Finance Analyst for U.S. News; Lawrence D. Sprung: CFP® President of Mitlin Financial, Inc.; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Gift Card Giveaway

Enter here for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! We will be announcing a winner at the end of the chat. Entry Period: Raffle open now and closes at the end of this chat at 4 p.m. ET. Complete rules here.

Questions we will discuss:

1. How can you calculate the true cost of your college education, including tuition, living expenses, supplies, transportation and more? 
2. How can you weigh the cost of your education against the expected salary when choosing your degree or career path? 
3. How can you maximize your eligibility for financial aid?
4. What should you know or research before applying for/accepting student loans? (What is the difference between federal and private loans?)   
5. How can you identify scholarships and grants you qualify for?
6. What relief or aid options are available for students whose family incomes were impacted by COVID? 
7. How can student employment/paid internships impact the cost of education? What is Federal Work-Study?
8. How can you identify if your degree or profession would qualify you for tuition forgiveness or repayment? 
9. How soon can you start paying your student loans back and what should you know about student loan repayment? 
10. Any final tips for students planning to pay for their college education? 

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.