ArticleID: 81
Article_Body:
Kansas City Star
January 22, 2010
Federal Aid Form for College Now Easier to Complete
By Steve Rosen
(also ran on Kansas City Star Kids & Money blog on January 23, 2010)
I think it’s safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil
stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid.
However, here’s some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as
FAFSA, is more streamlined and much easier to fill out this year.
The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of Education are available online at
www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified). Don’t confuse the
government’s site with online filing services that charge a filing fee.
The FAFSA is required for nearly all college students seeking financial aid. This year the federal
government alone is expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their
2009 income and investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some
FAFSA questions, though it’s fine to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous
return that can be updated later.
Completing the paperwork normally takes several hours. This year you should be able to shave
some time off the job because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1.
According to some reports, the 2010-2011 FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20
questions. The new version also skips questions that don’t apply to your circumstances, said
Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher education services company.
For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service registration.
Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the
filing process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the
nation’s largest student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for
the information.
The fixes in FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to
transfer their federal income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link,
thereby eliminating another batch of questions.
The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that
the process had become too complicated. That’s one reason why 24 percent of families sending
children to college did not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year,
according to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the
FAFSA: Families didn’t think they were eligible for aid or weren’t aware of the filing
requirement.
As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath and remember that the
reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filling out the FAFSA
•Students will need their Social Security number, driver’s license, 2009 W-2 forms (and other
records of money earned) and 2009 federal income tax return.
•You may also need your parents’ 2009 federal income tax return if you are a dependent.
Date: 1/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Federal Aid Form for College Now Easier to Complete
Publication: Kansas City Star
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 239358
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 112
Article_Body:
Des Moines Register
January 2, 2010
Help Families Save for College
By Mark Huelsman
(guest column)
A recent report by the nonprofit project on student debt contains some troubling news for Iowa
families: In the class of 2008, students graduating from college in Iowa finished with more debt,
on average, than students in any other state. Iowa State University, for its part, showed up on the
report's list of "High Debt Public Colleges and Universities," those institutions notable for having
very high student debt levels.
This might be due to a number of factors - stagnant incomes and some Iowa institutions'
involvement in student loan scandals of recent years are two reasons that come to mind. But
these numbers reveal a troubling shift for students in Iowa and across the country: Without a
burgeoning number of students with mountains of debt upon completion, families are
increasingly being priced out of higher education.
The Obama administration and others have shown an initiative to reverse the trend, and have put
forth proposals to increase Pell Grants and reform the way students receive federal loans. But
more is needed if we're going to both make college affordable and increase college completion
rates among middle-class and low-income families - for instance, helping them save in the first
place.
Saving can, of course, reduce financial burdens for middle-class students. But research also
suggests that saving has behavioral benefits down the income ladder as well. Students whose
families save early and often may be more likely to prepare for college in ways academic as well
as financial.
Further, low-income students who currently don't see college as an option could otherwise be
nudged toward it, even with a small amount of savings and assets at their disposal.
In such times as these, it may seem strange to advocate for savings as a gateway to higher
education, especially for families with the fewest resources. But there are ways that
policymakers can make it easier on these families to begin a pattern of saving for higher
education.
First and foremost, people can't be afraid to save for college. Iowa has, commendably, excluded
savings in 529 college savings plans for calculation of state financial aid. But low-income
families, many of whom are on some form of public assistance, are often afraid that socking
money away for a child's education will affect eligibility to receive Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families, Medicaid or other assistance. Relieving these families' apprehensions could
clear the way for families to save for a child's future.
Good. But there remains one elephant in the room: Even without barriers, can low-income
families actually save for college? In short - yes, with some help.
A recent poll from Gallup and Sallie Mae sheds some light on the issue. It's not surprising that
only 32 percent of "low-income families" - those making under $35,000 are saving for a child's
college education. However, those low-income families that actually are saving do so in higher
amounts and higher percentages than their high-income counterparts.
So, what does this mean? First, it is paramount to help more low-income students start saving on
behalf of their future education and training. Second, when compelled to do so, working-class
families are more responsible about saving for college than many middle- and upper-class
families.
Some states are finding innovative ways to help these populations put away money. Maine
(population: 1.3 million) recently set aside enough money to open a 529 college savings plan for
every baby in the state, with $500 deposited upon sign-up. Illinois recently became the first state
to offer a tax credit for employers to offer college savings plans to employees - who can then use
them for children or their own retraining. A number of states also offer matching programs,
similar to those seen in retirement plans, specifically to encourage low-income families to save
for college.
Iowa Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald held a contest at the Iowa State Fair to give away $1,000 in a
college savings account - the winner of which was Shelby Seddon, a third-grader from Des
Moines. It's a good story, but more children need to be given the opportunity to make college
more affordable and attainable.
Read report
To read the recent report on student debt, "Student Debt and the Class of 2008," go to:
www.projectonstudentdebt.org
MARK HUELSMAN is a program associate with the College Savings Initiative at the New
America Foundation. Contact: huelsman@newamerica.net
Date: 1/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Help Families Save for College
Publication: Des Moines Register
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 135057
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 116
Article_Body:
Greenville News
January 3, 2009
Demand for College Loans Grows
Some sources of aid go untouched by families
By Anna Simon
College students struggling with growing financial needs in 2010 have a new, streamlined online
financial aid application, yet experts fear many will miss out on free money.
South Carolina’s largest universities are preparing for a major shift as federal student loans move
from a bank-based system to a direct loan program and are assuring students that loans will be
available.
Families that have suffered layoffs, furloughs or other hardship can ask for more assistance but
face competition as schools try to stretch limited dollars to meet a growing need in a challenging
economy.
―We are going to be dealing with the same amount of money,‖ said Marvin Carmichael, financial
aid director at Clemson University.
Furman University increased its financial aid budget ―primarily in anticipation of increased need
from families,‖ said Bill Berg, vice president for enrollment.
The first step for families seeking scholarships, grants and student loans is the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Submit the FAFSA ―as early as possible even if you have to
estimate,‖ said Keith Reeves, associate director of financial aid at Clemson.
―You can go back and correct it after you’ve done your taxes,‖ he said. ―That way, you can meet
deadlines and get the fullest consideration for any available financial aid.‖
The improved form, online at www.fafsa.gov, is shorter than in the past because it automatically
skips unnecessary questions as you go, Reeves said.
Yet many families won’t file and could miss out on need- and merit-based scholarships and
grants, said Martha Holler, spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, one of the nation’s largest education
lenders.
At least $168 billion in federal student aid will go to students based on the information they file
on their FAFSA forms. ―It’s the way to get cheap and free money,‖ Holler said.
Last year, 24 percent of families — 26 percent in the South — didn’t file a FAFSA, according to
a study by Gallup and Sallie Mae.
When asked why, 39 percent said they didn’t feel they needed financial aid, 30 percent said they
didn’t think they’d qualify, and 18 percent were unaware of the program, Holler said, citing the
three most common responses.
File even if you don’t think you’re eligible for financial aid, Reeves said. ―You may be eligible
for a subsidized Stafford loan, which is interest free while the student is in school plus six
months after they leave school.‖
Falling family income
Families making less than in the past should contact the school’s financial aid office and ask for
a professional judgment review, said Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org and
FastWeb.com, a free scholarship matching site.
Families must provide written documentation, such as a layoff notice, and a short letter
summarizing specific circumstances that have changed from the past year, Kantrowitz said.
More money is available this year for lower- and lower-middle income families that qualify for
Pell grants, Carmichael said. The maximum increased from $4,731 to $5,350 this year, and some
federal loans are higher as well.
Because LIFE and other state lottery-funded scholarships help many in-state Clemson students
with college costs, those hardest hit typically are non-residents, Carmichael said, adding he’s
seen some out-of-state students ―go home because they can’t pay the bills.‖
The University of South Carolina anticipates more student need and is ―always looking for more
funding for scholarships. That’s a priority,‖ said university spokeswoman Margaret Lamb.
The two-year-old Gamecock Guarantee is an example.
The program guarantees that students from the state’s lowest-income families and who meet
entrance requirements will have tuition and technology fees covered for four years of study. It ―is
helping to remove the financial barriers that have kept many South Carolina students from being
able to attend the University of South Carolina,‖ said Scott Verzyl, assistant vice provost for
enrollment management.
Furman and Clemson both launched giving campaigns to help students in need this past year.
Furman United raised $350,000 last year — including $40,000 raised by student organizations
— and has an additional $400,000 goal for this year.
―We hope we don’t need it, but we probably will,‖ Berg said. ―We’re expecting this coming year
to look at lot like last year in terms of families’ economic needs.‖
Direct lending
USC, Clemson and Furman are preparing for a potential overhaul of the federal student loan
system from the bank-based Federal Family Education Loan Program to the Federal Direct Loan
Program that provides money directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Legislation
approved by the House waits in a Senate committee behind health care.
―Regardless of what happens in Washington, loans will be available to students just like in past,‖
Carmichael said. ―There’s still a lot of debate on the issue. Clemson is preparing to convert to
direct lending, and it may be (changing) regardless of what comes out of the legislation.‖
Loans ―are not in jeopardy,‖ Carmichael said. ―The source may change. There may be different
players, but the loans will be there.‖
USC will move from the bank-based system it has used for 30 years to direct loan to ensure
secure funding and avoid the volatility of the credit markets, said Ed Miller, director of student
financial aid and scholarships. The change ―will provide stability and assurance that our students
will have access to the resources to fund their education,‖ Miller said.
Furman has updated its software and is ―geared to go to direct lending if that’s what we need to
do,‖ Berg said.
Students at schools that change from FFEL to direct lending need to fill out a new master
promissory note that they should get from the school along with their financial aid awards,
Kantrowitz said. Students should see little change beyond that because the government awarded
contracts to service loans to the four largest FFEL lenders, including Sallie Mae, Kantrowitz
said.
Other differences include a lower direct loan interest rate of 7.9 percent on federal Plus loans for
graduate and professional students and parents of undergraduates, compared to 8.5 percent under
FFEL, and Parent Plus loan approval rates are slightly higher with direct lending, Kantrowitz
said.
In general, loan origination is smoother with direct lending, but the repayment process runs
smoother under FFEL, Kantrowitz said.
Date: 1/3/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Demand for College Loans Grows
Publication: Greenville News
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 13851
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 120
Article_Body:
FoxBusiness.com
January 4, 2010
College Students Leaving Millions in Financial Aid on the Table
By Gail Buckner
If you or someone you know is headed for college later this year, an important deadline has
already passed: The first day to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a.k.a. FAFSA,
was Jan 1.
Although there’s no time limit on when you can apply for federal assistance such as grants,
scholarships, and loans, the FAFSA is also used by states and schools, which do have deadlines
for determining who receives the finite amount of aid they’ve got available. In general, these
deadlines are ―tied to the admissions process,‖ according to Sallie Mae (SLM) spokesperson
Martha Holler.
That means these institutions will start doling out money next month. ―It’s first-come, first-
served,‖ says Holler. If they don’t have your FAFSA on file, you ―could miss out.‖
Filling out the FAFSA has never been easier. Just go to www.fafsa.gov. You can print out the
form and send it via snail mail or complete it online, which, according to Holler, results in faster
turn-around. The online approach also allows you to partially fill out the form, save your
information, and come back later to complete it. One of the new features this year is an ―instant
estimate for Pell grant or student loan eligibility.‖
Even families considered ―wealthy‖ by the current administration, i.e. those with incomes of
$200,000 or more, should fill out the FAFSA, says Holler, because it’s the first step toward
applying for a federal student loan. As residents of states such as California and New York can
attest, a six-digit income doesn’t go very far, especially if you’ve got more than one child
attending college at the same time.
Surprisingly, about one-in-four families with college-bound students don’t bother to submit the
FAFSA. ―How America Pays for College,‖ a 2009 survey conducted by Gallup on behalf of
Sallie Mae, found that almost half said the reason was either: a) they didn’t know the FAFSA
existed (18%), or b) assumed they wouldn’t be eligible for financial aid based on their income
level (30%). According to a Sallie Mae survey, the rate of FAFSA submission is lowest among
families with incomes of $150,000 or more.
That’s a costly mistake. As Holler points out, ―There’s aid out there that you are eligible for
regardless of family income.‖ She points out that, these days, states are awarding more money in
the basis of merit than on need. And, much of this is in the form of grants, i.e. money you don’t
have to pay back. Consider the following from the College Board’s report, Trends in Student
Aid 2007:
Over the 10-year period ending in 2006, need-based grants awarded by states rose by 56%. Non-
need-based state grants increased by more than 250%.
Moreover, the 2009 version of the same report found:
At private colleges with tuition exceeding $30,975 in 2007-08 the proportion of tuition and fees
covered by… grant aid [was]… 16% for those from families with income over $100,000 or
higher.
In 2007-2008, public four-year institutions distributed almost two-thirds of their institutional
grant aid without regard to financial circumstances.
Sallie Mae, which calls itself ―the nation’s leading provider of saving, planning and paying for
education programs,‖ offers a searchable database of ―several million‖ scholarships currently
available. These range from the predictable (―I want to find the cure for cancer/solution to world
peace‖) to the peculiar: duck-calling, apple pie baking and even (don’t tell your 12-year old)
skateboarding. According to Holler, a 300-word essay on ―How Skateboarding Has Had An
Impact On My Life‖ can get you a cool $5,000.
To search the scholarship database, go to www.salliemae.com and click on ―Finding Free
Money.‖
Date: 1/4/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: College Students Leaving Millions in Financial Aid on the Table
Publication: FOXBusiness.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1249542
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 1642
Article_Body:
+7
No Need to Dread the FAFSA as Online Form Is Easier Than Ever
1,047 Views 1 Comment Share Flag as inappropriate Business Wire via Yellowbrix
January 05, 2010
Attention families planning to send a student to college next fall: the financial aid application, which typically
ranks up there with visiting the dentist and paying taxes as Americans‘ idea of a good time, is getting easier to
complete. Sallie Mae, the nation‘s leading saving, planning and paying for education company, reminds
students and families to file the FAFSA beginning Jan. 1 to not miss out on financial aid for college.
Why is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, important? The federal government, state
governments and college each use this form to make need- and non-need-based grants, scholarships, work-
study and federal student loans. In fact, Uncle Sam will award at least $168 billion in student aid based on the
information on the FAFSA. It is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
―Students and parents often call Sallie Mae feeling very overwhelmed and confused as they try to fill out the
FAFSA form,‖ says Tara Zielinski, a customer service representative at Sallie Mae Pennsylvania. ―It is
important for students and families to know that I am one of many here to help them to get through the financial
aid process.‖
Applicants will see slightly fewer questions in 2010, plus an easier online process. Also newly in place is an
instant estimate of Pell grant and student loan eligibility. Previously, students had to wait for weeks to receive
notification.
During these tough times, more families need financial aid and more students enroll in school. In fact, 16 million
people have submitted the FAFSA already through the third quarter of 2009, up from the previous year.
Nevertheless, many are still missing out on aid. According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How
America Pays for College, 24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Submitting it
early, every year a student is in college, and before state and college deadlines maximizes a student‘s chances
to receive grants and scholarships.
For 2010-2011, the FAFSA can be completed anytime after Jan. 1 before the end of the academic year, but
many institutions and states have deadlines in February and March. With some colleges and states allocating
finite‖or shrinking‖funds, it is wise to complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
While the FAFSA exercise determines a financial aid package for one year, Sallie Mae‘s free Education
Investment Planner helps families plan their budgets for a full degree program. College-bound students and
their parents can use this tool to estimate the total cost of a college degree, build a plan to pay for college
without going beyond their means, and, if loans are part of the plan, calculate the starting salary a graduate
would need to keep payments manageable. Visit www.SallieMae.com/invest for more information.
Sallie Mae recommends the ―1-2-3 approach‖ to paying for college: first, use free money by filling out the
FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships, supplemented with current
income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Available to both students and parents, they can offer low,
fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. Third, fill any gap by using a pay-interest-as-you-go private
education loan. For example, Sallie Mae‘s Smart Option Student Loan ensures that what a student originally
borrowed is all he owes at graduation.
SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation‘s leading provider of saving,
planning and paying for education programs. Through its subsidiaries, the company manages $192 billion in
education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. Through its Upromise affiliates, the
company also manages more than $21 billion in 529 college-savings plans, and is a major, private source of
college funding contributions in America with 11 million members and more than $500 million in member
rewards. Sallie Mae and its subsidiaries offer debt management services as well as business and technical
products to a range of business clients, including higher education institutions, student loan guarantors and
state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.salliemae.com. SLM Corporation and its
subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.
Visit Sallie Mae‘s newsroom for additional FAFSA resources.
Date: 1/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: No Need to Dread the FAFSA as Online Form Is Easier Than Ever ...
Publication: http://www.fastweb.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1128484
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 1909
Article_Body: February 1, 2010, 1:00 pm
New Help for Filling Out the Fafsa Form
By JENNIFER SARANOW SCHULTZ
The student loan giant Salle Mae introduced a new online resource center Monday with tools designed to help
college students and parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the cumbersome form
required to apply for federal and state aid that the government is trying to streamline this year.
The goal of the resource center is to help more students and their families learn about, and apply for, federal
and state financial aid as the deadlines for filling out the Fafsa form approach. The deadlines vary by state, but
tend to fall between mid-February and April.
According to an August 2009 national study Sallie Mae conducted with Gallup, 24 percent of families did not
complete the form last academic year, half because they said they were not aware of the aid or did not think
they would qualify for it.
―A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,‖ said Barbara O‘Brien, Sallie
Mae‘s director of high school outreach, in a statement. ―In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an
accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial aid — a grant or a low-cost student loan — you just have
to apply for it.‖
Some of the features worth noting on the site include how-to-videos about completing the aid form, tips to help
guide families through the financial aid process and live answers from experts about the Fafsa form on Feb. 11
from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. E.S.T. As an added incentive to visit the site: college-bound students, or their parents,
visiting the site may enter a sweepstakes to win money for college.
For more information about filling out the Fafsa form, check out The Choice blog‘s recent Q&A series with Mark
Kantrowitz of financial aid information site FinAid.org.
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1.
john
brooklyn
February 1st, 2010
10:30 am
Getting a student loan was the worst decision I ever made. Try exhausting every grant, scholarship, award, or
token prize that can help before turning to student loans.
Recommend Recommended by 1 Readers
2.
Mary Fallon
San Jose, CA
February 2nd, 2010
6:31 am
The alternative to doing the FAFSA yourself that‘s authorized by the federal government is getting help from
fee-based FAFSA preparation services. Just like you‘d get help on your income to ensure you‘re taxes are
correct (and hopefully you‘re eligible for a refund). This year‘s application is about 130 questions and for many
just as complicated as income tax forms. The small investment in dollars and about 15 minutes of time for a
fee-based FAFSA service can save hours of frustration and provide peace of mind that your child‘s application
is accurate. I recommend choosing a service that not only reviews answers with a computer program but also
has a professional aid advisor read each question. Mistakes are common and inaccuracy can cost students
aid. Some questions can be answered incorrectly but not recognized as inaccurate by some computer reviews,
which is why having a professional read yours ensures your child will be eligible for the most aid possible. With
the average aid award last year about $10,200, quite a bit can be at risk. State deadlines start Feb. 15 and as
you say in this world of most aid being offered on a first-come, first-served don‘t hesitate to prepare the FAFSA.
Jim Boyle, president of College Parents of America, last month on radio shows recommended Student
Financial Aid Services, Inc., the nation‘s oldest and largest aid advisory and preparation service.
http://www.collegeparents.org...
Recommend Recommended by 0 Readers
3.
collegeloanconsultant
Albany
February 2nd, 2010
6:34 am
If families fill out their FAFSA application online, they will have access to live help (if they need it) from the
federal government. While certainly not as unbiased a source as Sallie Mae, they do their best.
Recommend Recommended by 0 Readers
Date: 2/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: New Help for Filling Out the Fafsa Form - Bucks Blog - NYTimes.com
Publication: http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 94094
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 1969
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College-bound? Student aid forms just got easier
February 5, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Featured, School Readiness
Leave a Comment
It‘s safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil stains from the garage
floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
However, here‘s some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as FAFSA, is more
streamlined and much easier to fill out this year.
The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of Education are available online at www.fafsa.gov (even
the government Web address has been simplified). Don‘t confuse the government‘s site with some online filing
services that charge a filing fee.
The FAFSA is required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the federal government
alone is expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the information submitted on the
FAFSA.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their 2009 income and
investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some FAFSA questions, though it‘s fine
to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous return that can be updated later.
It normally takes several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to shave some
time off the job because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1.
According to some reports, the 2010-2011 FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20 questions. The
new version also skips questions that don‘t apply to your circumstances, said Patricia Nash Christel, a
spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher education services company. For example, she said, female students
are not asked about Selective Service registration.
Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the filing process.
Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation‘s largest student-aid
program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for the information.
The fixes in FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to transfer their
federal income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link, thereby eliminating another batch
of questions.
The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that the process
had become too complicated. That‘s one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college did not
bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year, according to a national study from Sallie Mae
and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the FAFSA: Families didn‘t think they were eligible for aid or weren‘t
aware of the filing requirement.
As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath, and remember that the reward for
submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
– Kansas City Star
Date: 2/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: College-bound? Student aid forms just got easier : Parenting Ain't ...
Publication: http://parentingainteasy.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 977
Organization: Sallie Mae
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 2035
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Live Online FAFSA Answers
by Dave Berry
In a previous post, I mentioned some very helpful online resources for those of you who will be filling out the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the well-know (and newly revised) FAFSA. If, after reviewing the
online resources I mentioned, you still have FAFSA questions, you now have a chance to get answers for those
questions real-time and online from financial aid experts.
Here, from a new press release, are the details:
Get that FAFSA Done with Help from New
How-to Videos and Expert Online Chat
With federal financial aid application deadlines looming for more than 18 million college-bound students, Sallie
Mae announces “FAFSA February,” a public service initiative to help demystify the often confusing and
universally dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA.
Families can access new, free online tools to help them hit the submit button on the all-important aid
application. They can also chat with a FAFSA expert and enter a drawing to win a total of $10,000 in college
savings.
In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center at
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need to
complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked questions, and explore next steps in the
financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the process.
“A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,” said Barbara O’Brien, Sallie
Mae’s director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families. “In reality, virtually
every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial aid—a grant or a low-
cost student loan—you just have to apply for it.”
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night, Feb. 11, from 9 to 10
p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the availability of
financial aid, Sallie Mae is conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway. Eligible college-bound
students, or parents on the student’s behalf, visiting the FAFSA February Resource Center may enter to win
the drawing. The Gold medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win $3,000, and Bronze will win $1,000 in money for
college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner’s Upromise rewards account, where winners can continue to
earn cash rewards for college.
Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center is available free to anyone at SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College,
24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete the form
because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
Sallie Mae recommends students follow the “1-2-3 approach” to paying for college: first, use free money by
filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships, supplemented with
current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Third, fill any gap by using a pay-interest-as-you-
go private education loan. For example, Sallie Mae’s Smart Option Student Loan helps ensure that what a
student originally borrowed is all he owes at graduation.
Don‘t forget. That live Q&A chat is Thursday, Feb. 11. Be there or be square.
Date: 2/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Live Online FAFSA Answers - Admit This!
Publication: http://www.collegeview.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 100895
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 2203
Article_Body: With credit drying up, where can you turn for student loans?
Geoff Williams
Feb 17th 2010 at 3:30PM MoreText SizeAAAFiled under: Borrowing, School, Student Loans
Puzzles are often fun, but not this one: With credit scores plunging and loans in short supply, how do you go
about paying for college these days?
It's a question you'd think might almost be easy for Scott Gamm. Granted, in many ways, he's just another high
school kid, about to turn 18 and headed to college this fall (New York University's Stern School of Business).
But in many ways, he isn't a typical high school kid: He's the founder of HelpSaveMyDollars.com, a personal
finance website that he began in July, 2009.
"I've had an interest in finance since age 12," says Gamm, "and after my family experienced some financial
problems, I realized how important it is to learn about money at a young age. Personal finance isn't taught in
schools very much, and I felt I needed to provide this critical information in an easy-to-understand manner."
But even Gamm and his parents don't have a magic answer to that "how to pay for college" question and are
scrambling to shore up loans to pay his tuition, which will be north of $50,000 per year.
In a perfect world, students would have a big, fat 529 to rely on, but it's not a perfect world. And even 529s
have taken a hit these days. So what are people doing to fund a higher education? Here are three avenues to
consider taking:
The smaller banks and community banks are where the action's been lately.
By all means, check out the loans and offerings at the bigger banks -- the last thing you want to do is ignore
any possible source of revenue to pay for college. But community banks are jumping into the fray more often
these days, and while you don't want to ignore the big banks, you sure don't want to drive past that little
community bank in your neighborhood and assume it has nothing to offer.
Jennifer Sassman, director of financial aid at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, has noticed that community
banks generally have kinder terms than the bigger institutions. "It's becoming more widespread that the loans
offered by larger banks are requiring interest payments while the student is still in school," Sassman observes.
"Although this does help drive down the cost of the loan, it's not always a feasible option for students."
Another plus with going to a community bank is that many students can get a loan without being required to
have a co-signer. With big banks, you'll almost definitely have to have a more well-heeled adult signing on the
dotted line, too.
Not all the loan news coming out of community banks is good news, though. As Gamm explains, "These loans
[from smaller institutions] are generally private loans with high interest rates that can be raised at any time,
oftentimes without any notice."
Another negative, according to both Sassman and Gamm? Community banks often can't lend as much as the
bigger banks.
Don't forget grants and scholarships. "I've been having success using websites such as FastWeb.com and
Cappex.com for scholarships and grants, which are hard to get," says Gamm, "but they're a much better option
than student loans, since grants don't have to be paid back, and there are no interest rates to worry about."
And a Sallie Mae study backs up Gamm's reasoning. Last year, Gallup conducted a survey for Sallie Mae
called "How America Pays for College 2009," which was just released. They found that the number of American
families nabbing grants and scholarships was greater than the number of students going after federal and
private education loans.
Peer-to-peer student loan lending. If you read a lot of personal finance articles, you've probably heard about
Prosper and some of the other lending sites that offer a way for you to get a loan from a peer. Regular
investors can invest in someone else's goal of homeownership or business startup. People Capital takes that
idea and makes it all about lending to students who want to go to college. If that concept appeals to you, it's
worth checking out.
Geoff Williams is a frequent contributor to WalletPop. He is also the co-author of the new book Living Well with
Bad Credit.
Tags: college, College Financing, CollegeFinancing, student, student loan, Student Loans, StudentLoan,
StudentLoans
Date: 2/17/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: With credit drying up, where can you turn for student loans?
Publication: http://www.walletpop.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 3215094
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 3816
Article_Body: Sallie Mae, the nation's saving, planning and paying for Business Education reminded the
students and their families to file FAFSA after 1 January is not lost, financial aid for college. Why did the Free
Application for Federal Student ...
Date: 3/25/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: chemistry scholarship: No Need to Dread the FAFSA as Online Form ...
Publication: http://chemistryscholarship.blogspot.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 5619
Article_Body:
In Case You Missed It for 2010-03-30
Let‘s keep it rolling!: Gallup crumble: ObamaCare underwater again, GOP surges on generic ballot
http://ink.ms/s5B8S #
RT @Incognito912: @ObamaBeenLying Barack Obama - Barry Soetoro? Troubling information:
http://bit.ly/p0nNJ Youtube search Barry Soetoro #
Sex infection gonorrhoea risks becoming ‘superbug‘… http://ink.ms/Ym9e3 #
RT @SarahPalinLinks @SusanPage: 2/3rd Americans say #hcr bill costs 2 much & Obama hits 50%
disapproval for 1st time. USA TODAY/Gallup Poll #
IRS Says It Needs More ‗Resources‘ to Implement Tax Provisions of New Health Law…
http://ink.ms/q3B2Y #
Obama takes a piece of the rock; PRUDENTIAL to take $100M healthcare charge…
http://ink.ms/k6L3S #
RT @GuitarHero1965 @AnyStreet: A liberal is some1 who feels a great debt 2 his fellow man, which
debt he proposes 2 pay off with ur $$$ #
RT @OctavianD @mikieelmo Sallie Mae Blames 2,500 Layoffs on Obama‘s Student Loan Overhaul
http://shar.es/mrG7V #
Date: 3/30/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Obama Been Lying » In Case You Missed It for 2010-03-30
Publication: http://www.obamabeenlying.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 8229
Article_Body:
Houstonian (San Houston State University)
February 2, 2010
"FAFSA February" Helps Demistify the Financial Aid Application
Get that FAFSA Done with Help from New How-to Videos and Expert Online Chat; Sign Up to Win
$10,000 in College Savings Giveaways
By: Courtesy of Hilary Richards
RESTON, Va.-With federal financial aid application deadlines looming for more than 18 million college-
bound students, Sallie Mae announces "FAFSA February," a public service initiative to help demystify the
often confusing and universally dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA.
Families can access new, free online tools to help them hit the submit button on the all-important aid
application. They can also chat with a FAFSA expert and enter a drawing to win a total of $10,000 in
college savings.
In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae's FAFSA February Resource Center at
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need
to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked questions, and explore next steps in
the financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the
process.
"A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify," said Barbara
O'Brien, Sallie Mae's director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families.
"In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial
aid-a grant or a low-cost student loan-you just have to apply for it."
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night, Feb. 11, from 9
to 10 p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the
availability of financial aid, Sallie Mae is conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway.
Eligible college-bound students, or parents on the student's behalf, visiting the FAFSA February Resource
Center may enter to win the drawing.* The Gold medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win $3,000, and
Bronze will win $1,000 in money for college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner's Upromise rewards
account, where winners can continue to earn cash rewards for college.
Sallie Mae's FAFSA February Resource Center is available free to anyone at SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College,
24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete
the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
Sallie Mae recommends students follow the "1-2-3 approach" to paying for college: first, use free money
by filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships,
supplemented with current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Third, fill any gap by
using a pay-interest-as-you-go private education loan. For example, Sallie Mae's Smart Option Student
Loan helps ensure that what a student originally borrowed is all he owes at graduation.
*No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. For official rules, visit
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
Date: 2/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: "FAFSA February" Helps Demistify the Financial Aid Application
Publication: Houstonian (San Houston State University)
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 4350
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 8229
Article_Body:
Houstonian (San Houston State University)
February 2, 2010
"FAFSA February" Helps Demistify the Financial Aid Application
Get that FAFSA Done with Help from New How-to Videos and Expert Online Chat; Sign Up to Win
$10,000 in College Savings Giveaways
By: Courtesy of Hilary Richards
RESTON, Va.-With federal financial aid application deadlines looming for more than 18 million college-
bound students, Sallie Mae announces "FAFSA February," a public service initiative to help demystify the
often confusing and universally dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA.
Families can access new, free online tools to help them hit the submit button on the all-important aid
application. They can also chat with a FAFSA expert and enter a drawing to win a total of $10,000 in
college savings.
In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae's FAFSA February Resource Center at
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need
to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked questions, and explore next steps in
the financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the
process.
"A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify," said Barbara
O'Brien, Sallie Mae's director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families.
"In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial
aid-a grant or a low-cost student loan-you just have to apply for it."
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night, Feb. 11, from 9
to 10 p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the
availability of financial aid, Sallie Mae is conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway.
Eligible college-bound students, or parents on the student's behalf, visiting the FAFSA February Resource
Center may enter to win the drawing.* The Gold medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win $3,000, and
Bronze will win $1,000 in money for college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner's Upromise rewards
account, where winners can continue to earn cash rewards for college.
Sallie Mae's FAFSA February Resource Center is available free to anyone at SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College,
24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete
the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
Sallie Mae recommends students follow the "1-2-3 approach" to paying for college: first, use free money
by filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships,
supplemented with current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Third, fill any gap by
using a pay-interest-as-you-go private education loan. For example, Sallie Mae's Smart Option Student
Loan helps ensure that what a student originally borrowed is all he owes at graduation.
*No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. For official rules, visit
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
Date: 2/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: "FAFSA February" Helps Demistify the Financial Aid Application
Publication: Houstonian (San Houston State University)
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 4350
Organization: Upromise
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 8239
Article_Body:
Eagle-Tribune (Pa.)
February 3, 2010
People in the News
Kathleen Sindjeu of Lawrence has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Upromise, Inc., Sallie Mae's
saving-for-college company.
College Inc. (Washington Post Blog)
February 2, 2010
FAFSA February
With a newly simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid now ready, Sallie Mae has rolled out
FAFSA February, a monthlong PR campaign to demystify the daunting task of documenting need.
On a dedicated Web site, families can access new online help and chat with experts.
A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that 24 percent of students didn't compete the
federal form last year, often because they weren't aware of it or didn't think they would qualify
for aid.
Date: 2/3/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: People in the News
Publication: Eagle-Tribune (Pa.)
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 95906
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 8357
Article_Body:
Spartanburg Herald Journal
February 8, 2010
Sallie Mae Helping Students Understand Federal Financial Aid
With deadlines looming for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Sallie Mae is conducting a
public service initiative, “FAFSA February,” to help “demystify the often confusing and universally
dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA.”
In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center at
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need
to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked questions and explore next steps in
the financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the
process.
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA from 9 to 10 p.m. Thursday. To
pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, “How America Pays for College,” 24 percent
of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete the form
because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
“A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,” Barbara O’Brien,
Sallie Mae’s director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families, said in
a statement. “In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some
kind of financial aid—a grant or a low-cost student loan—you just have to apply for it.”
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the
availability of financial aid, Sallie Mae is also conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway.
Eligible college-bound students, or parents on the student’s behalf, visiting the FAFSA February
Resource Center may enter to win the drawing. For official rules, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
Date: 2/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Helping Students Understand Federal Financial Aid
Publication: Spartanburg Herald Journal
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 105800
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Expressing support
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 8997
Article_Body:
Polls: It just Ain‘t Pretty
Posted on April 1, 2010 by dakinikat
How do you fragment a country into thirds that less than two years ago seemed united against the policies of
the sitting party? Ask President Obama. He‘s managed to disunite the country in a manner that I can only
describe as phenomenal.
There‘s a new USA-Gallup Poll out and the numbers aren‘t pretty for any one. However, the Republicans who
ran the country into several unnecessary wars, got the country attacked by having an executive branch more
concerned about vacations in Texas than reading national security reports, creatively destroyed parts of the
constitution, and held what amounted to an opportunity in the VP‘s office for the oil companies to collude
themselves into record profits, have what looks like freedom from political wilderness. I‘m not sure who is more
surprised. Them or the Democrats. I‘m not. They always hold their base. President Obama has betrayed the
Democratic base by playing bipartisanship with his friends‘ interests vs every one else.
A good way to lose your votes is to ignore their top issues. The top concerns are still the economy and jobs
and while things aren‘t falling apart quickly, they‘re not getting any better. This is especially true of the
unemployment where the problem is structural and there‘s not been one inkling of a policy to deal with jobs that
have gone away and aren‘t coming back. You can extend those folks‘ unemployment benefits from now until
they retire because most of them had jobs that are gone. You can see that in the long term unemployment rate
and in the source industries and source regions. There‘s a whole lot of folks out there that lost jobs who need
new skills. Where‘s the bill to cover retraining of ex-auto industry workers, for example?
There‘s more bad news for Obama and his cronies in the poll‘s details.
In the survey last Friday through Sunday, the president gets tough treatment:
• Obama‘s standing on four key personal qualities, including being a strong and decisive leader and
understanding the problems Americans face in their lives, has dipped. For the first time since the 2008
campaign, he fails to win a majority of people saying he shares their values and can manage the government
effectively.
• Twenty-six percent say he deserves ―a great deal‖ of the blame for the nation‘s economic problems, nearly
double the number who felt that way last summer. In all, half say he deserves at least a moderate amount of
blame.
The blame directed at his predecessor, former president George W. Bush, hasn‘t eased, however: 42% now
give Bush ―a great deal‖ of blame, basically unchanged from 43% last July.
• By 50%-46%, those surveyed say Obama doesn‘t deserve re-election.
Look at the graphic showing the number of people that think neither of the parties represent them. I‘m in those
numbers and I‘m pretty sure most Conflucians would now call themselves independents. Look at which
party‘s lost support. I wouldn‘t vote for a Democratic party that‘s done what this one has done to people over
the last year or so. We‘ve got FISA, more drilling in environmentally sensitive areas, thumbs up on Japanese
Whaling, continued bail outs of banks and businesses and no regulation to prevent recurrence of the disaster
and no punishment for the pain already inflicted, record profits in industries that have devastated the treasury
and the jobs market, two wars, same torture policies, same rendition policies, same patriot act, and now the
Hobson‘s choice of forced private health insurance or a tax when you can‘t afford either. You call this
progress? The only thing that could render me to a more pessimistic state of mind would be staring down a
future with a President Palin or a President Huckabee and the way things are going, I‘d say that‘s likely in the
cards. What‘s left of the Democratic party better get off its collective ass and stop waiting for the
announcement of the 11th dimensional chess strategy because it‘s not coming. The policy blunders just
continue. Surrender the pretzel logic and work to get the country back on track before it‘s too late or be
prepared for the Romney-J. Bush onepeat.
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Polls
Get 2010 Election News & Analysis at "PostPolitics"
washingtonpost.com/politics
Filed under: 2012 Election | Tagged: Gallup, polls, USA
« Thursday, Reading the News (Oh, me, oh my!) Pretzel Logic »
159 Responses
1.
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 11:47 am Said:
Here‘s some background on the the GOOOH (Get Out of Our House) movement from the youtube of in the
last thread….
http://goooh.com/Learn.aspx?pageid=36
*
votermom, on April 1, 2010 at 11:53 am Said:
GOOOH‘s solution is simple: replace the politicians with 435 everyday Americans. We trust that
representatives selected by their peers via the GOOOH system will serve our country better than the
professional politicians obsessed with staying in power and controlled by special interest money and political
parties. If we want things done differently, we must change the way we choose our representatives.
It‘s just crazy enough that it might work.
Any hope it‘s not astroturf?
o
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 12:08 pm Said:
Wow…..many of them from Austin, and Austin is our bluest city in Texas, adamantly pro-Obama in
2008.
My hunch–and it‘s just that—knowing Austin, it‘s not astroturf. It‘s really, really disillusioned ex-
Obama supporters who have had enough.
Lotta that going around.
+
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 12:43 pm Said:
I don‘t think it‘s coming from people who even drank the Obama koolaid in the first place. The
founder, Tim Cox, used to work at Dell. He wrote a book called GOOOH first and then launched the GOOOH
site on September 29, 2007.
#
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 12:52 pm Said:
Didn‘t know that. Thanks.
#
RalphB, on April 1, 2010 at 3:36 pm Said:
No Kool-aid in that crowd.
o
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:30 pm Said:
It‘s very much like jefftorby‘s projec at Corrente. What the heck is that called?
+
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 1:54 pm Said:
Anything like the alanparson‘s project..
+
RalphB, on April 1, 2010 at 3:37 pm Said:
Full Court Press?
2.
jawbone, on April 1, 2010 at 11:48 am Said:
Maybe Obama shouldn‘t have tried to look and act like Bush‘s third term, in so many areas. Plus, of course,
his econ people keep saying there‘s going to be high unemployment for a long, long time — yet they do zip,
zero, nada about the situation.
What is wrong with this ostensible Dem prez and ostensible Dem administration. Right, Corporatists. To the
core.
And they‘re destroying the Democratic brand, trashing the party‘s principles. with little to no pushback from
the Congress Critters who are going to pay for this damage to the party.
Sheesh.
Atrios is less cryptic than usual on the administration‘s attitude about unemployment:
If they really think they‘ve done all that is theoretically possible (not true) say it. If there‘s something
they‘d like to do, but Congress won‘t let it happen, tell us what it is.
I was going to check comments under this topic, but I hate Echo so much– it makes reading comments so
difficult and posting? What a stupid comment system! How did it get sold to so many blogs? (Altho‘ I wouldn‘t
mind some link buttons and preview here…hint hint)
*
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 11:54 am Said:
If you‘ve got structural unemployment, it‘s a no-brainer … you put them into job training. Most of these
folks have been unemployed about 2 years. A lot of them could be ready for other jobs by now! Pay them to
hunt for jobs that aren‘t there by extending unemployment insurance just isn‘t working. And the rethugs are just
saying they love sitting home on their behinds which isn‘t true at all!
o
grayslady, on April 1, 2010 at 1:07 pm Said:
I think it‘s a bit more complex than that, and I suspect you do too. For the structurally unemployed,
what are you going to train them to do? Can people who were high school graduates working on manufacturing
assembly jobs be re-trained (in middle age, most likely) to become computer technicians? Engineers?
Plumbers? Electricians?
Also, there are some industries that are hard hit right now but, one presumes, will recover–even
though it may take several years: construction, housing, kitchen and bath design, any other job category
connected to the housing industry. Unfortunately, many of those industries have the least Federal or state
unemployment protection available.
What we need is long-term vision and planning for a total economy, not random band-aids.
+
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 1:23 pm Said:
well, ideally we would have some kind of vision to re-invigorate the manufacturing sector, but
even given that‘s not happening we know that america is aging and there will be a demand for home health
care, nurses, surgical techs, etc.
#
bostonboomer, on April 1, 2010 at 4:56 pm Said:
All minimum wage jobs….
#
grayslady, on April 1, 2010 at 6:08 pm Said:
Exactly, bb. My idea of progress is not to ask skilled laborers, who used to earn a good
living, to take minimum wage jobs.
#
NWLuna, on April 1, 2010 at 11:23 pm Said:
Registered nurses do not have minimum-wage jobs. The average wage for an RN in
Nevada in 2009 was around $34/hr. In California, around $43/hr.
RNs are skilled workers — they are by scope of practice required to know such things as if a
physician‘s prescription is for a safe dose, to know side effects and what to do about them, and to recognize
physiological changes which demand intervention. They even have to take chemistry classes along with
pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and such.
But for a profession that has the most to do with saving your life in the hospital, they don‘t
get paid enough.
+
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:32 pm Said:
My chemist colleagues who have PhDs in the field and decades of experience probably do not
want to retrain as plumbers. Not that there‘s anything wrong with plumbers. It‘s just that having spent 10 years
or more getting their advanced degree, it would seem like a gigantic waste of time for them as well as a waste
of their hard-earned skills.
#
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:35 pm Said:
Oooh, ooooh, I know this one. How about we actually figure out a way to use such valuable
resources just as they are. {{bangs head on table because obvious answer would be the last thing they‘d do}}
#
TeresaInSnow, on April 1, 2010 at 1:53 pm Said:
There are many people in many professions who spend 20-30 years of time perfecting their
skills only to find out their jobs are obsolete.
Putting all that weight on PhD puts way too much weight on academic education over other
forms of education/life experience. In this horrific economy, people gotta do what they don‘t want to do. That‘s a
fact of life, and obtaining an elite education experience doesn‘t insulate you from it, nor should it, more than any
other educational experience should. Sometimes we get to the top and have to start again at the bottom, no
matter what the field. I feel no more sympathy for those who have a PhD and have to retrain than for those who
work in, say, the manufacturing industry, especially since many in the manufacturing industry may have been
earning more than many PhDs!
If it‘s good enough for one person at the top of their profession to become e.g. a plumber,
it‘s good enough for another.
#
Mandar, on April 1, 2010 at 3:12 pm Said:
I know plumbers that make good money. IMO some of those ppl are the problem-they think
some work is ―beneath‖ them. NO work is beneath you when it is bringing in a paycheck.
We have lost respect for the honest working man/woman and we have lost respect for the
jobs that built this country.
#
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 3:24 pm Said:
Just paid a guy $135 to fix the gear in our garage door. Took him twenty minute, and he
looked at me like I was a fool. Was happy to oblige.
#
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 5:56 pm Said:
Teresa, training as a chemist, even a PhD chemist is not an ―elite education‖. It‘s not like
chemists have corner offices or reserved parking spaces. Our cafeteria is lousy compared to the executive
building up the road. If you met a chemist on the street, he/she isn‘t going to talk down to you, make you feel
stupid or rob your 401K blind.
Chemists who have trained a long time to do chemistry work with theyr minds AND hands.
They go into the lab and fiddle with chemicals you wouldn‘t touch with a ten foot pole. They wear prtotective
clothing and goggles because it‘s dangerous. They study organic chemistry because it‘s hard and they like
tackling hard things. They do it so you won‘t have to. And they‘re working class schlubs just like everyone else.
People who go into science don‘t do it to get rich. They may end up with comfortable middle class lives but
they‘re not living it up on TARP bonus money in the Cayman Islands.
So, if you don‘t mind, cut the crap on the anti-intellectual bullshit. Chemists are losing their
jobs by the truckload this year. You have no idea what they put up with to cure what ails you. Show some
respect.
o
propertius, on April 1, 2010 at 3:15 pm Said:
As I‘ve said before, training for what? Yes, the factories that are shuttered are probably closed for
good – but much of the rest of the jobs are being outsourced. Everything from accountancy to IT to pharma
R&D is being shipped overseas. Are we supposed to rebuild the economy off of giving each other massages?
+
votermom, on April 1, 2010 at 3:29 pm Said:
Exactly. What can we produce?
#
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 3:33 pm Said:
Intelligence from data.
+
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 3:31 pm Said:
That‘s a popular job for recently laid off young investment bankers – professional masseuse for
wealthy women, and men.
+
bostonboomer, on April 1, 2010 at 5:02 pm Said:
Roosevelt paid writers and artists to do things that helped the country–like write histories of
states, collect recipes, etc. We need a WPA. Unfortunately, Obama is not FDR. He‘s Hoover.
+
votermom, on April 2, 2010 at 10:15 am Said:
But all these jobs mentioned can be out sourced to India & China.
o
FembotsForObama, on April 1, 2010 at 3:38 pm Said:
dak, many of our local factory workers (thousands) have already received the training. We just
aren‘t getting the jobs here and the rethugs are doing a good job at blaming Gov Doyle and the Dems for us not
getting ‗em. WI received dismal remarks for getting education funding under Race to the Top too.
*
Joe Obot, on April 1, 2010 at 12:07 pm Said:
You have failed to appreciate Obama‘s brilliance.
He stole their top issues and will implement them responsibly.
It‘s pure hell for Republicans.
I don‘t know why the Democrats didn‘t figure this out decades ago. All we need to do is enact the
legislation the Republican agenda has sought for 30 years and in one fell swoop we make ourselves immune to
Republican criticisms AND we achieve historic legislative accomplishments that give the President lots of
political capital to push through even more of the Republican Agenda.
{{slurps Kool-aid}}
o
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 12:14 pm Said:
Good thing Shrill-ary and Bill are out of domestic politics, we wouldn‘t want them actually fighting
the Republicans on anything.
o
janicen, on April 1, 2010 at 12:20 pm Said:
This is what happens when there are only two parties. As long as they disarm the Republicans they
feel they will win the next election. After all, where are the rest of us going to go? (snark)
o
indigogrrl, on April 1, 2010 at 12:21 pm Said:
joe obot looks familiar….
+
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 12:25 pm Said:
just another psycho clown in the crowd
#
jawbone, on April 1, 2010 at 12:31 pm Said:
It‘s snark, parody, satire. Kool-Aid says it all,
Right?
o
LandOLincoln, on April 1, 2010 at 12:42 pm Said:
Joe Obot,
Thanks for the best laugh I‘ve had in a long time. That was priceless.
o
bostonboomer, on April 1, 2010 at 5:02 pm Said:
Joe Obot looks like a clown.
3.
votermom, on April 1, 2010 at 12:21 pm Said:
Huh. Just got a second census form even though I already sent in the first one.
*
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 1:15 pm Said:
Is it from Acorn? lol
4.
insightanalytical, on April 1, 2010 at 12:23 pm Said:
Wasn‘t there something about Obama being content with being a one-term President floating around even
last year?
If so, he will accomplish his goal…but he will be so successful in carrying out the Republican agenda, they
won‘t have much to do except find another war and finish off women…
5.
