Saving and Paying For College

Last updated February 27, 2006


This page has information on an upcoming Saving for College Workshop for parents of middle school and elementary school students. It also has information for other parents, guardians, grandparents, and relatives of students of any age.

Contents



Evening Information Forum for Parents

What:
How parents, guardians, and relatives can start.or enhance their college savings plan for children in their lives while college expenses are still years away.

When:
Monday, February 27th, 2006, 7 PM - 8:30 PM, 1 hour presentation then time for questions.

Where:
Heatherwood Middle School
1419 Trillium Blvd. SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012
425-385-6300

Driving Directions:
Northbound & Southbound: From I-5, take exit 186. Head east on 128th Street and then take a right on 16th Avenue. Turn right on to the Bothell-Everett Highway and then a left at Trillium Boulevard. The entrance to the school will be on your left.

Heatherwood Middle School Contact Person:
Greg Gelderman, Principal, Heatherwood Middle School

Speakers:
Lynn Carnegie , Learning Services, NELA (Northwest Education Loan Association)
Pat Hannifin, PTA Volunteer and Parent of Two College Students who Attended the Everett School District Schools

Audience:
This free workshop is open to all parents with students at Heatherwood Middle School, Cedar Wood Elementary School, Mill Creek Elementary School, Woodside Elementary School, and invited guests.

Abstract:
November is college application time for Everett School District seniors and every other high school senior in our state and country. While that anxious time may be several years away for your kids, your college savings plan needs to be in full swing. To help you with that effort, the Heatherwood Middle School PTA and AP/IB Boosters are arranging for a college financial planning expert to give an evening presentation at Heatherwood to help parents understand the ins and outs of 529 plans, Coverdell accounts, Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) accounts, college costs, financial aid and other related topics. Pertinent documents will be available at the session and online.

Flier:
Saving and Paying for College

About NELA:
Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA) is a not-for-profit guaranty agency that works in partnership with schools, banks and other lending institutions to help students continue their education. NELA administers the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and guarantees the loans against default. This guarantee allows commercial lenders to make loans to students, who often have no collateral or credit history.

NELA is the designated guarantor for the states of Washington and Idaho, and primarily services the Western states. Incorporated in 1978, the agency is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Contact Information

    NELA
    190 Queen Anne Avenue N
    Suite 300
    Seattle, Washington 98109
    800.562.3001
    www.NELA.net


Recommended Documents

NELA (Northwest Education Loan Association)
NELA: Paying for College 2004 - 2005
http://www.nela.net/~content/~downloads/pfc2004.pdf
webcast
http://invite.mshow.com/signon.asp?Cobrand=100&usertype=0&ShowNum=165532

NELA: Start Now! Saving for College
http://www.nela.net/~content/~downloads/start.pdf
webcast
http://invite.mshow.com/signon.asp?Cobrand=100&usertype=0&ShowNum=99282

NELA: Resources for Students and Families
file

IRS Form 970, Tax Benefits for Education
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

Seattle Times College Guide
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/education/collegeguide/



Recommended Books

Kiplinger's, Guide to Investing Success, May 2003

College Board, Meeting College Costs: What You Need to Know Before Your Child and Your Money Leave Home. (2005 Edition)



Recommended Links

College Savings Plan Network
http://www.collegesavings.org

Expected Family Contribution Calculator, from The College Board
http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.jsp

FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition), Washington State's 529 Prepaid College Tuition Program
http://www.get.wa.gov/

U.S. Dept of Education
http://www.ed.gov



Tips on Keeping the Cost of College Down, by the U.S. Dept of Education

  1. Serve in AmeriCorps or other National Service Programs
  2. Take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams in high school
  3. Participate in career-focused educational programs such as "Tech Prep" or "School-to-Career"
  4. Enroll in a 2-year college: then transfer to a 4-year college
  5. Work part-time while in school
  6. Take advantage of Armed Forces educational programs

http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/thinkcollege/early/parents/edlite-cost-down.html


AP Courses: Economics, Credit Policies

Equivalent scholarships

AP credit policies at any college or university


Pertinent News Articles

State's guaranteed tuition program gaining followers, Herald of Everett, February 14, 2006
http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/02/14/100loc_b6get001.cfm

College funding is subject to unfair rules, expensive fees, Seattle Times, November 28, 2004

Picking right college-savings plan isn't easy, Seattle Times, November 28, 2004