SLD 101 Preparing for College Finances

Lecture Hours: 1
Credits: 1

Explores issues involved in creating a personal plan for financing higher education. Includes types of financial aid, scholarship searching, student loans, financial planning, and financial decision making strategies.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Develop a personal financial plan for pursuing higher education.
Explain the various forms of financial aid available and the application process for each type of aid.
Complete an organized scholarship search and application process including essay writing, using two search methods.
Describe the benefits and risks associated with student loans.

Content Outline

Issues in Financial Decision-MakingBalancing college, work and family
- Assessing needs
  - Setting goals
- Credit
  - Risks
  - Benefits
- Developing budgets
  - Resources
  - Expenses
Resources for Paying College Expenses
- Financial Aid
  - Federal aid programs
  - State aid programs
    - Tax exemptions
- Application process
  - FAFSA
    - Processing
    - Verification
- Student Loans
  - Types
    - Perkins
    - Stafford
    - PLUS
  - Application Process
  - Risks and Benefits
  - Payback
    - Loan forgiveness
    - Deferral
    - Consolidation
- Scholarships
  - Sources
  - Organizing a search
  - Search methods
    - Personal network
    - Internet
  - Writing essays and applications
  - References
- Other Sources
  - Free classes
  - Paid internships
  - Graduate assistanceships
  - Fellowships
Planning
- Personal and family budget
  - Expenses
  - Resources
- Long-term goals