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 12:32 pm Said:
OT question for dak when she gets a chance. If the federal government is going to bypass sallie mae to
make direct student loans, why doesn‘t it bypass fannie and freddie to help refinance homes, with something
like holc. Seems like homeowners are the only people who haven‘t been bailed out. The high end investors
who blew up the housing bubble are making big money again on the backs of government guarantees and
easy money.
*
lambert strether, on April 1, 2010 at 12:39 pm Said:
So, Obama implements single payer for student loans, and not health care? What‘s up with that?
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 12:46 pm Said:
He couldn‘t figure out how to mandate student loans.
Yet.
o
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 1:02 pm Said:
Dunno. Maybe they would argue there are more jobs in the private health insurance industry than at
sallie mae and among student loan bank officers. Don‘t think the same argument would be used about fannie
and freddie however. Probably more about rescuing asset values for the invester class.
o
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 3:39 pm Said:
Easy way to sneak it into a bill. Wildly popular among the middle class who have kids saddled with
mortgage sized student loan payments.
The question is, did any Republicans vote for it? Because being against student loans is like being
against soft warm puppies.
o
Valhalla, on April 1, 2010 at 8:55 pm Said:
The NYT description of the bill as passed by the Senate says:
Although private banks will no longer be allowed to make student loans with federal money, many
will continue to earn income by servicing those loans….
In lobbying fiercely against the overhaul, the private banks argued that it would eliminate jobs,
even though the government will hire many of the same banks on a contract basis to service the loans and
perform other back-office administration.
Rents — they‘ll get them on way or another. As RD says, this is wildly popular with middle-class
parents. It will be hit for banks, sure, but student loans aren‘t an entire industry that would go down like health
insurance companies. Plus, I can‘t find what (if any) limits on borrowing there are in the bill — as long as tuition
at many schools is greater than the amount students are allowed to borrow, banks still can still make money off
of their private student loan programs. I think there‘s still plenty of money to be made.
The NYT article says the legislation will ―save‖ about $61 billion over ten years. I‘m not sure that
corresponds exactly to the amount banks stand to lose, but $6 billion a year is chump change to most of our
too-big-to-fail banks.
+
Stateofdisbelief, on April 1, 2010 at 8:58 pm Said:
Funny how it always says it will ―save money‖ but it never says it will save *us* money. It always
seems that the money saved by the federal gov‘t is passed onto us as increased cost in some way.
*
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 12:53 pm Said:
I‘m not sure there‘s not going to be something like that. They‘re holding hearings now on what to do
with Fannie and Freddie. Geithner‘s been all over the place on this. I‘m not sure what the details are but I‘m
sure dismantling freddie and fannie is a possibility for some. I doubt we‘ll see an HOLC, that was HRC‘s idea
and it hasn‘t had much play in the public discussion since her platform was basically purged from the
discussion.
o
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 12:54 pm Said:
oh, you also have to realize that fannie and freddie are places they put political appointments too …
it would be like losing an ambassadorship with more perks and salary
+
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 12:57 pm Said:
Yep. That‘s where Rahm Emmanuel went in 2000, making $6 million in bonuses.
+
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 12:58 pm Said:
Thanks dak.
*
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 12:55 pm Said:
That‘s because Little Timmy says they‘re too big to fail, and we must all do whatever it takes to make
sure they don‘t, including a continually replenished slush fund at the Fed, with no oversight or auditing of same.
cough cough
6.
jawbone, on April 1, 2010 at 12:32 pm Said:
Statement from my senator, Lautenberg, on Obama‘s drilling statement.
*
TeresaInSnow, on April 1, 2010 at 1:07 pm Said:
They must have cut off the part where he says, ―April Fools!‖
Cuz you know, I‘m sure he doesn‘t have the cajones to bring down the first AA Democrapic president.
Oops, I made a typo! or did I.
7.
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 12:32 pm Said:
From the NRSC:
*
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 12:58 pm Said:
is that unicorn shitting a rainbow?
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 1:01 pm Said:
Unicorns fart rainbows. They shit Skittles.
*
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 12:59 pm Said:
you just don‘t get creative ads like that unless you treat the staff to a night at a lesbian bondage bar …
o
TeresaInPa, on April 1, 2010 at 2:55 pm Said:
Do I have this right. The republicans find the one black guy left in the party and he turns out to be a
pervert too, just like all the white guys? Is there something about being a republican that makes you take an
oath to be a lying hypocritical POS?
+
RalphB, on April 1, 2010 at 3:50 pm Said:
You talking about Obama again?
8.
jackyt, on April 1, 2010 at 12:43 pm Said:
―in one fell swoop we make ourselves immune to Republican criticisms‖
Shorter (and more accurate) version:
…in one fell swoop we make ourselves Republicans. (No snark, no kool-ade.)
*
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 12:45 pm Said:
Born Again Republicans in Arianna and Markos case.
o
jackyt, on April 1, 2010 at 1:31 pm Said:
… and Aravosis, and Sullivan, and ever so many more with way too much access, and way too
much to say. Talk about wolves in sheep‘s clothing!
9.
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 12:44 pm Said:
Obama‘s unparalleled first year of accomplishment
In his first year as President Barrack Obama lived up to everything his supporters hoped for, proving
what he and his supporters always saidt he was — a transformative president who was ready to be president
from day one.
And he proved it again by standing up to Republicans and refusing to allow off-shore drilling, standing by
his committment to develop alternative energy sources.
In his first year, Obama fulfilled all the promise and displayed all the skills and integrity his supporters in
the New York Times, MSNBC, the Nation, Michael Moore and many others said he would.
On healthcare reform, the most significant piece of legislation since the Civil Rights Act, Obama arm
twisted and showed remarkable back bone in getting the signature component of health care reform, the public
option, passed. Standing up to fierce Republican opposition, showing a steely backbone in the face of lunatic
conservative opponents who tried to portray him as Hitler, refusing to compromise or sell out, and refusing to
be intimidated,Obama refused to back down and said no to back room deals with lobbyists, instead staying the
course on the public option, fending off every attack and recognizing early on that doing what was best for the
American people was more important than compromise, bipartisanship, and politics. That is true leadership.
In a move LBJ would greeted with grudging admiration, Obama threatened Joe Lieberman with losing his
seniority and chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee if he made good his threat to filibuster the
public option and then, showing why he was ready to be president from day one, instructed Harry Reid to use
reconciliation to pass the bill back in June, saving a lot of angst and the political bloodletting that would have
surely come had Obama not acted, as he likes to say, ―swiftly and boldly‖ without regard to his own political
standing.
He also proved proved he was the right one for the job and challenges of health care reform, when he
refused to allow health insurance mandates, a part of Hillary Clinton‘s healthcare plan that Obama trashed all
over the country during the primaries.
There‘s more
*
dakinikat, on April 1, 2010 at 12:56 pm Said:
lol
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:18 pm Said:
That‘s good.
*
stodgie, on April 2, 2010 at 11:22 am Said:
duh, it took a minute to get the sarcasm. i was too busy looking for a place where i could take the author
to task. better to remember to read first next time!
10.
d.eris, on April 1, 2010 at 12:58 pm Said:
The biggest surprise with these numbers is that there are still Americans who are deluded enough by
corporatist propaganda to support the Democratic or Republican Parties in any way, shape or form. Freedom
and independence today begins with freedom and independence from the dictatorship of the Democratic-
Republican two-party state and duopoly system of government.
*
TeresaInPa, on April 1, 2010 at 3:00 pm Said:
woooo hooooo, President John Anderson and President Ralph Nader LIVE!
11.
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 1:12 pm Said:
You know, what‘s most amazing about this new USA/Gallup poll is approval numbers of the Tea Parties:
37%
For Dems, it‘s 41%; Repubs 42%.
The demonization of the Tea Partiers didn‘t work.
I‘m reading that the Dem Reps and Senators back home during the break are ―laying low,‖ meaning, of
course, no town hall meetings or ―selling‖ of Obamacare. They‘re HIDING.
*
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 1:17 pm Said:
Nothing says ―we welcome that fight‖ like laying low.
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 1:21 pm Said:
Remember the war on FOX News?
FOX just posted their highest ratings ever.
+
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:23 pm Said:
Gosh, it looks like almost everyone in the country is a racist.
+
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 1:25 pm Said:
Yep. And CNN is cratering. (Just stay home, Donna.)
+
bostonboomer, on April 1, 2010 at 5:09 pm Said:
How did MSNBC do?
#
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 5:50 pm Said:
Beating CNN, but just barely. Fox News waaaaay ahead of both.
+
stodgie, on April 2, 2010 at 11:23 am Said:
well anytime obama supports something from candidates to msnbc we all know that is the kiss
of death.
o
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 1:22 pm Said:
THIS is what The One meant by ―Go for it?‖
Weenies.
+
Stateofdisbelief, on April 1, 2010 at 5:11 pm Said:
must‘ve been a bubble gun he brought to that knife fight.
#
Mary, on April 1, 2010 at 5:51 pm Said:
While wearing his Mommy jeans.
12.
helenk, on April 1, 2010 at 1:16 pm Said:
This is part of a comment at No Quarter
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
Dear President Obama:
You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your
upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally
you are not an American.
You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don‘t understand it at its core.
You scare me because you lack humility and ‗class‘, always blaming others.
You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate
America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail..
You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the ‗blame America ‗ crowd and deliver this message
abroad.
You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government
sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.
You scare me because you prefer ‗wind mills‘ to responsibly
capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which
provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because you have begun to use ‗extortion‘ tactics against certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible
spending proposals.
You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent
people.
Since I could not get the whole post at one time I will post the rest in another comment/
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:21 pm Said:
A lot of Republican talking points in there.
o
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:23 pm Said:
Ditto. {{snarf!}}
*
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 1:34 pm Said:
Did David Axelrod write this caricature or did Glenn Beck scribble this on his chalkboard?
*
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:38 pm Said:
Helen, turn off Fox News and go outside.
Trust me, we‘re on your side but we can‘t take Republican talking points seriously.
There are plenty of good reasons to oppose Obama. But they have nothing to do with him personally.
(Well, almost nothing. He was unscrupulous enough to go along with it all.)
o
helenk, on April 1, 2010 at 2:09 pm Said:
I do not watch Fox News or any other so-called news channels any more. I am seeing a
continuation of a trend started under Reagan and continued under Bush and now Backtrack that is taking my
country down a really bad path. Both parties are at fault and both parties forgot the American citizens. Both
parties have been bought and paid for by corporations. I am very scared for the future of this country and that is
not being a democrat or a republican that is being an American citizen.
I am sorry if I did not explain my views very well.
WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND
COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS
PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE PEOPLE RULE
+
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:22 pm Said:
You explain yourself just fine when you speak for yourself.
*
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 1:44 pm Said:
George Bush scared the fuck outta me. I wondered if he was gonna nuke Iran or North Korea before he
left office.
o
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 2:30 pm Said:
Dr Strangelove called that the doomsday deterrent. Raygun just called it detente.
*
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:53 pm Said:
Helen, I‘ve read some of your talking points again and I‘ve just got to take issue with one of the most
misleading ones in your list:
―You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the
government sector dominates instead of the private sector. ―
Here‘s the problem with this talking point: We have largely privatized our government since the days of
Reagan. That means we have taken most of our publicly owned chunks of government and farmed them out to
private industry. Now, those private industries can turn around and charge us ―rent‖ on those very same
functions that we used to own and were done for the public good. It feels like double taxation without
representation. Does this seem right to you? You still pay an outrageous amount of taxes every year. Trust me
on this, our French counterparts do not envy our taxation system because we get relatively little for it. On top of
our taxes, we still have to pay for everything ourselves including health care, tuition, if we get laid off, we‘re
screwed, etc. The only thing we get for all of the money we lay out every year is a superb military- supplied in
large part by private industry and at tremendous cost.
So, please do me a favor, don‘t print letters to Obama like this on this blog. We expect that people who
post here know what‘s really going on and aren‘t being duped by the bad guys. You are expected to keep up
with us, Helen. I know you can do it.
*
propertius, on April 1, 2010 at 3:28 pm Said:
Well, I suppose the American capitalist goose does have something to do with the high standard of
living in Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland (the countries with the highest living standards in the world), if
only because our corporate kleptocrats have to put their money somewhere. I would observe, however, that
geese produce more than eggs and we seem to have a real surplus of their other byproducts here in the USA.
13.
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:21 pm Said:
We resisted assimilation and we‘re still out here.
Bwahahahahahahaaahhhhhh! Take that Rahm.
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:22 pm Said:
Hey Rahm… Boo.
o
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:24 pm Said:
Isn‘t it delicious? We may not be a large segment (yet) but we are just enough to ruin his beautiful
plan to take over the world.
Are you pondering what I‘m pondering, Pinky?
+
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:29 pm Said:
Unleash the Biological Recombinant Algorithmic Intelligence Nexus on him?
#
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:32 pm Said:
OK, forget my answer :-) , here‘s Pinky‘s:
Uh… yeah, Brain, but where are we going to find rubber pants our size?
#
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:35 pm Said:
Close. I think it goes something like:
―I think so brain but do I really need two tongues?‖
#
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 1:36 pm Said:
Here‘s a whole list of funny ones:
http://www.sph.umich.edu/~rwatt/ponderin.htm
14.
Sandra S., on April 1, 2010 at 1:23 pm Said:
Dak,
This is totally OT, but can you do an Ask the Economist thing at some point? Because I‘ve been under the
impression that the economy is sucky, and yet my building is raising my rent by 20% this year, supposedly in
keeping with ―market prices‖. Why would rent go UP when employment is down and even the huge local
employers are on a hiring and raise freeze? How do they calculate market prices on apartments?
*
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:44 pm Said:
Maybe it‘s because more people are renting than buying? If I‘m Jane Bagodonuts and I have a choice
of buying a house in a shaky housing market, when I might not even get a loan because of tightened credit
(through no fault of my own) or renting a place for a couple of years til the dust settles, I‘d rent. Relying on my
single course in microeconomics, that means there is more demand for apartments and other rentals than there
are units (or was that widgets?). So, you have lots of competition out there for your house which is a bonanza
for the landlord. Call it a rental bubble.
o
Sandra S., on April 1, 2010 at 8:46 pm Said:
Ah. I should have thought of that. Thanks.
o
Valhalla, on April 1, 2010 at 9:03 pm Said:
I have a friend who works in rental real estate and he says pretty much exactly this — plus many of
the people who got foreclosed on don‘t really have other options except renting.
15.
johnnyboy, on April 1, 2010 at 1:44 pm Said:
Remember when we were all lectured by the Obamabots that Hillary would be too divisive.
*
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 1:47 pm Said:
Pretty much everything the Obots warned us about has come true – only with Obama.
o
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 1:57 pm Said:
Project much, Barack?
+
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:21 pm Said:
Over at Ollie the Access Blogger they‘re calling you crazy for something I wrote.
#
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 2:28 pm Said:
That‘s where pretzel logic will lead you.
#
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 2:50 pm Said:
Who is Ollie? And aren‘t you my sock puppet? I take full credit, er, responsibility, for
whatever you wrote.
#
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:53 pm Said:
Oliver Willis
#
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 3:11 pm Said:
Who the fuck is Oliver Willis and why should I care?
#
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 3:16 pm Said:
A sheep. You shouldn‘t care.
o
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 2:22 pm Said:
The only thing you have to worry about is me.
+
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:47 pm Said:
I dunno, I scare myself too.
16.
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:19 pm Said:
BTD rakes Boo-hoo-man over the coals:
Booman just can not accept that he is endorsing triangulation. So he invents a new definition –
triangulation is NOT what Barack Obama does, even though it is exactly like triangulation:
I am going to posit that triangulation is a pejorative. It is a political act that is contrary to the interests of
principled people on either the right or the left. Its use puts the immediate needs of the president over the
needs of his party. It weakens his party and harms the issues for which his party stands. It‘s possible to argue
otherwise. Some might see triangulation as a savvy strategy that is appropriate in certain circumstances (e.g.,
a Democratic president faced with a Gingrich Congress). But, I believe we are correct to condemn triangulation,
provided we are careful to be sure we know what we mean by the term. And we are not careful.
All of this is a prelude to Booman tying himself in knots to explain why Bill Clinton triangulated but Barack
Obama is not triangulating. Silly stuff.
Ya gotta read the whole thing.
*
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 2:39 pm Said:
Thought BTD was supposed to be silly too. They‘re all a bunch of accommodating wimps. There‘s not
one who has the cajones to say he or she was wrong.
o
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 2:44 pm Said:
He wanted anyone but a Republican after dubya, but his choice was for dubya 2. Even though the
signs where there for all to see. Sigh.
o
cwaltz, on April 1, 2010 at 4:42 pm Said:
Actually BTD did admit he was wrong a couple months back. Not that admitting you were wrong and
a nickel will get you coffee though.
As I said to someone who said they voted for Obama and stated that they never figured they‘d get a
unicorn, at the end of the day it doesn‘t really matter WHY you voted for him because the end result is still the
same.
Pottery Barn Rule:You break it, you bought it.
Anything that occurs under Obama is their responsibility since they are the ones who voted him in.
It‘s ironic that the supposed ―Republican‖ holdouts can safely say they did everything in their power
to prevent a Democratic President from forwarding Republican ideals while the New Democrats are left
cheering for a Republican Heritage health care plan or ―drill baby drill‖ or admitting that we were right and they
were wrong about the machinations of Barack Obama.
+
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 4:46 pm Said:
What did he admit he was wrong about?
#
cwaltz, on April 1, 2010 at 10:35 pm Said:
Barack Obama – pretty much the whole entire voting for him thing if I remember correctly.
He expected him to change following his election. Barack‘s pretty much been a
disappointment to him.
He didn‘t go so far as to say PUMAs were right but he did admit that he was wrong.
I find BTD pretty fascinating. I agree with him quite a bit but some of his reasoning seems
faulty.
He says that bloggers/activists need to focus on issues, not pols(which if true would mean
that you would need to be working both sides of the aisle and not be partisan imo). He‘ll tell you not to believe
anything any pol says(again which would mean not to believe anything that a Dem or Republican says which in
my opinion leans more towards an unaffiliated status). Yet he very clearly states he is a partisan Democrat. I
guess he‘s going by what the old school Democrats used to believe and he identifies more strongly with that
brand. His solutionto bad Democrats is to primary. However, why would a primary matter if you can‘t believe
anything either politician says or is saying?
It‘s a bit of a flaw in logic to me. However, I do think he‘s further along then ALOT of the
bloggers in terms of dealing with the reality dealt. I keep searching to see if any of them might actually do
something productive in terms of actually fighting Obama‘s agenda. So far only Jane seems to be trying to
launch some kind of effort(and getting grenades lobbed at her for the effort).
*
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 2:59 pm Said:
BTD is a hypocrite. All we heard about Hillary from him was how tied she was to the DLC and how
much the Big Dawg triangulated. Forget that the DLC played relatively little part in the primaries of 2008 and
that the Bill Clinton faced an overtly hostile and radical Republican controlled Congress and out of control
media when he was president. That right there was enough to disqualify Hillary in the minds of many
Democrats even though Hillary learned how to deflect the Republicans based on 15 years of experience.
Now, we‘re stuck with a guy who came in with more favorable winds at his back than any Democratic
president in my lifetime. He didn‘t have to triangulate AT ALL. The Republicans were never going to vote for his
proposals, the public were panic stricken and demanding change and he had more than enough votes to do
any damn thing he wanted. And what did BTD‘s ―media darling‖ do instead? He gave away the whole store.
Only BTD and other progressive bloggers seem disappointed by this. We‘re not disappointed. We knew what
was going to happen before he even took office back in December of 2008. READ IT AND WEEP. This is not
rocket science. He‘s not a triangulator. Triangulation suggests that the Democrats got something too. They got
nothing for all of Obama‘s political gifts.
BTD should stop trying to salvage his reputation. He caved when it was necessary for him to resist. But
he didn‘t want to be accidentally associated with ―a certain kind of woman‖ like us. We were the rejects. So he
put all his money on Obama and hoped for the best. I suspect he‘s really just a sexist at heart.
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm Said:
Yeah, but we‘re racists.
o
TeresaInPa, on April 1, 2010 at 3:08 pm Said:
shorter blogger boys: Hillary has girl parts, but she is bossy, don‘t like smart women who refuse to
be complacent.
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 3:08 pm Said:
BTD writes a good post, then craps in it:
Let‘s be clear (none / 0) (#15)
by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 01:30:28 PM EST
LIKE ALL POLS, Obama is acting in his own political interest as he perceives it.
From what I know, on the politics, this is a smart move for Obama.
People often think I am criticizing Obama most of the time. I am past that now. Mostly I am
criticizing New Progressives mostly now.
Obama is a pol. And they do what they do.
Progressives need to detach themselves from pols.
Physician heal thyself.
+
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 3:15 pm Said:
A cynical hypocritical fatalist. I guess that gives him an excuse to not hold the party‘s or
Obama‘s feet to the fire. What‘s the point of even blogging a post on a daily basis?
Not only was he wrong in the past, he‘s fucking useless in the present.
#
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 3:19 pm Said:
I gotta front page this shit.
#
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 3:23 pm Said:
Be my guest. I have to do my taxes so I can buy an new air conditioner. If I were an Obama
toe-sucking access blogger, I could have had one by now.
+
Wonk the Vote, on April 1, 2010 at 3:41 pm Said:
Pols will be pols, and progs will be progs. Good thing we elected the media dahling! That really
helped with that progressives-detaching-themselves-from-pols thing.
+
FembotsForObama, on April 1, 2010 at 4:00 pm Said:
Been hearing this from a lot of Obots — Obama is just being a politician!
Not only is this a ridiculous thing to say at this point in his first term, they forget they hailed him
as King of the Progressives who would correct all the wrongs of the Reign of Bush the Shrub.
o
Erica, on April 1, 2010 at 3:52 pm Said:
I‘m disappointed. B0 is MUCH worse than I expected.
(and I was expecting him to be terrible)
o
stodgie, on April 2, 2010 at 11:25 am Said:
i gave up on btd a long time ago. i don‘t read anything he writes and don‘t plan to do so in the
future. ―my beautiful mind‖ needs more nourishment.
―beauftiful mind‖ is taken from the famous barbara bush statement. footnote she just came out of
the hosptial. i hope her health is ok.
*
plural, on April 1, 2010 at 3:32 pm Said:
WTF does triangulation have to do with Obama, who has big Democratic majorities in both houses of
Congress?
He campaigned on ―post-partisanship‖ and they voted for him. Now they‘re trying to blame what he‘s
doing on Clinton?
Please.
*
FembotsForObama, on April 1, 2010 at 4:16 pm Said:
―So, I think we can see what triangulation is, but we‘re not yet clear on what it is not. At all times, in any
era, a president must deal with the Congress he has and not the Congress he might wish to have. Except in
very rare cases (FDR and LBJ) no president has the kind of majorities needed to just impose their will. It is
therefore the norm that a president must compromise with the opposing party.‖
This is CRAZY! Booman completely forgets that Obama had the hugest majorities in both houses of
Congress during his first term! He didn‘t have to compromise with anyone! Clinton was targetted from the get-
go.
Doesn‘t any Obot know history?
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 4:20 pm Said:
Doesn‘t any Obot know history?
No – SASQ
*
propertius, on April 1, 2010 at 4:54 pm Said:
Booman‘s actually right, in a twisted sort of way. What Obama does isn‘t triangulation – if it were we‘d
actually get something. Obama doesn‘t ―triangulate‖, he doesn‘t ―compromise‖, he doesn‘t ―deal‖. Instead, he
just gives away the store.
17.
getfitnow, on April 1, 2010 at 2:23 pm Said:
It doesn‘t matter which side you‘re on, the majority of citizens in this country are against radical change.
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 2:26 pm Said:
Except when they‘re not.
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 2:27 pm Said:
They they should be really happy since we don‘t have any change, but instead almost exactly the same
policies of dubya.
*
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:28 pm Said:
During the Revolution only about 1/3 of the colonials were pro-war
o
kamiron, on April 1, 2010 at 2:55 pm Said:
It doesn‘t get mentioned much, but after the British gave us our independence, something like 1/3 to
1/2 of the colonial population either moved to Canada or went back to Europe.
18.
getfitnow, on April 1, 2010 at 2:27 pm Said:
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/03/31/reflection-on-brains-and-bara
Below is a summary left by one of the readers.
**********************************************
―This penny-ante thug had his rigid, small, sadistic, doctrinaire mind made up for him by radical,
irresponsible and indifferent parents (funny how radicals are always utter messes in their personal lives).
Rootless and unloved – or used – by most adults around him, he bounced around absorbing the Tyrant‘s
lesson that one can slay one‘s personal demons by projecting them onto society and then destroying the
objects onto which those demons are projected.
He was ushered through the thresholds of successive elite institutions as an affirmative action cracker jack
toy for the left without ever being seriously challenged.
(Remember, ―President‖ of the Harvard Law Review is a ceremonial title – not to be confused with the
hands-on smarts required to be editor).
And at every stop, the aim was only to burnish his halo, to create an image that would be an effective
Trojan horse of the left. Lull the masses to sleep with a gift that will absolve them of the original sin of White
Guilt – and once he‘s inside the city walls, release the hounds and stick it to the poor schmucks before the
intoxication of Being Good wears off.
Why, Obama‘s personal traits were always irrelevant to his Great Purpose. Of course it‘s personal traits
that actually forge the mettle of REAL presidents, but Obama is not a president; he‘s a dictator.
Obama is perhaps the most incurious president we‘ve had in my lifetime, and I go back pretty far by now.
See, his job is to tell you what you‘re opinion is and what‘s good for you. And if you know what‘s good for you,
you‘ll get your mind right – and right quick.
The guy is facile, in a callow, presumptuous grad student sort of way. I‘ll give him that. But he didn‘t exactly
win MENSA points with that shocking performance in front of Brett Baier, the only journalist to challenge Our
Dear Leader (may he live and rule over us with benign wisdom for 1,000 years!). Those watching carefully
might have noticed that the emperor wasn‘t wearing any clothes at all.
But emotional intelligence? Overall knowledge? Understanding of economics? History? Geography?
Philosophy? Religion? Science? Math? Human nature? Compassion? Please.
He can‘t even fake decorum. Because he doesn‘t give a damn about any of that. He and his administration
are too busy engineering the institutional shock collar that will FINALLY bring the people to heel with the push
of a button.
The dude‘s a ZERO. Less than zero, actually. What he doesn‘t know could fill a galaxy, and what he does
know is untenable hogwash, populist hokum and long-disproven tenets of a moribund ideology.
But you libs didn‘t hire him for his smarts. You hired him to be a mirror to reflect the pleasing image of your
own moral vanity, or perhaps because your bank accounts benefit from his breathtaking, blatant corruption.
Maybe you really believe that THIS time, unlike throughout the rest of history, Obama will get socialism right.
Or corporate cronyism, or fascism, or Marxism, or whatever facet of this tyranny is prettiest to you.
Or maybe you just hate the legions of regular, hardworking people who once made this country great.
Yeah, the Trojan horse is now within the city walls. And still, after he wreaks utter havoc and destroys the
edifice of this country, smashing institutions and killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, you people look
upon the destruction and wonder how it could have happened; it looked so good on paper.
As Forrest Gump (or was it Bill Clinton?) said, ―stupid is as stupid does.‖ll Clinton?).
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 2:39 pm Said:
Cleanup on isle 3
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 2:44 pm Said:
Some people take April Fools Day seriously.
*
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 2:45 pm Said:
Wingnuts make the feckless Dems look good.
o
RalphB, on April 1, 2010 at 4:02 pm Said:
Don‘t go overboard, though you have a bit of a point.
*
kamiron, on April 1, 2010 at 3:00 pm Said:
I like this description, getfitnow. It makes Obama sound like the Matt Damon character in The Departed.
o
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 3:12 pm Said:
The cop who was really a mobster.
19.
Nijma, on April 1, 2010 at 2:42 pm Said:
Remember that jib-jab video a few years ago about the big box companies? That‘s where American jobs
went, to Asia, where they don‘t have labor laws, where children are allowed to work 13 hour shifts instead of
going to school, where even those wages are not enough to live on.
Even though the American work force would never be expected to work under those conditions, that‘s what
the American work force is expected to compete with. And American workers can‘t compete with that even after
all the shipping costs are totaled up. And every day we buy products made under those conditions, imported
freely. How hard would it be to put fair labor conditions in trade bills?
*
DandyTiger, on April 1, 2010 at 2:51 pm Said:
I believe the response of corps and the government would be something like what Goldfinger said to
Bond after asked if he were expected to talk: No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die..
We‘re not supposed to be able to compete. They don‘t care. They‘re not on our side.
*
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 3:01 pm Said:
So from their point of view, the Chinese would say, that would be possible when their per capita income
and wealth equals the US. The factories I‘ve visited in China were not exactly gulags, though I haven‘t ventured
to the sparser western provinces. BO really needs to clarify his plans for trade and manufacturing jobs.
20.
TeresaInPa, on April 1, 2010 at 3:12 pm Said:
Is anyone else still seeing those Chia Obama commercials on TV?
21.
FembotsForObama, on April 1, 2010 at 4:07 pm Said:
Anybody else see Roman Polanski‘s new film ―The Ghostwriter‖? A subtle remark made by the ghost writer
of the ex-UK prime minister [to paraphrase]: ―Of course I voted for him. Who didn‘t? He was like a God, the
consummate politician who wasn‘t a politician.‖
The ex-PM gets outed for rendition during his reign and the viewers come to know that he was set up by
some mysterious handlers.
How could this NOT be commentary about Obama?
*
FembotsForObama, on April 1, 2010 at 4:09 pm Said:
―The ex-PM gets outed for rendition during his reign and the viewers come to know that he was set up
by some mysterious handlers.‖
I mean to say that we come to know that his whole political career involved a serious group of unknown
handlers.
o
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 4:21 pm Said:
I don‘t watch films made by child rapists.
+
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 4:24 pm Said:
Was Tess of the D‘Urbervilles made before or after he raped the child?
How ironic. It was a beautiful film about a young girl raped by an older man.
#
Three Wickets, on April 1, 2010 at 4:41 pm Said:
But the novel was ok, right? I love all the Hardy books.
#
myiq2xu, on April 1, 2010 at 4:42 pm Said:
After – I guess he brought some ―special insight‖ to that film.
o
riverdaughter, on April 1, 2010 at 4:22 pm Said:
You mean ―everything is run by a small evil group to which no one we know belongs‖?
22.
Mandos, on April 2, 2010 at 10:51 am Said:
Why thank you, I‘ve never had a Doctrine named after me.
23.
DancingOpossum, on April 2, 2010 at 11:10 am Said:
Thomas Hardy‘s ―Tess of the D‘Urbervilles‖ is deservedly a classic. But be forewarned, it is emotionally
devastating, as is the equally beautiful ―Jude the Obscure.‖ Hardy was not a happy soul, and that is clear in his
writing.
And Polanski may be (OK, is) a child rapist, but letting the personal lives of artists influence your choices is
a good way to miss out on a lot of beauty. Polanski‘s movies are mostly masterpieces (I would say that his
―Tess‖ is actually one of his lesser works) — go see ―The Pianist‖ and tell me it doesn‘t blow away every single
Holocaust movie ever made, and makes ―Schindler‘s List‖ look like a cheap greeting card. Similarly
―Rosemary‘s Baby,‖ ―The Ninth Gate,‖ ―The Tenant,‖ the list goes on.
If you don‘t want to consume art made by people with nasty personal lives or hideous personal beliefs,
you‘ll have to skip Swinburne, Descartes, Guaguin, Celine–and Eric Gill, the sculptor and typographer who
invented the Gil Sans typeface:
―This is a good time to reconsider Gill, a quarter of a century after revelations of adultery, incest and
relations with his dog caused a furore in the Catholic press, leading to the Mothers‘ Union call for the
dismantling of his Stations of the Cross in Westminster Cathedral. Since I wrote the biography in question, and
since I love his work, I have watched with some anxiety the long-term effect on Gill‘s reputation. Does
consciousness of artists‘ reprehensible behaviour (Gill in 2006 would no doubt be in prison) put up a barrier
between the viewer and the work? Or does knowledge of the artist‘s life, fallibilities included, amplify and enrich
our understanding of the art?‖
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2006/jul/22/art.art
Date: 4/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: RE: Polls: It just Ain't Pretty « The Confluence
Publication: http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 15902
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 9396
Article_Body:
Chicago Tribune
March 4, 2010
The FAFSA is Faster, Less Furious
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, the FAFSA, is much easier to fill out this
year.
The FAFSA is required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the
federal government is expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the
information submitted on the FAFSA.
It normally takes several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to
shave some time because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1.
According to some reports, this year's FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20
questions. The new version also skips questions that don't apply to your circumstances, said
Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher education services company.
Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts. Also new, said Christel, is an instant
estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation's largest student-aid program. Previously, she
said, students had to wait several weeks for the information.
The Department of Education changed the form in reaction to complaints that it had become too
complicated. That's one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college didn't bother
completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 school year, according to a national study from Sallie
Mae and Gallup.
FILLING OUT THE FAFSA
The documents are available at fafsa.gov.
Students will need their Social Security number, driver's license, 2009 W-2 Forms and other
records of money earned, and 2009 federal income tax return.
You may also need your parents' 2009 federal income tax return if you are a dependent.
Date: 3/4/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: The FAFSA is Faster, Less Furious
Publication: Chicago Tribune
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 501202
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 9459
Article_Body:
College Inc. (Washington Post Blog)
February 2, 2010
FAFSA February
With a newly simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid now ready, Sallie Mae has
rolled out FAFSA February, a monthlong PR campaign to demystify the daunting task of
documenting need.
On a dedicated Web site, families can access new online help and chat with experts.
A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that 24 percent of students didn't compete the
federal form last year, often because they weren't aware of it or didn't think they would qualify
for aid.
Date: 2/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: FAFSA February
Publication: College Inc. (Washington Post Blog)
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 2568411
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 9467
Article_Body:
Champagne Living (Blog)
February 8, 2010
February is FAFSA month!
Ben FINALLY graduated last May, but I remember scrambling to get my taxes done EARLY in
order to fill out the federal FAFSA, so that he'd be eligible for AS MUCH financial aid as
possible. I know that many of you have sons and daughters that will be attending college next
September, so I wanted to take a minute to REMIND you that time if running out on filling out
those FAFSA forms.
For those who are struggling with the process, you can now access new, free online tools to help
you hit the submit button on the all-important aid application. They can also chat with a FAFSA
expert and enter a drawing to win a total of $10,000 in college savings.
Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center at www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA has created
three short videos to make the process a bit easier. College-bound students and parents can learn
what documents they need to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked
questions, and explore next steps in the financial aid process. Families may also download free
FAFSA tips to guide them through the process.
“A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,” said
Barbara O’Brien, Sallie Mae’s director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid
workshops for families. “In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is
eligible for some kind of financial aid—a grant or a low-cost student loan—you just have to
apply for it.”
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night,
Feb. 11, from 9 to 10 p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
Just by going to the Sallie Mae site, you can also enter to win the FAFSA College Savings
$10,000 Giveaway. You must be either a student or parent of a student to enter. The Gold
medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win $3,000, and Bronze will win $1,000 in money for
college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner’s Upromise rewards account, where winners can
continue to earn cash rewards for college.
These great tools are FREE to everyone.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College, 24
percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not
complete the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
Sallie Mae recommends students follow the ―1-2-3 approach‖ to paying for college: first, use
free money by filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for
scholarships, supplemented with current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans.
Third, fill any gap by using a pay-interest-as-you-go private education loan. For example, Sallie
Mae’s Smart Option Student Loan helps ensure that what a student originally borrowed is all
he owes at graduation.
Date: 2/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: February is FAFSA month!
Publication: Champagne Living (Blog)
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 11716
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 9478
Article_Body:
Smart Spending (MSN Blog)
February 2, 2010
FAFSA Form Now Easier Than Sandblasting the Garage
Simplified form, new online resources aim to help students and parents apply for college aid.
Teresa Mears
Here’s good news for prospective college students and their parents: The FAFSA (Free
Application for Federal Student Aid .) has been simplified.
The Kansas City Star notes that ―most high school seniors and their parents would rather
sandblast the oil stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic‖ than complete the form,
which is required to receive federal grants and loans for college.
The Star outlined these improvements in the online form:
The 2010-2011 FAFSA is shorter by about 20 questions. It also eliminates questions
that don’t apply, such as Selective Service information for women.
More help boxes and prompts pop up while you’re filling out the application online,
based on your responses.
Families will get an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, information that used
to come several weeks later.
By summer, families will be able to transfer their federal income tax information to the
form by clicking a link, which will eliminate another set of questions.
The changes are part of an effort by the U.S. Department of Education to streamline the college
financial aid process.
In another effort to help college-bound students and their families, Sallie Mae, the company that
provides federal student loans , has launched ―FAFSA February,‖ unveiling new tips and tools
on its Web site, including three how-to videos.
The agency is planning a national live chat Feb. 11 and is already taking questions online.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College,
24% percent of eligible families did not complete the FAFSA last year, about half of those
because they didn’t know or didn’t expect they would qualify for aid. They should still fill out
the form.
―A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,‖ Barbara
O’Brien, Sallie Mae’s director of high school outreach, said in a news release. ―In reality,
virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial
aid -- grant or a low-cost student loan -- you just have to apply for it.‖
MSN Money columnist Liz Pulliam Weston advises young people and their parents to seek
federal loans before even considering private loans, and the FAFSA is the first step in that
process. Grants, of course, are even better, since they don’t have to be repaid.
The New York Times’ The Choice blog invited readers to submit questions about the application
process and published a seven-part series with responses provided by financial aid expert Mark
Kantrowitz, publisher of the Web sites Finaid.org and Fastweb.com, a scholarship search site.
A commenter to The Choice was pleasantly surprised by the new application process. Steph
wrote: ―Lo and behold, I was done in 10 minutes. No kidding. I nearly wept. Kudos to the
government team that pulled that off!‖
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/blog/page.aspx?post=1600853&_blg=10
Date: 2/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: FAFSA Form Now Easier Than Sandblasting the Garage
Publication: Smart Spending (MSN Blog)
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 4110613
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 11021
Article_Body: Fact: The average amount used to pay for college from federal student loans was $5,327 for the
2008-09 academic year.
Source: "How America Pays for College" August 2009, Sallie Mae & Gallup
Match me now. Use our Wizard to find higher education and professional training programs to move your
career forward
New Health Care Bill to Help Students Pay for College
by: CourseAdvisor
You may have heard about the new U.S. health care bill passed last week, which brings new terms that impact
many groups, including retirees, small businesses, and children. What you may not have heard is that students
struggling to pay for college will also get some help through a federal financial aid bill tied to this new health
care bill. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act has some major changes in store when it comes to
student loans, the Pell Grant, and managing college debt. While you may not see a dramatic impact at first,
what does all of this mean for you?
Date: 4/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: C.L.I.C.K. for Justice & Equality: How the New Health Care Bill is ...
Publication: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 13746
Article_Body:
TheStreet.com
April 1, 2010
Obama Erases Banks From Student Loans
By Joe Mont
BOSTON -- President Barack Obama, who wants to limit banks' investments and charge them fees to pay
for future bailouts, took over student-loan programs in a bid to save $61 billion over 10 years.
As part of the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation, the final legislative piece of health-care reform,
the federal government will now directly dispense loans and grants through the Department of
Education rather than give banks the subsidies to do so via the Federal Family Educational Loan Program
(FFELP).
The new law also:
1. Invests more than $40 billion in Pell Grants, more than doubling the funding available a year ago. By
the 2020-2021 academic school year, more than 820,000 additional Pell Grants will be made. There are
currently nearly 8 million.
2. Expands the existing income-based student-loan repayment program. New borrowers who assume
loans after July 1, 2014, will be able to cap their student-loan repayments at 10% of their discretionary
income and, if they keep up with their payments over time, will have the balance forgiven after 20 years.
Public-service workers -- such as teachers, nurses and those in military service -- will see any remaining
debt forgiven after just 10 years.
3. Includes $2 billion over four years for community colleges.
4. Provides $2.55 billion in mandatory funding for Minority Serving Institutions, such as historically black
colleges.
Not everyone is pleased by the move, deemed by critics as a "government takeover" of the student-loan
industry. America's Student Loan Providers, a coalition of entities in the student-loan industry that are
critical of the new changes, has called the reform package "a loser for students."
The changing system will certainly mean job losses for a portion of the 35,000 workers employed by
organizations that participate in FFELP.
Sallie Mae(SLM), the nation's largest student lender, has announced plans to trim up to a third of
its 8,500 workforce. The company manages $188 billion in education loans and serves 10 million
students.
Thousands of other jobs could also be shed by financial institutions unable to obtain service contracts
the government will award through competitive bidding. The banking industry stands to lose billions of
dollars in federal subsidies, a fact driven home by the strong language deployed by the Obama upon
signing the bill: "A great battle pitting the interests of the banks and financial institutions against the
interests of students finally came to an end."
Critics point out that benefits to students, already scaled back from earlier versions of the bill, have
been further eroded. Eliminating banking industry "middlemen" allows the government to put more
money into Pell Grants, though a third of that increase will be used to defray shortfalls existing with the
perpetually underfunded program. Savings will be applied to reducing the federal deficit ($19 billion)
and defraying the cost of health-care reform ($9 billion).
The effect on consumers can be gleaned from Sallie Mae's 2009 "How America Pays for College" study,
conducted by Gallup. It found that, among U.S. families, 51% received grants and scholarships, 25% of
students borrowed federal loans, 12% of students took out private-education loans and 5% used credit
cards to pay for college expenses. Fifty-eight percent of families paid for college without borrowing at
all.
On an alarming note, 58% of families who borrowed didn't take the student's expected starting salary
into consideration when deciding whether or how much to borrow. In addition, 23% of students couldn't
answer when asked to estimate their future monthly student loan payment. The remaining 77% gave
estimates that showed little correlation with the total amounts the students said they borrowed.
The study also found that nearly one in four families remains ineligible for federal grants or student
loans because they fail to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Almost nine in 10
lower-income families submitted the application but the completion rate drops as income rises. The
survey found that half didn't fill out the FAFSA because they were unaware of it (18%) or they didn't
think their family would qualify (30%).
Date: 4/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Obama Erases Banks From Student Loans
Publication: TheStreet.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 4770679
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 15297
Article_Body:
Admit This! – CollegeView
Fast FAFSA Facts
February 3, 2010
http://www.collegeview.com/admit/?p=1013
The New Year brings some critical deadlines for new and current college students’ financial aid needs.
The most familiar and perhaps most ubiquitous aid issue is the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid.
If you’re going to be a college rookie this year (that is, you’re a high school senior right now), you’ll want
to get familiar with the FAFSA information site. Beyond that, you’ll need to seek other information
resources and options that can help you with the aid application process. Here’s some information
about one such resource that could prove to be helpful:
Applying for student aid can feel overwhelming and complicated. The first deadlines for submitting the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – the first step to getting students the aid they need for
school – are right around the corner. Properly filling out the FAFSA can not only help students plan
financially for coming school years costs, but can also make sure they’re at the front of the line for some
first-come-first serve student aid.
At Sallie Mae we’re raising awareness and providing the resources families need during our “FAFSA
February” campaign.
As part of FAFSA February, Sallie Mae is:
Launching a new website, www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA with resources to help families;
Launching a $10,000 sweepstakes to award money for college to students who sign up at
www.SallieMae.com/fafsa to learn more about the information they need to complete the
FAFSA;
Hosting a free on-line chat with financial aid experts on February 11 for anyone who has
questions about the form.
With federal financial aid application deadlines looming for more than 18 million college-bound
students, Sallie Mae announces “FAFSA February,” a public service initiative to help demystify the often
confusing and universally dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA.
Families can access new, free online tools to help them hit the submit button on the all-important aid
application. They can also chat with a FAFSA expert and enter a drawing to win a total of $10,000 in
college savings.
In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center at
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need
to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked questions, and explore next steps in
the financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the
process.
“A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,” said Barbara
O’Brien, Sallie Mae’s director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families.
“In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial
aid—a grant or a low-cost student loan—you just have to apply for it.”
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night, Feb. 11, from 9
to 10 p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the
availability of financial aid, Sallie Mae is conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway.
Eligible college-bound students, or parents on the student’s behalf, visiting the FAFSA February
Resource Center may enter to win the drawing.* The Gold medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win
$3,000, and Bronze will win $1,000 in money for college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner’s
Upromise rewards account, where winners can continue to earn cash rewards for college.
Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center is available free to anyone at SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College,
24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete
the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
Sallie Mae recommends students follow the “1-2-3 approach” to paying for college: first, use free money
by filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships,
supplemented with current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Third, fill any gap by
using a pay-interest-as-you-go private education loan. For example, Sallie Mae’s Smart Option Student
Loan helps ensure that what a student originally borrowed is all he owes at graduation.
So, you can see that there is lots of help out there for you. Don’t procrastinate about your FAFSA
requirements. After all, what could be more important right now than finding ways to pay for college?
**********
Be sure to check out all my admissions-related articles and book reviews at College Confidential.
Date: 2/3/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Fast FAFSA Facts
Publication: Admit This! – CollegeView
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 95534
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Expressing support
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 15328
Article_Body:
Admit This!
Live Online FAFSA Answers
February 9, 2010
http://www.collegeview.com/admit/?p=1028
In a previous post, I mentioned some very helpful online resources for those of you who will be filling
out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the well-know (and newly revised) FAFSA. If, after
reviewing the online resources I mentioned, you still have FAFSA questions, you now have a chance to
get answers for those questions real-time and online from financial aid experts.
Here, from a new press release, are the details:
Get that FAFSA Done with Help from New
How-to Videos and Expert Online Chat
With federal financial aid application deadlines looming for more than 18 million college-bound
students, Sallie Mae announces “FAFSA February,” a public service initiative to help demystify the often
confusing and universally dreaded ritual of completing the FAFSA.
Families can access new, free online tools to help them hit the submit button on the all-important aid
application. They can also chat with a FAFSA expert and enter a drawing to win a total of $10,000 in
college savings.
In three brief how-to videos, available through Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center at
www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA, college-bound students and parents can learn what documents they need
to complete the aid form, get answers to the most commonly asked questions, and explore next steps in
the financial aid process. Families may also download free FAFSA tips to guide them through the
process.
“A common misconception about financial aid is that only certain students qualify,” said Barbara
O’Brien, Sallie Mae’s director of high school outreach, who conducts financial aid workshops for families.
“In reality, virtually every U.S. citizen attending an accredited college is eligible for some kind of financial
aid—a grant or a low-cost student loan—you just have to apply for it.”
Experts will also answer frequently asked questions about the FAFSA on Thursday night, Feb. 11, from 9
to 10 p.m. EST. To pose a question in advance or join the live chat, visit www.SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
To help spread the word about the importance of completing this financial aid application and the
availability of financial aid, Sallie Mae is conducting the FAFSA College Savings $10,000 Giveaway.
Eligible college-bound students, or parents on the student’s behalf, visiting the FAFSA February
Resource Center may enter to win the drawing. The Gold medalist will win $6,000, Silver will win $3,000,
and Bronze will win $1,000 in money for college. Prizes will be deposited into the winner’s Upromise
rewards account, where winners can continue to earn cash rewards for college.
Sallie Mae’s FAFSA February Resource Center is available free to anyone at SallieMae.com/FAFSA.
According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, How America Pays for College,
24 percent of families did not complete the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete
the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.
Sallie Mae recommends students follow the “1-2-3 approach” to paying for college: first, use free money
by filling out the FAFSA to access need-based grants and research and apply for scholarships,
supplemented with current income and savings. Second, explore federal loans. Third, fill any gap by
using a pay-interest-as-you-go private education loan. For example, Sallie Mae’s Smart Option Student
Loan helps ensure that what a student originally borrowed is all he owes at graduation.
Don’t forget. That live Q&A chat is Thursday, Feb. 11. Be there or be square.
**********
Be sure to check out all my admissions-related articles and book reviews at College Confidential.
Date: 2/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Live Online FAFSA Answers
Publication: Admit This!
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 95534
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Expressing support
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 21217
Article_Body:
Money blog
January 22, 2010
Federal Aid Form for College Now Easier to Complete
By Steve Rosen
(also ran on Money blog on January 23, 2010)
I think it’s safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil
stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid.
However, here’s some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as
FAFSA, is more streamlined and much easier to fill out this year.
The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of Education are available online at
www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified). Don’t confuse the
government’s site with online filing services that charge a filing fee.
The FAFSA is required for nearly all college students seeking financial aid. This year the federal
government alone is expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their
2009 income and investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some
FAFSA questions, though it’s fine to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous
return that can be updated later.
Completing the paperwork normally takes several hours. This year you should be able to shave
some time off the job because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1.
According to some reports, the 2010-2011 FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20
questions. The new version also skips questions that don’t apply to your circumstances, said
Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher education services company.
For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service registration.
Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the
filing process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the
nation’s largest student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks
for the information.
The fixes in FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to
transfer their federal income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link,
thereby eliminating another batch of questions.
The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints
that the process had become too complicated. That’s one reason why 24 percent of families
sending children to college did not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic
year, according to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the
FAFSA: Families didn’t think they were eligible for aid or weren’t aware of the filing
requirement.
As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath and remember that the
reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filling out the FAFSA
•Students will need their Social Security number, driver’s license, 2009 W-2 forms (and other
records of money earned) and 2009 federal income tax return.
•You may also need your parents’ 2009 federal income tax return if you are a dependent.
Date: 1/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Federal Aid Form for College Now Easier to Complete
Publication: Money
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 32893
Article_Body:
ScholarshipsHispanic.net blog
June 6, 2010
Students Paying For College
By admin
The Student Loan Corporation, commonly referred to as Sallie Mae, released their 2009 survey with the Gallup
polling organization about students paying for college. You might be surprised.
According to the survey:
58% of college students in 2009 did not borrow money to do so.
51% received a scholarship or grant
25% used Federal loans.
12% used private loans.
5% used credit cards.
The survey found that parents paid 36% of last year’s college expenses using current income and savings.
Scholarships and grants paid 25% of the bill and loans covered 23%. Students themselves paid 10%, and family and
friends helped with the rest.
The average cost per year of college(tuition, books, room & board) went up 9% across the board in 2009, with
private four year schools experiencing the highest boost at 17%. With the current economy, families may or may
not be able to kick in as high a percentage from savings and current cash flow for 2010, so some creative thinking
is in order. Here’s the costs for the 2008-2009 year:
4 year private school - $32,454
4 year state school – $14,122
2 year public/community – $ 5,608
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to financing a college education, Sallie Mae has always recommended a
1-2-3 approach.
1 – Savings, Scholarships, and Grants.
2 – Federal student loans.
3 – Private student loans.
More and more students are taking it on by themselves, through working and their own savings, or starting a
business strictly to help pay or pay for their college expenses.
If you have young children, the time to start planning is now! Start a college fund, sign up for upromise, if you can
set aside investments for your children’s college expense, do it. Plan how best to cover the costs for your students
paying for college.
http://www.scholarshipshispanic.net/hispanic-scholarships-articles/students-paying-for-college/
Date: 6/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Students Paying For College
Publication: http://www.scholarshipshispanic.net/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 38252
Article_Body:
Goodnewsbroadcast.com
June 20, 2010
Upromise
Even though nine out of 10 parents expect their children will go on to pursue higher education,
only six of them have started saving for it. With the average cost of a four year education at a
private college topping $100,000 (as reported by The College Board), this presents a serious
problem for many families.www.upromise.com www.salliemae.com/
Fortunately, they are not alone. Debby Hohler, Debby is Director of PR for Upromise, has been
an outspoken ally in the battle to improve financial access to higher education. Her company
recently authored a white paper on how the use of tax-advantaged 529 plans can have a more
profound impact; greater adoption of the plans will place higher education within closer reach for
many, particularly among low- and middle-income families.
A 2009 Sallie Mae-Gallup poll found that over half of parents not using 529 plans say it is
because they are not at all familiar with them. As April is National Financial Literacy Month,
this presents a terrific opportunity to educate your core audience of parents on these important
saving and investment tools. Families are aware of how important saving for college is, but the
study shows that they often don’t know the best way to go about it.
To listen to interview: http://www.goodnewsbroadcast.com/component/content/article/90-
education/117521-upromise?directory=83
Date: 6/20/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Upromise
Publication: Goodnewsbroadcast.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 347
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 46779
Article_Body:
Press of Atlantic City
July 4, 2010
New Jersey Agency Will Have Additional $280 Million Available For Student Loans For
2010-11
By DIANE D’AMICO
The New Jersey agency that manages college financial aid will have an additional $280 million
available for student loans for 2010-11 and will be offering it at a lower rate for 10-year loans.
The New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, or HESAA will offer a special
5.99 percent interest rate on NJCLASS loans repaid in 10 years. That rate is 2 percent lower than
the federal PLUS student loans. The state also offers a 20-year repayment plan at 7.59 percent
for undergraduate loans.
―This difference can generate substantial savings for those who need to borrow to attend
college,‖ Michael Angulo, executive director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student
Assistance Authority, said in a press release announcing the new rate.
New Jersey is one of just a few states that offer college loans. HESAA manages all state
financial aid programs, including Tuition Aid Grants, the NJSTARS community college
scholarship program and other merit scholarships such as the Bloustein awards. The Bloustein
awards of about $1,000 were cut from the budget for next year’s freshman class.
NJSTARS funding of about $1.7 million for the fall freshman class had been cut in the state
budget. However, the news of additional loan money follows a recent budget deal that restored
$1 million in NJSTARS funding for freshmen who graduate in the top 15 percent of their class.
NJCLASS loans are available to any New Jersey resident, or any student attending a college in
New Jersey. This is the 19th year they have been offered, and they had been growing in
popularity.
In 2006, HESAA provided 12,000 NJCLASS loans totalling $141.7 million. By 2008-09 almost
28,000 loans were awarded totaling $377 million. That number dropped in 2009-10 when 26,000
loans totaling $358 million were awarded.
In an e-mail Friday, HESAA spokeswoman Annmarie Bouse said there are carryover funds from
last year, which combined with the $280 million in bonds issued last month, should be sufficient
to meet this year’s loan demand.
While more than 40 percent of families do borrow to pay for college, loans are making up a
smaller part of the resources used to pay college costs, according to a national survey.
A 2009 survey by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that while 42 percent of families borrowed some
money for college in 2008-09, the percent of college costs funded through borrowing dropped
from 39 percent in 2007-08 survey to 23 percent in 2008-09. Parents borrowed 9 percent of the
costs, while students borrowed 14 percent.
In 2008, 67 percent of students said they would borrow rather than not attend college. That
percentage dropped to 53 percent in 2009.
Paul Shelly, spokesman for the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, said during the
recession colleges have been trying to give students more financial aid themselves, which may
mean students did not have to borrow as much to cover their costs.
―But NJCLASS is still important because it offers another option,‖ he said. ―There is no
downside to having this money available.‖
While HESAA has also reported an increase in the volume of loan defaults, Bouse said they
reflect the increased number of loans, and the default rate remains at about 2 percent.
It is still early in the lending cycle, so Bouse said they could not say whether there might be a
shift in loan requests this year. Students are advised not to apply for loans until they have
received their final financial aid package from their college, so that they can keep borrowing to a
minimum. Most loan applications are received in August and September.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/top_three/article_935e9dcc-87d6-11df-9e42-
001cc4c002e0.html
Date: 7/4/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: New Jersey Agency Will Have Additional $280 Million Available For Student Loans For 2010-11
Publication: Press of Atlantic City
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 207231
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 47456
Article_Body: The New Jersey agency that manages college financial aid will have an additional $280 million
available for student loans for 2010-11 and will be offering it at a lower rate for 10-year loans. The New Jersey
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, or HESAA will offer a special 5.99 percent interest rate on
NJCLASS loans repaid in 10 years. That rate is 2 percent lower than the federal PLUS student loans. The state
also offers a 20-year repayment plan at 7.59 percent for undergraduate loans. ―This difference can generate
substantial savings for those who need to borrow to attend college,‖ Michael Angulo, executive director of the
New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, said in a press release announcing the new rate.
New Jersey is one of just a few states that offer college loans. HESAA manages all state financial aid
programs, including Tuition Aid Grants, the NJSTARS community college scholarship program and other merit
scholarships such as the Bloustein awards. The Bloustein awards of about $1,000 were cut from the budget for
next year‘s freshman class. NJSTARS funding of about $1.7 million for the fall freshman class had been cut in
the state budget. However, the news of additional loan money follows a recent budget deal that restored $1
million in NJSTARS funding for freshmen who graduate in the top 15 percent of their class. NJCLASS loans are
available to any New Jersey resident, or any student attending a college in New Jersey. This is the 19th year
they have been offered, and they had been growing in popularity. In 2006, HESAA provided 12,000 NJCLASS
loans totalling $141.7 million. By 2008-09 almost 28,000 loans were awarded totaling $377 million. That
number dropped in 2009-10 when 26,000 loans totaling $358 million were awarded. In an e-mail Friday,
HESAA spokeswoman Annmarie Bouse said there are carryover funds from last year, which combined with the
$280 million in bonds issued last month, should be sufficient to meet this year‘s loan demand. While more than
40 percent of families do borrow to pay for college, loans are making up a smaller part of the resources used to
pay college costs, according to a national survey. A 2009 survey by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that while 42
percent of families borrowed some money for college in 2008-09, the percent of college costs funded through
borrowing dropped from 39 percent in 2007-08 survey to 23 percent in 2008-09. Parents borrowed 9 percent of
the costs, while students borrowed 14 percent. In 2008, 67 percent of students said they would borrow rather
than not attend college. That percentage dropped to 53 percent in 2009. Paul Shelly, spokesman for the New
Jersey Council of County Colleges, said during the recession colleges have been trying to give students more
financial aid themselves, which may mean students did not have to borrow as much to cover their costs. ―But
NJCLASS is still important because it offers another option,‖ he said. ―There is no downside to having this
money available.‖ While HESAA has also reported an increase in the volume of loan defaults, Bouse said they
reflect the increased number of loans, and the default rate remains at about 2 percent. It is still early in the
lending cycle, so Bouse said they could not say whether there might be a shift in loan requests this year.
Students are advised not to apply for loans until they have received their final financial aid package from their
college, so that they can keep borrowing to a minimum. Most loan applications are received in August and
September.
Date: 7/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: New Jersey agency will have additional $280 million available for student loans for 2010-11
Publication: http://pressofatlanticcity.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 205479
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 51988
Article_Body: I think it's safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil
stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
However, here's some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as FAFSA, is more
streamlined and much easier to fill out this year. The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of
Education are available online at www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified).
Don't confuse the government's site with some online filing services that charge a filing fee. The FAFSA is
required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the federal government alone is
expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the information submitted on the FAFSA.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their 2009 income and
investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some FAFSA questions, though it's fine
to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous return that can be updated later. It normally takes
several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to shave some time off the job
because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1. According to some reports, the 2010-2011
FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20 questions. The new version also skips questions that
don't apply to your circumstances, said Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher
education services company. For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service
registration. Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the filing
process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation's largest
student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for the information. The fixes in
FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to transfer their federal
income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link, thereby eliminating another batch of
questions. The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that the
process had become too complicated. That's one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college did
not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year, according to a national study from Sallie
Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the FAFSA: Families didn't think they were eligible for aid or
weren't aware of the filing requirement. As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath,
and remember that the reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
___ FILLING OUT THE FAFSA Students will need their Social Security number, driver's license, 2009 W-2
Forms and other records of money earned, and 2009 federal income tax return. You may also need your
parents' 2009 federal income tax return, if you are a dependent. ___ (c) 2010, The Kansas City Star. Visit The
Star Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.kansascity.com. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune
Information Services.
Date: 7/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Filling out student loan form gets easier
Publication: http://www.fox43.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 74398
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 52307
Article_Body: I think it's safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil
stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
However, here's some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as FAFSA, is more
streamlined and much easier to fill out this year. The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of
Education are available online at www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified).
Don't confuse the government's site with some online filing services that charge a filing fee. The FAFSA is
required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the federal government alone is
expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the information submitted on the FAFSA.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their 2009 income and
investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some FAFSA questions, though it's fine
to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous return that can be updated later. It normally takes
several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to shave some time off the job
because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1. According to some reports, the 2010-2011
FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20 questions. The new version also skips questions that
don't apply to your circumstances, said Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher
education services company. For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service
registration. Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the filing
process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation's largest
student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for the information. The fixes in
FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to transfer their federal
income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link, thereby eliminating another batch of
questions. The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that the
process had become too complicated. That's one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college did
not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year, according to a national study from Sallie
Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the FAFSA: Families didn't think they were eligible for aid or
weren't aware of the filing requirement. As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath,
and remember that the reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
___ FILLING OUT THE FAFSA Students will need their Social Security number, driver's license, 2009 W-2
Forms and other records of money earned, and 2009 federal income tax return. You may also need your
parents' 2009 federal income tax return, if you are a dependent. ___ (c) 2010, The Kansas City Star. Visit The
Star Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.kansascity.com. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune
Information Services.
Date: 7/18/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Filling out student loan form gets easier
Publication: http://www.ct.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 52308
Article_Body: I think it's safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil
stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
However, here's some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as FAFSA, is more
streamlined and much easier to fill out this year. The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of
Education are available online at www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified).
Don't confuse the government's site with some online filing services that charge a filing fee. The FAFSA is
required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the federal government alone is
expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the information submitted on the FAFSA.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their 2009 income and
investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some FAFSA questions, though it's fine
to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous return that can be updated later. It normally takes
several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to shave some time off the job
because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1. According to some reports, the 2010-2011
FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20 questions. The new version also skips questions that
don't apply to your circumstances, said Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher
education services company. For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service
registration. Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the filing
process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation's largest
student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for the information. The fixes in
FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to transfer their federal
income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link, thereby eliminating another batch of
questions. The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that the
process had become too complicated. That's one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college did
not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year, according to a national study from Sallie
Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the FAFSA: Families didn't think they were eligible for aid or
weren't aware of the filing requirement. As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath,
and remember that the reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
___ FILLING OUT THE FAFSA Students will need their Social Security number, driver's license, 2009 W-2
Forms and other records of money earned, and 2009 federal income tax return. You may also need your
parents' 2009 federal income tax return, if you are a dependent. ___ (c) 2010, The Kansas City Star. Visit The
Star Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.kansascity.com. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune
Information Services. ___
Date: 7/17/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Filling out student loan form gets easier
Publication: http://www.fox40.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 100812
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 52317
Article_Body: I think it's safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil
stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
However, here's some news that should make filers rejoice: The federal aid form, known as FAFSA, is more
streamlined and much easier to fill out this year. The 2010-2011 documents from the U.S. Department of
Education are available online at www.fafsa.gov (even the government Web address has been simplified).
Don't confuse the government's site with some online filing services that charge a filing fee. The FAFSA is
required for virtually all college students seeking financial aid. This year, the federal government alone is
expected to award more than $168 billion in student aid based on the information submitted on the FAFSA.
Most families fill out the student-aid application online. Parents and students will need their 2009 income and
investment information from their federal income tax return to answer some FAFSA questions, though it's fine
to provide either estimates or numbers from your previous return that can be updated later. It normally takes
several hours to complete the paperwork. But this year, you should be able to shave some time off the job
because of the application makeover that was rolled out Jan. 1. According to some reports, the 2010-2011
FAFSA shortens the application process by about 20 questions. The new version also skips questions that
don't apply to your circumstances, said Patricia Nash Christel, a spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, the higher
education services company. For example, she said, female students are not asked about Selective Service
registration. Online filers also will see more help boxes and prompts based on information provided in the filing
process. Also new, said Christel, is an instant estimate of eligibility for the Pell grant, the nation's largest
student-aid program. Previously, she said, students had to wait several weeks for the information. The fixes in
FAFSA are only the beginning, Christel said. By summer, families should be able to transfer their federal
income tax information to the financial aid form by clicking on a link, thereby eliminating another batch of
questions. The Department of Education revamped the electronic form mostly in reaction to complaints that the
process had become too complicated. That's one reason 24 percent of families sending children to college did
not bother completing the FAFSA in the 2009-2010 academic year, according to a national study from Sallie
Mae and Gallup. Other reasons for not filing the FAFSA: Families didn't think they were eligible for aid or
weren't aware of the filing requirement. As for this year, set aside quiet time to concentrate, take a deep breath,
and remember that the reward for submitting the FAFSA may well be low-cost or free money to pay for college.
___ FILLING OUT THE FAFSA Students will need their Social Security number, driver's license, 2009 W-2
Forms and other records of money earned, and 2009 federal income tax return. You may also need your
parents' 2009 federal income tax return, if you are a dependent. ___ (c) 2010, The Kansas City Star. Visit The
Star Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.kansascity.com. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune
Information Services.
Date: 7/17/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Filling out student loan form gets easier
Publication: http://www.wtvr.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 119370
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 55579
Article_Body: How America Pays for College (Free Webinar Sallie Mae & Gallup) August 12th
http://bit.ly/98Alpe #highered #studentaffairs #college #sachat
Date: 7/26/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How America Pays for College (Free Webinar Sallie Mae & Gallup)
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60800
Article_Body:
Post from The CollegeBound Network
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Aug 09, 2010 06:45 PM by The CollegeBound Network
Tomorrow, Gallup and Sallie Mae are releasing the results of a survey they conducted about college
financing. We get excited about things like that.
Date: 8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from The CollegeBound Network
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 807
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60816
Article_Body:
NBC News “Today”
August 9, 2010
Sharon Epperson, CNBC, Gives Tips On Paying For College
ANN CURRY, co-host:
Back now at 8:21 with the question being asked by a lot of parents and students these days: how will we afford
college? Well, tomorrow Gallup and Sallie Mae released their annual "How America Pays For College" survey, and
here with the first look at the findings is CNBC's Sharon Epperson.
Sharon, great to have you here, as always.
SHARON EPPERSON reporting:
Good morning. Good to be here.
CURRY: Well, the numbers tell the story. Seventy percent of those in the survey agree that a college degree is
becoming more important. But still, three-fourths of the same people in the survey don't have any plan for paying for
college. And college costs are becoming more expensive.
EPPERSON: Increasingly more expensive, and what this survey found was astoundingly people are saying that
they're paying even more, 17 percent more, for all of the college expenses than they did even a year ago.
CURRY: Hm.
EPPERSON: They're looking at nearly $19,000 that they're saying that they're paying for college with everything
included without financial aid. And that compares to about $16,000 a year ago. Now keep in mind, people are
looking at all of their expenses and they may not be considering the grants and scholarships and things that they're
getting. But this is a heavy price tag, but they're willing to pay it.
TEXT:
Total Cost of College Attendance
2009 2010 $15,931 $18,659
Source: SallieMae/Gallup
CURRY: Mm-hmm. At the same time, to help then parents dig deeper to save, you say for people who've got
younger children, they should really consider this 529 college saving plan that we've been hearing about. But why
do you say that given that, well, especially as the market has gone down, this can actually take a knock, you can
actually lose your savings.
EPPERSON: It can take a knock if you have a lot of it in stocks.
CURRY: Hm.
EPPERSON: What you should be doing if your child is 16, 17, even 15 years old, you want to have a--reduce your
stock holdings in this 529 plan. What the 529 plan does, a lot of folks do it by age allocation. And so as your child
gets older, it gets and more conservative. Make sure that the 529 plan that you're in has 15 percent or less invested in
the stock market as they get to those late teens years approaching college.
CURRY: OK.
EPPERSON: And know that you can also have that invested just in money markets and CDs. It does not have to be
invested even in bonds.
CURRY: And you can have other family also contribute to that fund, which is also a good idea.
EPPERSON: That's a great thing--yeah, that's a great thing to do.
CURRY: But you also--for people who've got kids going into school this fall, you say a lot of them don't realize
there's something called a Hope Scholarship Tax Credit. What is that?
EPPERSON: A lot of people don't understand that that's a $2500 tax credit that you can get.
CURRY: How do you get it?
EPPERSON: A tax credit for--you put it--you put it on your federal income tax form. You make sure that you apply
for that tax credit, and again that's a dollar for dollar credit for tuition, books, supplies. That's something a lot of
people forget about.
CURRY: The only way to get access to federal and state grants and loans is submit what's commonly called a free
application for student aid. Now how do you do that? What's the deadline? Can that work for this fall?
EPPERSON: That's a FAFSA form, and that's surprisingly, this survey found, one out of four families did not apply
for this form, did not fill out this form thinking that they would not get any federal grants or aid. This is what you
need to fill out to get state grants, to get federal grants. It's not too late. Normally you really need to do it right after
January 1st. You want to make sure you have that all together.
CURRY: But you're saying it's not too...
EPPERSON: But it's not too late to do it. Now, there are a lot of rolling programs...
CURRY: For this fall.
EPPERSON: ...that you can do, and you maybe able to do...
CURRY: And where do you get this form? You just go online?
EPPERSON: You can go online to get it, yes.
CURRY: OK, where do you get it online?
EPPERSON: FAFSA.
CURRY: Fa--fee--F-A...
EPPERSON: F-A-F-S-A.
CURRY: OK. Interest rates, by the way, on federal loans is actually pretty good. So that's another reason to think
about that right now.
EPPERSON: Always do federal loans first. They're usually cheaper, better terms and better repayment programs. So
you want to do those first and then look at the private loans. And, of course, those are variable loans on the rate, so
that's why you want to do the federal loans first.
CURRY: There are free searches online for scholarships.
EPPERSON: Always do free. Never pay for a scholarship search. You want to do fastweb.com. There are so many
scholarships available there. Also the collegeboard.com and salliemae.com.
CURRY: There are ways to reduce expenses for books and for food and board.
EPPERSON: You want to look at perhaps renting your books. That can save you so much money. Bookrenter.com,
chegg.com. Also look at buying online. Buying used books or buying books that are several editions ago. Check
with the professors, of course, first to make sure you can buy these older editions.
TEXT:
Paying For College
Free scholarship searches are available at salliemae.com/scholarship & fastweb.com
Buy or rent books online at bookrenter.com, chegg.com, textbooks.com, and barnesandnoble.com
CURRY: OK, and there's also a Web site to help you learn how to save. By the way, all this is going to be on our
Web site.
EPPERSON: Finaid.org, yes. Very important to look at that.
CURRY: Sharon Epperson, thank you so much.
To view clip: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/38623045#38623045
Date: 8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sharon Epperson, CNBC, Gives Tips On Paying For College
Publication: NBC News: Today
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 297372
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60817
Article_Body:
CNBC.com
August 10, 2010
Seven Strategies For Paying For College In Tough Times
By: Sharon Epperson
As incoming freshmen start packing up and heading off to campus and high-school seniors contemplate what they
need to do to prepare applications this fall, many parents and students are asking the question: How are we going to
pay for college?
Many families have no clue. In its annual study released today, Sallie Mae and Gallup found that in this economic
climate, most parents -- about 70 percent of those surveyed -- say a college degree is more important than ever, yet
nearly three-quarters of families admitted they have no plan for how they'll pay for it!
Families may be willing to stretch financially to pay for college, but it's important to be smart about how to make it
more affordable. Costs are skyrocketing -- or at least to many families, college costs seem to be taking an even
bigger financial toll. According to the SallieMae/Gallup study, the total cost of attendance including tuition, room
and board and other school costs (not including financial aid) totaled $18,659 in the 2009-10 school year, a 17%
jump from the previous year and up 28% from two years ago.
Double-digit percentage increases in tuition and fees at public universities in some states -- including Arizona,
California, Florida, Massachusetts and New York -- may have contributed to the overall rise. Also parents may be
realizing that a lot more that goes into the college costs than merely tuition and fees. The College Board has
estimated other student costs averaged about $12,500 in the 2009-10 school year. Add to that the fact that many
families' financial situation has declined sharply in the past few years.
But parents' response to rising college costs has been to dig deeper into every source, says Dr. Bill Diggins, Gallup's
lead reseacher on the study. "Parents are using more of their own income and savings and students are borrowing
more. They're also taking steps to reduce expenses," Diggins says. Half of parents in the SallieMae/Gallup survey
say they're working more and two out of five students are living at home to keep costs down.
What else can they do to help foot the college bill? Here are 7 other strategies families should consider to help pay
for college during these tough times:
-529 College Savings Plans: These plans are tax-advantaged when used for higher education, have no income
limitations, and are easily transferrable to another beneficiary if needed. This year, students can even cover the cost
of a new computer out of 529 plan funds. Parents concerned about the performance of 529 plans over the past few
years, particuarly in 2008, should make sure it invests very conservatively as the child gets close to college years.
For a student who is 17 or older, play it safe with 15% or less of the 529 holdings in the stock market, suggests
Joseph Hurley, founder of Savingforcollege.com. Many 529 plans have also added certificates of deposit and money
market funds to their offerings since the recession.
-FAFSA: Don't assume you won't qualify for any aid. Fill out the FAFSA form to be sure. Nearly one out of four
families did not submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, according to the
SallieMae/Gallup study. This is the gateway to accessing many federal and state grants and loans. It's not too late to
fill out the FAFSA form now for the 2010-11 school year, though most state deadlines have already passed. Make
sure you're ready as soon after January 1st as possible to complete the FAFSA for the next school year.
-Scholarships: Don't pass up free money! Scholarships aren't only need-based -- even wealthier families can get
some help. Nearly one-third of families with incomes over $150,000 a year covered costs with scholarship money,
according to the SallieMae/Gallup study. Students should start to research scholarships in their sophomore and
junior years in high school to find out the type of community service activities and essays that may be required.
"Don't ever pay for scholarship databases," says Sandy Baum, an economist at The College Board. Free scholarship
searches are available at www.fastweb.com, www.collegeboard.com and www.salliemae.com/scholarships.
·-Federal vs. Private Student Loans: If you need to borrow, look at federal student loans first and then consider
private loans if you still have a gap. "Federal loans are cheaper, more readily available and have better repayment
terms than private student loans," says Mark Kantrowitz, founder and publisher of FinAid.org, one of the most
comprehensive sources of student financial aid information. Interest rates on federal student loans are fixed at 6.8%
and loan maximums range from $5,500 for freshmen (dependent students) to $7,500 for seniors. If you're eligible for
a need-based federal loan, interest rates are lower this year at a 4.5% fixed rate. Private student loan rates are often
variable and not all private loans are created equally. Look around and consider the total cost over the life of the
loan, Kantrowitz suggests. Also, paying all or partial interest while in school and finding a loan with a shorter-loan
term can save you significantly.
-Reduce expenses. Living off-campus (if not at home) can be a huge savings on room and board. Hit the books for
less by renting books online at sites like Bookrenter.com and Chegg.com. Half.com (a subsidiary of eBay) offers
textbooks for a fraction of their retail cost and you can sell them at the site too. Students on a meal plan should opt
for one for the allows more flexibilty by covering meals for the semester, rather than a weekly allotment. And, cut
back Starbucks and Jamba Juice runs for that energy boost. A $4 drink per day, five days a week, 40 weeks a year
translates to a cost of $800 a year!
-Tax Credits: Don't overlook income tax credits. The Hope Scholarship Tax Credit offers a credit of up $2,500 for
tuition, fees and books and supplies for the 2010 tax year. But there are income limitations -- $90,000 for single
filers, $180,000 if you file a joint return. Go to www.irs.gov to see if you're eligible.
-BUILD A PLAN! Most important, make sure your plan covers the student's entire college stay and consider what
the starting salary will need to be after graduation to keep loan payments manageable. A general rule of thumb: "A
student's debt at graduation should not exceed their starting salary over the first few years," Baum says. Calculators
at www.finaid.org, www.collegeboard.com and www.salliemae.com/invest can help parents and students figure out
how to budget for college costs.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/38629051
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Seven Strategies For Paying For College In Tough Times
Publication: http://www.cnbc.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 3321403
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60818
Article_Body:
Star Tribune
August 10, 2010
Families Scrape To Pay For College
Tapping nest eggs, leaning on relatives and dining out less: It's what families are doing to send kids to college.
By Kara Mcguire
Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors close because I don't have a
college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo. That's why she's encouraging her kids to attend college no matter
the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma.
The recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, having to
borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message
from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday.
"Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an
investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some
erosion there, but we have not."
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is an
investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. Most parents continue to believe college is so important that they're
willing to stretch to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to
make college more affordable.
"Families are telling me, 'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school.
We've cut back,'" said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. He also is
hearing from more families that have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone
through our savings and I don't have credit to co-sign a loan.'"
In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to accept tuition on a
monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
Average annual cost up 24%
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college-related expenses -- from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses -- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey.
Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing
and student income and savings. While gift money from relatives and friends made up the smallest piece of the pie,
it is the fastest-growing piece, rising by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie may look quite
different from the average.
Middle-income families are feeling the squeeze most. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000
paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also
borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found.
Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 once all expenses are factored
in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth if she didn't
have a post-graduation plan to attend law school.
"A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is focused, he willingly
paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college savings account.
She also borrowed a small amount of money via federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back.
Student loan debt soars
Not everyone is so fortunate. Yet with the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the
stalled economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that
degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt -- a figure that surpasses the $826.5
billion in revolving credit owed, according to an analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org.
Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American
consumer's next financial crisis.
Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is forcing his
clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources they wouldn't
have considered in the past. Some are turning to relatives and friends for money. Others are tapping retirement
accounts. A few have resorted to borrowing against a stock portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said. Six percent of those
surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college costs last school year. The same
percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those
surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home equity to pay for college, even though tighter credit
conditions and declining home values shut off this option for many families. The good news is that more families
are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that some parents have planned ahead.
It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, to put money away for college, especially
after the store he managed went out of business. So they're helping in other ways. She cosigned loans for their eldest
son, a senior at Bemidji State University. They're letting another son, Jake Letofsky, live at home rent-free while
completing general requirements at North Hennepin Community College, a decision that will save him thousands of
dollars toward a nursing degree he plans to pursue at Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students
reported living at home to reduce costs. Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters.
Although most students believe they need a college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some
are beginning to question whether an education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority -- 53 percent -- of
those surveyed in 2010 feel college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/100311969.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUqyE5D7UiD3aPc:_Yyc:
aU7DYaGEP7vDEh7P:DiUs
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families Scrape To Pay For College
Publication: http://www.startribune.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1455172
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60819
Article_Body:
Cincinnati Enquirer
August 9, 2010
Survey: Parents Dig Deeper For College
By Cliff Peale
More parents are raiding their own pocketbooks - and their own retirement accounts - to pay for their child's college
education.
With tuition, books and housing costs continuing to rise and many savings accounts still bruised from the 2008
stock-market crash, parents are covering nearly half of the total costs and most of last year's increase, according to a
new survey from Gallup and Sallie Mae.
"As economic times get tougher, they're saying, 'I'm going to stretch myself,'" said Bill Diggins, Gallup's lead
researcher on the annual study released today.
In the typical family, student borrowing increased by about $675 to about $3,400 in 2009-10 from the previous year,
while the parents' contribution from income, savings and loans increased by about $2,300, to more than $11,000.
Total average costs jumped more than 20 percent to more than $24,000 a year, the survey showed.
The survey is validation of the obvious for tens of thousands of families throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern
Kentucky who are struggling to pay higher tuition and housing costs while dealing with lost jobs and depleted
savings.
At the University of Cincinnati, for example, tuition and fees on the main campus will increase 7 percent this fall to
more than $10,000, passing that threshold for the first time ever. Meanwhile, every college in the area increased
tuition and many families pay $1,500 a year or more for books.
Dan Bisig operates College & Beyond, a consultancy firm in Covington that helps families plan for college
expenses. He said most families haven't saved anywhere close to what they need to save for college.
"Now they're lucky if they've got enough saved to cover the first year," Bisig said. "Parents are taking personal loans
and they're tapping into 401(k) plans. They're doing whatever it takes to get the kids through college."
All financing sources are increasing, including federal and private loans. According to the Project on Student Debt,
nearly two-thirds of those graduating from four-year colleges carried debt in 2008, with an average of $23,200, up
24 percent from 2004.
But the Sallie Mae/Gallup survey documents how deeply parents are digging into their own savings or other assets
and how increasing costs are affecting college decisions. Nearly two-thirds of students have stopped considering
schools because of financial considerations, up from 56 percent the year before.
One of those parents is Greg Otis of Monfort Heights. Otis, a partner at GBBN Architects, Downtown, and his wife
have taken out a second mortgage and are drawing from their 401(k) account, all part of a strategy to pay for two
children in college, with another in high school now.
Their daughter is at Christ Hospital College of Nursing after two years at UC, and their son is a sophomore at Ohio
State University. Combined, the couple will pay about $40,000 this year, with the children taking responsibility for
about 20 percent of total costs.
"Obviously, we had other plans (for that money)," Otis said. "But that's on hold until we get through this needle-hole
of time."
The family has stopped eating out as much as went two years without a vacation before this summer, but the
sacrifices are worth it, Otis said.
"Our children haven't lost anything in terms of positioning themselves for success," he said. "That's one thing we
would not compromise."
Gallup conducted the survey of more than 1,600 families starting in March. The full sample carries a margin of error
of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100809/NEWS0102/8100315/Digging-deeper-for-college
Date: 8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Survey: Parents Dig Deeper For College
Publication: http://news.cincinnati.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 537468
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60820
Article_Body:
Oregonian
August 9, 2010
American Families Report Deeper Sacrifices To Pay For College
Bill Graves
Despite a sluggish and uncertain economy, American families are working more, cutting expenses and digging
deeper into savings and debt to pay the climbing costs of college, according to a national survey released today.
Tom and Lenore Woods, who teach at the same Eugene middle school, will rely on their Oregon and Utah college
savings plans to send their daughter, Alena Woods, 18, to Portland State University this year.
"That is going to pay for the first year or so," said Tom Woods, who says he's been cutting back on spending to
invest more in the plans. But after that, he said, "we may have to look at loans."
Notwithstanding the costs, the Woods have no second thoughts about sending Alena to study at PSU. As with two-
thirds of the families surveyed by Gallup for Sallie Mae Corp., a college lender, they agree that a college degree is
more important now than ever.
The survey was a national sample of 1,624 students ages 18 to 24, and parents with children of that age group in
two-year and four-year public and private colleges.
The survey showed 53 percent of students are in public universities, 23 percent in community colleges, and 19
percent in private colleges with the rest in private two-year colleges.
Families reported that they sacrificed more last year for college. Three in four families reported cutting spending,
and half increased work hours or earnings to help pay for college. Forty-three percent of families reported their
students lived at home while in college to save money.
"Families are digging deeper to invest in what they value," said Patricia Nash Christel, spokesperson for Sallie Mae.
"At the same time, they are taking practical steps to reduce the costs."
Parents continue to provide the single biggest source of money for college, on average shelling out about one-fifth
the total cost from savings and earnings. Fifteen percent of families last year drew on state 529 college savings plans
that provide tax breaks, up from 11 percent the previous year.
Sam Shumaker, a construction worker from Gig Harbor, Wash., said he's relying on his college savings plan to help
support two children at Portland State University.
He began investing 17 years ago for his son, Joel Shumaker, who registered at PSU last week to study
environmental engineering.
The number of accounts in Oregon's college saving plan has climbed from 117,000 in 2008 to 126,500 this year, but
contributions have declined during that period from $194 million a year to $85 million. The savings fund totals $1.1
billion.
Thomas Varga, 18, of Beaverton, also will get help from his parents' saving plan. But, as with most students, that is
only one source.
Another stems from his high achievement at Southridge High School, which won him a $32,000, four-year
presidential scholarship to the University of Oregon. In addition he works summers for a landscape firm and hopes
to get a job as a residential assistant in a UO dormitory after next year to earn free room and board.
The Gallup survey showed that grants and scholarships accounted for about 23 percent of the money students raise
for college.
While some students don't borrow, many students borrowed more than in the previous year, with 28 percent taking
out federal loans averaging $5,807, and 13 percent taking private loans averaging $8,584.
Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian James Johnson, 23, a sophomore at Portland State University, says he is relying
almost entirely on loans to pay for college and is looking at $32,000 in debt after two years.
James Johnson, 23, of Portland, said that he has no source of money other than a part-time janitor job to pay for his
studies as a sophomore physics major at PSU. So he's relied on loans. He figures he'll be $32,000 in debt by the end
of his sophomore year and worries about getting "tapped out" and unable to finance his graduate studies.
Brittany Duffy-Goche, 21, of North Portland, a junior at PSU, is working three jobs, including one with student
government as a lobbyist, but she still must borrow. She expects to graduate $15,000 in debt. She said she worries
about the economy and debt and students who are ―getting priced out of an education.‖
The Gallup survey shows families are more anxious about future costs than in previous years. A majority of parents
said college is a worthy investment, but a higher number also worry that tuition will rise, scholarships and grants
will shrink, the value of their investments and homes will decline and their children won't be able to find jobs.
Families reported they paid, on average, a total of $24,097, a 24 percent increase over the previous year.
Actual college cost increases, however, have not been nearly that sharp. The College Board, which sponsors the
SAT, reports an average 6.5 percent increase in tuition and 5.4 percent increase in room and board for public
colleges and universities nationwide last year and a 6.2 percent increase in tuition for private colleges.
The Board notes, however, that for 15 percent of full-time public college students, tuition climbed by 12 percent or
more.
In Oregon, the total costs of college climbed last year between 3 percent and 7.5 percent in the state's seven public
universities, and actually dropped 5.2 percent at Eastern Oregon University. Costs rose an average 5 percent in the
state's nine largest private colleges.
The larger increases in the Gallup survey reflect the unreliability of self-reported costs, particularly for trends, said
Melanie Corrigan, director of national initiatives for the American Council on Education, an organization of college
presidents.
The survey is more valuable in showing how families are paying for college and where they are feeling pressure, she
said.
http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2010/08/american_families_report_deepe.html
Date: 8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: American Families Report Deeper Sacrifices To Pay For College
Publication: http://www.oregonlive.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1298942
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Offering an opinion
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60821
Article_Body:
Fastweb.com
August 9, 2010
Survey Says: Families Perceive College Costs as Increasing by 17% Compared with Last
Year
Mark Kantrowitz
Sallie Mae and Gallup just released the results of their third annual survey of how American
families pay for college. The survey found that families perceived college costs as increasing by
more than 17% compared with last year. As a result, families are becoming more cost conscious
in their college choices.
Family estimates of the total cost of attendance increased 17% from $15,931 in 2008-09 to $18,659 in 2009-10. The
amounts families said they paid to cover all college costs increased even further, from $19,432 in 2008-09 to
$24,097 in 2009-10, a 24% increase.
This college cost data is self-reported and reflects family perceptions of college costs. Actual increases in the cost of
attendance are much lower as measured by the College Board (4.4% to 7.3%) and the tuition inflation component of
the Consumer Price Index (6.0%). But it is the family perceptions of college costs that influence their behavior.
Almost three-quarters of the survey sample attended public colleges, which may partly explain the dramatic increase
in perceived college costs. College tuition rates in California increased by 32% this year, with double digit increases
also in Arizona, Florida and a handful of other states. Public college tuition rates are likely to experience double
digit increases again next year, when the stimulus bill funding runs out. State income tax revenues have not
recovered enough to replace the stimulus bill funding, and state support of higher education is one of the first budget
areas cut by the state legislature. When state funding decreases, public colleges are forced to raise tuition to
compensate.
Lenders have also tightened credit criteria for the types of non-federal debt often used to finance a college education,
such as private student loans and home equity loans and lines of credit. This may have forced more families to pay
for college from savings, making them feel as though the college costs have increased dramatically. Spending from
income and savings has a more direct impact on the family budget than borrowing. The Sallie Mae survey found
that the greatest increase in spending was from parent income and savings, with a particularly dramatic increase in
spending from college savings plans.
Families have also reported taking a variety of cost-saving steps to meet college costs, such as reducing spending
(73%), increasing work hours and earnings (48%), having the student live at home (43%), using tax credits and
deductions (43%), accelerating education to finish quicker (30%) and choosing a less expensive college (23%). The
percentage choosing a less expensive college was much lower this year (23%) as compared with last year (48%).
99% of families took at least one cost-saving measure and 78% took two or more.
There were significant racial differences in the types of cost-saving measures utilized. Minorities were more likely
to live at home, with 64% of Hispanic students, 58% of African-American students and 36% of White students
choosing this option. They were also more likely to choose a less expensive college, with 35% of Hispanic students
and 33% of African-American students compared with 19% of White students. Hispanic students were more likely
to enroll part-time (32%), compared with 22% of African-American students and 11% of White students. African-
American students were less likely to work more or increase their earnings (40%), compared with 52% of Hispanic
students and 50% of White students.
The sources of money used to pay for college costs include parent income and savings (37%), grants and
scholarships (23%), student borrowing (14%), parent borrowing (10%), student income and savings (9%) and
friends and relatives (7%).
The increase in college costs has caused a significant increase in the number of families who are worried about
further increases in tuition, from 35% in 2008-09 to 49% in 2009-10. 38% are worried that student loan interest rates
will increase, compared with 22% the year before. 34% are worried about scholarships and grants becoming less
available. 33% are concerned about job loss, up from 23% last year, and 27% are concerned about their child’s
ability to get a job, up from 18% last year. Concerns about decreases in the value of savings and investments are
virtually unchanged at 33% in 2009-10 and 31% in 2008-09. But 31% are concerned about decreased availability of
student loan funding. These results confirm the findings of a previous college decision impact survey by Fastweb
and Maguire Associates.
Families reported that about a fifth to a quarter of college costs came from grants and scholarships (19% at public 2-
year colleges, 21% at public 4-year colleges and 27% at non-profit 4-year colleges), meaning that average out-of-
pocket costs after subtracting grants and scholarships were $8,069, $17,148 and $33,578 at public 2-year, public 4-
year and non-profit 4-year colleges, respectively. This contributes to an ongoing shift of enrollments from non-profit
colleges to public colleges and from 4-year colleges to 2-year colleges, especially among lower income families.
A previous report by the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (ACSFA), The Rising Price of
Inequality, found that increases in out-of-pocket costs lead to greater family concerns about paying for college,
causing a shift in enrollment from public 4-year colleges to public 2-year colleges which in turn resulted in a decline
in Bachelor’s degree attainment among low and moderate income families.
Among the families that attended the more expensive colleges, parent income and savings accounted for the bulk of
the difference in funding, with $17,258 at non-profit 4-year colleges compared with $7,838 at public 4-year colleges
and $3,831 at public 2-year colleges. This was followed by student and parent borrowing, which totaled $9,796 at
non-profit 4-year colleges, $5,466 at public 4-year colleges and $2,101 at public 2-year colleges. Thus family
financial strength has a significant influence on where students enroll.
Families who did not borrow to pay for college attended colleges that cost $5,675 less than families who borrowed,
$21,607 compared with $27,281. While the $12,549 in average parent and student debt enabled the families to enroll
in more expensive colleges — with four out of five families who borrowed attending 4-year colleges (82%)
compared with two out of three families who didn’t borrow (66%) — the families who didn’t borrow spent $5,441
more from student and parent income and savings, $13,569 compared with $8,128. The grants and scholarships
received by both families were similar, with $5,456 among the families with no debt and $5,975 among the families
with debt.
Cost played an increasingly important role in the college selection process. 40% of families eliminated colleges
based on cost after receiving the financial aid packages this year, compared with 36% last year and 34% two years
ago. 63% eliminated colleges based on cost at any point in the selection process, compared with 56% last year and
58% the year before.
83% of families viewed college as an investment in the student’s future, with 60% willing to borrow rather than not
go and 60% willing to stretch financially. 71% said that having a college degree is more important now than
previously and 52% said that college is definitely worth the cost.
14% of families rated student loans as not at all acceptable, compared with 17% for mortgages and car loans, 24%
for home equity lines of credit, 44% for retail purchases on credit, 46% for cash advances and personal loans, and
52% for credit card debt.
72% of families completed the FAFSA. Lower income families were more likely to complete the FAFSA, with 85%
of those with family incomes under $35,000, 79% of those with family incomes of $35,000 to $50,000, 71% of
those with family income $50,000 to $100,000, 70% of those with family income $100,000 to $150,000 and only
50% of those with more than $150,000 in income. Of the 28% who did not complete the FAFSA, 37% said that they
didn’t think they would qualify for student aid, 34% said that they did not need financial aid, 13% were unaware of
the FAFSA, 4% missed the deadline, 3% were not US citizens and 9% gave other reasons (e.g., too complicated,
privacy concerns, waiting on tax information and parents refused to complete the form).
The How America Pays for College survey findings are based on telephone interviews of 801 undergraduate
students age 18-24 and 823 parents of undergraduate students age 18-24 who had been enrolled in academic year
2008-09. The survey was conducted from March 24, 2010 through May 3, 2010. The survey results are statistically
significant with a confidence interval of +/- 3% (4% for student-only or parent-only questions) at the 95%
confidence level.
http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/2585-survey-says-families-perceive-college-costs-as-increasing-by-
17-compared-with-last-year
Date: 8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Survey Says: Families Perceive College Costs as Increasing by 17% Compared with Last Year
Publication: http://www.fastweb.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 677307
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60823
Article_Body:
Inside Higher Ed
August 10, 2010
How Families Finance Higher Ed
Parents and students are both having to dig deeper into their own resources -- with their own funds and with loans --
to finance higher education, according to an annual report on college financing released today by Sallie Mae and
Gallup. The breakdown of who contributed how much for 2009-10:
Parent income and savings: 37 percent.
Parent borrowing: 10 percent.
Student income and savings: 9 percent.
Student borrowing: 14 percent.
Friends and relatives: 7 percent
Grants and scholarships: 23 percent.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Families Finance Higher Ed
Publication: http://www.insidehighered.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 270701
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60824
Article_Body:
Chronicle of Higher Education
August 10, 2010
Families Use More Money From All Sources to Meet Rising Costs of College
By Beckie Supiano
Families turned to the same mix of resources to pay for college in 2009-10 as they had in previous years, but they
used more money from each source as the overall cost increased, according to a report released Tuesday by Sallie
Mae and Gallup Inc.
The report, "How America Pays for College," is the student-lending giant's third annual study, conducted by Gallup,
of how families finance higher education. It is based on a survey of 801 undergraduates, ages 18 to 24, and 823
parents of such students conducted by phone from late March to early May.
The survey asked families for both a total dollar figure, representing all college costs before financial aid, and an
itemized breakdown of how much money they had used from all sources—including grants, scholarships, and
loans—to meet those costs.
Each year families have reported a larger figure for itemized costs than for their estimate of overall expenses, and
Gallup favors this larger number. The combined spending from all sources reported by families for 2009-10 came to
an average of $24,097, a 24-percent increase from the year before.
To meet the increased cost, families reported using larger amounts of grants and scholarships, parent income and
savings, parent borrowing, student income and savings, student borrowing, and contributions from family and
friends than did the previous year's respondents.
The share of the overall cost covered by each source was similar to the previous year's results. Thirty-seven percent
of costs were met with parents' current income and savings, 10 percent by parent borrowing, 23 percent by grants
and scholarships, 14 percent by student borrowing, 9 percent by student income and savings, and 7 percent by
money from friends and relatives.
Perception Drives Behavior
The value of the report, its authors say, is that it shows American families' perceptions of college costs and how they
meet them. "And it's their perception that drives their behavior," said Bill Diggins, a senior consultant at Gallup and
lead researcher for the study.
On average, respondents reported that student borrowing increased 25 percent, from $2,721 to $3,396, while parent
borrowing grew 27 percent, from $1,775 to $2,261. Over all, the survey found that slightly more than half of
families pay for college without borrowing.
Unlike other reports, "How America Pay for College" looks only at traditional-age students, and it considers annual
borrowing rather than the amount of debt students graduate with. Those differences explain why a relatively smaller
share of families in this report said they had borrowed for college.
The report also described differences in college-financing patterns by family income and ethnicity. For example,
while most families saw an increase in college costs, families with incomes below $35,000 have seen a relatively
flat cost of attendance, possibly because students in those families are shifting to less-expensive two-year colleges.
And a larger share of Hispanic parents said they were "extremely worried" about economic issues, like tuition
increases and job loss, compared with both black and white families.
The study also found that college costs are affecting families' college choices. Sixty-three percent of respondents
reported eliminating colleges from their lists for financial reasons, compared with 56 percent of families in 2008-9
and 58 percent in 2007-8.
While a similar share of families reported discarding choices for financial reasons early in the selection process, a
larger share reported eliminating colleges once they had received financial-aid packages.
Despite the down economy, the study found no sign that more families were completing the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid. As in previous years, about three in four families completed the form. Of those who did not
file, 37 percent said they didn't think they would qualify for aid, 34 percent said they did not need it, and 13 percent
were unaware of the form.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families Use More Money From All Sources to Meet Rising Costs of College
Publication: http://chronicle.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 576652
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60857
Article_Body: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of their children's college educations,
a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during
the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college – 37 percent – came from parents' income
and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships
contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly half of students' college costs,
whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed that amid the weak economy,
parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's education. Nearly a quarter said
they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have worked more hours or
otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and
conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3. About half the
survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were parents of students. The
margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: New Report Details How America Pays For College
Publication: http://www.huffingtonpost.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60869
Article_Body: RESTON, Va.Even in a continued period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper
to invest in what they value: a college degree, according to a new national study of college students and their
parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking practical steps to reduce costs, and more than
two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a college degree is more important now than ever. ―In
Gallup‘s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending since the onset
of the recession; however, this study clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for higher
education,‖ said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup. ―While they‘re worried about the rising cost of tuition
in the future and becoming more cost conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential
investment.‖ As the lagging economy continues into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and
students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the
escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous
year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans.
In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-savings plan—up from 11 percent last year and 9
percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half
(47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter
through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the
previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used by 13 percent of
students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and
93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most
families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of
families report that their student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits
or student loan interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help
lower costs. However, only a quarter of families (26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the
desired college degree before enrolling. ―Americans indicate that college is more important than ever. In
today‘s economy a degree can halve the unemployment rate of those without a college education,‖ said Albert
L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. ―There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan and save are better
positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help Americans access affordable options to make their
education investment.‖ The study found no improvement in the percent of families filling out the FAFSA:
approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the financial aid form. Half of the families who did not
complete it either did not think that they would qualify for federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental
support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half (51%) of families said parents would make temporary
payments on student loans in their children‘s name should they experience financial difficulty after graduation.
How America Pays for College is the third annual study of college students and parents. The full report of the
nationally representative survey of 1,624 undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at
www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM - News), commonly known as Sallie
Mae, is the nation‘s leading saving, planning and paying for education company. Sallie Mae‘s saving programs,
planning resources and financing options have helped more than 31 million people make the investment in
higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company manages $184 billion in education loans and serves
10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the company‘s Upromise program has enabled 12 million
members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to help pay for college.? Its Upromise affiliates also
manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans. Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional
clients, including colleges and universities, student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More
information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or
agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has studied human nature and behavior for more than 70
years. Gallup‘s reputation for delivering relevant, timely, and visionary research on what people around the
world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization. Gallup employs many of the world's leading
scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in
identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide. Gallup consultants also help
organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity
through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver
services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's campuses, and in 40 offices around the
world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://biz.yahoo.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1426838
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60872
Article_Body: Two-Thirds of College Students, Parents Strongly Agree that a College Degree Is More
Important Than Ever, Tap All Sources of Funds RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Even in a continued period
of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree, according
to a new national study of college students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are
taking practical steps to reduce costs, and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a
college degree is more important now than ever. ―In Gallup‘s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic
decreases in discretionary spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows
families are stretching themselves to pay for higher education,‖ said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup.
―While they‘re worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious,
Americans continue to see college as an essential investment.‖ As the lagging economy continues into its third
year, the study indicates that both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships
and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents
reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by
an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-
savings plan—up from 11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May
2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010
academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family,
student borrowing increased by $675 from the previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of
students and private loans were used by 13 percent of students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent
higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal
financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased
work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home.
Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student loan interest deductions on their tax
forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families
(26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling. ―Americans
indicate that college is more important than ever. In today‘s economy a degree can halve the unemployment
rate of those without a college education,‖ said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. ―There is no one way to pay for
college, but those who plan and save are better positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help
Americans access affordable options to make their education investment.‖ The study found no improvement in
the percent of families filling out the FAFSA: approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the
financial aid form. Half of the families who did not complete it either did not think that they would qualify for
federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half
(51%) of families said parents would make temporary payments on student loans in their children‘s name
should they experience financial difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for College is the third annual
study of college students and parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey of 1,624
undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM
Corporation (NYSE: SLM - News), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation‘s leading saving, planning and
paying for education company. Sallie Mae‘s saving programs, planning resources and financing options have
helped more than 31 million people make the investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the
company manages $184 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In
addition, the company‘s Upromise program has enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in
rewards to help pay for college.? Its Upromise affiliates also manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-
savings plans. Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional clients, including colleges and universities,
student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com.
SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Gallup
has studied human nature and behavior for more than 70 years. Gallup‘s reputation for delivering relevant,
timely, and visionary research on what people around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the
organization. Gallup employs many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology,
and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators
worldwide. Gallup consultants also help organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer
engagement and maximizing employee productivity through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic
advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, at
Gallup University's campuses, and in 40 offices around the world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.
Contact: ―In Gallup‘s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending
since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for
higher education,‖ said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup. ―While they‘re worried about the rising cost of
tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential
investment.‖ As the lagging economy continues into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and
students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the
escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous
year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans.
In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-savings plan—up from 11 percent last year and 9
percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half
(47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter
through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the
previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used by 13 percent of
students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and
93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most
families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of
families report that their student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits
or student loan interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help
lower costs. However, only a quarter of families (26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the
desired college degree before enrolling. ―Americans indicate that college is more important than ever. In
today‘s economy a degree can halve the unemployment rate of those without a college education,‖ said Albert
L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. ―There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan and save are better
positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help Americans access affordable options to make their
education investment.‖ The study found no improvement in the percent of families filling out the FAFSA:
approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the financial aid form. Half of the families who did not
complete it either did not think that they would qualify for federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental
support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half (51%) of families said parents would make temporary
payments on student loans in their children‘s name should they experience financial difficulty after graduation.
How America Pays for College is the third annual study of college students and parents. The full report of the
nationally representative survey of 1,624 undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at
www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM - News), commonly known as Sallie
Mae, is the nation‘s leading saving, planning and paying for education company. Sallie Mae‘s saving programs,
planning resources and financing options have helped more than 31 million people make the investment in
higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company manages $184 billion in education loans and serves
10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the company‘s Upromise program has enabled 12 million
members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to help pay for college.? Its Upromise affiliates also
manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans. Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional
clients, including colleges and universities, student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More
information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or
agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has studied human nature and behavior for more than 70
years. Gallup‘s reputation for delivering relevant, timely, and visionary research on what people around the
world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization. Gallup employs many of the world's leading
scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in
identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide. Gallup consultants also help
organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity
through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver
services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's campuses, and in 40 offices around the
world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://ca.us.biz.yahoo.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 7763
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60873
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children‘s college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college —
37 percent — came from parents‘ income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students‘ college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children‘s education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they‘re healthier and more productive after moving their office space into ―green‖
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health‘s website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant ―green‖ program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study‘s authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://dailycaller.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 832869
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60876
Article_Body: By , MarketWatch NE NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Faced with rising college expenses,
families dug deeper into their own pockets and borrowed more money to pay tuition bills in the 2009-10 school
year, according to a survey by Sallie Mae and Gallup released Tuesday. Both parents and students dipped
deeper into their savings and current income, borrowed more and took more scholarships and grants to pay for
higher education this year, as the cost of attendance went up 17% on average. Seventy-three percent of
families said they reduced spending, 48% said they increased work hours or earnings, and 43% of families said
their student lived at home to cut costs, according to the survey in March and April of 801 college students and
823 parents of students. As in previous years, the survey found that parents bore almost half of the college-
cost burden, with 37% of the total cost of attendance paid from parents' income and savings - the bulk of that,
or 21%, was from current income -- and 10% through parent loans. Student borrowing paid for 14% of college
costs, and student income and savings covered 9%. Grants and scholarships were 23% -- the second-most
important source of funding for college, the survey found. But rising college costs pushed parents' average
contribution from their income and savings to a total of $8,752, a 26% hike from the average $6,934 they spent
a year ago, while the average amount parents took out in loans to pay for college this year rose 27% to $2,261,
from $1,775 a year ago. Also, the portion of families who said they borrowed to pay for college rose to 46%,
from 42% a year ago, according to the survey. Student borrowing jumped 25% to an average of $3,396, from
$2,721 a year ago, according to the Sallie Mae study, while the contribution from students' income and savings
rose 16% to an average of $2,314 from $1,996 from a year ago. Relatives and friends provided an average of
$1,682, up 53% from $1,099, and grants and scholarships provided $5,692, up 16% from $4,907 a year ago.
Just 26% of families "strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before
enrolling," the study said. "Although it's not universal, the prevailing attitude among my clients is that they as
parents are responsible for providing a college education for their children," said Kevin O'Reilly, president of
Foothills Financial Planning in Phoenix, Ariz. "Overwhelmingly, that ends with the bachelor's degree." Sixty-
three percent of families said that at some point during the application process, they eliminated schools based
on cost, up from 56% who said that in 2009. Families have become more realistic about choosing schools, said
Deidra Fulton, at Texas-based financial advisory firm Fulton Financial Planning. "Folks seem to be more
conscious of weighing the costs for college versus the student's anticipated income after college and their
ability to repay a loan," Fulton said. More than a third of families said they didn't think they could qualify for
federal student aid, similar to Sallie Mae's findings in a survey a year ago. Filling out the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid every year is required for financial aid, and many factors may affect eligibility. For
example, a student who doesn't qualify for aid one year may become eligible when a sibling enrolls in college.
There is no reason not to fill out the form, said Sarah Ducich, a vice president of Sallie Mae and an author of
the study. Ducich said the percentage of families who do not fill out a FAFSA is "stubbornly consistent." Worse,
13% of families were not even aware of the form, according to the survey. The average cost of college
increased as much as 30% for families in the highest income group of $100,000 to $150,000 in annual
earnings. Those earning $35,000 to $100,000 said costs rose about 20%. Fewer families strongly agreed that
the reasons for continuing education were to earn more money and to achieve a desired career, the Sallie Mae
study found, although African American and Hispanic families tended to value a college education for such
reasons more so than white families. That college will enhance earning prospects has been questioned much
more than in the past, O'Reilly said. "I think it has emboldened parents to demand that students pick up more of
the tab of a college education," he said, but noted the lack of awareness paid to financial aid such as filling out
FAFSA forms. "It's surprising how many people don't take full advantage of the resources available to them."
April Lee is a MarketWatch Reporter based in New York.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families dig deep, cut costs to pay for college
Publication: http://www.marketwatch.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 5095863
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60878
Article_Body: RESTON, Va.Even in a continued period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper
to invest in what they value: a college degree, according to a new national study of college students and their
parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking practical steps to reduce costs, and more than
two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a college degree is more important now than ever. ―In
Gallup‘s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending since the onset
of the recession; however, this study clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for higher
education,‖ said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup. ―While they‘re worried about the rising cost of tuition
in the future and becoming more cost conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential
investment.‖ As the lagging economy continues into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and
students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the
escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous
year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans.
In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-savings plan—up from 11 percent last year and 9
percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half
(47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter
through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the
previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used by 13 percent of
students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and
93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most
families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of
families report that their student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits
or student loan interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help
lower costs. However, only a quarter of families (26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the
desired college degree before enrolling. ―Americans indicate that college is more important than ever. In
today‘s economy a degree can halve the unemployment rate of those without a college education,‖ said Albert
L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. ―There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan and save are better
positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help Americans access affordable options to make their
education investment.‖ The study found no improvement in the percent of families filling out the FAFSA:
approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the financial aid form. Half of the families who did not
complete it either did not think that they would qualify for federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental
support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half (51%) of families said parents would make temporary
payments on student loans in their children‘s name should they experience financial difficulty after graduation.
How America Pays for College is the third annual study of college students and parents. The full report of the
nationally representative survey of 1,624 undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at
www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM - News), commonly known as Sallie
Mae, is the nation‘s leading saving, planning and paying for education company. Sallie Mae‘s saving programs,
planning resources and financing options have helped more than 31 million people make the investment in
higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company manages $184 billion in education loans and serves
10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the company‘s Upromise program has enabled 12 million
members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to help pay for college.? Its Upromise affiliates also
manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans. Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional
clients, including colleges and universities, student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More
information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or
agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has studied human nature and behavior for more than 70
years. Gallup‘s reputation for delivering relevant, timely, and visionary research on what people around the
world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization. Gallup employs many of the world's leading
scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in
identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide. Gallup consultants also help
organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity
through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver
services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's campuses, and in 40 offices around the
world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://finance.yahoo.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60880
Article_Body: Blog: Campus Connection Todd Finkelmeyer has been covering higher education for the
Capital Times since April 2008. He started contributing to the newspaper in 1990, was hired full-time in 1994
and has since covered everything from the Super Bowl to stem cell research. Follow his Campus Connection
blog for the latest on higher education news in the Madison area. Catching up on a couple higher education-
related items ... ** The Chronicle of Higher Education attended last week's 26th Annual Conference on
Distance Teaching & Learning at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, and asked a "half-dozen professors,
technologists and administrators to share the struggles of teaching online." Here is a short video highlighting
those responses. ** Three out of four students and their parents don't have a plan for how they'll pay for college
when they enroll, according to a new report from Sallie Mae and Gallup. The third annual report on "How
America Pays For College" is based on interviews with some 1,600 college students and their parents. Other
tidbits worth noting: 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home in 2009-10 to reduce costs;
nearly all families (99 percent) reported taking at least one measure to make college more affordable and 78
percent reported taking at least two measures, with the most common action -- reducing personal spending --
being mentioned by 73 percent of families; about one-in-four families did not complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, with 13 percent of those saying they were not aware of FAFSA. ** Donna
Shalala, the former chancellor of UW-Madison and the current president of the University of Miami, was
detained and interrogated at Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv last month, according to several
newspaper reports. The Miami Herald reports that Shalala, who also is the former U.S. Secretary of Health and
Human Services, was visiting Israel in July as part of a delegation of university leaders from across the U.S.
invited by Project Interchange, a program of the American Jewish Congress. After that delegation's visit July 5-
11 was complete, Shalala reportedly stayed behind to accompany a group from her university's Miller School of
Medicine in meetings with Israel's Bar-Ilan University. A university spokesperson told the Herald that when
Shalala, who is of Lebanese decent, was heading home, she was "delayed by questions and a full luggage
search that lasted almost three hours, but she didn't miss her plane." Shalala served as chancellor at UW-
Madison from 1988-93. ** The Big Ten Network is showcasing UW-Madison this week. For a schedule of all the
additional Bucky-related coverage, click here.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Campus Connection: Distance learning, paying for college and Shalala
Publication: http://host.madison.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 382985
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60880
Article_Body: Blog: Campus Connection Todd Finkelmeyer has been covering higher education for the
Capital Times since April 2008. He started contributing to the newspaper in 1990, was hired full-time in 1994
and has since covered everything from the Super Bowl to stem cell research. Follow his Campus Connection
blog for the latest on higher education news in the Madison area. Catching up on a couple higher education-
related items ... ** The Chronicle of Higher Education attended last week's 26th Annual Conference on
Distance Teaching & Learning at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, and asked a "half-dozen professors,
technologists and administrators to share the struggles of teaching online." Here is a short video highlighting
those responses. ** Three out of four students and their parents don't have a plan for how they'll pay for college
when they enroll, according to a new report from Sallie Mae and Gallup. The third annual report on "How
America Pays For College" is based on interviews with some 1,600 college students and their parents. Other
tidbits worth noting: 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home in 2009-10 to reduce costs;
nearly all families (99 percent) reported taking at least one measure to make college more affordable and 78
percent reported taking at least two measures, with the most common action -- reducing personal spending --
being mentioned by 73 percent of families; about one-in-four families did not complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, with 13 percent of those saying they were not aware of FAFSA. ** Donna
Shalala, the former chancellor of UW-Madison and the current president of the University of Miami, was
detained and interrogated at Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv last month, according to several
newspaper reports. The Miami Herald reports that Shalala, who also is the former U.S. Secretary of Health and
Human Services, was visiting Israel in July as part of a delegation of university leaders from across the U.S.
invited by Project Interchange, a program of the American Jewish Congress. After that delegation's visit July 5-
11 was complete, Shalala reportedly stayed behind to accompany a group from her university's Miller School of
Medicine in meetings with Israel's Bar-Ilan University. A university spokesperson told the Herald that when
Shalala, who is of Lebanese decent, was heading home, she was "delayed by questions and a full luggage
search that lasted almost three hours, but she didn't miss her plane." Shalala served as chancellor at UW-
Madison from 1988-93. ** The Big Ten Network is showcasing UW-Madison this week. For a schedule of all the
additional Bucky-related coverage, click here.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Campus Connection: Distance learning, paying for college and Shalala
Publication: http://host.madison.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 382985
Organization: Upromise
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60888
Article_Body: RESTON, Va. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Even in a continued period of economic uncertainty,
families are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree, according to a new national study of
college students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking practical steps to
reduce costs, and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a college degree is more
important now than ever. "In Gallup's Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in
discretionary spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows families are
stretching themselves to pay for higher education," said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup. "While they're
worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious, Americans continue to
see college as an essential investment." As the lagging economy continues into its third year, the study
indicates that both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and
borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents reported increased by
17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use
of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-savings plan-up from 11
percent last year and 9 percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May 2010, the study shows that
parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid
roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family, student borrowing increased by
$675 from the previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used
by 13 percent of students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other
student borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application. To make college
more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a
remarkable 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they
claimed education tax credits or student loan interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early
on their student loans to help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families (26%) strongly agreed that they
had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling. "Americans indicate that college is more
important than ever. In today's economy a degree can halve the unemployment rate of those without a college
education," said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. "There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan
and save are better positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help Americans access affordable
options to make their education investment." The study found no improvement in the percent of families filling
out the FAFSA: approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the financial aid form. Half of the
families who did not complete it either did not think that they would qualify for federal aid or were unaware of
the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half (51%) of families said parents
would make temporary payments on student loans in their children's name should they experience financial
difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for College is the third annual study of college students and
parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey of 1,624 undergraduates, ages 18-24, and
parents is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly
known as Sallie Mae, is the nation's leading saving, planning and paying for education company. Sallie Mae's
saving programs, planning resources and financing options have helped more than 31 million people make the
investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company manages $184 billion in education loans
and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the company's Upromise program has
enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to help pay for college. Its Upromise
affiliates also manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans. Sallie Mae offers services to a range
of institutional clients, including colleges and universities, student loan guarantors and state and federal
agencies. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not
sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has studied human nature and behavior for
more than 70 years. Gallup's reputation for delivering relevant, timely, and visionary research on what people
around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization. Gallup employs many of the world's
leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in
identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide. Gallup consultants also help
organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity
through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver
services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's campuses, and in 40 offices around the
world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com. Sallie Mae Patricia Nash Christel, 703-984-5382 or Gallup
Eric Nielsen, 202-715-3030 Tags: Business wire, Education and schools, Banking and Finance, virginia,
Medical, Consulting, Accounting and other Professional Services
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://newsblaze.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 250743
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60889
Article_Body: Families borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for
escalating costs of higher education. Related Star Tribune (Minneapolis) MINNEAPOLIS — Jill Jerdee knows
firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors close because I don't have a college
degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why she's encouraging her kids to attend college no
matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you need it," she said of a college
diploma. The economic downturn has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids
to college even as they borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for
escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College"
study released Tuesday. "Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas,
are continuing to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public
policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but we have not." A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84
percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is an investment in the future, unchanged
from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe college is so important that they're willing to stretch
financially to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to
make college more affordable. "Families are telling me, 'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son
or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,"' said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's
University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been
unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't have credit to co-sign a loan."' In those cases,
families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment
plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said. — — — According to the report, families paid an
average of $24,097 on college related expenses — from tuition and textbooks to living expenses — in 2010.
That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent income and savings
covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing and student income
and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest
growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie may look quite
different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average family making
between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent over
2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help their student
pay for school, the survey found. — — — With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial
aid, and the stalled economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in
debt to get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt — a figure that
surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of
www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will
be the American consumer's next financial crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services
in Minneapolis, said the economy is forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the
financial aid process, to tap sources they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and
friends for assistance. Others are tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by
borrowing against a stock portfolio. "I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak,"
Ramsdell said. Six percent of those surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for
college costs last school year. The same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943
on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home
equity to pay for college, even though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this option for
many families. The good news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that
some parents have planned ahead. Although most students believe they need a college degree to earn more
money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question whether an education is worth the hefty
price tag. Only a slight majority — 53 percent — of those surveyed in 2010 feel college is worth the cost; 62
percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Going to greater lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1968319
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60892
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.bnd.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 128133
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60893
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich. Have the CDT delivered to your home. . Get the TV Book
delivered to your home. .
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.centredaily.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 134422
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60894
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college ?
37 percent ? came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.deseretnews.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 697824
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60897
Article_Body: Two-Thirds of College Students, Parents Strongly Agree that a College Degree Is More
Important Than Ever, Tap All Sources of Funds Even in a continued period of economic uncertainty, families
are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree, according to a new national study of college
students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking practical steps to reduce costs,
and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a college degree is more important now
than ever. "In Gallup's Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending
since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for
higher education," said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup. "While they're worried about the rising cost of
tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential
investment." As the lagging economy continues into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and
students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the
escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous
year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans.
In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-savings planup from 11 percent last year and 9
percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half
(47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter
through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the
previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used by 13 percent of
students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and
93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most
families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of
families report that their student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits
or student loan interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help
lower costs. However, only a quarter of families (26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the
desired college degree before enrolling. "Americans indicate that college is more important than ever. In
today's economy a degree can halve the unemployment rate of those without a college education," said Albert
L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. "There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan and save are better
positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help Americans access affordable options to make their
education investment." The study found no improvement in the percent of families filling out the FAFSA:
approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the financial aid form. Half of the families who did not
complete it either did not think that they would qualify for federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental
support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half (51%) of families said parents would make temporary
payments on student loans in their children's name should they experience financial difficulty after graduation.
How America Pays for College is the third annual study of college students and parents. The full report of the
nationally representative survey of 1,624 undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at
www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM Corporation Gallup has studied human nature and behavior for
more than 70 years. Gallup's reputation for delivering relevant, timely, and visionary research on what people
around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization. Gallup employs many of the world's
leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology, and our consultants assist leaders in
identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide. Gallup consultants also help
organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and maximizing employee productivity
through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver
services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's campuses, and in 40 offices around the
world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com. Contacts: Sallie MaePatricia Nash Christel, 703-984-
5382patricia.christel@salliemae.comorGallupEric Nielsen, 202-715-3030eric_nielsen@gallup.com
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://www.finanznachrichten.de
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 16692
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60898
Article_Body: Two-Thirds of College Students, Parents Strongly Agree that a College Degree Is More
Important Than Ever, Tap All Sources of Funds RESTON, Va. -- Even in a continued period of economic
uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree, according to a new
national study of college students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking
practical steps to reduce costs, and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a college
degree is more important now than ever. ―In Gallup‘s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic
decreases in discretionary spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows
families are stretching themselves to pay for higher education,‖ said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup.
―While they‘re worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious,
Americans continue to see college as an essential investment.‖ As the lagging economy continues into its third
year, the study indicates that both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships
and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents
reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by
an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-
savings plan—up from 11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May
2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010
academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family,
student borrowing increased by $675 from the previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of
students and private loans were used by 13 percent of students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent
higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal
financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased
work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home.
Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student loan interest deductions on their tax
forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families
(26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling. ―Americans
indicate that college is more important than ever. In today‘s economy a degree can halve the unemployment
rate of those without a college education,‖ said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. ―There is no one way to pay for
college, but those who plan and save are better positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help
Americans access affordable options to make their education investment.‖ The study found no improvement in
the percent of families filling out the FAFSA: approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the
financial aid form. Half of the families who did not complete it either did not think that they would qualify for
federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half
(51%) of families said parents would make temporary payments on student loans in their children‘s name
should they experience financial difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for College is the third annual
study of college students and parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey of 1,624
undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM
Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation‘s leading saving, planning and paying
for education company. Sallie Mae‘s saving programs, planning resources and financing options have helped
more than 31 million people make the investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company
manages $184 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the
company‘s Upromise program has enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to
help pay for college. Its Upromise affiliates also manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans.
Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional clients, including colleges and universities, student loan
guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM
Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has
studied human nature and behavior for more than 70 years. Gallup‘s reputation for delivering relevant, timely,
and visionary research on what people around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization.
Gallup employs many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology,
and our consultants assist leaders in identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide.
Gallup consultants also help organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and
maximizing employee productivity through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services.
Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's
campuses, and in 40 offices around the world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://www.heraldonline.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 86756
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60900
Article_Body: Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the
2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college - 37 percent - came from parents' income and
savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships
contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly half of students' college costs,
whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed that amid the weak economy,
parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's education. Nearly a quarter said
they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have worked more hours or
otherwise increased theirearnings. The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and
conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3. About half the
survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were parents of students. The
margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY BUILDINGS: People think they're
healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green" buildings, according to a recent study
published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of researchers working with Michigan
State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving from conventional office buildings
to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the new building, employees said they
thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED certification is a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry association. It is the dominant "green"
program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit to employees suffering from asthma
and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per year working in the new building
because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in perceived productivity. The study's authors
extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in the new building because of
different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not
independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after moving to the new building.
The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year, so seasonal factors may have
affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.kwqc.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 59975
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60901
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.macon.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 123110
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60904
Article_Body: MINNEAPOLIS -- Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have
one. "Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why
she's encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for
four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to
rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig
deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third
annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last
three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said
Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but
we have not." A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me,
'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'"
said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who
have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't
have credit to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also
willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the
squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in
2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families
making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said
that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying
for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend
law school. "A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is focused,
he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college
savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.mercedsunstar.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 88281
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60905
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.mercedsunstar.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 88281
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60906
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.miamiherald.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1474478
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60907
Article_Body: MINNEAPOLIS -- Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have
one. "Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why
she's encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for
four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to
rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig
deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third
annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last
three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said
Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but
we have not." A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me,
'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'"
said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who
have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't
have credit to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also
willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the
squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in
2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families
making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said
that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying
for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend
law school. "A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is focused,
he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college
savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.modbee.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 200056
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60908
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased theirearnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.mysuncoast.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 40001
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60909
Article_Body: Aug. 10--Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one.
"Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo. That's why she's
encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four
years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma. The recession has prompted families to rethink their
priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change
the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How
America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last three years, even though they're
cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's
senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there, but we have not." A whopping
81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is an
investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. Most parents continue to believe college is so important that
they're willing to stretch to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least
one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me, 'We're not taking vacations, we're not
allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'" said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid
at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. He also is hearing from more families that have run out of options.
"They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't have credit to co-sign a
loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to accept tuition
on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said. Average annual cost up
24% According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college-related expenses -- from tuition
and textbooks to living expenses -- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from relatives and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest-growing piece, rising by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are feeling the squeeze
most. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in
2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families
making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said
that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 once all expenses are factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable
paying for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to
attend law school. "A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is
focused, he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her
college savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of money via federal loans, which he plans to help
her pay back. Student loan debt soars Not everyone is so fortunate. Yet with the cost of college far outpacing
the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families
are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student
loan debt -- a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to an analysis from
Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly impossible to
discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of
College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is forcing his clients, who come to him while
in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources they wouldn't have considered in the past.
Some are turning to relatives and friends for money. Others are tapping retirement accounts. A few have
resorted to borrowing against a stock portfolio. "I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this
bleak," Ramsdell said. Six percent of those surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to
pay for college costs last school year. The same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of
$4,943 on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in
home equity to pay for college, even though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this
option for many families. The good news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills,
indicating that some parents have planned ahead. It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce
Cedarholm Stariha, to put money away for college, especially after the store he managed went out of business.
So they're helping in other ways. She cosigned loans for their eldest son, a senior at Bemidji State University.
They're letting another son, Jake Letofsky, live at home rent-free while completing general requirements at
North Hennepin Community College, a decision that will save him thousands of dollars toward a nursing degree
he plans to pursue at Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students reported living at home to
reduce costs. Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters. Although most students believe they
need a college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question
whether an education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority -- 53 percent -- of those surveyed in
2010 feel college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008. Kara McGuire --612-673-
7293 THE NEXT FINANCIAL CRISIS? $24,097 Average amount U.S. families paid on tuition and other
college-related expenses in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the 2009 survey result of $19,432. $830
billion American student loan debt, more than the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed. FULL REPORT To
see the complete report, go to www.salliemae/howamericapays To see more of the Star Tribune, or to
subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.startribune.com/. Copyright (c) 2010, Star Tribune, Minneapolis
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services
offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail
services@mctinfoservices.com, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544)
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families scrape to pay for college: Tapping nest eggs, leaning on relatives and dining out less: It's what
families are doing to send kids to college.
Publication: http://www.poten.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60910
Article_Body: Two-Thirds of College Students, Parents Strongly Agree that a College Degree Is More
Important Than Ever, Tap All Sources of Funds RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Even in a continued
period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree,
according to a new national study of college students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup.
Most are taking practical steps to reduce costs, and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly
agree that a college degree is more important now than ever. In Gallups Daily Tracking, we see families
reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study
clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for higher education, said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead
researcher, Gallup. While theyre worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost
conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential investment. As the lagging economy continues
into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more
scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey
respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from parents rose the
most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of families used money
from a college-savings planup from 11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago. Conducted in March
through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-
2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. In the typical
family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of
students and private loans were used by 13 percent of students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent
higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal
financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased
work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home.
Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student loan interest deductions on their tax
forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families
(26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling. Americans
indicate that college is more important than ever. In todays economy a degree can halve the unemployment
rate of those without a college education, said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. There is no one way to pay for
college, but those who plan and save are better positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help
Americans access affordable options to make their education investment. The study found no improvement in
the percent of families filling out the FAFSA: approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the
financial aid form. Half of the families who did not complete it either did not think that they would qualify for
federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half
(51%) of families said parents would make temporary payments on student loans in their childrens name
should they experience financial difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for College is the third annual
study of college students and parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey of 1,624
undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM
Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nations leading saving, planning and paying
for education company. Sallie Maes saving programs, planning resources and financing options have helped
more than 31 million people make the investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company
manages $184 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the
companys Upromise program has enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to
help pay for college.? Its Upromise affiliates also manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans.
Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional clients, including colleges and universities, student loan
guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM
Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has
studied human nature and behavior for more than 70 years. Gallups reputation for delivering relevant, timely,
and visionary research on what people around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization.
Gallup employs many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology,
and our consultants assist leaders in identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide.
Gallup consultants also help organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and
maximizing employee productivity through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services.
Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's
campuses, and in 40 offices around the world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com. Sallie MaePatricia
Nash Christel, 703-984-5382patricia.christel@salliemae.comorGallupEric Nielsen, 202-715-
3030eric_nielsen@gallup.com Source: Sallie Mae and Gallup
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://www.poten.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60912
Article_Body: Two-thirds of college students, parents strongly agree that a college degree is more important
than ever, tap all sources of funds RESTON, Va., Aug. 10, 2010—Even in a continued period of economic
uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree, according to a new
national study of college students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking
practical steps to reduce costs, and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly agree that a college
degree is more important now than ever. ―In Gallup‘s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic
decreases in discretionary spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows
families are stretching themselves to pay for higher education,‖ said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup.
―While they‘re worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious,
Americans continue to see college as an essential investment.‖ As the lagging economy continues into its third
year, the study indicates that both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships
and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents
reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by
an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of families used money from a college-
savings plan—up from 11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago. Conducted in March through May
2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010
academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. In the typical family,
student borrowing increased by $675 from the previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of
students and private loans were used by 13 percent of students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent
higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal
financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased
work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home.
Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student loan interest deductions on their tax
forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families
(26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling. ―Americans
indicate that college is more important than ever. In today‘s economy a degree can halve the unemployment
rate of those without a college education,‖ said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. ―There is no one way to pay for
college, but those who plan and save are better positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help
Americans access affordable options to make their education investment.‖ The study found no improvement in
the percent of families filling out the FAFSA: approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the
financial aid form. Half of the families who did not complete it either did not think that they would qualify for
federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half
(51%) of families said parents would make temporary payments on student loans in their children‘s name
should they experience financial difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for Collegeis the third annual
study of college students and parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey of 1,624
undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available atwww.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. For more
information contact: (703) 984-5382 (Sallie Mae) Eric Nielson(202) 715-3030 (Gallup) Forward this page to a
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Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National study from Sallie Mae, Gallup shows families digging deeper to invest in rising cost of college
Publication: http://www.pressreleasepoint.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 58081
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60915
Article_Body: Even in a continued period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in
what they value: a college degree, according to a new national study of college students and their parents
conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Most are taking practical steps to reduce costs, and more than two-thirds
of parents and students strongly agree that a college degree is more important now than ever. "In Gallup's
Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending since the onset of the
recession; however, this study clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for higher education,"
said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher, Gallup. "While they're worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future
and becoming more cost conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential investment." As the
lagging economy continues into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and students opened their
wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of
college, which survey respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from
parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of
families used money from a college-savings plan--up from 11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago.
Conducted in March through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of
college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter through income,
savings, and loans. In the typical family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the previous year. Federal
loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used by 13 percent of students. Private loan
borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and 93 percent completed
a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most families reduced
spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that
their student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student loan
interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help lower costs.
However, only a quarter of families (26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college
degree before enrolling. "Americans indicate that college is more important than ever. In today's economy a
degree can halve the unemployment rate of those without a college education," said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie
Mae. "There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan and save are better positioned when the bill
is due. Sallie Mae is here to help Americans access affordable options to make their education investment."
The study found no improvement in the percent of families filling out the FAFSA: approximately one in four
families (28%) did not submit the financial aid form. Half of the families who did not complete it either did not
think that they would qualify for federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the
college years. Roughly half (51%) of families said parents would make temporary payments on student loans in
their children's name should they experience financial difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for College
is the third annual study of college students and parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey
of 1,624 undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM
Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation's leading saving, planning and paying
for education company. Sallie Mae's saving programs, planning resources and financing options have helped
more than 31 million people make the investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company
manages $184 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the
company's Upromise program has enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to
help pay for college. Its Upromise affiliates also manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans.
Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional clients, including colleges and universities, student loan
guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM
Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has
studied human nature and behavior for more than 70 years. Gallup's reputation for delivering relevant, timely,
and visionary research on what people around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization.
Gallup employs many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology,
and our consultants assist leaders in identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide.
Gallup consultants also help organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and
maximizing employee productivity through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services.
Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's
campuses, and in 40 offices around the world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com. SOURCE: Sallie
Mae and Gallup Sallie Mae Patricia Nash Christel, 703-984-5382 patricia.christel@salliemae.com or Gallup
Eric Nielsen, 202-715-3030 eric_nielsen@gallup.com
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://www.stockhouse.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 56687
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60919
Article_Body: Two-Thirds of College Students, Parents Strongly Agree that a College Degree Is More
Important Than Ever, Tap All Sources of Funds RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Even in a continued
period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they value: a college degree,
according to a new national study of college students and their parents conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup.
Most are taking practical steps to reduce costs, and more than two-thirds of parents and students strongly
agree that a college degree is more important now than ever. âIn Gallupâs Daily Tracking, we see families
reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study
clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay for higher education,â said Dr. Bill Diggins, lead
researcher, Gallup. âWhile theyâre worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost
conscious, Americans continue to see college as an essential investment.â As the lagging economy continues
into its third year, the study indicates that both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more
scholarships and grants, and borrowed more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey
respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year. Contributions from parents rose the
most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings plans. In fact, 15 percent of families used money
from a college-savings planâup from 11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago. Conducted in March
through May 2010, the study shows that parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-
2010 academic year, and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. In the typical
family, student borrowing increased by $675 from the previous year. Federal loans were used by 28 percent of
students and private loans were used by 13 percent of students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent
higher cost of attendance than other student borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal
financial aid application. To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased
work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that their student lived at home.
Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student loan interest deductions on their tax
forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families
(26%) strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling. âAmericans
indicate that college is more important than ever. In todayâs economy a degree can halve the unemployment
rate of those without a college education,â said Albert L. Lord, CEO, Sallie Mae. âThere is no one way to pay
for college, but those who plan and save are better positioned when the bill is due. Sallie Mae is here to help
Americans access affordable options to make their education investment.â The study found no improvement in
the percent of families filling out the FAFSA: approximately one in four families (28%) did not submit the
financial aid form. Half of the families who did not complete it either did not think that they would qualify for
federal aid or were unaware of the FAFSA. Parental support is not limited to the college years. Roughly half
(51%) of families said parents would make temporary payments on student loans in their childrenâs name
should they experience financial difficulty after graduation. How America Pays for College is the third annual
study of college students and parents. The full report of the nationally representative survey of 1,624
undergraduates, ages 18-24, and parents is available at www.SallieMae.com/howAmericapays. SLM
Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nationâs leading saving, planning and paying
for education company. Sallie Maeâs saving programs, planning resources and financing options have helped
more than 31 million people make the investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the company
manages $184 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In addition, the
companyâs Upromise program has enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in rewards to
help pay for college. Its Upromise affiliates also manage more than $26 billion in 529 college-savings plans.
Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional clients, including colleges and universities, student loan
guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. SLM
Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Gallup has
studied human nature and behavior for more than 70 years. Gallupâs reputation for delivering relevant, timely,
and visionary research on what people around the world think and feel is the cornerstone of the organization.
Gallup employs many of the world's leading scientists in management, economics, psychology, and sociology,
and our consultants assist leaders in identifying and monitoring behavioral economic indicators worldwide.
Gallup consultants also help organizations boost organic growth by increasing customer engagement and
maximizing employee productivity through measurement tools, coursework, and strategic advisory services.
Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web, at Gallup University's
campuses, and in 40 offices around the world. For more information, go to www.gallup.com.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest in Rising Cost of
College
Publication: http://www.streetinsider.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 239242
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60923
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased theirearnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.waaytv.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 42685
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60942
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest ... - Benzinga
Publication: http://www.benzinga.com/
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 253237
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60943
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest ... - Business Wire
(press release)
Publication: http://www.businesswire.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 584175
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60945
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest ... - EON: Enhanced
Online News (press release)
Publication: http://eon.businesswire.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 75175
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60947
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest ... - PR-inside.com
(press release)
Publication: http://www.pr-inside.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 168230
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60948
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest ... - TradersHuddle.com
Publication: http://www.tradershuddle.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 70405
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60949
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to Invest ... - Trading Markets
(press release)
Publication: http://www.tradingmarkets.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 227091
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 60951
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: SLM CORP : National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging ... - 4-traders (press
release)
Publication: http://www.4-traders.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 6862
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61037
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Most Americans Pay for College | Financial Aid Finder
Publication: http://www.financialaidfinder.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 27952
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61260
Article_Body: Sallie Mae releases big study: How America Pays for College. Ratios same, dollars up.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae releases big study: How America Pays for College.
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61261
Article_Body: It's time to burn Sallie Mae down to the ground
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: It's time to burn Sallie Mae down to the ground
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61262
Article_Body: Chronicle's take on the new Sallie Mae/Gallup report about How America Pays for College
http://bit.ly/bvNMf7 #highered #college admissions
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Chronicle's take on the new Sallie Mae/Gallup report about How
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61263
Article_Body: Chronicle's take on the new Sallie Mae/Gallup report about How America Pays for College
http://bit.ly/bvNMf7 #highered #college admissions
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Chronicle's take on the new Sallie Mae/Gallup report about How
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61264
Article_Body: Parents, students dig deeper to pay for college - cost of attendance up 17% in average,
according to Sallie Mae survey http://ow.ly/2nkez
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Parents, students dig deeper to pay for college - cost of atten
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61265
Article_Body: Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College 2010" (PDF, 4MB) study, conducted by Gallup,
finds that even in a... http://fb.me/BQuBFVmB
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College 2010" (PDF, 4MB) stu
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61285
Article_Body: How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup
http://ht.ly/2nxMV
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie M
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61286
Article_Body: How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup
http://ht.ly/2nxMu
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie M
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61298
Article_Body: johntlawlor: Chronicle's take on the new Sallie Mae/Gallup report about How America Pays for
College http://bit.ly... http://bit.ly/9tyYsx
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: johntlawlor: Chronicle's take on the new Sallie Mae/Gallup repo
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61363
Article_Body: RT @IllinoisCollege: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Shows Families Digging Deeper to
Invest ... http://bit.ly/bKrthW
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: RT @IllinoisCollege: National Study from Sallie Mae, Gallup Sho
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Distributing media
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61428
Article_Body:
Post from The Whelan Group
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Aug 10, 2010 02:20 PM by The Whelan Group
How America Pays for #College 2010: A study by Sallie Mae & Gallup http://bit.ly/b4h0c3 #highered
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from The Whelan Group
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 12
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61430
Article_Body:
Post from SME Education Foundation
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Aug 10, 2010 01:11 PM by SME Education Foundation
Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College 2010" (PDF, 4MB) study, conducted by Gallup, finds that
even in a continued period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they
value: a college degree How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup
Based...
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from SME Education Foundation
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 363
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61465
Article_Body:
Post from The Fiscal Times
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Aug 11, 2010 01:52 PM by The Fiscal Times
by digging deeper, borrowing more and tightening their belts, according to a new study released Tuesday.
―How America Pays for College,‖ a Gallup survey conducted under the aegis of student lender Sallie
Mae, s......
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from The Fiscal Times
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 341
Organization: Upromise
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61474
Article_Body: Bryan Caplanthere's one striking fact in the original research that's neglected in the
popularization: The return to a college education is much higher in the lazy present than it was in the studious
days of yore…[Babcock and Marks:] If full-time college attendance requires a smaller time investment than it
once did, then the recent increases in the return to college may be larger than was previously
thought.[Caplan:]Babcock and Marks could reply, of course, that the return to college would have been even
greater if schools had maintained standards. But the more natural inference is that studying is mostly wasteful
signaling. If one student cuts his effort by 40%, he gets low grades and looks bad. But students in general can
still cut their effort by 40% without noticeably impairing their future productivity in the real world...Lawrence
Rosenwhether colleges have violated what is commonly known as the "prudent-investor rule."Colleges, like
other institutions that operate in a trust relationship, have long been required to invest in a reasonably
conservative way…No one wants to return to an era when delegation and diversification are impermissible.
And rules should not be constructed simply as a function of any one moment in the markets. But one may fairly
ask whether a given institution has, in fact, used the care, skill, and caution required by the prudent-investor
rule in choosing its investment professionals, and whether trustees have ignored warnings about their agents'
decisions…Mary Hennocka new student survey, created and organized by Tsinghua University, one of the
country's elite universities.The survey, which was designed in collaboration with the influential National Survey
of Student Engagement, based at Indiana University at Bloomington, asks what students think of their
education and how they spend their time.Forty-nine institutions participated this year, and confidential results of
their students' responses will be given to them soon.The results will enable administrators to pinpoint problems
and identify reforms that might improve teaching styles, course materials, and students' overall enjoyment of
campus life.The administrators of NSSE China, as it is known, are also working on a national report that will be
released publicly, to identify broader trends in student engagement.How America Pays for College 2010: A
national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Links for 8/11/10
Publication: http://collegeaffordability.blogspot.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61476
Article_Body: Sallie Mae and Gallup Poll released its third annual study of how parents pay for college. In
these tough economic times, families are having to contend with the added burden of double digit inflation. The
total cost of attending school has jumped from 17% over last year and 28% over two years ago. Parents are
helping more, using more of their own income and savings, while students are taking out more and larger
amounts of student loans. Students are also working more, and two out of five of them are living at home to
help keep costs under control. When all is said and done, American families are paying for college by using six
strategies: 23% Grants and Scholarships, such as the Pell Grant or private scholarships like the ones I tell you
about in Scholarship Friday 14% Student Borrowing, such as the Stafford loans and Perkins loans 10% Parent
Borrowing, such as the Parental or PLUS loan 37% Parent Income & Savings, such as the 529 Plans 7%
Friends & Relatives 9% Student Savings & Income, such as wages earned for Federal Work Study jobs How
do these findings jibe with your family‘s strategies for paying for the rising cost of college? Check back later this
week for another installment of Money Saving Tips for College, when I talk about living at home to reduce
overall expense.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Most Americans Pay for College
Publication: http://educationinfodesk.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61489
Article_Body: Can college students learn as well on iPads, e-books? - USATODAY.com tags: students learn
ipad ebooks How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup tags: pays college
america 2010 Your beautiful eyes :: Photography Served tags: eyes photography photos macro Curriki -
WritingontheInternetWeek5 Keyword exercise week5 tags: curriki keyword exercise Are You Part of
‗Generation Plagiarism‘? - The Learning Network Blog - NYTimes.com tags: plagiarism you nyt blog How Do
I...? Search Instructional Video Sites tags: search howto tutorials instructional searchengine YouTube - SIMS
141 - Overview of How Search Engines Work tags: How search engines work class berkeley 2005 Marti video
How Do I...? Search Instructional Video Sites tags: search video instructional how_do_I Posted from Diigo. The
rest of my favorite links are here.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Unnamed 08/11/2010
Publication: http://pdryden.blogspot.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61490
Article_Body: Sallie Mae and Gallup released today the results of the third annual How America Pays for
College report. I was given a heads up a few days ago that the study would be issued, and I asked to be on the
media list when it was released. The research was done this spring with college-age [...] ...
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: The ―How America Pays for College‖ report
Publication: http://pfblogs.org
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61498
Article_Body: Sallie Mae released today How America Pays for College 2010: A National Study by Sallie Mae
and Gallup: The report is the third annual Sallie Mae national study conducted by Gallup that examines how
families of undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 finance the expenses associated with a higher education. To
capture a complete picture of how families meet the costs of college, Sallie Mae and Gallup designed this study
to gather data directly from families of the college-going population on their attitudes, aptitudes and actual
experiences regarding paying for college. In spring 2010, Gallup surveyed 801 collegegoing students and 823
parents of such students. This year‘s survey provides an improved sample of Hispanic and African-American
families to help ascertain whether race and ethnicity influence how families pay for college. The major influence
through the entire report is the increasing cost of attending college. The surveyed families report that their costs
of attendance have increased 17% over last year and 28% above two years ago. Families across all income
levels faced increased costs except, notably, the lowest-income families, earning less than $35,000 a year. The
cost of attendance for those families has stayed relatively flat, perhaps reflecting a trend in this income group to
attend two-year public colleges. Families have met the additional costs by increasing their use of nearly all
sources of funding: income, borrowing, and grants and scholarships. As in prior years, Gallup used the data on
funding sources to develop a composite picture of how the average American family pays for college. This
year‘s study shows that while the cost of college went up, the way families paid for it did not change. On
average, parents still pay the highest share of college costs, including 37% from parent income and savings
and 10% from parent borrowing. Grants and scholarships remain the second most important source of funding
for college, making up an average of 23% of college costs. Students borrowed another 14% of the bill, and
used their own income and savings to cover an additional 9%. Friends and relatives paid an average of 7% of
costs. The pie chart showing the composite of how the average family pays is virtually unchanged from last
year. But, with higher costs to meet, the year-to-year comparison shows an upward shift in the average amount
families spent in all categories. Overall, the percentage of families who used scholarships or grants increased
from 51% in last year‘s study to 55% this year, and the percentage who borrowed to pay for college rose from
42% to 46%.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Students
Publication: http://taxprof.typepad.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 73947
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61498
Article_Body: Sallie Mae released today How America Pays for College 2010: A National Study by Sallie Mae
and Gallup: The report is the third annual Sallie Mae national study conducted by Gallup that examines how
families of undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 finance the expenses associated with a higher education. To
capture a complete picture of how families meet the costs of college, Sallie Mae and Gallup designed this study
to gather data directly from families of the college-going population on their attitudes, aptitudes and actual
experiences regarding paying for college. In spring 2010, Gallup surveyed 801 collegegoing students and 823
parents of such students. This year‘s survey provides an improved sample of Hispanic and African-American
families to help ascertain whether race and ethnicity influence how families pay for college. The major influence
through the entire report is the increasing cost of attending college. The surveyed families report that their costs
of attendance have increased 17% over last year and 28% above two years ago. Families across all income
levels faced increased costs except, notably, the lowest-income families, earning less than $35,000 a year. The
cost of attendance for those families has stayed relatively flat, perhaps reflecting a trend in this income group to
attend two-year public colleges. Families have met the additional costs by increasing their use of nearly all
sources of funding: income, borrowing, and grants and scholarships. As in prior years, Gallup used the data on
funding sources to develop a composite picture of how the average American family pays for college. This
year‘s study shows that while the cost of college went up, the way families paid for it did not change. On
average, parents still pay the highest share of college costs, including 37% from parent income and savings
and 10% from parent borrowing. Grants and scholarships remain the second most important source of funding
for college, making up an average of 23% of college costs. Students borrowed another 14% of the bill, and
used their own income and savings to cover an additional 9%. Friends and relatives paid an average of 7% of
costs. The pie chart showing the composite of how the average family pays is virtually unchanged from last
year. But, with higher costs to meet, the year-to-year comparison shows an upward shift in the average amount
families spent in all categories. Overall, the percentage of families who used scholarships or grants increased
from 51% in last year‘s study to 55% this year, and the percentage who borrowed to pay for college rose from
42% to 46%.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Students
Publication: http://taxprof.typepad.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 73947
Organization: Upromise
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61526
Article_Body: Three Basic Mortgage Types â€― Which Is the Best for You? Mortgages come in a wide range
of types-and this is for a good reason. A single type of mortgage will never work for all borrowers and
circumstances. What works for you might not work for another person. That‘s why mortgage companies offer
more than one kind of mortgage to those who dream of having a home to call their own. If you are planning to
buy a home soon, it is important to look for a great mortgage deal to help ease your monthly repayments. But
before you do so, you have to know first which type will work to your advantage when you take into
consideration your budget, financial situation, mortgage goals, present job, and your other unique
circumstances. In doing so, you can pick the one that suits your needs and capacity to pay and can better
negotiate with your mortgage lender for a better deal. Here are the three basic types of mortgages you can
choose from: 1. Interest-Only Mortgage Pros: As the term implies, you pay just the interest on the mortgage.
Because you are not repaying the capital or principal, your monthly payments are low. This, in effect, can make
you afford a higher loan amount. It can also help ease short-term financial problems and reduce your taxes.
Con: Resorting to interest-only mortgage may mean your debt will never be repaid at all. Ideal for: Borrowers
who are financially capable and have accumulated enough assets Not recommended for: First-time borrowers
and people who don‘t have enough money to buy a home 2. Fixed Rate Mortgage Pros: It is the most popular
type of mortgage, particularly the terms that run for three to five years. When you choose a fixed mortgage, you
will have the financial peace of mind that your debt can be paid off in time. You‘ll also have the guarantee that
the interest rate will never change throughout the payment term. Con: You might end up paying higher interest
costs over a longer period if you go for a long-term mortgage, unless interest rates consistently rise
significantly. Ideal for: Conditions in which the interest rates are stable or declining Not recommended for:
Borrowers who don‘t want to be tied to a very long mortgage payment term 3. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Pros: Since it adjusts the interest rate at regular intervals, ARM gives borrowers the chance to turn the current
rates to their favor. If the interest rates fall, your monthly payments will decrease as well. Generally, the initial
fixed rate for ARM is fairly low. Con: It can be very risky. If the interest rates go up, that means higher monthly
payments and less money on your pocket. Ideal for: People with substantial yet inconsistent income or those
whose income vary every month and fresh college graduates with huge potential to earn money Not
recommended for: People who are not willing to take the risks associated with ARM Related : consolidating
sallie mae direct loan servicing capital one consolidation loans Check it out: Three Basic Mortgage Types â€―
Which Is the Best for You?
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Three Basic Mortgage Types ? Which Is the Best for You?
Publication: http://zechrywire.wordpress.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61528
Article_Body: Seventy-one percent of college students and their parents say getting a degree is more
important than ever, and they are digging deeper to pay for the rising cost of tuition, according to a Sallie
Mae/Gallup poll. In the third annual "How America Pays For College," Sallie Mae/Gallup surveyed a nationally
representative sample of more than 1,600 college students and parents. Here are the findings, straight from the
press release: * 71% strongly agreed that a college degree is more important now than it used to be. * Both
parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more scholarships and grants, and borrowed more, to
pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents reported increased by 17% from the
previous year. * Parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year and
students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. * 15% of families used money from a
college savings plan--up from 11% last year and 9% two years ago. * To make college more affordable, most
families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43% of families
report that their student lived at home. * Most (3 out of 4) students and parents do not have a plan to pay for
the full degree when they enroll.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How America pays for college
Publication: http://blogs.mysanantonio.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 56413
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61537
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college —
37 percent — came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into 'green'
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant 'green' program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit to
employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per
year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in perceived
productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in
the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. To be
sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after
moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year,
so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two surveys tracked
263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families spending more on education; people think they're healthier in 'green' buildings
Publication: http://www.39online.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 60090
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61538
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.bellinghamherald.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 159458
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61540
Article_Body: Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors close
because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why she's encouraging
her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you
need it," she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities.
But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and
change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-
Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last three years, even
though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich,
Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but we have not."
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is
an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe college is so
important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99
percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me, 'We're not
taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'" said Stuart
Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out
of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't have credit
to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to
accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said. According to
the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and textbooks to
living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent
income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing
and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the smallest piece of the
pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie
may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average
family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of
34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help
their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said that with an annual cost of
more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying for his daughter to attend
the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend law school.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.bradenton.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 133849
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61541
Article_Body: MINNEAPOLIS Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one.
"Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why she's
encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four
years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma. http://www.startribune.com The Great Recession has
prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to
borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the
message from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday.
"Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it
is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see
some erosion there but we have not." A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed
this year strongly agree that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of
parents continue to believe college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to
school. Of the families surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable.
"Families are telling me, 'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to
school. We've cut back,'" said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing
from more families who have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone
through our savings and I don't have credit to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more
need-based aid. The school is also willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more
families are considering," Perry said. According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college
related expenses - from tuition and textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the
$19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by
grants and scholarships, student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and
friends made up the smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just
one year. Of course, a family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are
most feeling the squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from
earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about
as much as families making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman
of Minneapolis said that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be
comfortable paying for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-
graduation plan to attend law school. "A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said.
But since she is focused, he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year,
he's tapping her college savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans
to help her pay back. With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled
economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that
degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt - a figure that surpasses the
$826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org.
Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American
consumer's next financial crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis,
said the economy is forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid
process, to tap sources they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends for
assistance. Others are tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by borrowing
against a stock portfolio. "I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell
said. Six percent of those surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college
costs last school year. The same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on a
credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home equity to
pay for college, even though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this option for many
families. The good news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that some
parents have planned ahead. It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, to put
money away for college, especially after the store he managed went out of business. So they're helping their
kids in other ways. She cosigned loans for their eldest son, who is a senior at Bemidji State University. They're
letting their son Jake Letofsky live at home rent-free while completing his general requirements at North
Hennepin Community College, a decision that will save him thousands of dollars toward the nursing degree he
plans to pursue at Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students reported living at home to reduce
college costs. Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters. Although most students believe they
need a college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question
whether an education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority - 53 percent - of those surveyed in
2010 feel college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008. (To see the complete
report go to www.salliemae/howamericapays) Have the CDT delivered to your home. . Get the TV Book
delivered to your home. .
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.centredaily.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 134422
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61542
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college —
37 percent — came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families spending more on education; people think they're healthier in 'green' buildings
Publication: http://www.ct.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61543
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college—
37 percent—came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ——— HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.elpasotimes.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 295402
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61545
Article_Body: Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors close
because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why she's encouraging
her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you
need it," she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities.
But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and
change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-
Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last three years, even
though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich,
Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but we have not."
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is
an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe college is so
important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99
percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me, 'We're not
taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'" said Stuart
Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out
of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't have credit
to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to
accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said. According to
the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and textbooks to
living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent
income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing
and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the smallest piece of the
pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie
may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average
family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of
34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help
their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said that with an annual cost of
more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying for his daughter to attend
the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend law school. "A lot of kids
graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is focused, he willingly paid the
$6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college savings account. She
also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back. With the cost of college far
outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most Americans' net worth,
more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830
billion in student loan debt - a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to
analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly
impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial crisis.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.heraldonline.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 86756
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61546
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.heraldonline.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 86756
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61547
Article_Body: A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me,
'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'"
said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who
have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't
have credit to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also
willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the
squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in
2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families
making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said
that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying
for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend
law school. "A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is focused,
he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college
savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back. With
the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most
Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on
the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt - a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit
owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student
loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial
crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is
forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources
they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends for assistance. Others are
tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by borrowing against a stock portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said. Six percent of those
surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college costs last school year. The
same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4
percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home equity to pay for college, even
though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this option for many families. The good
news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that some parents have planned
ahead. It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, to put money away for
college, especially after the store he managed went out of business. So they're helping their kids in other ways.
She cosigned loans for their eldest son, who is a senior at Bemidji State University. They're letting their son
Jake Letofsky live at home rent-free while completing his general requirements at North Hennepin Community
College, a decision that will save him thousands of dollars toward the nursing degree he plans to pursue at
Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students reported living at home to reduce college costs.
Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters. Although most students believe they need a
college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question whether an
education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority - 53 percent - of those surveyed in 2010 feel
college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008. (To see the complete report go to
www.salliemae/howamericapays)
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.islandpacket.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 75437
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61548
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.kentucky.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 446031
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61549
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college —
37 percent — came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into 'green'
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant 'green' program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit to
employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per
year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in perceived
productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in
the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. To be
sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after
moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year,
so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two surveys tracked
263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families spending more on education; people think they're healthier in 'green' buildings
Publication: http://www.ktla.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 681266
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61550
Article_Body: MINNEAPOLIS -- Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have
one. "Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why
she's encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for
four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to
rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig
deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third
annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last
three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said
Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but
we have not." A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me,
'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'"
said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who
have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't
have credit to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also
willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the
squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in
2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families
making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said
that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying
for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend
law school. "A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do," he said. But since she is focused,
he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college
savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back. With
the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most
Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on
the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt - a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit
owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student
loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial
crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is
forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources
they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends for assistance. Others are
tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by borrowing against a stock portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said. Six percent of those
surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college costs last school year. The
same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4
percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home equity to pay for college, even
though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this option for many families. The good
news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that some parents have planned
ahead. It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, to put money away for
college, especially after the store he managed went out of business. So they're helping their kids in other ways.
She cosigned loans for their eldest son, who is a senior at Bemidji State University. They're letting their son
Jake Letofsky live at home rent-free while completing his general requirements at North Hennepin Community
College, a decision that will save him thousands of dollars toward the nursing degree he plans to pursue at
Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students reported living at home to reduce college costs.
Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters. Although most students believe they need a
college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question whether an
education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority - 53 percent - of those surveyed in 2010 feel
college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008. (To see the complete report go to
www.salliemae/howamericapays)
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.macon.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 123110
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61552
Article_Body: Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors close
because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old. That's why she's encouraging her kids to attend
college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you need it," she said of
a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still
sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way
they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America
Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back
in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice
president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there, but we have not." A whopping 81 percent
of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is an investment in the
future, unchanged from 2008. Worth the price The majority of parents continue to believe college is so
important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99
percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me, 'We're not
taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,' " said Stuart
Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out
of options. "They're saying, 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't have credit
to co-sign a loan.' " In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to
accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said. According to
the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college-related expenses — from tuition and textbooks to
living expenses — in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent
income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing
and student income and savings. While gift money from relatives and friends made up the smallest piece of the
pie, it is the fastest-growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie
may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average
family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of
34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help
their student pay for school, the survey found. Running up debt With the cost of college far outpacing the
growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are
racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student loan
debt — a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark
Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear that student loans, which are nearly impossible to
discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of
College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is forcing his clients, who come to him while
in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources they wouldn't have considered in the past.
Some are turning to family and friends for assistance. Others are tapping retirement accounts. A few have
resorted to paying for college by borrowing against a stock portfolio. "I've been doing this for 20 years and I've
never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said. Six percent of those surveyed took a retirement savings
withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college costs last school year. The same percentage of respondents
resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those surveyed managed to
tap an average of $11,204 in home equity to pay for college, even though tighter credit conditions and declining
home values shut off this option for many families. The good news is that more families are using college
savings to pay the bills, indicating that some parents have planned ahead. Although most students believe they
need a college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question
whether an education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority — 53 percent — of those surveyed in
2010 feel college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008.
Date: 8/12/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.modbee.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 200056
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61553
Article_Body: Families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of their children's college educations, a
new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during
the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -- 37 percent -- came from parents' income
and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships
contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. The report, commissioned by student loan provider
Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3.
Images and text copyright ? 2010 by Trib Total Media, Inc. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written
consent.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Education spending trends higher
Publication: http://www.pittsburghlive.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 670351
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61554
Article_Body: The San Diego Daily Transcript is San Diegos only information company offering business
news, data and resources daily and hourly. We report on San Diego business, finance and the San Diego
economy, real estate, construction, the U.S. military in San Diego, and San Diego . With thousands of students
around San Diego County getting ready to start or head back to college in a few weeks, there is growing
evidence that more families are being creative in coping with the higher costs of higher education. It probably
comes as no surprise that parents paid 47 percent of college costs during the 2009-10 academic year and
students themselves paid around 25 percent of the costs, according to a new report from Sallie Mae. The
reminder of the money needed for college came in loans, either from the government -- 28 percent -- or private
loans used by 13 percent of students. "There is no one way to pay for college, but those who plan and save are
better positioned when the bill is due," said Albert Lord, CEO of the college lending company. Since a lot of
families that are sending kids off to college are probably feeling less affluent that they did a few years ago,
alternative strategies are being used to keep down costs. For instance, 43 percent of families said their
students will be living at home this year rather than living on or near campus. Sallie Mae points out that cost of
education is rising much faster than the rate of inflation. For instance, it calculates that the cost for a year of
studies at a private four-year college will average $35,201 this year, up from $27,679 in 2008. At a state
college, the cost has climbed to $16,436 from $13,706 two years ago. And, costs at a two-year community
college are the most economical at $7,088 this year compared to $5,263 in 2008. However, parents and
students are realizing the cost of college is more than just an extension of high school, it is something that will
pay off down the road. "While they're worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more
cost conscious, American continue to see college as an essential investment," said Dr. Bill Diggins, a
researcher for Gallup that conducted the survey for Sallie Mae. Consider these numbers included in a recent
study called "National Fiscal Effects per Four-Year-Equivalent Degree." It found that over the course of an
average lifetime, a four-year degree gives the graduate bigger paychecks and it also benefits the government.
Factoring in income taxes, property and sales taxes revenues and other sources, governments receive
$471,000 in additional income compared to what they receive from a high school graduate. In other words, for
every dollar spent by the government to support education costs, it receives $7.46. True, most people don't
factor that into the equation when measuring the benefits of pursuing a college education, but it is an important
factor. Another encouraging item in the Sallie Mae report is that more families are using tax-favored education
accounts to save and invest for college. Funds available from 529 plans and Coverdell education savings
accounts were used by 15 percent of families in the current academic year, up from 11 percent last year and 9
percent in 2008. Considering the current economic climate, savings and investments are especially important.
Sallie Mae reports that last year, student loans accounted for just 13 percent of education borrowing, down
from 25 percent in the 2007-2008 school year. So, while paying for college can feel painful in tough times, all
parties involved need to focus forward and realize the benefits of an education that is more than just a four-year
vacation.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: College still 'essential investment' despite rising cost
Publication: http://www.sddt.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 24459
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61556
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college 37
percent came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24
percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly
half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed
that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's
education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they
have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student loan
provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March
24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were
parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. HEALTHY BUILDINGS:
People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into 'green' buildings,
according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant 'green' program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit to
employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per
year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in perceived
productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in
the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. To be
sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after
moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year,
so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two surveys tracked
263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.startribune.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1455172
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61557
Article_Body: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of their children's college educations,
a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during
the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college - 37 percent - came from parents' income and
savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships
contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly half of students' college costs,
whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed that amid the weak economy,
parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's education. Nearly a quarter said
they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have worked more hours or
otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and
conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3. About half the
survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were parents of students. The
margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Date: 8/12/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families scrambling to pay college costs
Publication: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 257649
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61558
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college -
37 percent - came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up
another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The
survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their
children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from
March 24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other
half were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. --- HEALTHY
BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into "green"
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit
to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours
per year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year in the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and
ventilation. To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different
times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two
surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending more for school, green buildings
Publication: http://www.thestate.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 299649
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61559
Article_Body: EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising
cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose
24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college 37
percent came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24
percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly
half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed
that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's
education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they
have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student loan
provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March
24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were
parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. ___ HEALTHY BUILDINGS:
People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into 'green' buildings,
according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of
researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving
from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the
new building, employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED
certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry
association. It is the dominant 'green' program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit to
employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per
year working in the new building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in perceived
productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in
the new building because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. To be
sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after
moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year,
so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two surveys tracked
263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families spending more on education; people think they're healthier in 'green' buildings
Publication: http://www.wreg.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 221420
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61608
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Monroe on a Budget » The ―How America Pays for College‖ report
Publication: http://www.blogsmonroe.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61625
Article_Body:
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: The ―How America Pays for College‖ report | Frugal Living News
Publication: http://www.frugallivingnews.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61806
Article_Body: @squalllive Early voter, Yes to Boyd. He is a lefty for the job. He cares about rich farmers but
not Sallie Mae employees!!
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: @squalllive Early voter, Yes to Boyd. He is a lefty for the job
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61807
Article_Body: I'm gonna be payin back loans for the rest of my life. F U Sallie Mae and whoever else I got
money from lol
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: I'm gonna be payin back loans for the rest of my life. F U Sall
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61808
Article_Body: How Most Americans Pay for College - Sallie Mae and Gallup Poll released its third annual
study of how parents pay f... http://ow.ly/18wc40
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Most Americans Pay for College - Sallie Mae and Gallup Poll
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61809
Article_Body: How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup
http://bit.ly/d1VzSi
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How America Pays for College 2010: A national study by Sallie M
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 61924
Article_Body: RT @universitybiz: Webinar: How American families pay for college. Research from Sallie Mae
and Gallup. Tomorrow, 2 pm ET. Register: http://ow.ly/2fLyP
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: RT @universitybiz: Webinar: How American families pay for colle
Publication: Twitter
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 62100
Article_Body:
Post from Technology Credit Union
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Aug 12, 2010 04:07 PM by Technology Credit Union
How are you paying for your kids' college education?
http://www.salliemae.com/about/news_info/research/how_america_pays_2010/ How America Pays for
College 2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup Based on a nationally representative survey of
college-going students and parents of undergraduates...
Date: 8/12/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from Technology Credit Union
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 90
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 62110
Article_Body:
Post from IPSB - The International Professional School of Bodywork
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Aug 13, 2010 01:02 AM by IPSB - The International Professional School of Bodywork
Interesting article about paying for college. Penny for your thoughts..... How America Pays for College
2010: A national study by Sallie Mae and Gallup Based on a nationally representative survey of college-
going students and parents of undergraduates, the study found that most are taking practical steps...
Date: 8/13/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from IPSB - The International Professional School of Bodywork
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 497
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 62192
Article_Body: Going to college is costing considerably more than just two years ago, forcing the majority of
minority students to live at home. A new survey produced by Sallie Mae found the average cost of attending a
university or college in 2009-2010 was $18,659, a 17% jump from the year before and a 28% increase from the
reported cost of $14,628 in 2007-08. Even community colleges have become significantly more expensive, with
the average cost rising by 26% from one year to the next. To save money, a reported 43% of students lived at
home last year. That figure increased to 57% for families with annual incomes of less than $35,000. The rate
was highest for Hispanic (64%) and African American (58%) students. Thirty-six percent of white students said
they lived with their parents while seeking higher education. How America Pays for College(Sallie Mae) (pages
29 and 44-45) (pdf) College Tuition Climbing Faster than Income and Inflation(by David Wallechinsky, AllGov)
Date: 8/12/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Cost of Going to College Jumps 28% in Two Years; Most Non-White Students Live at Home
Publication: http://www.allgov.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 21620
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 62965
Article_Body: Education spend-trends higher: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of
their children's college educations, a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose 24
percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college 37
percent came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24
percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly
half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed
that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's
education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they
have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student loan
provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March
24-May 3. About half the survey respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were
parents of students. The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points. Healthy buildings: People think
they're healthier and more productive after moving their office space into green buildings, according to a recent
study published on the American Journal of Public Health's website. A group of researchers working with
Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after moving from conventional office
buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the new building, employees
said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED certification is a Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued by a building industry association. It is the dominant
green program for buildings in the U.S. The authors estimated a small benefit to employees suffering from
asthma and respiratory allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per year working in the new
building because they would take less sick time. The biggest boost comes in perceived productivity. The
study's authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in the new building
because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. To be sure, the survey
did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after moving to the new
building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year, so seasonal factors
may have affected how often employees thought they got sick. The two surveys tracked 263 employees in
Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending increases for education, green buildings
Publication: http://www.news-sentinel.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 68116
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63159
Article_Body: WMTW (ABC) - Portland, ME
News 8 This Morning
WMTW 08/14/2010 05:42:59: ...continuing our project economy coverage this morning, a new study from sallie
mae and gallup has found that despite the uncertain economy, parents are digging deeper to invest in college
educations for their children. according to the study, parents paid nearly half the share of college costs for the
2009- 2010 school year and students paid about a quarter using income, savings and loans. to make college
more affordable, most families reduced spending or increased work hours or earnings. and almost half of
families report that their student lived at home. flare college freshmen are getting set to head to campus to
begin their education. tuition is a big cost, but if students aren't careful with other spending, they could end up
stuck with debt for decades to come. in this morning's consumer watch, karin caifa takes a closer look at how
to keep a college student's budget in line. freshman year is full of lessons, and that can include managing
money. this is my first time going and in my family, i'm going to be the first generation, so, they don't what to
ask, i don't know what to ask. those who've been there say to spend, and save, wisely. i should have saved
more apparently. don't caught in spending more money on things that you can't afford that might seem easier
said than done. according to the college board, the average annual cost of books and supplies, over 1100
dollars last year. personal expenses like laundry, almost 2,000. transportation home for breaks, just over a
thousand. so include those things in a pre- college budget. then research campus and student discounts for
everything from airfare to cell phone bills. and instead of buying those books, try swapping or even renting for
the semester. new restrictions under the credit card reform act require most of those under 21 to have a
qualified co- signer. that will help cut down on the number of young people who ring up big balances. the rest,
is up to the student. i used it like i would use a debit card, i never spent more than i had. for consumer watch,
i'm karin caifa. it's and degrees. this is a live look at the casco bay bridge. you're watching news-8 this morning,
we are back in two minutes....
Date: 8/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WMTW (ABC) 5:42
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 8284
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63399
Article_Body: WSIL (ABC) - Paducah, KY
News
WSIL 08/15/2010 22:01:33: ...college. arbeiter says it's the only option they have if their kids want to succeed.
she says it was different when she was kaitlyn's age, a time when many businesses would hire you with a high
school diploma and pay a good wage. ""but now, people with college degrees--they can't seem to find work
right now. it would be impossible, i think, to find a good paying job without an education."" paying for the
education is often more daunting than the homework. a new study by sallie mae and gallup finds parents are
paying 45-percent of the cost of college. for a middle-income family, that about seven-thousand dollars a year.
another 25-percent is covered by grants and scholarships. the rest, picked up by the student. arbeiter says
getting through the loan application process was not easy. ""that fafsa stuff is just insane, trying to figure out
how to do that. you get so much money, and then there's sources out there."" from federal parent plus loans to
low- interest student loans, money is available. some of the loans will not acrue interest until the student
graduates. most have very low interest rates. arbeiter says education is something her family will find a way to
afford, so her daughters have the most options available. in marion, jeff stensland, news three. the sallie mae
gallup study found tuition rose an average of 6.5-percent last year, and room and board costs rose 5.4-percent.
you can read the entire survey yourself, by going to our website, wsiltv.com, and clicking on this story. good
news about the economy tonight- workers are likely to get a pay raise next year- two separate surveys by
business consultants found companies expect to raise worker pay by two and a half to three percent- plus --
salary freezes aren't expected to be as widespread- improved profitability and concern that the best workers
may start looking for new opportunities if raises aren't in the future are driving the pay raises. if you haven't
bought your kids back to school supplies -- you still have a few hours before the sales tax holiday ends. illinois'
10-day sales tax holiday is the longest in the country -- and first of its kind in the state. it's estimated shoppers
will save more than 60 million dollars because of the break. critics argue the holiday takes much needed
revenue away from the state- the drowning death of a 22-month old baby from franklin county has been labeled
an accident. franklin county coroner marty leffler says daltyn baxter died after falling into the family's swimming
pool in valier. daltyn's father -- james baxter -- was watching television while his girlfriend -- rhonda slayton --
was taking a nap with the toddler. james went outside to smoke when he noticed the back door was open.
that's when he found daltyn in the family's swimming pool -- face up and unresponsive. according to the family -
- a child gate was not in place and...
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WSIL (ABC) 10:01
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 42102
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63400
Article_Body: WSIL (ABC) - Paducah, KY
News
WSIL 08/15/2010 17:03:19: ...shouer. officers tracked down four possible suspects who fled the scene shortly
after the shooting but there wasn't enough evidence to press charges so they were released. if you have any
information about the shooting -- you're asked to call police. quite a lightning show for some of us last night.
how much rain did get from e st? weather firsnow jim. king less thanhe wereefore e recess they are sll fiing a
way to payfor college. news three's jeff stensland spoke with a southern illinois fami this afternn. jeff, is tir
situation common nationwide? in many ways, it is, ryan. a new study by sallie mae and gallup finds it's a joint
effort between the parents, relatives and the studen kaitlyn lowery is packing her bags for college. she is
heading to ncoln university near springfield tomorrow morning. kaitlyn is the first of be college bouwi likely
nationly, the survey found the average middle-income family is shelling out 17- thousand dollars a year for
college. grants and scholarships cover about a fourth of the cost. parents are chipping in another third of the
cost from their income or savings. the rest is covered students paying out of pocket or taking out loans. kaitlyn's
mother says she knows its going to cost a lot- but its worth e sacrifice- college costs are on the rise, despite the
fact that family incomes have remained steady or slightly dropped. tuition rose an average of 6.5- percent.
room and board rose 5.4- percent. there are several loan programs ou their to help students get anducation.
education loans often have a very low interest rate. some also do not acrue interest until the student has
graduated. thers good news regarding the economy tonight- workers are likely to get a pay raise next year-
that's according to two serate surveys by twousiness consultants- the surveys found companies expect to raise
worker pay by two and a half to three percent- and salary freezes won't be as widespread- driving the pay
raises are improved profitability and concern that the best workers may start looking for new opportunities if
raises aren't forthcoming- if you haven't bought your kids school supplies better get them now- the states ten
day back to school sales tax holiday ends tonight- the longest running sales tax holiday in the country and first
of its kind in illinois is expected to save shoppers up to 6 million dollars- critics argue the holiday takes much
needed revenue away from the state- the franklin county habitat for humanity opened its newest home today
and the family is planng on moving in next week. news three's photojournalist mike kaan shows us the...
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WSIL (ABC) 5:03 pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 21218
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63736
Article_Body: By MarketWatch In case you missed them, here are the top 10 Personal Finance stories from
MarketWatch for the week of Aug. 9-13: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may be effectively insolvent, but they're
backing over half of all U.S. mortgages. That has some people worried. Mortgage rates are sliding, with the 30-
year, fixed-rate loan at its lowest level in almost 40 years. That's good news for home buyers and homeowners,
but not for yield-oriented investors. Now that the most sweeping financial-reform bill since the Great Depression
is law, Washington is finally getting around to dealing with the hard part: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fixed-
rate mortgages continued their decline to record lows this week and the 5-year adjustable rate also reached a
new low, Freddie Mac reported. The apartment industry often doesn't improve until the job market strengthens,
and workers gain the confidence to drop their roommate and get a place of their own or move out of their
parents' basement. Faced with rising college expenses, families dug deeper into their own pockets and
borrowed more money to pay tuition bills in the 2009-10 school year, according to a survey by Sallie Mae and
Gallup released Tuesday. Everyone knows, or should know, that you should never lie to your insurance
company -- that would be fraud -- but what you say and what you do does matter. Hewlett-Packard said Mark
Hurd did not violate the company's sexual-harassment policy, but the unfolding drama raises questions: What
does constitute sexual harassment, and how should firms address the issue? The cheap-flight party is over.
After a string of mostly profitable earnings reports, a sizable jump in fee revenues and an uptick in fares,
airlines are enjoying an unusually strong recovery coming off a dire two years -- and they won't be shifting
gears any time soon. The quick action taken by the Hewlett-Packard Co. board to oust Chief Executive Mark
Hurd because of expense-report recklessness should be a clarion call to employees at every level: expense
accounts are not to be taken lightly.
Date: 8/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Personal Finance Daily: The week's 10 best Personal Finance stories
Publication: http://www.marketwatch.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 5095863
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63747
Article_Body: MINNEAPOLIS ? Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have
one. "Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why
she's encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for
four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to
rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig
deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third
annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released Tuesday. "Families over the last
three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment," said
Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We expected to see some erosion there but
we have not." A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. "Families are telling me,
'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,'"
said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who
have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't
have credit to co-sign a loan.'" In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also
willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses ? from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average.
Date: 8/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.deseretnews.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 697824
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63759
Article_Body: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of their children?s college education,
a new survey shows. Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during
the 2009-10 school year. The biggest chunk of money for college ? 37 percent ? came from parents? income
and savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships
contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly half of students? college costs,
whether through loans or from their savings and income. The survey showed that amid the weak economy,
parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money for their children?s education. Nearly a quarter said
they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have worked more hours or
otherwise increased earnings. The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by
Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3. The margin of error was plus or
minus 3 percentage points. People think they?re healthier and more productive after moving into ?green?
buildings, according to a recent study published on the American Journal of Public Health?s website. A group
of researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of employees before and after
moving from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving,
employees said they thought they called out sick less and were more productive. LEED certification is a ratings
system issued by a building industry association. It is the dominant ?green? program for buildings in the U.S.
The authors estimated a small benefit to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory allergies. Those
people would gain 1.75 more work-hours a year working in the new building. The biggest boost comes in
perceived productivity. The study?s authors extrapolated that employees could each work about 39 more hours
a year because of different working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation. The survey did
not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick more often after moving to the new
building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken at different times of the year, so seasonal factors
may have affected how often employees thought they got sick.
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families cope as costs spiral
Publication: http://www.journalgazette.net
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 188245
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63767
Article_Body: MINNEAPOLIS -- Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have
one. 'Doors close because I don't have a college degree,' said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why
she's encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. 'It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for
four years. But you need it,' she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to
rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to college, although they're having to borrow more, dig
deeper into savings and change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third
annual Sallie Mae-Gallup 'How America Pays for College' study released Tuesday. 'Families over the last three
years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment,' said Sarah
Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. 'We expected to see some erosion there but we
have not.' A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that
college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. 'Families are telling me,
'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We've cut back,''
said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is hearing from more families who
have run out of options. 'They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've gone through our savings and I don't
have credit to co-sign a loan.'' In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also
willing to accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something 'more families are considering,' Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses - from tuition and
textbooks to living expenses- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009
survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships,
student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the
smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a
family's actual pie may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the
squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in
2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families
making six figures to help their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said
that with an annual cost of more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn't be comfortable paying
for his daughter to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn't have a post-graduation plan to attend
law school. 'A lot of kids graduate and still don't know what they want to do,' he said. But since she is focused,
he willingly paid the $6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he's tapping her college
savings account. She also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back. With
the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most
Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on
the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt - a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit
owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student
loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial
crisis. Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is
forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources
they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends for assistance. Others are
tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by borrowing against a stock portfolio.
'I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak,' Ramsdell said. Six percent of those
surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college costs last school year. The
same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on a credit card. Surprisingly, 4
percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home equity to pay for college, even
though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this option for many families. The good
news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that some parents have planned
ahead. It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, to put money away for
college, especially after the store he managed went out of business. So they're helping their kids in other ways.
She cosigned loans for their eldest son, who is a senior at Bemidji State University. They're letting their son
Jake Letofsky live at home rent-free while completing his general requirements at North Hennepin Community
College, a decision that will save him thousands of dollars toward the nursing degree he plans to pursue at
Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students reported living at home to reduce college costs.
Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters. Although most students believe they need a
college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen field, some are beginning to question whether an
education is worth the hefty price tag. Only a slight majority - 53 percent - of those surveyed in 2010 feel
college is worth the cost; 62 percent thought a degree was worth it in 2008. (To see the complete report go to
www.salliemae/howamericapays)
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families are going to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: http://www.newsobserver.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 527322
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 63770
Article_Body: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of their children's college educations,
according to a survey by student loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup. Families said their
spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10 school year. The biggest
chunk of money for college -- 37 percent -- came from parents' income and savings. Loans taken out by
parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23 percent of school
fees, the survey said. Parents paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their
savings and income. The survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making sacrifices to come
up with the money for their children's education. Nearly a quarter said they have cut their general household
spending, while about half said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings.
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Survey: Families spend more for tuition
Publication: http://www.stevenspointjournal.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 40571
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64456
Article_Body: WKYC-CLE (NBC) - Cleveland, OH
Channel 3 News Today
WKYC 08/18/2010 06:35:55: ...us with how they are doing it and what could change in the future. >> it's
amazing because as we've been talking with for the past couple of minutes, families are cash strapped so
finding money has been amazing even during the down economy. parents didn't hold back from sending their
kids to a four- year college or university. a new study by sallie mae and gallop showed they found ways to
come up with the funding. the two organizations studied how parents are affording college. according to their
information, parents are still paying for 45% of the costs. 23% of that is coming out of their current income, 9%
comes from loans. the rest comes from a college savings plan or other investments. the willingness to continue
to find the funding is something local universities have also noticed. >> the past, the present and the future,
and that's how families have saved, how they are willing to look at their income and change it, or how they are
willing to borrow. >> having just a combination. my parents don't have loans but they are giving me a little bit
and then i have loans and then some financial aid too. >> now, surprisingly, that study found that the average
of 25% of college costs are covered by grants and scholarships. bryan williams is the vice president of
enrollment at john carroll university and says they are actually contributing more to financial aid and student
scholarships over the past couple of years in this down economy. and about 90% of their students receive
some sort of financial assistance. the study also took a closer look at financial aid and found that nearly one in
four families were ineligible for grants or loans because they didn't complete the free application for federal
student aid. half of those who didn't fill out the forms said they weren't aware of it or they didn't think they would
qualify. so if you are a parent of a high school student, make sure you look into the fafsa forms early enough
before starting the application process. colleges are working out a map- out of what it would cost financially like
a tuition outlook, and then what kind of financial programs that student would be eligible for, jr. and senior year
of high school. >> even if you don't know what year your child's going to go to college you have to look at this
early on, jr. and sophomore year. >> narrow it down to the few colleges you think the child will go, ask them
about the costs and that will narrow down the decision too. >> great information. maureen, thank you. it's about
6:38 right now. you wouldn't know it from the out side, but some retail space is new home of a former catholic
congregation. the new community of st. peter...
Date: 8/18/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WKYC-CLE (NBC) 6:35
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 77849
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64457
Article_Body: WKYC-CLE (NBC) - Cleveland, OH
Channel 3 News Today
WKYC 08/18/2010 06:11:50: ...here now with a current look at how families are paying for college and if that
can actually change in the future. there is a lot. it's almost like picking up a second job trying to get ready and
looking for financial aid. >> there are things parents can do and will be doing in the future and we'll get to that
but a study just released from sallie mae and gallup shows families are still investing in a college education
despite the deep economic recession. will investing in the future change over the next few years? the study
breaks down how families are pulling it together and we found out from one of our local universities how willing
colleges are to help keep education going. >> i was definitely fortunate to get some scholarships for
academics. >> it's one of the biggest investments a family will ever make. >> definitely took some loans but i
was also fortunate that my parents were willing to pay, pay a big price for me to go to this college. >>
thousands, in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars to send a kid to a four- year college or university,
something parents worry if they can afford in the future. >> my parents don't have loans. they are giving me
little bit, i have loans and financial aid too. >> student loans, the bank and pretty much i have a grant from john
carroll. >> a gallup poll along with sallie mae shows 45% are paid from parents, 23% from their current income,
9% paid for by loans, 5% from a college savings plan, 7% from other savings and investments. the other costs
were covered nearly 25% by students themselves. another 25% from grants and scholarships. >> i get like a
grant that's like almost three-fourths and then the rest my parents took out loans. >> close to 90% of john
carroll students receive some sort of assistance from the university. >> bryan williams is the advice president of
enrollment at john carroll university and they actually bumped up the amount they contribute to students.
parents are now doing much more than writing a check, making sure they are getting the most out of their
investment. >> they are doing a lot more research. they are becoming very informed, willing to travel further for
school. >> universities and colleges will work with potential students to see what kind of scholarships are
available and the advice they gave, don't pay for any scholarship help from an outside agency. that's something
that they are seeing more and more parents looking into. >> now, if you're a parent you've got a child in high
school right now, other than savings what are some of the other things they should be doing?...
Date: 8/18/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WKYC-CLE (NBC) 6:11
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 69442
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64488
Article_Body: For those dealing with college expenses, we share the last of Kiplinger.com's list of
recommendations on smart buys and items parents and students should say no to, including: High bank fees.
Open an account for your student at a bank that is close to campus and has nationwide coverage. Students
using an account with their hometown bank could spend up to $5 each time they withdraw money from an out-
of-network ATM. That's $260 in unnecessary fees. A credit card. The average freshman who had a credit card
amassed more than $2,000 in card debt in an academic year, according to a recent study by Sallie Mae. Opt
for a debit card until your student has a long track record of fiscal responsibility. Overdraft protection. Don't opt
in. This way the bank either will not permit withdrawal of funds if the balance is too low or ask whether you want
to pay a $35 fee and proceed with the withdrawal. Private loans. They usually carry variable rates instead of
the fixed rates on federal student loans. They also have fewer repayment options and allow students to run up
high balances. There is still time to apply for federal student loans to cover expenses this school year and to
check out scholarship possibilities. Sun-Times staff
Date: 8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: In college? Avoid the following
Publication: http://www.suntimes.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1698695
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64747
Article_Body: College often brings about a lot of ―firsts‖ for young adults: first time living sans parents, first all-
nighter and sometimes, the first empty bank account. ―It‘s really important, especially today, that young adults
avoid big mistakes to ensure that they have a great start,‖ says Princess Clark-Wendel, author of A Pocketbook
for Hope in Tough Economic Times. ―You can come out of college good or you can come out of college great.
It‘s better to come out great and that‘s by taking control of money, understanding a budget and sticking to it.‖
Here are five common money mistakes to avoid during college to keep yourself on the right financial track.
Underestimating Your Student Loan Needs As an incoming freshman, calculate how much money you will
need in student loans. Make sure you have enough to cover expenses, but only take what you need so you
aren‘t stuck paying interest on money you didn‘t need. ―Have a budget of what books cost, tuition costs, room
and board--all of it should be budgeted out,‖ says Clark-Wendel, who is also the founder of Princess Clark
Consulting ( www.livelifeworryfree.com ). ―Only use the money by sticking to your budget like there‘s nothing
else coming.‖ If you need financial aid, make sure you fill out the Free Application for Student Aid [FAFSA]
form. A recent national study conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup showed, one out of four undergraduate
families did not complete the FAFSA form. ―That‘s potentially leaving financial aid on the table,‖ says Patricia
Nash Christel, a spokesperson for Sallie Mae. ―The good news is that it‘s getting easier and anyone can join at
anytime in the school year. Obviously, you want to do it as early as you can before your state deadline. If you
have not completed it by now for the fall semester, you can still do so.‖ Find the latest business news at FOX
Business
Date: 8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: 5 Money Mistakes to Avoid in College
Publication: http://www.benzinga.com/
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 253237
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64847
Article_Body: Next Page 1 | 2 Previous Page When Sallie Mae was essentially legislated out of the subsidized
student loan business this spring, it was clear that the company's greatest hope lay in transforming its business
model to direct, private lending. Now, it has found some evidence that consumers are headed that way as well.
Students and parents are becoming increasingly convinced that a college degree is crucial for success, and are
also becoming more willing to go into debt to reach that goal, according to a recent study conducted by Gallup
for the company. That trend could potentially be good news for both Sallie Mae and the state of Delaware,
where the company plans to relocate its corporate headquarters next year and refine its new direction. Sources
say the move could add more than 1,500 jobs here over five years. No location for the new headquarters has
been announced Families typically use private loans to pay for college costs that aren't covered by financial aid
and federally backed student loans, which are subject to annual limits. In academic year 2008-09, borrowers
took out $11 billion in non-federal student loans, according to The College Board. Even before Sallie Mae's
decision to relocate from Virginia to Delaware, its center near Christiana handled mainly private loan accounts -
- including compliance, collections, fraud and credit management. The Gallup Poll found that parents and
students were willing to "dig deeper" into every traditional source of funding for college, from loans to savings
and even retirement accounts, and are cutting even deeper into their discretionary spending as college costs
rise and the challenges of getting a good job heighten. In the study, 71 percent strongly agreed that a college
degree is more important now than it used to be. Since last year, the cost of college has risen 17 percent, the
study found. "A lot of it is driven by economic changes and challenges," said Bill Diggins, senior consultant with
Gallup and the lead researcher on the annual project, "How America Pays for College." "Despite these worries
and despite these rising costs, what they're doing is they're digging deeper into every source to pay for
college," Diggins said.(2 of 2)"They see it as an investment in the future. They see it as more important now
than ever.'" For the first time this year, Gallup asked if students were living at home as a way to cope with
costs. "The fact that two out of five are living at home kind of surprised me until I thought about it a bit," Diggins
said. The high proportion of students at home seems to be driven in part by African-American and Hispanic
students, who tend to be much more concerned about being able to afford college, and thus more likely to live
at their parents' home. "They're willing to do that digging," Diggins said. "Hispanics are much more likely than
whites and African-Americans to say that they'll stretch themselves financially, that college is worth the cost.' "
The study found that parents paid nearly half of college costs for the 2009-10 academic year, and students paid
roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. To make college more affordable, 73 percent of
families cut spending, and 48 percent increased work hours or earnings. Three-quarters of students and
parents do not have a plan to pay for the full degree when the students enroll. Next Page 1 | 2 Previous Page
Contact Eric Ruth at 324-2428 or eruth@delawareonline.com.
Date: 8/20/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae study confirms movement to private lending
Publication: http://www.delawareonline.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 300608
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64855
Article_Body: Aug. 21--More grandmas are writing tuition checks. Students are increasingly including gifts
from relatives and friends in the complicated puzzle of how they pay for the rising costs of college, a new
survey shows. While still a small piece of college financing, it's the fastest-growing. Such gifts rose by 53
percent in just one year, according to the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays for College" study
released this month. Amounts increased along with family income. Relatives and friends of higher-income
students contributed an average of $2,387 -- 87 percent more than last year. Parents who might have lost a job
or some income are dialing their own moms and dads, experts say. At one time, they might have taken out a
second mortgage to pay for an expensive education. But now there are fewer options. "Previously when
parents faced this suddenly daunting bill, they had that long-time piggy bank of home equity to turn to," said
James Boyle, president of College Parents of America, based in Arlington, Va. "That has just basically dried
up." Meanwhile, grandparents who began saving for just this purpose when 529 Plans became popular early
this decade are now making tuition deposits. They seem happy to help. Many got a good deal on their own
education and don't want their grandchildren swallowed in debt. Savings paying out Sonia Pond's grandparents
opened a savings account for her when she was 11. Go to college, they pledged, and it's all yours. Seven
years and $7,000 later, that 529 Plan helped her pay for nursing classes at the University of Minnesota. Pond's
parents and her job as a research assistant have covered most of her tuition, but her grandparents' gift "was
really helpful," she said. Her situation could be becoming more common as savings plans started earlier this
decade are positioned to begin paying out, said Brian Lindeman, director of financial aid at Macalester College
in St. Paul. But although they have a clear picture of parents' finances, colleges and universities' financial aid
offices often don't know whether relatives are writing checks. A query on the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid, or FAFSA, asks about "cash support" from outside sources, and that's where relatives'
contributions would be noted, but "we have very few people who actually report anything in this question," said
Kathy Ruby, dean of student financial aid at St. Olaf College in Northfield. The college bases its financial aid
offers on a family's ability to pay. Being 'more creative' Locally, SELF Loans, run through the Minnesota Office
of Higher Education, require a credit-worthy co-signer. The percentage of borrowers who said that co-signer
was their grandparent rose from 3.2 percent in 2008-09 to 4.1 percent in 2009-10. The office did not ask that
question in years past, so it's difficult to show a trend. Ruby and Lindeman said it makes sense that because
credit's tight and borrowing's down, students might be calling on families more than they had before. "We do
feel that families have had to be more creative," Lindeman said. Meanwhile, baby boomer grandparents "who
have a level of affluence" see tuition rising and want to help prevent their grandchildren from taking on too
much debt, Boyle said. "If they're going to help, that's the place they're going to do it -- with college." But
University of Minnesota Regent David Larson worries that many grandparents who want to help will be less
able to do so. The recession has hit their investments, too. "Before the recession, Grandma and Grandpa
probably felt pretty well off," said Larson, an executive vice president for Cargill Inc. "Now that's not so true."
'Incredible, adorable people' About 72 percent of Minnesota students leave with debt, according to 2008 figures
from the Project on Student Debt. The average amount now tops $25,000, about $2,000 higher than the
national average. To some students, a relative's help can mean taking out a little less in loans. To others, a
grandparents' gift can make college possible. Last week, Paige Bergman paid her tuition "in full," then tweeted:
"My grandparents are the most incredible, adorable people in the world." Although the Green Bay resident is
the youngest of four, she's the first of her siblings to enroll in college. She works part time, lives at home and
takes courses at a nearby technical college to save money. Still, the tuition and fees of $1,500 a semester
would be too much for her and her parents alone, she said by phone. "I'm not sure how I would do it," Bergman
said. "If it weren't for my grandparents, I wouldn't be in school right now." Jenna Ross --612-673-7168 To see
more of the Star Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.startribune.com/. Copyright (c)
2010, Star Tribune, Minneapolis Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information
about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit
www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail services@mctinfoservices.com, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United
States, call +1 312-222-4544)
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Relatives step up to help pay for college: As parents have become tapped out, extended family and
friends have taken up slack to help kids pay for college.
Publication: http://www.poten.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64864
Article_Body: LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) -- In the midst of a slumping economy, families are still
finding ways to afford a college education. A study by Sallie Mae and Gallup finds that parents funded 45
percent of the costs involved, either from their own income or borrowing. The financial aid office at UW-La
Crosse has seen an increase in request for financial aid for the 2010-2011 school year. The office says they try
to work with struggling families. "We do hear a lot about families' challenges in terms of a lost job or someone
who has had their wages cut or their hours cut. These families will contact our office through email or a phone
call, and we'll work with them to try to get that application to reflect what's really going on in their lives," says
Louise Janke, director of financial aid at UW-La Crosse. Tuition at the university increased by around $300 per
year this year.
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families find ways to afford college
Publication: http://www.wxow.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 31680
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 64888
Article_Body:
Date: 8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How American Students Pay for College Despite a 17 Percent ...
Publication: http://blog.educationconnection.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65035
Article_Body:
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: College Costs Are Up 17 Percent – How Can Students Afford It ...
Publication: http://www.online-degree-schools.net/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65035
Article_Body:
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: College Costs Are Up 17 Percent – How Can Students Afford It ...
Publication: http://www.online-degree-schools.net/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Upromise
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65060
Article_Body:
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Relatives step up to help pay for college | Financial News Update
Publication: http://financial-news-update.info/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65061
Article_Body:
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Relatives step up to help pay for college | Homeschool Ninja
Publication: http://homeschoolninja.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65138
Article_Body: The Obama administration wants for-profit career colleges to better prepare students for gainful
employment and to improve debt repayment rates. The government is threatening to pull access to federal
student aid for colleges that fail to show progress. Under the administration's proposed rules, if a program
graduated a large share of students with excessive debt compared to potential earnings in their chosen field, it
would be required to disclose this information to current and prospective students. I love this idea, but why
don't we take it further and require every college that receives federal financial aid to discuss with incoming
students who are applying for loans how much they can expect to earn in the degree areas they are pursuing?
Career counselors or financial aid personnel would show students data on the average starting salary for a
certain field. Then the counselor would calculate — based on the total amount of money the student planned
on borrowing — how much projected monthly income would be needed to service the student loans. This
process would be a reality check before any federal student check is cut. I would also require this for students
relying heavily on private student loans. Is it too much to hope that many students and their families would
rethink the amount of debt they would be taking on at a particular school after actually considering — before
enrollment — how much they will earn? Certainly there are problems in the for-profit career college sector,
which offers degrees and certifications in programs ranging from auto mechanics to business administration to
massage therapy. The Government Accountability Office reported recently that in an undercover investigation
of 15 for-profit colleges, four of the schools allegedly encouraged fraudulent practices and all 15 made
deceptive or otherwise questionable statements to undercover applicants. In some cases, personnel
encouraged undercover applicants to lie about their financial situation so that they could qualify for federal aid. I
should point out that The Washington Post Co.'s Kaplan Higher Education, which operates for-profit colleges,
would be affected by the proposed requirements. Kaplan College was involved in the GAO undercover
investigation, and Post executives said they would work to eliminate misconduct at its educational institutions.
It's clear there are significant debt repayment issues at for-profit career colleges. Students who attended for-
profit colleges were more likely to default on federal student loans than were students from more-traditional
colleges, the GAO said last year. Only 36 percent of students at for-profit schools were paying down their
student loans in 2009, according to an analysis of Department of Education data by the Institute for College
Access and Success, a nonprofit group whose mission is to help make higher education more affordable. At
public colleges, 54 percent of borrowers were paying down the principal on their loans, compared to 56 percent
of those from private, nonprofit schools. These are not great percentages either. "While career colleges play a
vital role in training our work force to be globally competitive, some of them are saddling students with debt
they cannot afford in exchange for degrees and certificates they cannot use," said Education Secretary Arne
Duncan. The administration says new rules for career colleges are needed as enrollment, debt loads and
default rates have increased. The department would define whether a program is preparing students for gainful
employment by using a two-part test. It would measure the amount of debt students have compared with their
potential income once they've completed their program. And the department would measure the rate at which
all enrollees, regardless of completion, repay their loans on time. The Department of Education is asking for
public comment on the proposed regulations by Sept. 9. Final regulations are due by Nov. 1 and will take effect
in July 2011. If you want to read more about this issue or comment, go to
www.ProtectStudentsandTaxpayers.org, a new website sponsored by several nonprofit organizations including
the Institute for College Access and Success. A recent study conducted for Sallie Mae by the Gallup
organization found that both parents and students are stretching themselves to pay for higher education. We
know that for many, a college education is necessary for financial upward mobility. But in our zeal to make sure
people get a higher education, we've communicated to them that they need to get a degree or degrees by any
means necessary — even if it means taking on decades of debt. The administration is on to something, but it's
not just career colleges that leave students with a heavy debt load and no gainful employment to service that
debt.
Date: 8/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Reality check on student loans
Publication: http://articles.lancasteronline.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 119978
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65141
Article_Body: U.S. families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during
the 2009-10 school year, a new survey shows. The biggest chunk of money — 37 percent — came from
parents' income and savings. Loans accounted for 24 percent; grants and scholarships, 23 percent. Parents
paid for nearly half of students' college costs. The survey showed that parents are making sacrifices to come
up with the money. Nearly one-fourth said they have cut their general household spending, while about half
said they have worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings. The report, commissioned by student
loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by Gallup, surveyed about 1,600 people by phone from March 24 to
May 3. About half of respondents were undergraduates ages 18-24, and the rest were parents of students. The
margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Date: 8/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families' college costs rise 24 percent in 2009
Publication: http://www.courier-journal.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 416124
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65142
Article_Body: With new housing for more than 400 students, the $55 million Global Village complex on the
campus of Rochester Institute of Technology is a sure sign that the college's enrollment is growing. RIT's
student population is approaching 17,000, up about 1,800 from five years ago. While some higher education
institutions nationwide have been left financially strapped by the recession, others have found themselves in
greater demand. Twelve colleges in the Rochester area have weathered the economic downturn, with
enrollment totaling more than 86,000 this fall, about 1,000 more than last year. Nationwide, the college
population has grown dramatically, from 8.6 million in 1970 to an estimated 19.7 million this year, in a high-tech
economy where special skills can be a ticket to advancement. "Basic jobs now require some training beyond
high school. In a recessed economy, people who lost their jobs realize that they need more skills or different
skills, and that will send them back to college," said Bryan Cook, director for the Center for Policy Analysis of
the American Council on Education. Todd Dewey, 44, of Cazenovia, Madison County, is part of the army of
unemployed who have gone back to school. In February 2008, Dewey was laid off from his job as network
systems administrator for the Institute for Cardiovascular Research at the State University of New York Upstate
Medical University in Syracuse. He found himself too qualified for some jobs and not qualified for others as he
flooded the job market with his résumé — without success. Dewey and his wife, Christina, have two young
children and a third on the way. But with no job prospects in sight, the couple decided he needed a new career.
After taking such courses as calculus and microbiology at Onondaga Community College, Dewey was
accepted at St. John Fisher's Wegmans School of Pharmacy. He's in a four-year doctor of pharmacy program.
Dewey, who is starting his second year in the program, will work part time as a pharmacy intern. But he has
been dipping into his savings and taking out $42,000 a year in federal loans for tuition and living expenses. "It's
the family's way out of the recession," said Dewey about his new career. Coping with costs A new study, How
America Pays for College, shows that many others are also going into debt to pay for college. The national
study is based on a survey of 1,624 college students and parents conducted by Gallup for Sallie Mae, which
provides various lending, savings and planning services for college students. Last school year, according to the
survey, the average family spent $24,097 to pay for college costs — 24 percent more than the year before.
Financing a college education, however, remains a problem for many. "It's brutal, in a word," said Jerome
Barnes, 36, of Rochester who has six children whom he hopes to put through college. His oldest daughter
Jzmine, 17, graduated from East High School last spring and plans to go to Howard University. Because the
family couldn't afford the tuition, Jzmine joined the Army Reserve, which Barnes said would pay her tuition so
that she could attend Howard in the fall of 2011. "It is very difficult to find the money," added Juan Solis, 18,
who graduated from Dr. Freddie Thomas High School in the spring and is trying to find funding to attend Finger
Lakes Community College in the fall. Still, community colleges continue to boom. Monroe Community College
is expected to exceed its fall 2009 enrollment of 18,977 — with the total this fall topping 19,000. Similar trends
are evident at Finger Lakes Community College and Genesee Community College. Four-year colleges in the
State University of New York system have felt the loss of state funding the most. State University College at
Brockport, for example, will experience a $6.2 million loss in state aid over the four-year fiscal period ending in
June 2011. An underlying problem is that state lawmakers have increased tuition over the years and either kept
much of the tuition or reduced state aid to SUNY whenever tuition increases are granted. SUNY's operating
budget for this fiscal year is $2.3 billion — about $51 million less than last year's budget. SUNY Chancellor
Nancy Zimpher has said that SUNY's operating budget has been slashed by 30 percent over the last three
years. (3 of 4) Proposals were introduced to give SUNY the authority to raise tuition without needing the OK of
the state Legislature and to give SUNY schools more leeway in working with the private sector on development
issues. The state budget that was finally approved earlier this month failed to address these proposals in a
conclusive way. Instead, the Democratic majority in the state Senate issued a statement saying that a
"framework agreement" on the SUNY issues had been reached that calls for continued negotiations. Because
SUNY tuition — now at $4,970 a year for in-state students — is typically lower than that of private colleges,
some SUNY schools have seen a sizable increase in applications. Applications to SUNY Brockport, for
example, jumped 9 percent for this fall's incoming class, to about 9,500. State University College at Geneseo
has seen a change in the demographic makeup of its students — with more of its freshman class coming from
the New York City area instead of western New York. Geneseo reduced the size of this school year's incoming
class because last year's freshman class was larger than expected. With Geneseo becoming more selective in
admissions, the average Scholastic Aptitude Test score for its incoming class is a combined 1,340 for verbal
and math. The average verbal and math SAT score for all four-year SUNY schools was 1,150 for last year's
freshman classes. The growing popularity of SUNY schools, accompanied by a slight drop-off in interest in
private colleges, has been evident in the college selections made by Fairport High School students. During the
past five years, the number of students going to four-year SUNY schools spiked from 92 to 134 this fall.
Overall, the number of Fairport graduates choosing private colleges — of all kinds — has dipped from 206 in
2006 to 200 this year, while those selecting various public colleges increased from 288 five years ago to 332
this year, said John Serafine, director of counseling at Fairport. Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva
has struggled with enrollment, with the 2009 incoming class below what was targeted. "The economy puts a
huge strain on everybody," said Bob Murphy, vice president for enrollment management and dean of
admissions.
Date: 8/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Area college enrollment strong despite economy
Publication: http://www.democratandchronicle.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 297176
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65855
Article_Body: Posted: Updated: Sunday, August 22, 2010 10:50 PM EST FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) - The
alarming rate at which college freshman are known to rack up debt has some parents at Francis Marion
University talking to their kids about credit card usage. "I don't think they need it in college," said Mary Tester of
Pawley's Island about credit cards. She is only allowing her son to have a debit card while away at school.
"Until he can show us that he's got what it takes to even work a debit card, then we'll talk about credit cards,"
Tester said. On average, college students receive between 25 and 50 credit card solicitations each semester. A
study from Sallie Mae shows 84 percent of college students have at least one credit card in 2009. However,
statistics show that barely half of college students pay off their credit card balances every month. "She knows
when the money's gone it's gone so that's pretty much the way we live," said her mother Susan. She has
spoken extensively about financial responsibility with her daughter and is confident in her money management
skills United College Marketing Services found that on average, each student has three credit cards. They also
found the average balance students owe on their credit cards is almost $900. You can get yourself caught up
and get stressed out and," said Lucille Owens Sanders. Her grand-daughter, a sophomore at FMU, recently
applied for a credit card and was denied, which makes Lucille very happy. "People commit suicide - They do all
kinds of things behind debt," she added. FMU has a policy that forbids credit card companies from soliciting on
campus grounds. "In their age, they're not totally prepared to make those types of decisions," said Vice
President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Teresa Ramey. She says banning these companies is one
way the university protects the students from financial predators. Ramey says FMU will start a "financially fit
club" this fall to teach students smart financial practices. The organization will invite guest speakers from local
banks and businesses to talk to students about credit card usage and money management.
Date: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Parents at FMU talk to their kids about credit cards
Publication: http://www.wmbfnews.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 48493
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65921
Article_Body:
Associated Press
August 21, 2010
Families' College Costs Rise 24 Percent In 2009
(also ran in the Louisville Courier-Journal)
U.S. families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the
2009-10 school year, a new survey shows.
The biggest chunk of money — 37 percent — came from parents' income and savings. Loans
accounted for 24 percent; grants and scholarships, 23 percent. Parents paid for nearly half of
students' college costs.
The survey showed that parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money. Nearly one-
fourth said they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have
worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings.
The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by Gallup,
surveyed about 1,600 people by phone from March 24 to May 3. About half of respondents were
undergraduates ages 18-24, and the rest were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or
minus 3 percentage points.
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families' College Costs Rise 24 Percent In 2009
Publication: Associated Press
Mediatype: Wire
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65922
Article_Body:
Louisville Courier-Journal
August 21, 2010
Families' College Costs Rise 24 Percent In 2009
U.S. families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the
2009-10 school year, a new survey shows.
The biggest chunk of money — 37 percent — came from parents' income and savings. Loans
accounted for 24 percent; grants and scholarships, 23 percent. Parents paid for nearly half of
students' college costs.
The survey showed that parents are making sacrifices to come up with the money. Nearly one-
fourth said they have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have
worked more hours or otherwise increased their earnings.
The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by Gallup,
surveyed about 1,600 people by phone from March 24 to May 3. About half of respondents were
undergraduates ages 18-24, and the rest were parents of students. The margin of error was plus or
minus 3 percentage points.
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families' College Costs Rise 24 Percent In 2009
Publication: Louisville Courier-Journal
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 192896
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65923
Article_Body:
Minneapolis Star Tribune
August 20, 2010
Relatives Step Up To Help Pay For College
As parents have become tapped out, extended family and friends have taken up slack to help kids
pay for college.
By JENNA ROSS
More grandmas are writing tuition checks.
Students are increasingly including gifts from relatives and friends in the complicated puzzle of
how they pay for the rising costs of college, a new survey shows. While still a small piece of
college financing, it's the fastest-growing.
Such gifts rose by 53 percent in just one year, according to the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup
"How America Pays for College" study released this month. Amounts increased along with
family income. Relatives and friends of higher-income students contributed an average of $2,387
-- 87 percent more than last year.
Parents who might have lost a job or some income are dialing their own moms and dads, experts
say. At one time, they might have taken out a second mortgage to pay for an expensive
education. But now there are fewer options.
"Previously when parents faced this suddenly daunting bill, they had that long-time piggy bank
of home equity to turn to," said James Boyle, president of College Parents of America, based in
Arlington, Va. "That has just basically dried up."
Meanwhile, grandparents who began saving for just this purpose when 529 Plans became
popular early this decade are now making tuition deposits.
They seem happy to help. Many got a good deal on their own education and don't want their
grandchildren swallowed in debt.
Savings paying out
Sonia Pond's grandparents opened a savings account for her when she was 11. Go to college,
they pledged, and it's all yours. Seven years and $7,000 later, that 529 Plan helped her pay for
nursing classes at the University of Minnesota.
Pond's parents and her job as a research assistant have covered most of her tuition, but her
grandparents' gift "was really helpful," she said.
Her situation could be becoming more common as savings plans started earlier this decade are
positioned to begin paying out, said Brian Lindeman, director of financial aid at Macalester
College in St. Paul.
But although they have a clear picture of parents' finances, colleges and universities' financial aid
offices often don't know whether relatives are writing checks.
A query on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, asks about "cash support"
from outside sources, and that's where relatives' contributions would be noted, but "we have very
few people who actually report anything in this question," said Kathy Ruby, dean of student
financial aid at St. Olaf College in Northfield. The college bases its financial aid offers on a
family's ability to pay.
Being 'more creative'
Locally, SELF Loans, run through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, require a credit-
worthy co-signer. The percentage of borrowers who said that co-signer was their grandparent
rose from 3.2 percent in 2008-09 to 4.1 percent in 2009-10. The office did not ask that question
in years past, so it's difficult to show a trend.
Ruby and Lindeman said it makes sense that because credit's tight and borrowing's down,
students might be calling on families more than they had before. "We do feel that families have
had to be more creative," Lindeman said.
Meanwhile, baby boomer grandparents "who have a level of affluence" see tuition rising and
want to help prevent their grandchildren from taking on too much debt, Boyle said. "If they're
going to help, that's the place they're going to do it -- with college."
But University of Minnesota Regent David Larson worries that many grandparents who want to
help will be less able to do so. The recession has hit their investments, too.
"Before the recession, Grandma and Grandpa probably felt pretty well off," said Larson, an
executive vice president for Cargill Inc. "Now that's not so true."
'Incredible, adorable people'
About 72 percent of Minnesota students leave with debt, according to 2008 figures from the
Project on Student Debt. The average amount now tops $25,000, about $2,000 higher than the
national average.
To some students, a relative's help can mean taking out a little less in loans. To others, a
grandparents' gift can make college possible.
Last week, Paige Bergman paid her tuition "in full," then tweeted: "My grandparents are the
most incredible, adorable people in the world."
Although the Green Bay resident is the youngest of four, she's the first of her siblings to enroll in
college. She works part time, lives at home and takes courses at a nearby technical college to
save money. Still, the tuition and fees of $1,500 a semester would be too much for her and her
parents alone, she said by phone.
"I'm not sure how I would do it," Bergman said. "If it weren't for my grandparents, I wouldn't be
in school right now."
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/101205084.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUdcO
y_nc:DKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Date: 8/20/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Relatives Step Up To Help Pay For College
Publication: http://www.startribune.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1455172
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65925
Article_Body:
Rockford Register Star (Ill.)
August 21, 2010
College Tab Has An „Other‟ Category
By Sean F. Driscoll
Tuition and housing aren’t the only college costs preparing to take a bite out of parental wallets
this year.
Indirect costs, such as books, transportation, health care and computers, don’t show up on the
college bill but can add up to thousands of dollars a year. One dropped laptop or trip to the
infirmary can come as an unwelcome surprise to even the most budget-minded families.
And with parents and their college-age children increasingly seeing the value of a postsecondary
education, according to a recent Sallie Mae/Gallup survey, preparing for the indirect costs can
save money and headaches down the road.
The costs can vary widely from school to school, but budgeting and planning are crucial parts of
college.
―No matter how much or how little you plan to contribute to your child’s college education,
living expenses and emergencies can arise,‖ said Paul Golden with the National Endowment for
Financial Education. ―It’s critical to plan ahead.‖
The nonprofit College Board, which runs the Advanced Placement and SAT programs, estimates
nearly $2,000 a year for personal costs, such as a cell phone and laundry, $1,100 a year for books
and supplies, and $1,000 for transportation.
Renting more than space
Students spend more than $1,100 a year on textbooks on average, according to the College
Board, with some books costing upward of $400. At Rockford College, budget-minded students
and parents often ask questions about costs at the college bookstore.
―As the main retailer on campus, feedback and complaints always come in,‖ manager Dawn
McCrary said. ―The price of a college textbook is a big issue in education and is at the forefront
of people’s attention nowadays.‖
Follett Higher Education Group, which operates the bookstore, is starting a textbook rental
option this year to help defray costs. McCrary said rental can knock 50 percent or more off the
cost of a book. Not every book is a good fit for rental — texts with a workbook or removable
pages, for example, are designed to be used just once — but the option is already proving
popular.
John Francour, a sophomore at the college, 5050 E. State St., was investigating book rentals last
week while he was buying his fall texts. Francour, who is majoring in physical education, said he
doesn’t want to break the bank at the bookstore.
―I want to save some money,‖ he said. ―The books are just so expensive, it’s ridiculous.‖
More ways to pay
Planning for expected and unexpected indirect college expenses is getting more difficult,
however, as college costs rise and earnings fall.
The latest Sallie Mae/Gallup survey, ―How America Pays for College,‖ showed that parents and
students are digging deeper to finance postsecondary education. The survey, which talked to
families of traditional college students attending a four-year school in the 2009-10 school year,
showed the cost of attending college up 17 percent from the previous year.
As a result, students and parents are spending more of their own money, tapping more
scholarships and grants, and borrowing more to pay for the increasing direct and indirect costs.
―What we’re finding is, while they’re reducing spending overall, they’re willing to spend for
things they value, that they see as important in life,‖ said Bill Diggins, Gallup’s lead researcher
on the study. ―They’re making trade-offs and taking steps to make it more affordable. They still
see college as having great value for them as an investment in the future.‖
***
WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
Hit the bookstore first: Planning ahead gives students the option to check alternative sources,
such as Amazon, eBay and efollet.com. Book rental is becoming a popular option, and there’s
always the ever-valuable used-book route.
Check the tech: Gadgets are fun, but make sure students are buying what they really need. Some
classes have specific needs. Also check with the school for deals on software, used computers
and availability of computer labs. Basic needs include a laptop with wireless Internet, USB
drives, an external hard drive to save work and a cell phone (watch those expensive packages).
Scholarships galore: Some are targeted specifically at book costs, and many can be used to cover
indirect costs. If not, money saved on tuition will at least ease the pain at the bookstore.
POTENTIAL TROUBLE AREAS
Off-campus living: Savings can be considerable, but rent, groceries and utilities can add up.
Avoid the impulse to buy coordinated furniture, and look for deals at secondhand stores, flea
markets and in classifieds.
Meal plans: Convenient, but often costly. Check with your child’s college to see what options are
available and what happens if there’s money left on the card at the end of the semester.
Cars: Often unnecessary and expensive to keep on campus. Parking permits, maintenance, gas
and insurance (not to mention parking tickets) can drive up the cost.
Source: National Endowment for Financial Education
http://www.rrstar.com/businessrockford/x1997911760/Your-college-tab-has-an-other-category
Date: 8/21/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: College Tab Has An ‗Other‘ Category
Publication: http://www.rrstar.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 85723
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65928
Article_Body:
AOL News
August 23, 2010
The Looming Student Loan Crisis
(opinion)
Michael Arceneaux
Like home ownership, a college degree used to be perceived as one of the keys to success.
Unfortunately, these days it's starting to look like a gateway to financial ruin.
The Federal Reserve has confirmed that as of June 2010, consumers now owe more on their
student loans than on their credit cards.
A separate report reveals that one in five people can't make their monthly payments.
As a result, Sallie Mae and Citibank have become the arch nemesis of millions, and the country
as a whole faces what some warn is America's next "mortgage meltdown."
Granted, we are all responsible for own actions and their consequences. But let's not play coy
and act as if there isn't a systematic problem when it comes to higher education in this country.
In high school, it's drilled into students' minds that a wonderful land of opportunity awaits them
after earning a degree. What's not explained is that colleges are like any other business, and thus,
willing to say whatever it takes to get your money. They're also ready to sell us out to lenders all
too eager to pounce on the financially illiterate who turn to them for funding.
This comes at a time in which it seems that the value of a college degree is going down while the
cost of tuition steadily rises.
Young people are being saddled with enormous debt to attend college under the pretense of
netting a job, only to later discover that the pay benefits might not be enough to help cover the
long-term cost of their education. That is, if they're even fortunate enough to find a job in this
economy.
Talk to any member of Generation Y, and you're guaranteed to hear first- or second-hand
accounts of student loan horror stories.
Graduates feel hoodwinked, screwed and trapped as they ponder over whether they will ever be
able to pay off their loans in full. Some even internally debate whether their investment was
made in vain. Others joke about entering more lucrative, non-college-degree-required industries
... like stripping or becoming a Kardashian. Or so I've heard.
Prospective college students are taking notice.
Although a new Sallie Mae-Gallup study reveals most parents and students still believe college
is a priority, there is a growing concern over whether the cost is truly worth it. Of those
surveyed, 53 percent feel college is worth the cost, down 9 percentage points from a similar poll
conducted two years prior.
With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled
economy eating away at most Americans' net worth, there's reason to be concerned.
We've already seen what happens when the housing and financial markets fail us. What is going
to happen when the taxpayer completely buckles under the student loan crisis?
This looming debacle poses huge ramifications on this and future generations. It is another facet
of the larger issue with our failing, consumption-based economy.
It's time for a real assessment of the value of a college education and to address the fallacy that
college is for everyone. And it's time to give the student loan industry the regulation it needs.
If our government fails to act on the overwhelming student loan debt, an entire generation will
likely fall to its knees over the pursuit of a degree. Do we want to fall with it?
http://www.aolnews.com/opinion/article/opinion-the-looming-student-loan-crisis/19590762
Date: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: The Looming Student Loan Crisis
Publication: http://www.aolnews.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 8144081
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 65929
Article_Body:
Minnesota Public Radio
August 23, 2010
Students Rely More On Grandparents To Help Pay For College
by Tim Post
The cost of a year college now averages more than $20,000. That's forcing students to become
financial problem-solvers of sorts. They piece together a patchwork of funding from their
parents, scholarships, loans and part-time jobs.
And now students are increasingly turning to their grandparents for help in paying for college,
according to a new survey.
Recent graduate Andy Post is typical of those students. Post (no relation to reporter Tim Post)
graduated this spring with a degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota's Carlson
School of Management.
He paid his way through four years at the U of M with funds from several sources. He got money
from his parents, he took out private and government loans, he earned scholarships, and he
worked a part-time job.
The rest came from his grandparents -- both sets of grandparents. One set co-signed a loan, the
other gave him as much as $10,000 over four years.
"My grandparents helped me pay for the place where I lived, they helped me pay for things
outside of school like food, housing, stuff like that," he said.
Chemistry classPost's grandparents helped with tuition, in part, because his parents were tapped
out. They both run small businesses, and have plenty of other financial responsibilities.
"They're still in a position where they're paying off their home and all sorts of other bills, and the
grandparents just don't have those other obligations as near as much as they do," said Post.
Of course there have always been grandparents willing, and financially secure enough, to help
pay their grandchildren's college tuition. But there's some indication that the rising cost of
tuition, and the lagging economy, have grandparents pitching in more.
A recent survey by Sallie Mae and Gallup shows the average amount students now spend on a
year of college -- everything from tuition and books to food and housing -- is just over $24,000.
That's nearly 25 percent more than last year.
The survey shows that to pay for that increase, parents are pitching in more cash and students are
borrowing more money.
The survey didn't specifically ask how much assistance grandparents are offering. But Sallie
Mae spokeswoman Patricia Nash Christel says 16 percent of students get money from relatives
who aren't their parents.
"This year, one out of five students received assistance from grandpa and grandma and other
relatives and friends," said Christel. "And they really opened their wallets. In fact, it went up
from $5,500 the previous year to $9,200 in assistance this year."
While it's hard to pinpoint how much is actually coming from grandparents, anecdotal evidence
from college officials seems to show that grandma and grandpa are definitely helping out.
Kathy Ruby is the financial aid director for St. Olaf College in Northfield.
"It feels like there may be more, but we don't know for sure," said Kathy Ruby, financial aid
director at St. Olaf College in Northfield. "[Grandparents] are calling and asking, and we're
hearing about it in conversation."
Ruby and her financial aid counselors say more grandparents are calling the college directly,
offering to make payments on their grandchildren's tuition.
Ruby's theory is that parents are suffering in this economy, and that grandparents, even though
their savings have taken a hit as well, are on more stable ground financially.
Information on how much help college students get from their grandparents isn't specified on
financial aid forms from the government, or from individual schools. That makes trends hard to
track. If anything, it appears aid from grandparents could be underreported.
Sally Baum, a higher education policy analyst, says students may hesitate to report to their
college and to the government how much money their grandparents are giving them.
"They know if they say they're going to get money from their grandparents they might lose
financial aid, so they're not likely to answer that honestly," Baum said.
Students aren't asked if they expect help from grandparents on forms like the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Although there is one question, buried deep in the
document, that asks students if they received cash support from someone other than their parents
in the previous year.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/08/22/families-paying-for-college/
Date: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Students Rely More On Grandparents To Help Pay For College
Publication: http://minnesota.publicradio.org
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 235316
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 66005
Article_Body: This report from Sallie Mae in conjunction with Gallup shows that despite a difficult economy,
many American families are finding ways to send their children to college.
Date: 8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Related: How America Pays for College
Publication: http://www.thesouthern.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 67691
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 66090
Article_Body:
Date: 8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: KL Board Buzz: How Americans Pay for College - Economix Blog ...
Publication: http://klboardbuzz.typepad.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 67116
Article_Body: The Obama administration wants for-profit career colleges to better prepare students for gainful
employment and to improve debt-repayment rates. The government is threatening to pull access to federal
student aid for colleges that fail to show progress. Under the administration's proposed rules, if a program
graduated a large share of students with excessive debt compared with potential earnings in their chosen
fields, it would be required to disclose this information to current and prospective students. I love this idea, but
why don't we take it further and require every college that receives federal financial aid to discuss with
incoming students who are applying for loans how much they can expect to earn in the degree areas they are
pursuing? Career counselors or financial aid personnel would show students data on the average starting
salary for certain fields. Then the counselor would calculate -- based on the total amount of money the student
planned on borrowing -- how much projected monthly income would be needed to service the student loans.
This process would be a reality check before any federal student loan check is cut. I would also require this for
students relying heavily on private student loans. Is it too much to hope that students and their families would
rethink the amount of debt they would be taking on at a particular school after actually considering -- before
enrollment -- how much they will earn? Certainly there are problems in the for-profit education sector, which
offers degrees and certifications in programs ranging from auto mechanics to business administration to
massage therapy. The Government Accountability Office reported recently that in an undercover investigation
of 15 for-profit colleges, four of the schools allegedly encouraged fraudulent practices and all 15 made
deceptive or otherwise questionable statements to undercover applicants. In some cases, personnel
encouraged undercover applicants to lie about their financial situation so they could qualify for federal aid. I
should point out that The Washington Post Co.'s Kaplan Higher Education unit, which operates for-profit
colleges, would be affected by the proposed requirements. Kaplan College was involved in the GAO
undercover investigation, and Post Co. executives said they would work to eliminate misconduct at its
educational institutions. It's clear there are significant debt-repayment issues at for-profit colleges. Students
who attended for-profit schools were more likely to default on federal student loans than students from more
traditional colleges, the GAO said last year. Only 36 percent of students at for-profit schools were paying down
their student loans in 2009, according to an analysis of Education Department data by the Institute for College
Access and Success, a nonprofit group whose mission is to help make higher education more affordable. At
public colleges, 54 percent of borrowers were paying down the principal on their loans, compared with 56
percent of those from private, nonprofit schools. These are not great percentages, either. "While career
colleges play a vital role in training our workforce to be globally competitive, some of them are saddling
students with debt they cannot afford in exchange for degrees and certificates they cannot use," said Education
Secretary Arne Duncan. The administration says new rules for career colleges are needed as enrollment, debt
loads and default rates have risen. The department would define whether a program is preparing students for
gainful employment by using a two-part test. It would measure the amount of debt students have compared
with their potential income once they've graduated. And the department would measure the rate at which all
enrollees, regardless of completion, repay their loans on time. The Education Department is asking for public
comment on the proposed regulations by Sept. 9. Final regulations are due by Nov. 1 and will take effect in July
2011. If you want to read more about this issue or comment on it, go to http://protectstudentsandtaxpayers.org,
a new Web site sponsored by several nonprofit organizations including the Institute for College Access and
Success. A recent study conducted for Sallie Mae by the Gallup organization found that both parents and
students are stretching themselves to pay for higher education. We know that for many, a college education is
necessary for financial upward mobility. But in our zeal to make sure people get a degree or degrees, we've
communicated to them that they need to do so by any means necessary -- even if it means taking on decades
of debt. The administration is on to something, but it's not just career colleges that leave students with a heavy
debt load and no gainful employment to service that debt.
Date: 8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: New Rules on Student Debt Shouldn't be Limited to For-profit Colle...
Publication: http://www.careercollegecentral.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 5219
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68230
Article_Body:
Associated Press
August 10, 2010
Spending More for School, Green Buildings
By TALI ARBEL
EDUCATION SPEND TRENDS HIGHER: U.S. families are scrambling to pay for the ever-
rising cost of their children's college educations, a new survey shows.
Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the
2009-10 school year.
The biggest chunk of money for college — 37 percent — came from parents' income and
savings. Loans taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and
scholarships contributed 23 percent of school fees, the survey said.
Parents paid for nearly half of students' college costs, whether through loans or from their
savings and income. The survey showed that amid the weak economy, parents are making
sacrifices to come up with the money for their children's education. Nearly a quarter said they
have cut their general household spending, while about half said they have worked more hours or
otherwise increased their earnings.
The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup,
surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3. About half the survey
respondents were undergraduate students ages 18-24 and the other half were parents of students.
The margin of error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.
___
HEALTHY BUILDINGS: People think they're healthier and more productive after moving their
office space into "green" buildings, according to a recent study published on the American
Journal of Public Health's website.
A group of researchers working with Michigan State University surveyed two groups of
employees before and after moving from conventional office buildings to LEED-certified
buildings in the same Michigan area. After moving to the new building, employees said they
thought they called out sick less and were more productive.
LEED certification is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings system issued
by a building industry association. It is the dominant "green" program for buildings in the U.S.
The authors estimated a small benefit to employees suffering from asthma and respiratory
allergies. Those people would gain 1.75 more work hours per year working in the new building
because they would take less sick time.
The biggest boost comes in perceived productivity. The study's authors extrapolated that
employees could each work about 39 more hours a year in the new building because of different
working conditions such as better light, air quality and ventilation.
To be sure, the survey did not independently track whether employees actually did stay out sick
more often after moving to the new building. The authors also noted that the surveys were taken
at different times of the year, so seasonal factors may have affected how often employees
thought they got sick.
The two surveys tracked 263 employees in Lansing, Mich.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Spending More for School, Green Buildings
Publication: Associated Press
Mediatype: Wire
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68231
Article_Body:
Dow Jones Newswires
August 10, 2010
Families Dig Deeper to Pay for College -Survey
By April H. Lee
Faced with rising college expenses, families dug deeper into their own pockets and borrowed
more money to pay tuition bills in the 2009-10 school year, according to a survey by Sallie Mae
and Gallup released Tuesday.
Both parents and students dipped deeper into their savings and current income, borrowed more
and took more scholarships and grants to pay for higher education this year, as the cost of
attendance went up 17% on average.
Seventy-three percent of families said they reduced spending, 48% said they increased work
hours or earnings, and 43% of families said their student lived at home to cut costs, according to
the survey in March and April of 801 college students and 823 parents of students.
As in previous years, the survey found that parents bore almost half of the college-cost burden,
with 37% of the total cost of attendance paid from parents' income and savings - the bulk of that,
or 21%, was from current income -- and 10% through parent loans.
Student borrowing paid for 14% of college costs, and student income and savings covered 9%.
Grants and scholarships were 23% -- the second-most important source of funding for college,
the survey found.
But rising college costs pushed parents' average contribution from their income and savings to a
total of $8,752, a 26% hike from the average $6,934 they spent a year ago, while the average
amount parents took out in loans to pay for college this year rose 27% to $2,261, from $1,775 a
year ago.
Also, the portion of families who said they borrowed to pay for college rose to 46%, from 42% a
year ago, according to the survey.
Student borrowing jumped 25% to an average of $3,396, from $2,721 a year ago, according to
the Sallie Mae study, while the contribution from students' income and savings rose 16% to an
average of $2,314 from $1,996 from a year ago.
Relatives and friends provided an average of $1,682, up 53% from $1,099, and grants and
scholarships provided $5,692, up 16% from $4,907 a year ago.
Just 26% of families "strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree
before enrolling," the study said.
"Although it's not universal, the prevailing attitude among my clients is that they as parents are
responsible for providing a college education for their children," said Kevin O'Reilly, president
of Foothills Financial Planning in Phoenix. "Overwhelmingly, that ends with the bachelor's
degree."
Sixty-three percent of families said that at some point during the application process, they
eliminated schools based on cost, up from 56% who said that in 2009.
Families have become more realistic about choosing schools, said Deidra Fulton, at Texas-based
financial advisory firm Fulton Financial Planning.
"Folks seem to be more conscious of weighing the costs for college versus the student's
anticipated income after college and their ability to repay a loan," Fulton said.
Failing To File For Financial Aid
More than a third of families said they didn't think they could qualify for federal student aid,
similar to Sallie Mae's findings in a survey a year ago.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year is required for financial aid,
and many factors may affect eligibility. For example, a student who doesn't qualify for aid one
year may become eligible when a sibling enrolls in college.
There is no reason not to fill out the form, said Sarah Ducich, a vice president of Sallie Mae and
an author of the study. Ducich said the percentage of families who don't fill out a FAFSA is
"stubbornly consistent." Worse, 13% of families weren't even aware of the form, according to the
survey.
Rising Costs
The average cost of college increased as much as 30% for families in the highest income group
of $100,000 to $150,000 in annual earnings.
Those earning $35,000 to $100,000 said costs rose about 20%.
Fewer families strongly agreed that the reasons for continuing education were to earn more
money and to achieve a desired career, the Sallie Mae study found, although African American
and Hispanic families tended to value a college education for such reasons more so than white
families.
That college will enhance earning prospects has been questioned much more than in the past,
O'Reilly said.
"I think it has emboldened parents to demand that students pick up more of the tab of a college
education," he said, but noted the lack of awareness paid to financial aid such as filling out
FAFSA forms. "It's surprising how many people don't take full advantage of the resources
available to them."
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families Dig Deeper to Pay for College -Survey
Publication: Dow Jones Newswires
Mediatype: Wire
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68233
Article_Body:
NASFAA
August 10, 2010
Report Details How America Pays for College
Despite the recent increase in the number of students filing a Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA), a recent Sallie Mae/Gallup study found that the percent of families
completing the FAFSA is virtually unchanged from previous years. The report, How America
Pays for College, found that 72 percent of families reported completing the FAFSA.
Like in previous years, the lowest-income families are more likely to fill out the FAFSA than the
highest-income families. The report found that 85 percent of those earning less than $35,000
filed the FAFSA compared to 50 percent of those earning more than $150,000. African-
Americans were more likely than other racial or ethnic groups to complete an application with 85
percent completing the form. White and Hispanic respondents had roughly the same likelihood
of completing a FAFSA with 70 percent completing the application.
Among the 28 percent who did not complete the FAFSA, 37 percent didn't think that they would
qualify for federal aid, and 13 percent were unaware of the FAFSA. Another 34 percent reported
that they did not need financial aid.
This year, more families reported eliminating schools during the college selection process based
on cost after receiving their financial aid packages (40 percent this year compared to 36 percent
last year and 34 percent two years ago). Overall, 63 percent of families report eliminating
colleges because of financial considerations at some point in the application process, compared
to 56 percent in 2009 and 58 percent in 2008.
To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73 percent) or increased
work hours or earnings (48 percent), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report that their
student lived at home. Another 43 percent indicated they claimed education tax credits or student
loan interest deductions on their tax forms, and 23 percent pay early on their student loans to
help lower costs. However, only a quarter of families (26 percent) strongly agreed that they had a
plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling.
Federal loans were used by 28 percent of students and private loans were used by 13 percent of
students. Private loan borrowers had a 15 percent higher cost of attendance than other student
borrowers and 93 percent completed a FAFSA, the federal financial aid application.
The report is based on a nationally representative survey of college-going students and parents of
undergraduates. The survey also found that:
Both parents and students used more of their own funds, received more scholarships and
grants, and borrowed more, to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey
respondents reported increased by 17 percent from the previous year.
Parents paid nearly half (47 pecent) the share of college costs for the 2009-10 academic
year and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans.
15 percent of families used money from a college savings plan -- up from 11 percent last
year and 9 percent two years ago.
To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73 percent) or
increased work hours or earnings (48 percent), but a remarkable 43 percent of families report
that their student lived at home.
82 percent strongly agreed that college is an investment in the future, and 71 percent
strongly agreed that a college degree is more important now than it used to be.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Report Details How America Pays for College
Publication: NASFAA
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 37149
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68234
Article_Body:
The Baltimore Sun Blog
August 10, 2010
How America Pays for College: Debt, Cutting Costs and Longer Work Hours
By Eileen Ambrose
Sallie Mae put out its third annual study this morning on How America Pays for College.
The conclusion: College costs are going up waaaay faster than inflation, and families are trying
harder than ever to pay for it.
The student loan giant polled more than 1,600 families on how they footed the 2009-2010 tuition
bill.
One disturbing stat: More than one-quarter of families don’t fill out the FAFSA form, the
paperwork you need to fill out to qualify for federal aid. Many colleges require the FAFSA to be
filled out when giving out their grants and aid, too.
Half of those who didn’t submit a FAFSA said they didn’t know about the form or figured they
wouldn’t qualify for federal aid. But by failing to submit a FAFSA, families could be leaving
some valuable aid on the table. Even if you’re upper income, you can qualify for federal loans,
although you likely will have to pay the interest on the loans, not the government. And
government loans are a better deal than private loans.
Also in the study: Families reported the cost of college has gone up 17 percent over last year.
This when inflation is about zero and policymakers are worried about deflation!
Sallile Mae says parents typically paid about half of the cost of college, and students chipped in
about one quarter through loans, savings or earnings. The rest came from scholarships and
grants. Student borrowing also rose $675 from a year earlier.
Families cut spending and worked longer hours to pay tuition. And 43 percent of students live at
home. That really changes the college experience.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How America Pays for College: Debt, Cutting Costs and Longer Work Hours
Publication: http://www.baltimoresun.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 677455
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
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Monroe Evening News – Monroe on a Budget Blog (Monroe, Mich.)
August 10, 2010
The “How America Pays for College” Report
By Paula Wethington
Sallie Mae and Gallup released today the results of the third annual How America Pays for
College report.
I was given a heads up a few days ago that the study would be issued, and I asked to be on the
media list when it was released.
The research was done this spring with college-age students and parents of college-age students.
―In Gallup’s Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary
spending since the onset of the recession; however, this study clearly shows families are
stretching themselves to pay for higher education,‖ Dr. Bill Diggins, lead researcher for Gallup
said in the cover letter.
According to the report, about 20 million Americans are enrolled in post-secondary education
this year. There are variety of reasons for the efforts, ranging from personal dreams to career
goals.
Keep in mind that those who were university freshmen or first-year community college students
made their college choices and financial aid arrangements shortly after the fall 2008 economic
crisis.
So, what happened?
A snippet from the report:
This year’s study shows that while the cost of college went up,
the way families paid for it did not change.
In other words, college financing is still a mix of grants, scholarships, student borrowing, parent
borrowing, friends and relatives, student income and savings, and parent income and savings. Of
course, the exact formula varies from one student to the next. But those have long been the
traditional resources, and there are some noticeable trends in the details.
The study reports that more students are receiving scholarships and grants – 55 percent reported
doing so this spring as compared to 51 percent the year before. While the eligibility rules are
different between scholarships and grants, they are both ―free money‖ once earned.
More students also are using loans to cover at least part of the expenses. The percentage of those
borrowing to help with cost of college rose from 42 percent in 2009 to 46 percent in 2010.
And behind the scenes, many of their parents are panicking:
One of the most striking differences from last year’s survey was the sharp rise in parents’
economic concerns.
Nearly half (49%) are extremely worried this year that schools will increase tuition compared to
less than one-third of parents two years ago. One-third of parents are extremely worried that their
income will decrease due to job loss, up from 23 percent last year. Only 10 percent of parents
were extremely worried two years ago that their child wouldn’t be able to find a job, but that has
risen to 27 percent this year.
I think my Michigan readers can definitely relate to that paragraph.
How are families handling the challenge?
Three-fourths of the families who participated in the study are reducing personal spending. Other
tactics included increasing work hours, claiming the education tax credit for student loan interest
deductions, paying on the student loans early, and attending part-time. Quite a few families also
have the students living at home, rather than on campus.
And if they don’t like the financial aid package offered by a particular school, families are now
more likely to decline the admission offer.
The statistic: 40 percent of families this year said they rejected a college after seeing the financial
aid offer – as compared to 36 percent in 2009, and 34 percent in 2008.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: The ―How America Pays for College‖ Report
Publication: Monroe Evening News Blog
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68237
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Daily Camera (Boulder, Colo.)
August 10, 2010
Recession Causes Families to Dig Deeper to Pay for College
Brittany Anas
How the average family pays for college
37 percent comes from parents' income and savings.
23 percent comes from scholarships and grants.
14 percent comes from student borrowing.
10 percent comes from parent borrowing.
9 percent comes from student income and savings.
7 percent comes from friends and relatives.
Source: "How America Pays for College"
University of Colorado senior Danielle Wright takes out loans and works full-time as a ski
representative for Eldora Mountain Resort to pay her out-of-state tuition -- a much different
financing scheme from when she began college.
As a freshman, Wright didn't need to juggle a job, and financial aid wasn't as essential.
The ripple effect from the recession, though, caused many in her family to lose their careers in
the auto industry. Wright, from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., has taken on much more responsibility
for paying her way through college now that her parents are out of work.
College students and their families have relied more heavily on private and federal loans, cut
back spending to afford college and even leaned more on friends and relatives, according to a
new national snapshot.
The "How America Pays for College" survey published Tuesday is among the first to gauge how
the recession has affected college financing. Students in the 2009-10 academic year were the first
to begin the decision-making process in the aftermath of the economic downfall in 2008.
The survey was conducted by Sallie Mae, a college-financing company, and Gallup, and it
includes interviews with 1,600 college students and parents. Despite economic woes, the
findings show college remains a top priority: Eighty-one percent of parents and 84 percent of
students surveyed strongly agreed that college is an investment in the future, which is on par
with responses in 2008.
Parents carried 47 percent of the share of college costs for the 2009-10 academic year, and
students paid roughly one-quarter with their own paychecks, savings accounts and loans.
Scholarships, relatives and friends helped stitch together the remaining costs.
Wright, who is studying psychology and pre-medicine, is planning on graduate school and
aspires to become a physical therapist. At this point, she's unsure how much she'll owe when she
completes her education.
"I want to pay my parents back," she said. "I'm trying to do the best I can."
At CU-Boulder, about half of Colorado students in 2008-09 graduated with debt, and a quarter of
non-residents graduated with debt. The average debt load for those in debt -- parents and students
combined -- was $30,000 for Colorado families and $62,000 for out-of-state families. That
compares with $29,000 for Colorado families and $64,000 for out-of-state families in 2007-08.
To make college more affordable, 73 percent of families reduced spending or increased work
hours, according to the national survey.
Overall, the percentage of families who used scholarships or grants increased from 51 percent in
last year's study to 55 percent this year, and the percentage who borrowed to pay for college rose
from 42 percent to 46 percent.
Student borrowing increased by $675, and parent borrowing grew by $486. The average
contribution from friends and relatives jumped 53 percent from the prior year, an increase of
$583.
Nick Julian, a high school senior from Columbus, Ohio, toured the Boulder campus Tuesday
afternoon with his father.
He's considering colleges in Ohio as well as North Carolina and Colorado.
His father's employment at Ohio State University qualifies him for a tuition break, which will
likely factor into the final decision. Julian's college plans haven't been affected much by the
recession, and he will use a college savings plan to help pay his way.
Fifteen percent of families used money from a college savings plan to pay for college, up from
11 percent last year and 9 percent two years ago.
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Recession Causes Families to Dig Deeper to Pay for College
Publication: http://www.dailycamera.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 156924
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68246
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Fidelity.com
August 23, 2010
Get Real About Paying For College
How to set your college savings goals and make a plan to achieve them.
Families trying to figure out how to pay for college might feel like they’re in a pinch. For one
thing, the price of college is rising—an average of 5.4% a year.1 That’s more than twice the
overall inflation rate.2 At the same time, many families have seen their savings and net worth
erode due to challenging markets for investments and real estate.
So, is paying for college still a realistic goal and what amount of money would you need to put
away to achieve it? Are there strategies you can consider to help reduce your costs—and
anxiety? Take a look at our estimates to see what your college costs might really look like, and
what savings rate you’d need to cover them. Then consider some strategies to help lessen the
burden.
What school may cost
Figuring out what to save for college isn’t easy. You can start with a school’s tuition price, but
the reality is more complicated. Attending school may also mean paying for room and board,
books, transportation, and more. But it won’t all necessarily have to come from your 529 college
savings plan, or your paycheck. Parents can often count on a financial aid package, scholarships,
or gifts from grandparents and relatives to offset some of the costs.
When you put it all together, Fidelity estimates an average family sending a student to a private
four-year school will need to pay roughly $28,500-$32,500 per year from income, savings, and
loans. At a public school that drops to roughly $14,500- $16,000 per year, according to our
estimates.3
―Beginning a college savings plan for your children as early as you can is very important,‖ says
Stephen Devaney, a quantitative analyst at Fidelity. ―Knowing the realistic expenses you may
likely encounter could help you determine your savings strategy.‖
For many of these expenses, parents can try to get a tax break by saving in a 529 college saving
plan. With a 529, earnings and withdrawals made for tuition and fees, room and board, and other
qualified expenses are free from federal income tax. We estimate 529-eligible expenses will be
in the ballpark of $12,000-$30,500 per year, depending on the type of school and the level of
financial aid you can expect to receive. (See chart below for details.)
Beyond 529 qualified expenses, families will face some additional expenses, like health care and
transportation. Be sure to factor that into your planning—we estimate families can expect to pay
in the ballpark of $1,750-$2,500 per year for these ―non-qualified‖ costs. You may want to save
for these in a taxable account, like a brokerage or savings account. If you do, consider keeping
the money in your name, not your child’s. That may make more sense because the financial aid
formula gives more favorable treatment to money kept in the parent’s name.
Here’s our estimated break down of the total costs for different types of colleges and what you
can expect to pay out of your 529, taking into account financial aid at various income levels.
How much to consider saving
Without question, the price tag is steep. But is it realistic for most families? We ran the numbers
for families at three different income levels using the estimated numbers above. We calculated
the percentage of their income they would need to save each year of their child’s life in order to
be ready to cover the school bills when they arrive.4 These calculations estimate the savings rate
needed to cover a current four-year education with room and board—without loans. This should
give you a sense of what it may take to be ready, but of course, saving isn’t the only way to pay
for college. Many people will save less and fill the gap with student or parent borrowing.
What we found is that while it may not be easy, it is possible. According to our estimates, a
family earning $75,000 may expect to cover the qualified expenses at a four-year private
university if they save 6.5% of their income over the course of their child’s life. At a state
school, the same family would need to save 3% of their income. See the chart below for
additional details.
We think that saving for qualified expenses in a 529 plan should be the first step for college
planning for most families, because of the potential tax advantages. And for most families,
saving for the qualified expenses will be enough of a challenge. However, if you do have the
ability to also save for other non-qualified college expenses, such as transportation and
healthcare, we calculate that families making between $50,000 and $100,000 could be prepared
for these expenses by saving 0.50% to 1% of their income throughout their child’s life.4
Putting a plan together
Armed with a sense of how much you need to save, the next step is to put a plan together to meet
these costs. First note, most families won’t save enough to meet the full costs. Sallie Mae
estimates that parent borrowing covers 9% of the total cost of attendance for the average family,
and student borrowing covers 14%.5 But borrowing isn’t your only option.
As you approach college, you may want to create a plan that involves your child. A recent
Fidelity survey found that 30% of high school seniors were worried about paying for college, and
69% found saving for it too overwhelming.6 So a key to success is working with your child to
set up a plan, including the trade-offs involved and your respective roles and responsibilities.
And it’s important to be realistic. We believe retirement should be your first savings priority,
followed by other goals including college.
You’ll likely find your child expects to share some of the burden. The same survey found that
95% of high school students were not only willing to help pay for college, and 60% felt they
should pay at least half.7 So, whether kids take loans, work to save before college with parents
matching their savings, or take part-time jobs while in school, it’s a good thing for them to be
part of the solution.
Just be sure to use the child’s income wisely. Since the student’s income and savings weigh more
heavily against you in financial aid formulas, you might spend down their assets on something
college-related ahead of time—like a car for transportation, rent, or a security deposit on off-
campus housing.
Be creative and flexible
In addition to figuring out, as a family, how you will pay for college, you should have some
strategies for cutting costs. We can’t say what’s right for you—it’s up to every family to decide
what’s important to them and what’s realistic. But, if you are looking for ideas on reducing your
costs and are willing to be creative and flexible, here are some thoughts to consider.
Combine degree programs. If your child is planning to get both graduate and undergraduate
degrees some schools will let you earn both in five years, rather than six (four undergrad, two
graduate).
Live cheaper. Generally, it’s less expensive to live off campus than in a dormitory. Clearly the
same holds true of living at home, if the college is near by. It’s a matter of looking at tradeoffs
and options with your child. Perhaps going to a school close enough to live at home wouldn’t be
the first choice, but it might help the child graduate without being saddled with huge amounts of
debt.
Transfer in. Many public universities provide an excellent education. But, if your child does have
his or her heart set on a private school, there may be a way to save on costs. A student who
completes the first two years of college at a public school and then transfers into a private school
could save a significant amount. It’s probably not much of a sacrifice because your child would
complete the core curriculum at the public school and save the specialty coursework for the
private school. And in the end, the degree comes from the second university.
Accelerate college through summer studies. If your child doesn’t mind attending classes
throughout the summer months, consider condensing four years of college into three and a half
or even three. That could save money—the classes are often less expensive in summer and it will
cut down on the need for room and board. What’s more, students who graduate into the job
market in December or January don’t have to compete with all the other spring graduates.
Making progress
While it’s easy to become overwhelmed with concern over paying for college, it’s better to face
the reality of college expenses head on. Having a realistic sense of what you need to pay is a
good start. Coming up with a plan for what you can realistically do is a good next step.
Fortunately, college bound students are more willing to help fund their own education these
days. And, there seem to be more options for getting a good education without breaking the
bank. But it does take flexibility, creativity, and persistence. Above all, it takes parents and
students working together to make sure their college experience works for the family.
https://guidance.fidelity.com/viewpoints/paying-for-college
Date: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Get Real About Paying For College
Publication: https://guidance.fidelity.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 360356
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68247
Article_Body:
InvestmentAdvisor.com
August 24, 2010
Fidelity College Cost Study Shows Advisors Help Parents Save
529 savings plans grow in popularity as college costs skyrocket
Joyce Hanson
As many parents dip into retirement savings to pay for their children’s college educations, the
parents who work with a financial advisor are saving more for college costs, Fidelity Investments
reported in a study released Tuesday, August 24.
In its fourth annual college savings indicator study, the Boston-based investment giant
highlighted how the challenging economic environment has reduced the percentage of college
costs parents are projected to meet to 16%. That compares to 18% in 2009 and 24% in 2007, the
first year of the study.
But the savings indicator also shows that that families working with an advisor are on track to
cover 28% of projected college costs. And 88% of parents who are already working with an
advisor have started saving for college versus 67% of parents who are not working with an
advisor.
―It really shows that working with an advisor can add value not only in terms of a savings
discipline but in long-term results,‖ said Jeff Troutman, Fidelity’s vice president of college
savings, in a phone interview.
Another national college study, released August 10 by Sallie Mae and Gallup, shows parents and
students borrowing more to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey respondents
reported increased by 17% compared to last year.
Conducted from March through May 2010, the Sallie Mae study shows that parents paid nearly
half, or 47%, of the share of college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year, and students paid
roughly one-quarter through income, savings, and loans. Parents’ income and savings pay for
37% of the average cost for college while parent borrowing paid for another 10%. The remainder
is paid for through a combination of grants, scholarships, friends and family, and student income,
borrowing, and savings.
Contributions from parents rose the most, driven by an increase in the use of 529 college-savings
plans, the Sallie Mae study said.
Similarly, the Fidelity study reported that more parents are now saving for college in a dedicated
account. Two-thirds, or 67%, of parents have begun saving for future college costs, compared
with 63% in 2009 and 58% in 2007. ―And more families are becoming more aware of tax-
advantaged ways to save, with 51% of families reporting they are familiar with tax-advantaged
529 college savings plans this year compared with 40% in 2009,‖ according to Fidelity, which
also released college savings guidelines on Tuesday.
Fidelity’s income-based savings guidelines show that a family making $75,000 a year and
expecting to send their child to a four-year university would need to save in a 529 plan 3% of
their salary each year (roughly $2,250 a year or $190 a month) over an 18-year period to have
saved sufficient funds.
―There are a number of things advisors can do to work with parents. First and foremost, they can
get them on a program of disciplined savings. Using a 529 plan is one of the best tools
available,‖ Troutman said. ―For example, if a family receives a bonus or a child gets some
birthday or holiday money, if a 529 plan is already established, there’s a place to put that money
right away. It’s an easy savings vehicle, and there are tax advantages. The money goes in after
taxes, but the account grows tax deferred, and any earnings that come out to pay for qualified
higher education expenses are not taxed at both the state and federal level.‖
Also according to the Fidelity study, nearly six in 10 parents with high school-aged children said
their advisor discussed strategies for paying for college, including new funding sources,
postponing plan distributions, and spreading out withdrawals. Almost twice the number of
advisors from last year are now helping clients with researching schools (25%, up from 13%),
navigating the grant process (30%, up from 16%) and securing financial aid (37%, up from
20%).
http://www.investmentadvisor.com/news/2010/8/Pages/Fidelity-College-Cost-Study-Shows-
Advisors-Help-Parents-Save.aspx
Date: 8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Fidelity College Cost Study Shows Advisors Help Parents Save
Publication: http://www.investmentadvisor.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 18536
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68250
Article_Body:
NYTimes.com blog (Economix)
August 23, 2010
How Americans Pay for College
By CATHERINE RAMPELL
My colleague Trip Gabriel has an article on Monday about parents who linger around after they drop their
children off at college. This chart below might explain why parents are so involved:
―How America Pays for College,‖ Sallie Mae and Gallup
The pie chart, taken from a recent salliemae.com/NR/rdonlyres/D5D78A1C-BBB8-4D97-AE9B-
7EC35558AD5F/12986/how_america_pays_for_college3.pdf" target="_blank">report by Sallie Mae and Gallup,
shows that on average parents pay, from their income and savings, for 37 percent of the total cost of attending
college. Another 10 percent of college costs are financed by parents‘ borrowing. These two combined parental
sources of spending for college costs also grew as a percentage of the total pie from the year before, from 45
percent in 2009 to 47 percent in 2010.
No wonder parents might feel compelled to stick around a few days and make sure they‘re getting their
money‘s worth.
The breakdown in college financing varies by family, of course. Here‘s a look at how the average family from a
given income bracket pay for college costs:
―How America Pays for College,‖ Sallie Mae and Gallup
Students from the richest families have well over half of the costs of going to college paid for by their parents.
Students from families earning less than $35,000 annually, on the other hand, are relatively more reliant on
grants, scholarships and their own borrowing.
college/?src=busln" target="_blank">http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/how-americans-pay-for-
college/?src=busln
Date: 8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Reader Response: How Americans Pay for College, by School Type
Publication: http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68250
Article_Body:
NYTimes.com blog (Economix)
August 23, 2010
How Americans Pay for College
By CATHERINE RAMPELL
My colleague Trip Gabriel has an article on Monday about parents who linger around after they drop their
children off at college. This chart below might explain why parents are so involved:
―How America Pays for College,‖ Sallie Mae and Gallup
The pie chart, taken from a recent salliemae.com/NR/rdonlyres/D5D78A1C-BBB8-4D97-AE9B-
7EC35558AD5F/12986/how_america_pays_for_college3.pdf" target="_blank">report by Sallie Mae and Gallup,
shows that on average parents pay, from their income and savings, for 37 percent of the total cost of attending
college. Another 10 percent of college costs are financed by parents‘ borrowing. These two combined parental
sources of spending for college costs also grew as a percentage of the total pie from the year before, from 45
percent in 2009 to 47 percent in 2010.
No wonder parents might feel compelled to stick around a few days and make sure they‘re getting their
money‘s worth.
The breakdown in college financing varies by family, of course. Here‘s a look at how the average family from a
given income bracket pay for college costs:
―How America Pays for College,‖ Sallie Mae and Gallup
Students from the richest families have well over half of the costs of going to college paid for by their parents.
Students from families earning less than $35,000 annually, on the other hand, are relatively more reliant on
grants, scholarships and their own borrowing.
college/?src=busln" target="_blank">http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/how-americans-pay-for-
college/?src=busln
Date: 8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Reader Response: How Americans Pay for College, by School Type
Publication: http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Upromise
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
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Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68256
Article_Body:
SeerPress.com
August 23, 2010
Private Lenders Joining Hands with Sallie Mae Students Education Loans
Naveen Kar
Future college students and their parents have something to cheer about as many private lenders
are joining hands with Sallie Mae to provide for the most needed students education loans.
According to a Gallup Poll, more and more parents want their children to complete a college
degree as compared to previous years. The study also has data which shows that the degrees have
become costlier by almost 17 percent, thus leading parents and students to look for different
sources of funding the education.
Last two years have been very tough for our entire society and they took a toll on the savings for
education also. Most of the students and parents seem to have exhausted the federal limit of
education loans, which means the private lenders are sensing the growth in this education loan
market.
As financial crisis is receding, so the competition in student loan market is seeing a growth with
many players trying to get the maximum share out of it. The credit crunch had forced most of the
lenders to exit this lucrative market.
Now, in the present scenario the lenders are using Sallie Mae Student Education Loans as the
best way to reach out to the prospective borrowers. Latest to join hands with Sallie Mae are the
banks like Citizens Commercial and Savings Bank, Dort Federal Credit Union, and Chase Bank.
Many more announcements are expected in the near future also as private lenders are now out of
the federal education loan program.
http://seerpress.com/private-lenders-joining-hands-with-sallie-mae-students-education-
loans/4392/
Date: 8/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Private Lenders Joining Hands with Sallie Mae Students Education Loans
Publication: http://seerpress.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 24249
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68263
Article_Body:
RocNow.com
August 22, 2010
Area College Enrollment Strong Despite Economy
James Goodman
With new housing for more than 400 students, the $55 million Global Village complex on the campus of Rochester
Institute of Technology is a sure sign that the college’s enrollment is growing.
RIT’s student population is approaching 17,000, up about 1,800 from five years ago.
While some higher education institutions nationwide have been left financially strapped by the recession, others
have found themselves in greater demand.
Twelve colleges in the Rochester area have weathered the economic downturn, with enrollment totaling more than
86,000 this fall, about 1,000 more than last year.
Nationwide, the college population has grown dramatically, from 8.6 million in 1970 to an estimated 19.7 million
this year, in a high-tech economy where special skills can be a ticket to advancement.
―Basic jobs now require some training beyond high school. In a recessed economy, people who lost their jobs realize
that they need more skills or different skills, and that will send them back to college,‖ said Bryan Cook, director for
the Center for Policy Analysis of the American Council on Education.
Todd Dewey, 44, of Cazenovia, Madison County, is part of the army of unemployed who have gone back to school.
In February 2008, Dewey was laid off from his job as network systems administrator for the Institute for
Cardiovascular Research at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
He found himself too qualified for some jobs and not qualified for others as he flooded the job market with his
résumé — without success.
Dewey and his wife, Christina, have two young children and a third on the way. But with no job prospects in sight,
the couple decided he needed a new career.
After taking such courses as calculus and microbiology at Onondaga Community College, Dewey was accepted at
St. John Fisher’s Wegmans School of Pharmacy. He’s in a four-year doctor of pharmacy program.
Dewey, who is starting his second year in the program, will work part time as a pharmacy intern. But he has been
dipping into his savings and taking out $42,000 a year in federal loans for tuition and living expenses.
―It’s the family’s way out of the recession,‖ said Dewey about his new career.
Coping with costs
A new study, How America Pays for College, shows that many others are also going into debt to pay for college.
The national study is based on a survey of 1,624 college students and parents conducted by Gallup for Sallie Mae,
which provides various lending, savings and planning services for college students.
Last school year, according to the survey, the average family spent $24,097 to pay for college costs — 24 percent
more than the year before.
Financing a college education, however, remains a problem for many.
―It’s brutal, in a word,‖ said Jerome Barnes, 36, of Rochester who has six children whom he hopes to put through
college.
His oldest daughter Jzmine, 17, graduated from East High School last spring and plans to go to Howard University.
Because the family couldn’t afford the tuition, Jzmine joined the Army Reserve, which Barnes said would pay her
tuition so that she could attend Howard in the fall of 2011.
―It is very difficult to find the money,‖ added Juan Solis, 18, who graduated from Dr. Freddie Thomas High School
in the spring and is trying to find funding to attend Finger Lakes Community College in the fall.
Still, community colleges continue to boom.
Monroe Community College is expected to exceed its fall 2009 enrollment of 18,977 — with the total this fall
topping 19,000.
Similar trends are evident at Finger Lakes Community College and Genesee Community College.
Four-year colleges in the State University of New York system have felt the loss of state funding the most. State
University College at Brockport, for example, will experience a $6.2 million loss in state aid over the four-year
fiscal period ending in June 2011.
An underlying problem is that state lawmakers have increased tuition over the years and either kept much of the
tuition or reduced state aid to SUNY whenever tuition increases are granted.
SUNY’s operating budget for this fiscal year is $2.3 billion — about $51 million less than last year’s budget. SUNY
Chancellor Nancy Zimpher has said that SUNY’s operating budget has been slashed by 30 percent over the last
three years.
Proposals were introduced to give SUNY the authority to raise tuition without needing the OK of the state
Legislature and to give SUNY schools more leeway in working with the private sector on development issues.
The state budget that was finally approved earlier this month failed to address these proposals in a conclusive way.
Instead, the Democratic majority in the state Senate issued a statement saying that a ―framework agreement‖ on the
SUNY issues had been reached that calls for continued negotiations.
Because SUNY tuition — now at $4,970 a year for in-state students — is typically lower than that of private
colleges, some SUNY schools have seen a sizable increase in applications. Applications to SUNY Brockport, for
example, jumped 9 percent for this fall’s incoming class, to about 9,500.
State University College at Geneseo has seen a change in the demographic makeup of its students — with more of
its freshman class coming from the New York City area instead of western New York. Geneseo reduced the size of
this school year’s incoming class because last year’s freshman class was larger than expected.
With Geneseo becoming more selective in admissions, the average Scholastic Aptitude Test score for its incoming
class is a combined 1,340 for verbal and math. The average verbal and math SAT score for all four-year SUNY
schools was 1,150 for last year’s freshman classes.
The growing popularity of SUNY schools, accompanied by a slight drop-off in interest in private colleges, has been
evident in the college selections made by Fairport High School students. During the past five years, the number of
students going to four-year SUNY schools spiked from 92 to 134 this fall.
Overall, the number of Fairport graduates choosing private colleges — of all kinds — has dipped from 206 in 2006
to 200 this year, while those selecting various public colleges increased from 288 five years ago to 332 this year,
said John Serafine, director of counseling at Fairport.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva has struggled with enrollment, with the 2009 incoming class below
what was targeted. ―The economy puts a huge strain on everybody,‖ said Bob Murphy, vice president for enrollment
management and dean of admissions.
But this incoming freshman class — projected to total 625 — exceeds the enrollment target, with more of the
accepted students selecting Hobart and William Smith over other colleges that had accepted them.
Murphy, who took over as chief enrollment officer for Hobart and William Smith last fall, crafted a recruiting
message that stresses the sense of community at this institution.
―At the end of the day what we did really well was project a personal approach to admissions. We didn’t treat people
like numbers,‖ Murphy said.
He also doubled — to 120 — the number of merit scholarships offered to incoming students and assigned
recruitment officers in New York City, Baltimore and Boston.
Global visions
At the University of Rochester, tuition and room and board will cost $51,120 this school year.
But that did not stop UR from having a stellar year in admissions.
The incoming class is expected to total almost 1,200 — well above the goal of 1,125. Here, too, more of the
accepted applicants than expected chose UR over other colleges.
Students from 45 states and 55 other countries will attend UR this year.
Scholarship money offered by UR increased to $25.8 million for first-year students. Another $86 million was
available for the remaining undergraduates at UR’s College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering.
At RIT, Global Village will not only add 414 beds but should also help create a better sense of community on
campus.
In the southwest quadrant of the campus, two residence buildings have replaced about 210 beds in older buildings
that were torn down
A four-story courtyard building — the heart of Global Village — surrounds a 28,000-square-foot terrace with a 9-
foot-high glass wall, which will have water continually flowing over it for part of the year.
Near the water wall is a large area that can be frozen over for an ice rink in the winter.
Mexican, Mongolian and sushi restaurants — all with outdoor as well as indoor seating — will be housed in the
courtyard building. An art store showcasing work done by RIT students and faculty will be there as well.
Pike Co. is the construction manager for the project. The housing will be ready for this fall’s students, with stores
opening by early fall.
―It’s like a town square, said Jim Yarrington, director of campus planning, design and construction for RIT.
http://rocnow.com/article/local-news/20108220354
Date: 8/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Area College Enrollment Strong Despite Economy
Publication: http://rocnow.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 23319
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68284
Article_Body:
News Journal
August 20, 2010
Sallie Mae Study Confirms Movement To Private Lending
College education called critical
By ERIC RUTH
When Sallie Mae was essentially legislated out of the subsidized student loan business this
spring, it was clear that the company's greatest hope lay in transforming its business model to
direct, private lending.
Now, it has found some evidence that consumers are headed that way as well.
Students and parents are becoming increasingly convinced that a college degree is crucial for
success, and are also becoming more willing to go into debt to reach that goal, according to a
recent study conducted by Gallup for the company.
That trend could potentially be good news for both Sallie Mae and the state of Delaware, where
the company plans to relocate its corporate headquarters next year and refine its new direction.
Sources say the move could add more than 1,500 jobs here over five years. No location for the
new headquarters has been announced
Families typically use private loans to pay for college costs that aren't covered by financial aid
and federally backed student loans, which are subject to annual limits. In academic year 2008-09,
borrowers took out $11 billion in non-federal student loans, according to The College Board.
Even before Sallie Mae's decision to relocate from Virginia to Delaware, its center near
Christiana handled mainly private loan accounts -- including compliance, collections, fraud and
credit management.
The Gallup Poll found that parents and students were willing to "dig deeper" into every
traditional source of funding for college, from loans to savings and even retirement accounts, and
are cutting even deeper into their discretionary spending as college costs rise and the challenges
of getting a good job heighten. In the study, 71 percent strongly agreed that a college degree is
more important now than it used to be.
Since last year, the cost of college has risen 17 percent, the study found.
"A lot of it is driven by economic changes and challenges," said Bill Diggins, senior consultant
with Gallup and the lead researcher on the annual project, "How America Pays for College."
"Despite these worries and despite these rising costs, what they're doing is they're digging deeper
into every source to pay for college," Diggins said.
"They see it as an investment in the future. They see it as more important now than ever.'"
For the first time this year, Gallup asked if students were living at home as a way to cope with
costs. "The fact that two out of five are living at home kind of surprised me until I thought about
it a bit," Diggins said. The high proportion of students at home seems to be driven in part by
African-American and Hispanic students, who tend to be much more concerned about being able
to afford college, and thus more likely to live at their parents' home.
"They're willing to do that digging," Diggins said. "Hispanics are much more likely than whites
and African-Americans to say that they'll stretch themselves financially, that college is worth the
cost.' "
The study found that parents paid nearly half of college costs for the 2009-10 academic year, and
students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings, and loans. To make college more
affordable, 73 percent of families cut spending, and 48 percent increased work hours or earnings.
Three-quarters of students and parents do not have a plan to pay for the full degree when the
students enroll.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100820/BUSINESS/8200355/1003
Date: 8/20/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Study Confirms Movement To Private Lending
Publication: News Journal (Del.)
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 102135
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68285
Article_Body:
FiscalTimes.com
August 10, 2010
Rising College Costs Force Families to Deplete Savings
By LYNN ASINOF
Faced with rising college costs and a struggling economy, families are paying for college by
digging deeper, borrowing more and tightening their belts, according to a new study released
Tuesday. ―How America Pays for College,‖ a Gallup survey conducted under the aegis of
student lender Sallie Mae, shows that fast-rising college costs are becoming an increasingly
important factor in students’ college selection decisions.
Based on interviews with more than 1,600 students and parents this spring, the survey shows a
17 percent increase in the cost of attendance in 2009-2010 compared to the previous year, and a
28 percent increase over the last two years. Those with the biggest increase: families in the
$100,000-$150,000 annual income group, which reported a 30 percent increase over the previous
year.
No wonder families, students and even the government are beginning to ask: Is higher education
worth the cost? Not necessarily, according to a small but provocative band of skeptics, and
several new books, including Higher Education?: How Colleges Are Wasting Our Money and
Failing Our Kids—and What We Can Do About It, by political scientist Andrew Hacker and
journalist Claudia Dreifus.
Most Americans, however, have not lost faith in the power of higher education to boost future
earnings, according to the study. ―What is most striking to us is how strongly committed families
are to making the investment in a college degree,‖ says Patricia Nash Christel, a Sallie Mae
spokesperson.
Figuring out the likely return on a college investment is tricky, to say the least. There is no
reliable data linking degrees to future income, though a Department of Educations' recent
proposal to regulate some post-secondary vocational training based on graduates’ ability to pay
back loans is a step in the right direction. Broadening that research to cover most degrees and
professions would give families a much-needed tool to help them make better college choices.
Creative Financing
In the meantime, parents are getting creative about college finance. To pay the rising bill,
families increased their reliance on all available funding sources and took a variety of steps to cut
costs, according to the study. For example, 43 percent of families reported that their student lived
at home in order to save money. Additionally, the new survey showed that virtually all families
instituted belt-tightening measures and nearly half increased work hours or boosted income in
other ways.
Parents continue to absorb the largest share of college funding, picking up 47 percent of the tab
through savings, income and borrowing. Grants and scholarships remain an important source of
funding, covering 23 percent of college costs. Student borrowing is 14 percent of the bill, while
student income and savings funded another 9 percent. About 7 percent of costs were covered by
friends and relatives.
28 percent: increase in college costs over the last two years
43 percent: college students living at home
63 percent: students limiting college choices because of costs
Borrowing rose, with the number of families taking on debt increasing to 46 percent from 42
percent. That borrowed money was used to cover nearly half the cost of college. Among those
that borrowed, the typical combined student and parent borrowing hit $12,549, a figure that
includes home equity loans, credit card debt and loans from retirement accounts as well as
traditional education loans. That compares to $10,779 in the previous survey.
Narrowing Choices
Also rising was the number of students choosing to eliminate specific colleges for financial
reasons, increasing to 63 percent, up from 56 percent the previous year. Some students made the
decision before applying while others waited until after receiving notification of their financial
aid packages.
The survey is one of the first to reflect educational decision-making in the wake of the economic
slide that began in 2008. Not surprisingly, the survey says more parents described themselves as
concerned about future tuition hikes, increases in loan rates and the possibility that a job loss
would reduce income.
Unshaken Beliefs
In spite of the costs, some 83 percent strongly agree that college is an investment in the future,
with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying they strongly believe a college degree is even
more important now than it used to be.
Sallie Mae notes that the survey findings raise important questions about the future of college
funding and the impact on families. ―At what point do accumulating parental economic concerns
translate into shifts in the types of schools that students attend?‖ it asks. Another question raised
by the survey: Does the increased use of savings to pay for college reflect greater savings by
families, maturation of college savings plans or simply the depletion of family assets?
The full text of the survey is available at www.salliemae.com/howamericapays.
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Issues/Life-and-Money/2010/08/10/Rising-College-Costs-Force-
Families-to-Deplete-Savings.aspx
Date: 8/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Study Confirms Movement To Private Lending
Publication: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 37220
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68286
Article_Body:
FOXBusiness.com
August 19, 2010
5 Money Mistakes to Avoid in College
By Emily Driscoll
College often brings about a lot of ―firsts‖ for young adults: first time living sans parents, first
all-nighter and sometimes, the first empty bank account.
―It’s really important, especially today, that young adults avoid big mistakes to ensure that they
have a great start,‖ says Princess Clark-Wendel, author of A Pocketbook for Hope in Tough
Economic Times. ―You can come out of college good or you can come out of college great. It’s
better to come out great and that’s by taking control of money, understanding a budget and
sticking to it.‖
Here are five common money mistakes to avoid during college to keep yourself on the right
financial track.
Underestimating Your Student Loan Needs
As an incoming freshman, calculate how much money you will need in student loans. Make sure
you have enough to cover expenses, but only take what you need so you aren’t stuck paying
interest on money you didn’t need.
―Have a budget of what books cost, tuition costs, room and board--all of it should be budgeted
out,‖ says Clark-Wendel, who is also the founder of Princess Clark Consulting
(www.livelifeworryfree.com). ―Only use the money by sticking to your budget like there’s
nothing else coming.‖
If you need financial aid, make sure you fill out the Free Application for Student Aid [FAFSA]
form. A recent national study conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup showed, one out of four
undergraduate families did not complete the FAFSA form.
―That’s potentially leaving financial aid on the table,‖ says Patricia Nash Christel, a
spokesperson for Sallie Mae. ―The good news is that it’s getting easier and anyone can join at
anytime in the school year. Obviously, you want to do it as early as you can before your state
deadline. If you have not completed it by now for the fall semester, you can still do so.‖
Only Planning Semester to Semester
Map out a plan of how long it will take you to get your desired degree and stick to it.
If you anticipate taking longer than four years, you may want to consider taking your core, or
general-education classes at a community college over the summer. Community college classes
are cheaper and basic-level classes tend to transfer easily.
Once you’ve outline how long you plan to stay in school, stick to it.
―Some students take four, five, six or even seven years [to graduate],‖ says Jeremy Hyman, co-
author of The Secrets of College Success. ―Not keeping your eye on the clock is going to add up.
If you’re paying the full price, you’re buying a Lexus each year. There’s a big difference
between buying four years worth of Lexus’ and six.‖
Studying Abroad With no Direction
Studying abroad can be a great learning experience for a college student, but it doesn’t come
cheap. If you are looking to voyage beyond campus lines, compare programs or study abroad
organizations, as they vary in price depending on the country and what is included.
―Really investigate the country--what opportunities there are,‖ suggests Clark-Wendel. ―Find out
about living arrangements and opportunities to work while learning.‖
If the cost of the specific program you want is too much, look into scholarship opportunities.
―For many schools, there are special scholarships for study abroad,‖ explains Hyman. ―The
mistake students make is not looking for departmental funds especially set aside for traveling
abroad.‖
Before you jet off, make sure you have your courses approved by the head of your major’s
department. You don’t want to return to find the classes you took overseas don’t count toward
your diploma.
Overworking at a Minimum-Wage Job
As a college student, your main ―job‖ is school and students need to find a balance between work
and studying.
―Certain parents think [students] should work just so that they work in college—that there’s a
positive moral value in working,‖ says Hyman. ―It certainly can be a positive moral value.
However, if you have a choice between flipping burgers at $8 an hour just for the sake of
working versus the chance to study harder and make it out in a certain number of years, it might
make better economic sense to work 15 or 20 hours and to take an extra course.‖
Missing Out on Eligible Tax Credits and Deductions
Tax credits for college tend to be overlooked, the experts say, and depending on your situation,
you may be eligible for deductions, which can benefit you as tuition costs rise.
―To some degree, the pain of out-of-control tuition increases has been lessened by a slew of
recently-introduced tax advantages, including the Hope Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, the
student loan interest deduction, and the tuition and fees deduction,‖ says Hyman.
Christel points out that if you are paying interest on student loans, ―whether it’s in school or
after-school repayment, you can often deduct the interest payments from your taxes as well.‖
To find more information about tax credits, you can view Sallie Mae’s page or the IRS’ tax
breaks for education costs.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/08/19/money-mistakes-avoid-college/
Date: 8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: 5 Money Mistakes to Avoid in College
Publication: FOXBusiness.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1141667
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making a suggestion
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68291
Article_Body:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
August 11, 2010
Education Spending Trends Higher
Families are scrambling to pay for the ever-rising cost of their children's college educations, a new
survey shows.
Families said their spending for education rose 24 percent, on average, to $24,907 during the 2009-10
school year.
The biggest chunk of money for college -- 37 percent -- came from parents' income and savings. Loans
taken out by parents and students made up another 24 percent. Grants and scholarships contributed 23
percent of school fees, the survey said.
The report, commissioned by student loan provider Sallie Mae and conducted by pollster Gallup,
surveyed about 1,600 people by telephone from March 24-May 3.
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Education Spending Trends Higher
Publication: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 168322
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68293
Article_Body:
Savannah Morning News
August 11, 2010
Dollars & Sense Column
By Arlinda Smith Broady
Aug. 11--The older kids get, the more expensive they become to take care of. Costs for everything from
clothes to education to entertainment rise as the years go by.
A poll conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup released Tuesday shows how families are willing to dig
deeper to pay for things that matter, such as a college education.
"In Gallup's Daily Tracking, we see families reporting dramatic decreases in discretionary spending since
the onset of the recession. However, this study clearly shows families are stretching themselves to pay
for higher education," said Bill Diggins, lead researcher at Gallup in a news release. "While they're
worried about the rising cost of tuition in the future and becoming more cost conscious, Americans
continue to see college as an essential investment."
But the big bucks can come well before college.
Several months ago my co-worker, Jenel Few, was overjoyed that her stepson, Siran, was chosen to
spend two weeks in Scotland with his school performing a play about the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
The downer was the price: $6,000 per student.
With the salary of a journalist and her husband's paycheck as a police officer, there was no family trust
fund set aside for that type of endeavor. And although many of us would have considered a bank loan,
the Fews and many other Savannah Arts Academy parents decided to put in some good old fashioned
hard work.
Siran learned an important lesson about the value of money.
Besides the school itself holding fundraisers such as performances of the play and bake sales, young Mr.
Few invested a lot of sweat.
He did babysitting for my two boys and another co-worker and even helped my husband on a freelance
video production shoot. He picked pecans at his grandmother's house and helped organize a family yard
sale.
His stepmother sold banana bread and cinnamon buns at $5 each. And spread the word about the trip.
"I couldn't have done it by myself," Siran said. "So many people believed in me, and it was a good
feeling. It was really a family project and a community project."
A stranger gave him money while he was shopping at a pharmacy.
"She said she was proud of what we were doing," he said.
When asked if he had advice for other youngsters needing to raise money for similar big-ticket items,
e.g. a car or college, Siran said the most important thing is commitment.
"You have to really want it," he said. "None of the things I did were easy, but I kept thinking about the
trip."
He said he's not sure whether he'd do it all again, but when we spoke, he hadn't left the country yet.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing," he said. "I'm just grateful for everyone who helped me make it
happen."
Date: 8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Dollars & Sense Column
Publication: http://savannahnow.com/
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 153366
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68302
Article_Body:
Washington Post
August 19, 2010
New Rules On Transparency About Debt Should Apply To All Colleges
MICHELLE SINGLETARY
The Obama administration wants for-profit career colleges to better prepare students for gainful employment and to
improve debt-repayment rates. The government is threatening to pull access to federal student aid for colleges that
fail to show progress.
Under the administration's proposed rules, if a program graduated a large share of students with excessive debt
compared with potential earnings in their chosen fields, it would be required to disclose this information to current
and prospective students.
I love this idea, but why don't we take it further and require every college that receives federal financial aid to
discuss with incoming students who are applying for loans how much they can expect to earn in the degree areas
they are pursuing?
Career counselors or financial aid personnel would show students data on the average starting salary for certain
fields. Then the counselor would calculate -- based on the total amount of money the student planned on borrowing -
- how much projected monthly income would be needed to service the student loans.
This process would be a reality check before any federal student loan check is cut. I would also require this for
students relying heavily on private student loans. Is it too much to hope that students and their families would
rethink the amount of debt they would be taking on at a particular school after actually considering -- before
enrollment -- how much they will earn?
Certainly there are problems in the for-profit education sector, which offers degrees and certifications in programs
ranging from auto mechanics to business administration to massage therapy. The Government Accountability Office
reported recently that in an undercover investigation of 15 for-profit colleges, four of the schools allegedly
encouraged fraudulent practices and all 15 made deceptive or otherwise questionable statements to undercover
applicants.
In some cases, personnel encouraged undercover applicants to lie about their financial situation so they could qualify
for federal aid.
I should point out that The Washington Post Co.'s Kaplan Higher Education unit, which operates for-profit colleges,
would be affected by the proposed requirements. Kaplan College was involved in the GAO undercover
investigation, and Post Co. executives said they would work to eliminate misconduct at its educational institutions.
It's clear there are significant debt-repayment issues at for-profit colleges. Students who attended for-profit schools
were more likely to default on federal student loans than students from more traditional colleges, the GAO said last
year.
Only 36 percent of students at for-profit schools were paying down their student loans in 2009, according to an
analysis of Education Department data by the Institute for College Access and Success, a nonprofit group whose
mission is to help make higher education more affordable. At public colleges, 54 percent of borrowers were paying
down the principal on their loans, compared with 56 percent of those from private, nonprofit schools. These are not
great percentages, either.
"While career colleges play a vital role in training our workforce to be globally competitive, some of them are
saddling students with debt they cannot afford in exchange for degrees and certificates they cannot use," said
Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
The administration says new rules for career colleges are needed as enrollment, debt loads and default rates have
risen. The department would define whether a program is preparing students for gainful employment by using a two-
part test. It would measure the amount of debt students have compared with their potential income once they've
graduated. And the department would measure the rate at which all enrollees, regardless of completion, repay their
loans on time.
The Education Department is asking for public comment on the proposed regulations by Sept. 9. Final regulations
are due by Nov. 1 and will take effect in July 2011. If you want to read more about this issue or comment on it, go to
protectstudentsandtaxpayers.org, a new Web site sponsored by several nonprofit organizations including the
Institute for College Access and Success.
A recent study conducted for Sallie Mae by the Gallup organization found that both parents and students are
stretching themselves to pay for higher education.
We know that for many, a college education is necessary for financial upward mobility. But in our zeal to make sure
people get a degree or degrees, we've communicated to them that they need to do so by any means necessary -- even
if it means taking on decades of debt.
The administration is on to something, but it's not just career colleges that leave students with a heavy debt load and
no gainful employment to service that debt.
Date: 8/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: New Rules On Transparency About Debt Should Apply To All Colleges
Publication: Washington Post
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 622714
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68320
Article_Body:
Greenville News
August 15, 2010
Students Head Back To College Carrying High Expectations, Facing Higher Costs
By Anna Simon Clemson
As students move into dorms and apartments at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, a new
academic year begins with continuing shortfalls in state funding and higher expectations from increasingly brighter
students and parents who are paying more than ever for a college education.
Clemson dad Russ Stevens liked hearing a professor greet his son by name as they walked across the campus — a
personal touch that matters as Stevens shops colleges for his daughter, a high school senior.
A high school science teacher who will write two tuition checks this time next year, Stevens knows the rising cost of
college and expects a lot from the university. He expects his children's college experience to exceed his own. He
expects faculty who can engage students, small classes, a safe campus environment and a wide choice of extra-
curricular activities.
"In order for kids to stay at a school, it's got to be more than academics," Stevens said.
Two new national reports examine what families pay and how colleges spend the money.
A study by Sallie Mae and Gallup reports that families dug deeper into savings, tapped more scholarships and
grants, and borrowed more to pay the escalating total cost of college, which according to survey respondents was up
17 percent from the previous year.
A Delta Cost Project report found "a gradual shift of resources away from instruction and toward general
administrative and academic infrastructure," a spending shift some critics call an erosion of the educational mission.
Tuition increases disproportionally go to amenities unrelated to the education students receive in the classroom, such
as higher administrative salaries and new student centers, which provide some student benefits but increase college
cost, said Craig Brandon, a former education reporter and journalism instructor at Keene State College and author of
"The Five Year Party: How Colleges Have Given Up on Educating Your Child and What You Can Do About It."
Colleges spend more on amenities to try to retain students and their parents' checkbooks, resulting in higher tuition
and higher student loan debt when "the party" is over, said Brandon, who advocates no-frills colleges.
Clemson spokeswoman Cathy Sams disagreed. Clemson made "disproportionate cuts to administration and support"
and protected academics, cutting institutional support costs by 17 percent and giving 23 percent more money in
scholarships and fellowships for students, Sams said.
Students may have longer lines for services this year because of staffing cuts, but Clemson will keep its commitment
to provide top teachers, technology, facilities and a high quality of campus life, she said.
South Carolina's colleges and universities spend the majority of their education and general funds on instructional
activities, both statewide and for individual institutions, according to the state Commission on Higher Education.
According to the commission, South Carolina's colleges and universities spent 40 percent of their general funds on
instruction; 14 percent on research; 9 percent on academic support and 9 percent on institutional support, in fiscal
2007-2008, the most recent year available. Another 8 percent went to plant operation and maintenance, 7 percent to
student services, 7 percent to public service and 6 percent to scholarships and fellowships.
Frills or no frills?
Student services like career counseling and mentoring aren't frills — they teach leadership and provide career
guidance to make graduates more marketable, said Scott Verzyl, USC's director of admissions.
Participation in clubs, intramural sports and personal development and service activities — raising money through a
dance marathon or building a Habitat for Humanity house — teaches skills beyond "book smarts" that "apply to the
real world," Verzyl said.
"Going to college is more than the amount of time you spend sitting in the classes. It's a living learning experience."
Tom Dunaway, a former co-chair of Clemson's Parent Advisory Board, said parents want "an academic, social and
intellectual atmosphere" that gives students a "well-rounded opportunity" to mature as young adults and learn how
to "apply intellectual skills and make informed decisions."
Along with professors teaching "the highest quality academics," amenities like a Starbucks in a University of South
Carolina residence hall, campus career centers and exciting college athletics programs "are part of what a large
university can offer students, and I think that is attractive to parents," Dunaway said.
The biggest challenge this academic year "is doing more with less," as state budget cuts impact core operations, said
Garrison Walters, executive director of the state Commission on Higher Education. "We have outstanding
presidential leadership and CHE is working with these leaders to achieve greater levels of efficiency and
effectiveness."
At USC and Clemson, application numbers break records annually and admission is increasingly selective despite
higher tuition.
While enrollment numbers are only educated guesses until registration ends, USC expects about 4,400 freshmen,
which is about 450 more than last fall, Verzyl said. If current trends continue, total enrollment should be close to
30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, compared with 28,480 last year.
Clemson expects 2,950 to 3,000 freshmen, down from a larger-than-expected class of 3,389 last year, said Robert
Barkley, the admissions director. Total enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students should be around 19,000,
about the same as last year, said Stan Smith, the registrar.
Amenities and costs
Tuition and required fees have tripled at Clemson since 2000, when annual in-state tuition was $3,590; and have
more than doubled from $3,868 in 2000 at USC, according to CHE data. Annual in-state tuition this year is $11,908
at Clemson and $9,786 at USC.
"We have cut costs when we can but don't want to cut the quality of the education," USC's Verzyl said. "With the
magnitude of the loss of our state appropriations, we had to cut costs and increase tuition to offset the difference. We
find ourselves in a tight spot, but that's our only option at this point. We are being as frugal as we can."
Nearly all South Carolinians enter Clemson and USC with some financial aid that cuts the cost. Many have state
lottery-funded LIFE scholarships worth $5,000 or more a year. Students need a B average to keep them. Not
everyone does.
At Clemson, 73.3 percent of undergraduates retained LIFE scholarships last fall, according to the CHE. USC
undergraduates had the state's highest LIFE scholarship retention rate, at 77.8 percent. Statewide, including two-year
and four-year schools, the retention rate was 67.8 percent.
Scholarship retention has improved dramatically in recent years, partly because the state scholarships — created to
stem brain drain — are keeping top students here, Sams said.
"They are brighter and better prepared to do college work at a rigorous university, and they expect more from the
university," Sams said.
Average SAT scores rose from 1172 in 2000 to 1223 last fall at Clemson and from 1116 in 2000 to 1192 last year at
USC, according to school data.
Amenities like Clemson's Academic Success Center help students succeed, and the universities are quick to defend
these investments.
Construction of Clemson's $13.6 million Academic Success Center, delayed two years ago due to budget cuts, will
start this fall with a $2.7 million gift from the Class of 1956 and institutional bonds. The program, now in cramped
quarters in the library, helps students be more successful in the classroom, Sams said.
"Scholarship retention is important, and ultimately retention, (timely) graduation and preparation for a career or
graduate school is the ultimate goal and measure of success," Sams said.
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Students Head Back To College Carrying High Expectations, Facing Higher Costs
Publication: Greenville News
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 13851
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68321
Article_Body:
WSILtv.com (Ill.)
August 16, 2010
Despite Tight Budgets, Families Pay For College
By: Jeff Stensland
Families are finding ways to pay for college, despite tightening the family budget across the board. The recession
has kept most Americans from getting annual pay raises to keep up with inflation.
At the same time, the cost for college education continues to increase. Families nationally, and in southern Illinois,
are making their college dreams come true.
Kaitlyn Lowery, of Marion, is packing for the longest time away from home in her life. In a matter of hours, she will
be living hundreds of miles away. There are some things she wishes she could pack in a box.
"Leaving my friends and family, that is going to be the hardest part, I think," Lowery said. "Other than that, I'm
ready."
Her mom is not ready. This is the first of six kids Lisa Arbeiter and her husband, Rob, plan to put through college.
Arbeiter says it is the only option they have if their kids want to succeed.
"You have to have an education," Arbeiter said. "It's the most important thing you can do for your kids."
She says it was different when she was Kaitlyn's age, a time when many businesses would hire you with a high
school diploma and pay a good wage.
"Now, people with college degrees--they can't seem to find work right now," Arbeiter said. "It would be impossible,
I think, to find a good paying job without an education."
Paying for the education is often more daunting than the homework. A new study by Sallie Mae and Gallup finds
parents are paying 47-percent of the cost of college. For a middle-income family, that about $7,000 a year.
Another 23-percent is covered by grants and scholarships. The rest, picked up by the student. Arbeiter says getting
through the loan application process was not easy.
"That FAFSA stuff is just insane, trying to figure out how to do that," Arbeiter said. "You get so much money, and
then there's sources out there."
From Federal Parent PLUS Loans to low-interest student loans, money is available. Some of the loans will not acrue
interest until the student graduates, and most have very low interest rates.
Arbeiter says education is something her family will find a way to afford, so her daughters have the most options
available. The Sallie Mae Gallup study found tuition rose an average of 6.5-percent last year, and room and board
costs rose 5.4-percent.
The entire Sallie Mae-Gallup survey is posted at the top of this story.
To view clip: http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=10852&type=top
Date: 8/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Despite Tight Budgets, Families Pay For College
Publication: http://www.wsiltv.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 32559
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68344
Article_Body:
Dividend.com blog (The Dividend Daily)
September 1, 2010
Paul‟s Financial Tips to Help Parents Pay for Kids‟ College Costs
By Dividend.com Staff
According to a recent Sallie Mae/Gallup study, the total cost for students to attend college
including tuition, room and board and other school costs (not including financial aid) totaled
$18,659 in the 2009-10 school year, a 17% jump from the previous year and up 28% from two
years ago.
The College Board has estimated other student costs averaged about $12,500 in the 2009-10
school year. This is a huge financial burden for most families today. Some of the ways parents
can help offset the financial burdens involve some early planning as well as putting the time in to
do research.
We have talked about 529 plans before, but these plans have tax advantages when used for
higher education, have no income limitations, and are easily transferable to another beneficiary if
needed. Scholarships are also a great way to offset costs, sometimes in a big way. There are
many great scholarship resources to check out, including www.collegeboard.com and
www.salliemae.com/scholarships.
Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form can help you potentially
qualify for federal and state grants and loans. Speaking of loans, Federal loans are cheaper, more
readily available and have better repayment terms than private student loans. Check out
www.finaid.org as a great resource for information there.
Be sure to check out my previous articles on finding ways to save money when shopping for
back to school deals. Also, being able to afford keeping kids in college while they are is also a
big deal. Check out some pointers when it comes to using credit cards while in college.
The key when trying to get the most out of your money is planning as far out in advance as
possible. As I continue to advocate, quality dividend-paying stocks can be a huge benefit, as long
as you can stick to the discipline of saving and investing in the right names.
Paul Rubillo is the founder and CEO of Dividend.com.
http://www.dividend.com/blog/?p=23705
Date: 9/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Paul‘s Financial Tips to Help Parents Pay for Kids‘ College Costs
Publication: http://www.dividend.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 58673
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68356
Article_Body:
Christian Science Monitor
August 30, 2010
Student Loans: More Grants Available This Year. Here's How To Find Them.
Student loans for college and university education are easier to find than ever, despite fears of rising costs. Student
loans can be used for tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses.
By Elizabeth Fuller
For many Americans, a college degree seems more unattainable than ever. Tuition has skyrocketed – up 439 percent
between 1982 and 2008, while family incomes only increased 147 percent (not adjusted for inflation).
But that doesn't mean that higher education is out of reach. Student loans, grants, and scholarships, plus programs
available from individual colleges and universities, help ease tuition sticker shock.
In addition, the federal stimulus included $100 billion for higher education, much of which colleges and universities
have used to prevent or minimize planned tuition increases. Earlier this year, Congress voted $36 billion to increase
Pell Grants, using money saved by eliminating subsidies to banks that offer student loans. This year, Pell Grants will
be $5,500 – around $800 more per grant than two years ago. For the first time, Pell Grants will rise with cost of
living increases.
Congress consolidated all federal loan programs into the Direct Loan Program, so families will be able to find them
more easily.
Yes, they’ll still need to fill out the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA).
About 1 in 4 families didn’t bother to fill out the FAFSA in 2009-2010, thereby passing up their chance for federal
student loans, according to a survey conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup. Half of those families either had never
heard of it or else thought that they weren’t eligible. They chose to pull money out of investments or else take out
private loans to cover education costs. Bypassing FAFSA cost them as much as 15 percent more for the loan,
according to federal estimates.
Why are federal student loans a better idea than private loans? Repayment benefits and interest rates. Federal loans
don’t need to be repaid until six months after graduation, plus they typically have much lower interest rates than
private loans. For families whose FAFSA qualifies them for a subsidized Stafford loan, the government will pay all
interest on the loan until six months after graduation. Families in higher income brackets can get unsubsidized
Stafford loans, which still provide the low interest rates and the delay in repayment, but which do allow the interest
to accrue.
The government has created several websites to help families find money for college:
Student Aid on the Web, their financial aid and scholarship wizard.
How to pay for college at college.gov.
PLUS loans for parents at studentaid.ed.gov.
Plus, the government is funding several scholarships (not loans, free money!):
Academic Competitiveness Grant for college freshmen and sophomores who are eligible for Pell Grants and
who took "rigorous" classes in high school.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for students who lost a parent serving in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant) for college juniors and
seniors with a GPA 3.0 or higher in their major, who are eligible for Pell Grants, and who are majoring in
mathematics, technology, engineering, a foreign language critical to national security, or physical, life, or computer
sciences.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant) for students who plan
to teach in low-income schools.
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2010/0830/Student-loans-more-grants-available-this-year.-Here-s-how-to-find-
them
Date: 8/30/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Student Loans: More Grants Available This Year. Here's How To Find Them.
Publication: http://www.csmonitor.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 4000514
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68388
Article_Body:
College Times (Phoenix, Ariz.)
August 26, 2010
Parents, Students Dig Further To Pay For College
April H. Lee
Faced with rising college expenses, families dug deeper into their own pockets and borrowed more money to pay
tuition bills in the 2009-10 school year, according to a survey by Sallie Mae and Gallup released Tuesday.
Both parents and students dipped deeper into their savings and current income, borrowed more and took more
scholarships and grants to pay for higher education this year, as the cost of attendance went up 17 percent on
average.
Seventy-three percent of families said they reduced spending, 48 percent said they increased work hours or earnings
and 43 percent of families said their student lived at home to cut costs, according to the survey in March and April
of 801 college students and 823 parents.
As in previous years, the survey found that parents bore almost half of the college-cost burden, with 37 percent of
the total cost of attendance paid from parents' income and savings - the bulk of that, or 21 percent, was from current
income - and 10 percent through parent loans.
Student borrowing paid for 14 percent of college costs, and student income and savings covered 9 percent. Grants
and scholarships were 23 percent - the second-most important source of funding for college, the survey found.
But rising college costs pushed parents' average contribution from their income and savings to a total of $8,752, a 26
percent hike from the average $6,934 they spent a year ago, while the average amount parents took out in loans to
pay for college this year rose 27 percent to $2,261, from $1,775 a year ago.
Also, the portion of families who said they borrowed to pay for college rose to 46 percent, from 42 percent a year
ago, according to the survey.
Student borrowing jumped 25 percent to an average of $3,396, from $2,721 a year ago, according to the Sallie Mae
study, while the contribution from students' income and savings rose 16 percent to an average of $2,314 from $1,996
from a year ago.
Relatives and friends provided an average of $1,682, up 53 percent from $1,099, and grants and scholarships
provided $5,692, up 16 percent from $4,907 a year ago.
Just 26 percent of families "strongly agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before
enrolling," the study said.
"Although it's not universal, the prevailing attitude among my clients is that they as parents are responsible for
providing a college education for their children," said Kevin O'Reilly, president of Foothills Financial Planning in
Phoenix.
Sixty-three percent of families said that at some point during the application process, they eliminated schools based
on cost, up from 56 percent who said that in 2009.
Families have become more realistic about choosing schools, said Deidra Fulton, at Texas-based financial advisory
firm Fulton Financial Planning.
"Folks seem to be more conscious of weighing the costs for college versus the student's anticipated income after
college and their ability to repay a loan," Fulton said.
More than a third of families said they didn't think they could qualify for federal student aid, similar to Sallie Mae's
findings a year ago.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year is required for financial aid, and many factors
may affect eligibility. For example, a student who doesn't qualify for aid one year may become eligible when a
sibling enrolls in college.
There is no reason not to fill out the form, said Sarah Ducich, a vice president of Sallie Mae and an author of the
study. Ducich said the percentage of families who do not fill out a FAFSA is "stubbornly consistent." Worse, 13
percent of families were not even aware of the form, according to the survey.
http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com/media/storage/paper991/news/2010/08/26/News/Parents.Students.Dig.Further.
To.Pay.For.College-3925434.shtml#5
Date: 8/26/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Parents, Students Dig Further To Pay For College
Publication: http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 16878
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68407
Article_Body:
Greenville News
August 15, 2010
Students Head Back To College Carrying High Expectations, Facing Higher Costs
By Anna Simon Clemson
As students move into dorms and apartments at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, a new
academic year begins with continuing shortfalls in state funding and higher expectations from increasingly brighter
students and parents who are paying more than ever for a college education.
Clemson dad Russ Stevens liked hearing a professor greet his son by name as they walked across the campus — a
personal touch that matters as Stevens shops colleges for his daughter, a high school senior.
A high school science teacher who will write two tuition checks this time next year, Stevens knows the rising cost of
college and expects a lot from the university. He expects his children's college experience to exceed his own. He
expects faculty who can engage students, small classes, a safe campus environment and a wide choice of extra-
curricular activities.
"In order for kids to stay at a school, it's got to be more than academics," Stevens said.
Two new national reports examine what families pay and how colleges spend the money.
A study by Sallie Mae and Gallup reports that families dug deeper into savings, tapped more scholarships and
grants, and borrowed more to pay the escalating total cost of college, which according to survey respondents was up
17 percent from the previous year.
A Delta Cost Project report found "a gradual shift of resources away from instruction and toward general
administrative and academic infrastructure," a spending shift some critics call an erosion of the educational mission.
Tuition increases disproportionally go to amenities unrelated to the education students receive in the classroom, such
as higher administrative salaries and new student centers, which provide some student benefits but increase college
cost, said Craig Brandon, a former education reporter and journalism instructor at Keene State College and author of
"The Five Year Party: How Colleges Have Given Up on Educating Your Child and What You Can Do About It."
Colleges spend more on amenities to try to retain students and their parents' checkbooks, resulting in higher tuition
and higher student loan debt when "the party" is over, said Brandon, who advocates no-frills colleges.
Clemson spokeswoman Cathy Sams disagreed. Clemson made "disproportionate cuts to administration and support"
and protected academics, cutting institutional support costs by 17 percent and giving 23 percent more money in
scholarships and fellowships for students, Sams said.
Students may have longer lines for services this year because of staffing cuts, but Clemson will keep its commitment
to provide top teachers, technology, facilities and a high quality of campus life, she said.
South Carolina's colleges and universities spend the majority of their education and general funds on instructional
activities, both statewide and for individual institutions, according to the state Commission on Higher Education.
According to the commission, South Carolina's colleges and universities spent 40 percent of their general funds on
instruction; 14 percent on research; 9 percent on academic support and 9 percent on institutional support, in fiscal
2007-2008, the most recent year available. Another 8 percent went to plant operation and maintenance, 7 percent to
student services, 7 percent to public service and 6 percent to scholarships and fellowships.
Frills or no frills?
Student services like career counseling and mentoring aren't frills — they teach leadership and provide career
guidance to make graduates more marketable, said Scott Verzyl, USC's director of admissions.
Participation in clubs, intramural sports and personal development and service activities — raising money through a
dance marathon or building a Habitat for Humanity house — teaches skills beyond "book smarts" that "apply to the
real world," Verzyl said.
"Going to college is more than the amount of time you spend sitting in the classes. It's a living learning experience."
Tom Dunaway, a former co-chair of Clemson's Parent Advisory Board, said parents want "an academic, social and
intellectual atmosphere" that gives students a "well-rounded opportunity" to mature as young adults and learn how
to "apply intellectual skills and make informed decisions."
Along with professors teaching "the highest quality academics," amenities like a Starbucks in a University of South
Carolina residence hall, campus career centers and exciting college athletics programs "are part of what a large
university can offer students, and I think that is attractive to parents," Dunaway said.
The biggest challenge this academic year "is doing more with less," as state budget cuts impact core operations, said
Garrison Walters, executive director of the state Commission on Higher Education. "We have outstanding
presidential leadership and CHE is working with these leaders to achieve greater levels of efficiency and
effectiveness."
At USC and Clemson, application numbers break records annually and admission is increasingly selective despite
higher tuition.
While enrollment numbers are only educated guesses until registration ends, USC expects about 4,400 freshmen,
which is about 450 more than last fall, Verzyl said. If current trends continue, total enrollment should be close to
30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, compared with 28,480 last year.
Clemson expects 2,950 to 3,000 freshmen, down from a larger-than-expected class of 3,389 last year, said Robert
Barkley, the admissions director. Total enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students should be around 19,000,
about the same as last year, said Stan Smith, the registrar.
Amenities and costs
Tuition and required fees have tripled at Clemson since 2000, when annual in-state tuition was $3,590; and have
more than doubled from $3,868 in 2000 at USC, according to CHE data. Annual in-state tuition this year is $11,908
at Clemson and $9,786 at USC.
"We have cut costs when we can but don't want to cut the quality of the education," USC's Verzyl said. "With the
magnitude of the loss of our state appropriations, we had to cut costs and increase tuition to offset the difference. We
find ourselves in a tight spot, but that's our only option at this point. We are being as frugal as we can."
Nearly all South Carolinians enter Clemson and USC with some financial aid that cuts the cost. Many have state
lottery-funded LIFE scholarships worth $5,000 or more a year. Students need a B average to keep them. Not
everyone does.
At Clemson, 73.3 percent of undergraduates retained LIFE scholarships last fall, according to the CHE. USC
undergraduates had the state's highest LIFE scholarship retention rate, at 77.8 percent. Statewide, including two-year
and four-year schools, the retention rate was 67.8 percent.
Scholarship retention has improved dramatically in recent years, partly because the state scholarships — created to
stem brain drain — are keeping top students here, Sams said.
"They are brighter and better prepared to do college work at a rigorous university, and they expect more from the
university," Sams said.
Average SAT scores rose from 1172 in 2000 to 1223 last fall at Clemson and from 1116 in 2000 to 1192 last year at
USC, according to school data.
Amenities like Clemson's Academic Success Center help students succeed, and the universities are quick to defend
these investments.
Construction of Clemson's $13.6 million Academic Success Center, delayed two years ago due to budget cuts, will
start this fall with a $2.7 million gift from the Class of 1956 and institutional bonds. The program, now in cramped
quarters in the library, helps students be more successful in the classroom, Sams said.
"Scholarship retention is important, and ultimately retention, (timely) graduation and preparation for a career or
graduate school is the ultimate goal and measure of success," Sams said.
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Students Head Back To College Carrying High Expectations, Facing Higher Costs
Publication: http://chronicle.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 576652
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68425
Article_Body:
Lawrence Journal World (Kan.)
August 16, 2010
Families Borrowing More To Pay Tuition
Faced with rising college expenses, families dug deeper into their own pockets and borrowed more money to pay
tuition bills in the 2009-10 school year, according to a survey by Sallie Mae and Gallup released Tuesday.
Both parents and students dipped deeper into their savings and current income, borrowed more and took more
scholarships and grants to pay for higher education this year, as the cost of attendance went up 17 percent on
average.
• Seventy-three percent of families said they reduced spending, 48 percent said they increased work hours or
earnings, and 43 percent of families said their student lived at home to cut costs, according to the survey in March
and April of 801 college students and 823 parents of students.
• As in previous years, the survey found that parents bore almost half of the college-cost burden, with 37 percent of
the total cost of attendance paid from parents’ income and savings — the bulk of that, or 21 percent, was from
current income — and 10 percent through parent loans.
• Student borrowing paid for 14 percent of college costs, and student income and savings covered 9 percent. Grants
and scholarships were 23 percent — the second-most important source of funding for college, the survey found.
• But rising college costs pushed parents’ average contribution from their income and savings to a total of $8,752, a
26 percent hike from the average $6,934 they spent a year ago, while the average amount parents took out in loans to
pay for college this year rose 27 percent to $2,261, from $1,775 a year ago.
• Also, the portion of families who said they borrowed to pay for college rose to 46 percent, from 42 percent a year
ago, according to the survey.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/aug/16/families-borrowing-more-pay-tuition/
Date: 8/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Lampert's RBS Shows Smaller Citi Stake, No Sallie Mae
Publication: http://www2.ljworld.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Headline
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68446
Article_Body:
PragmaticMom.com blog
August 16, 2010
How To: Pay for College from Dr. Michele Borba
Dr. Michele Borba reached out to me and offered to be a guest author on How Families are
Paying for College and gave some excellent advice on paying for college. One savings plan that
she did not mention that I do for my kids is the 529B savings plan which allows the money that
you save to grow in a tax advantaged way. Here’s a link to a website on 529B College Savings
Plans. I personally use a financial planner for advice on this as there are many different 529B
plans. Financial planners are not cheap, but you can, with significant digging, find a qualified
one that fits your budget for advisors. The Motley Fool has some advice on How to Pick a
Financial Planner that is quite good.
Finally: The World’s Simplest College Cost Calculator. Just type in your child’s age and it will
calculate the cost of college. There are additional screens if you want to know how much you
should save monthly and then figure out different scenarios of the return rate.
Let me know by leaving a comment if this is a topic that you want more information on. I can
possibly get my financial planner do guest post as well.
Planning for your child’s education is extremely important and I advise parents to start saving
early. In a recent study by Sallie Mae and Gallup only a quarter of families (26%) strongly
agreed that they had a plan to pay for the desired college degree before enrolling.
So it is important to think about college as a long-term investment that you need to plan for in
advance.
The study found that on average, parents pay for 47% of total college costs for their children,
student contributions cover 23% of the cost, grants/scholarships make up 23% and contributions
from relatives 7%.
To make sure you are prepared for college:
Contribute on a regular basis. This not only helps in saving for your child’s future, but can help
you maintain a long-term investment strategy, as well. Every month take a certain amount of
money – even if it is a small amount – and put it in a college savings account. Even the smallest
amount will add up over the years. Hopefully this will become a routine and you will think of
your regular payment to your child’s savings as an essential part of your budget.
Save while you spend. Look for programs that help you earn money towards college. One great
option is the Upromise® World MasterCard® credit card from Bank of America, which allows
you to earn 1% college savings on all of your purchases. Anyone can open a Upromise account
for free and apply for the card. Earnings from everyday card savings are automatically deposited
into the account and can then be transferred to a tax-advantaged 529 plan or high-yield savings
account. By using the card for everyday purchases like groceries and gas, you will be able to
accumulate savings over time and when college comes and you need the money, it’s there.
Get the kids involved. Get your child in the habit of saving from an early age. If you give your
child an allowance, require that a certain amount is set aside to save. For instance, if the
allowance is $3, then have $1 go to savings. Deposit the money into a savings account, money
market, bond, etc. and then it can be applied towards the long-term goal of college tuition.
Save your change. Few people realize how much change they really have. Even a small amount
can add up by taking whatever spare change you have around and putting it away. Keep the
change in a jar and once it is full, you can add the change to your savings account or child’s
college fund.
The Sallie Mae and Gallup study also found that to make college more affordable, most families
reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or earnings (48%). Even more interesting, 43%
of families report that their student lived at home during college in order to cut back on the cost.
The bottom line is to talk to your kids about college early and set a realistic plan for how you and
them will work together to ensure they receive a quality college education.
http://www.pragmaticmom.com/?p=9473
Date: 8/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How To: Pay for College from Dr. Michele Borba
Publication: http://www.pragmaticmom.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68460
Article_Body:
Huffington Post
September 2, 2010
More Parents Dip Into Retirement Funds To Pay For College
According to a new Sallie Mae/Gallup survey, the percentage of college parents who are using
their retirement funds to pay for college expenses has doubled.
U.S. News and World Report has more:
Some 6 percent of parents withdrew money from a 401(k) or IRA to help cover college costs in
2010, up from 3 percent in 2009, according to a Sallie Mae and Gallup survey of 801 college
students age 18 to 24 and 823 parents of college students. The average amount withdrawn from
retirement accounts jumped from $5,318 in 2009 to $8,554 this year.
The survey reports that families who made more than $100,000 per year used more from their
retirement funds to foot college costs, and the money was more commonly used for private
schools than public ones.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a four-year, non-
profit private college amounts to $35,000. The average cost of a four-year public college is
$14,000.
What do you make of this? Have you used your retirement funds to pay for college? Let us know
in the comments.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/02/more-parents-dip-into-ret_n_703181.html
Date: 9/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: More Parents Dip Into Retirement Funds To Pay For College
Publication: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 8489660
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68461
Article_Body:
Bankrate.com blog
September 2, 2010
Retirement Savings Vs. College
By Jennie L. Phipps
More parents are pulling money out of their retirement plans to pay for their children's college
educations, according to a Gallup survey for Sallie Mae that examines how people pay for
higher education.
In 2010, 6 percent of parents pulled an average of $8,554 from their retirement accounts, while
in 2009 only 3 percent reduced their accounts by an average of $5,318.
To me, this doesn't sound like very smart retirement planning. In the last 15 years, my husband
and I sent four kids to college and me to graduate school. We never touched our retirement
savings because the colleges never asked us to. Generally, retirement funds are sacred -- even at
schools that don't strictly follow the federal student aid doctrine. Sallie Mae even advises
building retirement accounts to legally pay no more than you have to.
If you think there is no avoiding raiding your retirement fund, take aim first at IRAs -- maybe
from a previous employer. Even if you are younger than 59 1/2, you you can take money from
this account to pay for college without paying a penalty -- and you don't have to pay it back.
Bankrate explains the specifics here. Otherwise, you might qualify for a hardship 401(k)
withdrawal if you can prove to your administrator that you have no other options, but you will
have to pay the 10 percent penalty if you aren't 59 1/2. Another possibility is a 401(k) loan.
One argument for not dipping into your retirement savings is that you have no idea what the
future brings. Putting the debt in your children's names doesn't preclude your helping them pay it
off -- or paying it all off for them. And you might not have to. One of ours joined the Peace
Corps and that erased most of his debt. Another got a blockbuster job with a great bonus system
right out of school and paid his loans off promptly. We couldn't have guessed either of these
things when they were 18.
On the other hand, barring a catastrophe, there isn't much doubt that all of us will get old
eventually. That's why retirement planning is so important.
http://www.bankrate.com/financing/retirement/retirement-savings-vs-college/
Date: 9/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Retirement Savings Vs. College
Publication: http://www.bankrate.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 3227478
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68478
Article_Body:
Oshkosh Northwestern (Wis.)
September 8, 2010
Parents, Students Agree College Is Worth The Cost
By Jennifer K. Woldt
Matt Griesbach has always wanted to go to college.
But it wasn't until middle school that the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh freshman, who is
originally from Manitowoc, realized just how important a piece of paper stating he had a college
degree would be. Even though college costs have been steadily rising in recent years, knowing a
college degree would lead to a better paying job and more financial security made the price
worth it.
"With the economy how it is, you can't support a family if you work in a retailer," Griesbach said
Tuesday, the day before today's start of UWO's fall semester. "What's a million dollars compared
to a couple thousand dollars a year?"
The 18-year-old psychology major is part of a growing number of people who believe a college
education is worth the added expense.
According to a study conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup, more than two-thirds of parents and
students strongly agreed that a college degree is more important now than ever.
While a college degree will often help secure the first higher paying job, University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells said it is just as important for an individual to
continue their education once they are in the working world. Continuing to learn by acquiring
new skills and keeping up to date on the latest technology will make careers more stable by
workers a person employers want to retain.
"The value of getting an education and continuing education has increased a lot," Wells said.
Another value of a college education is that students to become more a well-rounded, satisfied
person through the coursework and experiences they have on campus, Wells said. While the
potential job and income security may overshadow this value, Wells said parents want their
children to be happy.
"They want them to have jobs, but they want to have more than that," Wells said. "They want
them to be happy and fulfilled."
According to the Sallie Mae and Gallup study, which was conducted in March through May,
parents and students are using their own funds, as well as scholarships, grants and loans in order
to pay for the rising cost of college.
Parents paid 47 percent of college costs for the 2009-10 academic year while students paid 25
percent through a combination of savings, employment and loans.
Griesbach said he's been cutting back on his spending in preparation for the first tuition bill.
While Tayana Jones, 19, of Milwaukee, hasn't had to make any sacrifices yet in order to foot the
bill for her college education, she said it may come to a point where the cost becomes too much
for her. However, she's hoping to complete her education before that happens.
"I fee like you really can't get a good job based off a high school diploma," the UWO freshman
sociology major said.
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20100908/OSH0101/9080458/Study-College-more-
important-than-ever
Date: 9/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Parents, Students Agree College Is Worth The Cost
Publication: http://www.thenorthwestern.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 107970
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68512
Article_Body:
Post from Dave Ramsey
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Sep 02, 2010 05:55 PM by Dave Ramsey
Blake (Producer): The percentage of college parents using their retirement funds to pay for college
expenses has doubled since last year. ~Sallie Mae/Gallup. How about you?
Date: 9/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from Dave Ramsey
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 667119
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Distributing media
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 68739
Article_Body:
Post from Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
Source: www.facebook.com, Posted on: Sep 08, 2010 03:29 PM by Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
RIHEAA's Peter Kerwin on The Rhode Show How America pays for college - The Rhode Show For the
third consecutive year, Sallie Mae and the Gallup polling organization have teamed up to take the pulse
of college-going Americans and their parents. The survey examines their attitudes and motivations
about...
Date: 9/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Post from Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
Publication: Facebook
Mediatype: New Media
Impressions: 101
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 69256
Article_Body: A ticking time bomb of American debt. Over $830 billion are owed by college students in the US
with $3 thousand more added on every second. The most traditional financial baggage for Americans was
credit card debt. For the first time, debt belonging to college students has over taken that number one spot.
'Students graduating in 2008, 2009 and 2010 are facing the worst job markets in a generation at least. And so
you have people with more debt that we have ever seen before, who are having a harder time finding any job,
let alone a job that pays them enough to somehow pay off all this debt CHART OF THE DAY: Is College
Education The Next Bubble Set To Burst? The price of a college education, compared to the CPI, has risen
dramatically since 1980. It has outpaced the housing bubble, and has many of the same characteristics,
including a government sponsored credit bubble. And with competitive quality now in question compared to
emerging economies like China, the value per dollar spent for that American college tuition may be even lower.
From Carpe Diem (via Humble Student of the Markets): Read more: LINK'http'www.businessinsider.com/chart-
of-the-day-tuition-home-prices-cpi-2010-7#ixzz0ya435gEW'color: #003399'LINK Families crack retirement nest
eggs to fund college Renée Hirshfield didn‘t expect to tap her retirement account to pay for her daughter‘s
college tuition. But when she opened the bill for Sarah‘s junior year at Mount Holyoke College, sticker shock set
in. 'She had been getting a fair amount of financial aid, but there had been a slight spike in my income the year
before,' says Hirshfield, a small business owner in St. Louis. 'That pushed the formula for my expected share of
the bill to about double what it had been before. I was blindsided.' Hirshfield, who is divorced, gets some
assistance on tuition from her ex-husband. Her father also had been helping out, but at age 93, he moved
recently to an assisted living facility that costs $5,000 each month. 'Now I need to come up with ways to shore
up his finances, and cover the college bills,' she says. 'I‘m the sandwich generation.' The financial stress
pushed Hirshfield (pictured left with her daughter Sarah) to liquidate a variety of investments and savings to
cover Sarah‘s junior year, including a $3,000 Individual Retirement Account. That put Hirshfield among a
growing subset of families tapping retirement accounts to fund soaring tuition bills in the midst of the toughest
economic climate since the Great Depression. The number of families raiding retirement accounts for college
this year has doubled, according to a new study by Gallup and student lending giant Sallie Mae. The study of
more than 1,600 families with college-age children found that 7 percent withdrew or borrowed funds from a
401(k) or IRA for the 2009-2010 academic year, up from 3 percent in the previous year. And the amounts
withdrawn or borrowed increased to $8,554, up from $5,318 in the previous year. 'That kind of change in a
single year is very significant, and very worrisome,' said Sarah Ducich, senior vice president, public policy at
Sallie Mae
Date: 9/5/2010 3:04:00 PM
Title: Families crack retirement nest eggs to fund college
Publication: beforeitsnews.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 69299
Article_Body: RESTON, VaParents overwhelmingly agree that a college degree is more important now than
ever, yet few have a plan on how to pay for it, according to research conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup.
Sallie Mae, the nation‘s saving, planning and paying for education company, encourages parents to make a
commitment to save for college and recommends several tips to meet the challenge. ―Parents, have a choice –
pay interest on college loans, or potentially earn it on college savings,‖ said Albert L. Lord, CEO.? ―We want to
help families of all income levels save responsibly. Even saving little by little now can make a big difference by
the time the college tuition bill is due.‖ As children head back to school, Sallie Mae urges parents to use these
tips and tools to get back to saving for their child‘s college education during September‘s National College
Savings Month. · · Contributions to a 529 can be up to $13,000 for a single person or $26,000 for a married
couple filing jointly in a single? year without incurring a gift tax. · · · · · · · · · *Earnings on non-qualified
withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local
income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. When
you invest in a 529 college savings plan you are purchasing municipal securities whose value will vary with
market conditions. Investment returns are not FDIC insured, and carry no bank guarantee, and you could lose
money by investing in a 529 college savings plan. For more information about 529 college savings plans
managed or administered by Upromise Investments, Inc. call 1.877.529.2980. Before investing in any 529 plan,
you should consider whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers a 529 plan that provides its
taxpayers with state tax and other benefits that are only available through the home state's 529 plan. SLM
Corporation (NYSE: SLM - News), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation‘s leading saving, planning and
paying for education company. Sallie Mae‘s saving programs, planning resources and financing options have
helped more than 31 million people make the investment in higher education. Through its subsidiaries, the
company manages $184 billion in education loans and serves 10 million student and parent customers. In
addition, the company‘s Upromise program has enabled 12 million members to earn more than $550 million in
rewards to help pay for college, and its affiliate Upromise Investments, Inc. manages more than $26 billion in
529 college-savings plans. Sallie Mae offers services to a range of institutional clients, including colleges and
universities, student loan guarantors and state and federal agencies. More information is available at
Date: 9/2/2010 3:32:00 PM
Title: Sallie Mae Encourages Parents to Make a Commitment to Save for College During September's National
College Savings Month
Publication: finance.yahoo.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 69841
Article_Body: Sallie Mae‘s ―How America Pays for College 2010‖ (PDF, 4MB) study, conducted by Gallup,
finds that even in a continued period of economic uncertainty, families are digging deeper to invest in what they
value: a college degree. Based on a nationally representative survey of college-going students and parents of
undergraduates, the study found that: Both parents and students opened their wallets wider, tapped more
scholarships and grants, and borrowed more, to pay for the escalating total cost of college, which survey
respondents reported increased by 17% from the previous year. Parents paid nearly half (47%) the share of
college costs for the 2009-2010 academic year and students paid roughly one quarter through income, savings,
and loans. 15% of families used money from a college savings plan — up from 11% last year and 9% two
years ago. To make college more affordable, most families reduced spending (73%) or increased work hours or
earnings (48%), but a remarkable 43% of families report that their student lived at home. 82% strongly agreed
that college is an investment in the future, and 71% strongly agreed that a college degree is more important
now than it used to be. via sallie mae
Date: 9/8/2010 10:47:30 AM
Title: Sallie Mae‘s ―How America Pays for College 2010
Publication: drdianehamilton.wordpress.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 77553
Article_Body:
Star Tribune (Minn.)
September 23, 2010
Families Prioritize To Pay For Educations
KARA MCGUIRE
(also ran in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (Pa.))
Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one.
"Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn.
That's why she's encouraging her children to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be
like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma.
The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending
kids to college, though they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the
way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-
Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released recently.
"Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing
to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public
policy. "We expected to see some erosion there, but we have not."
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents
continue to believe college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their
kids to school.
"Families are telling me, `We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to
take a car to school. We've cut back,' " said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's
University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out of options. "They're saying
`I've been unemployed, and we've gone through our savings, and I don't have credit to co-sign a
loan.' "
In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school also is willing to accept
tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
Those climbing billsAccording to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 in college-
related expenses - from tuition and textbooks to living expenses - in 2010. That's a 24 percent
increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent income and savings covered
$8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing and student
income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the smallest piece of the
pie, it is the fastest-growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's
actual pie may look quite different from the average.
Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average family making between
$35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent
over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to
help their student pay for school, the survey found.
With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled
economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to
get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student-loan debt - a figure
that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark
Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly
impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial crisis.
Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy
is forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial-aid process,
to tap sources they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends
for assistance. Others are tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college
by borrowing against a stock portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years, and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said.
The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending
kids to college, though they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the
way they live to pay for escalating costs.
Date: 9/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families Prioritize To Pay For Educations
Publication: Star Tribune (Minn.)
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 304543
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 77554
Article_Body:
Star Tribune (Minn.)
September 23, 2010
Families Prioritize To Pay For Educations
KARA MCGUIRE
(also ran in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (Pa.))
Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one.
"Doors close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn.
That's why she's encouraging her children to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be
like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma.
The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending
kids to college, though they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the
way they live to pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-
Gallup "How America Pays for College" study released recently.
"Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing
to believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public
policy. "We expected to see some erosion there, but we have not."
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents
continue to believe college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their
kids to school.
"Families are telling me, `We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to
take a car to school. We've cut back,' " said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's
University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out of options. "They're saying
`I've been unemployed, and we've gone through our savings, and I don't have credit to co-sign a
loan.' "
In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school also is willing to accept
tuition on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
Those climbing billsAccording to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 in college-
related expenses - from tuition and textbooks to living expenses - in 2010. That's a 24 percent
increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent income and savings covered
$8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing and student
income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the smallest piece of the
pie, it is the fastest-growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family's
actual pie may look quite different from the average.
Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average family making between
$35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent
over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to
help their student pay for school, the survey found.
With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled
economy dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to
get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student-loan debt - a figure
that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark
Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly
impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer's next financial crisis.
Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy
is forcing his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial-aid process,
to tap sources they wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends
for assistance. Others are tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college
by borrowing against a stock portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years, and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said.
The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending
kids to college, though they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the
way they live to pay for escalating costs.
Date: 9/23/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Families Prioritize To Pay For Educations
Publication: Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (Pa.)
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 49860
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Positive
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 333761
Article_Body: The following page is a three column layout with a header that contains a quicklinks jump menu
and the search CSUN function. Page sections are identified with headers. The footer contains update, contact
and emergency information. Skip Navigation Accessibility People Finder Families turned to the same mix of
resources to pay for college in 2009-10 as they had in previous years, but they used more money from each
source as the overall cost increased, according to a report released Tuesday by Sallie Mae and Gallup Inc. The
report, ―How America Pays for College,‖ is the student-lending giant‘s third annual study, conducted by Gallup,
of how families finance higher education. It is based on a survey of 801 undergraduates, ages 18 to 24, and
823 parents of such students conducted by phone from late March to early May…….. For more:
http://chronicle.com/ Publication: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Date: 8/10/2010 4:43:00 PM
Title: Families Use More Money From All Sources to Meet Rising Costs of College
Publication: blogs.csun.edu
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 334689
Article_Body: My colleague Trip Gabriel has an article on Monday about parents who linger around after they
drop their children off at college. This chart below might explain why parents are so involved: ―How America
Pays for College,‖ Sallie Mae and Gallup The pie chart, taken from a recent report by Sallie Mae and Gallup,
shows that on average parents pay, from their income and savings, for 37 percent of the total cost of attending
college. Another 10 percent of college costs are financed by parents‘ borrowing. These two combined parental
sources of spending for college costs also grew as a percentage of the total pie from the year before, from 45
percent in 2009 to 47 percent in 2010. No wonder parents might feel compelled to stick around a few days and
make sure they‘re getting their money‘s worth. The breakdown in college financing varies by family, of course.
Here‘s a look at how the average family from a given income bracket pay for college costs: ―How America Pays
for College,‖ Sallie Mae and Gallup Students from the richest families have well over half of the costs of going
to college paid for by their parents. Students from families earning less than $35,000 annually, on the other
hand, are relatively more reliant on grants, scholarships and their own borrowing.
Date: 8/23/2010 7:20:00 PM
Title: How Americans Pay for College
Publication: economix.blogs.nytimes.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 334749
Article_Body: Ace! NewsFlashHow Americans Pay for College―How America Pays for College,‖ Sallie Mae
and GallupThe pie chart, taken from a recent report by Sallie Mae and Gallup, shows that on average parents
pay, from their income and savings, for 37 percent of the total cost of attending college. Another 10 percent of
college costs are financed by parents‘ borrowing. These two combined parental sources of
Date: 8/29/2010 4:07:00 AM
Title: Ace! The Academy for Education USA
Publication: educationusacm.blogspot.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 335401
Article_Body: There are two reports that were released this week that provide valuable information on the
Hispanic college student experience. I‘ve not had a chance to read the details of the report shared by
Education Trust regarding the differences between colleges and universities in recruiting and retaining college
students so I‘ll stop short of providing my perspective. The study is yet another indication that colleges,
organizations, and other institutions are at least beginning to realize the importance of recruiting and
developing Hispanic talent and the Hispanic workforce. Below is an abstract of what you‘ll find in the study: To
improve degree attainment among Hispanic students,colleges and universities simply must enroll more of
them. But it‘s just as important that these institutions also boost their graduation rates and close graduation-rate
gaps. This brief calls attention to the colleges and universities that are serving Hispanic students well, as
evidenced by small or nonexistent graduation-rate gaps between Hispanic and white students. We also shine a
necessary light on institutions with particularly large gaps—the institutions that are not serving these students
as effectively as they should. Another report entitled ―How American Pays for College,‖ sponsored by Sallie
Mae and Gallup, supplements some of the information found in the report above. Among the many findings, the
study reports that Hispanic families were more likely to eliminate colleges based on cost alone – even before
researching a school. The report includes additional information on how Hispanics finance their college
education. Two very good reads. Share/Save
Date: 8/11/2010 1:38:00 AM
Title: Two Reports Worth Reading
Publication: hispanictalentmemo.com
Mediatype:
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 336890
Article_Body: Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn‘t have one. ―Doors close
because I don‘t have a college degree,‖ said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That‘s why she‘s encouraging
her kids to attend college no matter the cost. ―It‘s going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you
need it,‖ she said of a college diploma. The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities.
But they‘re still sending kids to college, although they‘re having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and
change the way they live to pay for escalating costs. That‘s the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-
Gallup ―How America Pays for College‖ study released Tuesday. ―Families over the last three years, even
though they‘re cutting back in other areas, are continuing to believe it is an investment,‖ said Sarah Ducich,
Sallie Mae‘s senior vice president for public policy. ―We expected to see some erosion there but we have not.‖
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is
an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe college is so
important that they‘re willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families surveyed, 99
percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable. ―Families are telling me, ‗We‘re not
taking vacations, we‘re not allowing our son or daughter to take a car to school. We‘ve cut back,‘‖ said Stuart
Perry, director of financial aid at St. John‘s University. He also is hearing from more families who have run out
of options. ―They‘re saying ‗I‘ve been unemployed and we‘ve gone through our savings and I don‘t have credit
to co-sign a loan.‘‖ In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to
accept tuition on a monthly payment plan, something ―more families are considering,‖ Perry said. According to
the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses – from tuition and textbooks to
living expenses- in 2010. That‘s a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the 2009 survey. Parent
income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and scholarships, student borrowing
and student income and savings. While gift money from family and friends made up the smallest piece of the
pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in just one year. Of course, a family‘s actual pie
may look quite different from the average. Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average
family making between $35,000 and $100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of
34 percent over 2009. Middle-class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help
their student pay for school, the survey found. Mike Bridgeman of Minneapolis said that with an annual cost of
more than $20,000 with all expenses factored in, he wouldn‘t be comfortable paying for his daughter to attend
the University of Minnesota-Duluth if she didn‘t have a post-graduation plan to attend law school. ―A lot of kids
graduate and still don‘t know what they want to do,‖ he said. But since she is focused, he willingly paid the
$6,000 yearly family contribution out of his paychecks. This year, he‘s tapping her college savings account. She
also borrowed a small amount of federal loans, which he plans to help her pay back. With the cost of college far
outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging most Americans‘ net worth,
more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans are now on the hook for $830
billion in student loan debt – a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in revolving credit owed, according to
analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some analysts fear student loans, which are nearly
impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American consumer‘s next financial crisis. Ronald Ramsdell,
founder of College Aid Consulting Service...
Date: 8/10/2010 3:06:00 PM
Title: Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree.
Publication: senorbeef.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 341960
Article_Body: Parents R increasing use of 529 college-savings plans, according 2 the "How America Pays 4
College" national study from Sallie Mae & Gallup.
Date: 9/2/2010 8:11:00 PM
Title: Post from SallieMae
Publication: twitter.com
Mediatype: Twitter
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
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Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 345600
Article_Body: SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept 28, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Van R. Johnson
Sutter Scholars program awarded college scholarships to 230 deserving students who are the children or
grandchildren of Sutter Health and affiliate employees. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and may be
applied to continuing education at either a community college or four-year university. "These scholarships
promote academic excellence, as well as assist and encourage the children and grandchildren of our
employees in completing their college education," said Charlie Wait, vice president of Fund Development for
Sutter Health. A recent study conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that families continue to value a
college education but worry about how they'll pay for it during the nation's continued economic uncertainty.
switch (VarBucketNo)} "During tough economic times many families struggle to pay college bills. Sutter Health
believes the rising cost of education should not be the barrier that keeps outstanding students from having the
opportunity to reach their fullest potential," added Wait. Since its inception, the Van R. Johnson Sutter Scholars
program has awarded more than 3,500 scholarships totaling more than $5 million to Northern California
students. Sutter Health named the program in honor of former longtime Sutter Health CEO Van Johnson. The
Sacramento Region Community Foundation administers the program. Sutter awards scholarships annually.
Amounts vary based on need and competitive review. About Sutter Health Serving patients and their families in
more than 100 Northern California cities and towns, Sutter Health doctors, not-for-profit hospitals and other
health care service providers share resources and expertise to advance health care quality and access. The
Sutter Medical Network includes many of California's top-performing, highest quality physician organizations as
measured annually by the Integrated Healthcare Association. Sutter-affiliated hospitals are regional leaders in
cardiac care, women's and children's services, cancer care, orthopedics and advanced patient safety
technology.
Date: 9/28/2010 10:37:00 PM
Title: Sutter Health Awards Hundreds of College Scholarships
Publication: www.tmcnet.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 345744
Article_Body:
News Release
September 28, 2010
Sutter Health Awards Hundreds of College Scholarships
(issued by Sutter Health)
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Van R. Johnson Sutter Scholars program
awarded college scholarships to 230 deserving students who are the children or grandchildren of
Sutter Health and affiliate employees. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and may be
applied to continuing education at either a community college or four-year university.
"These scholarships promote academic excellence, as well as assist and encourage the children
and grandchildren of our employees in completing their college education," said Charlie Wait,
vice president of Fund Development for Sutter Health.
A recent study conducted by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that families continue to value a
college education but worry about how they'll pay for it during the nation's continued economic
uncertainty.
"During tough economic times many families struggle to pay college bills. Sutter Health believes
the rising cost of education should not be the barrier that keeps outstanding students from having
the opportunity to reach their fullest potential," added Wait.
Since its inception, the Van R. Johnson Sutter Scholars program has awarded more than 3,500
scholarships totaling more than $5 million to Northern California students. Sutter Health named
the program in honor of former longtime Sutter Health CEO Van Johnson. The Sacramento
Region Community Foundation administers the program. Sutter awards scholarships annually.
Amounts vary based on need and competitive review.
About Sutter Health
Serving patients and their families in more than 100 Northern California cities and towns, Sutter
Health doctors, not-for-profit hospitals and other health care service providers share resources
and expertise to advance health care quality and access. The Sutter Medical Network includes
many of California's top-performing, highest quality physician organizations as measured
annually by the Integrated Healthcare Association. Sutter-affiliated hospitals are regional leaders
in cardiac care, women's and children's services, cancer care, orthopedics and advanced patient
safety technology.
For more information about the not-for-profit Sutter Health network, please visit
www.SutterHealth.org | www.Facebook.com/SutterHealth | www.YouTube.com/SutterHealth
Date: 9/28/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sutter Health Awards Hundreds of College Scholarships
Publication: http://www.sutterhealth.org
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 44468
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 348089
Article_Body: For the third consecutive year, Sallie Mae and the Gallup polling organization have teamed up
to take the pulse of college-going Americans and their parents. The survey examines their attitudes and
motivations about pursuing a college ...
Date: 9/7/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Higher Learning: College payment survey | College Education, Books ...
Publication: http://www.noflakpress.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 348196
Article_Body:
Date: 9/9/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: It practically takes a village to send a kid to college | College ...
Publication: http://www.noflakpress.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 1
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 348241
Article_Body:
Date: 9/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Is College Worth The Debt? | Financial Press Gazette
Publication: http://financialpressgazette.com/
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350278
Article_Body:
Chronicle of Higher Education
October 5, 2010
How Families of Tomorrow's Students Save for College
About 60 percent of parents of college-bound children under age 18 are saving for their oldest child's college
education, and the share of families who are saving rises sharply with income level, according to a report released
Tuesday by the lending company Sallie Mae. The report, "How America Saves for College," is based on a Gallup
survey of parents. A related report, "How America Pays for College," based on a survey of current traditional
undergraduates and parents of undergraduates, was released earlier this year.
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: How Families of Tomorrow's Students Save for College
Publication: http://chronicle.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 576652
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type:
Prominence:
Dominance:
Tone:
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350286
Article_Body: WCSC-CHS (CBS) - Charleston, SC
Live 5 News at 11
WCSC 10/05/2010 23:12:49: ...tonight in our life in debt report... parents cracking open their nest egg to help
their baby birds take flight... a new study from sallie mae and gallup shows nearly a quarter of adults will tap
into their savings to pay for their children's college education.... keke collins has details on the pitfalls of doing
this... if you plan on dipping into your 401-k, ira, or pension plan to pay for your child to go to college ...think
twice.. it comes with a big tax penalty...and can cut down on the amount of finacial aid your family qualifies
for...not to mention..doing this can also put a parent's retirement needs in jeopardy...most financial advisors will
tell you to borrow money to pay for your child's education instead...according to the study, 60- percent of
parents say they're saving for their children's college education, and have on average $28- thousand dollars set
aside so far... most will have saved about $48- thousand dollars by the time their kids are ready for college.
debi...back to you... most parents save for college by using c-ds or general savings accounts. a midlands
school...battling budget troubles. they say funds are so low...1 in 3 students who play in the band...don't have
an instrument! the band director of heyward gibbes middle school in columbia says many instruments...are
simply unplayable...due to broken mouth pieces and banged up brass. she says the main reason for the
loss...recent budget cuts...that simply don't allow extra money for music. 7th grader damon harris...who wants
to be a famous trombonist when he's older....is one he's older....is one of the 25 students without an instrument.
but even when he did have one last year...it didn't make much of a difference... ""it was raggedy. it had
scratches and dents. i didn't have a spit valve, so the instruments backed up and spit started coming out of the
horn"" butt ""it's my goal to be try and be the best. i'm just not there yet."" damien says despite the
difficultues...he'll keep on practicing...even without an instrument. as for the school...they say the band will
stay...students will just have to share for a while. alarming new numbers released today about teens and
alcohol. according to the centers for disease control...one in four high school students and young adults says....
he or she has engaged in binge drinking during the past month. but actual figures...are even higher. new
studies show ...... in reality 60 percent of high school teens who drink...binge drink. binge drinking is...
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WCSC-CHS (CBS) 11:12pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 27860
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350287
Article_Body: WWLP-SPR (NBC) - Springfield, MA
22 News at 11PM
Viewership Report
WWLP 10/05/2010 23:09:06: ...re-named and dedicated the volunteer appreciation event in honor of past
director pam finer, who lost her battle with cancer last year. many parents will tap their own retirement accounts
to help pay for their children's college tuition.. a sallie mae/ gallup poll shows nearly 25 percent of parents
saving for their kids' college plan to use some of the money in their 401ks and iras. but taking money out of
retirement accounts is risky, triggering tax penalties, and possibly reducing the amount of financial aid a family
qualifies for... not to mention reducing your retirement nest-egg. here's another reason not to speed.. an
eastern massachusetts woman has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon... dog
poop. she's accused of throwing a bag of dog feces at a passing motorist to try to slow him down. the woman
initially contacted police last week and reported witnessing the driver nearly hit a man on a bicycle while she
was walking her dog. police said the woman admitted tossing doggie doo at the driver because she believed he
was speeding. ""i think that you would all try to do the same thing"" justice today for the a man who killed a
mother and two girls during a connecticut home invasion three years ago. hear why firefighters in one
tennessee town let a man's home burn to the ground.. and never tried to stop it. and it looks like a mudslide..
but wait til you hear what's actually burrying several counties in hungary. have you ever worked on your laptop
computer with it sitting...
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WWLP-SPR (NBC) 11:09pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 18284
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350290
Article_Body: WQAD-DAV (ABC) - Davenport, IA
News 8 at 6:30 PM
WQAD 10/05/2010 18:34:46: ...e are some can - bust the family - budget. stine - roman found out - - many
parents - are now - g - their own retirement - funds - - -- many parents inteinto their own retirement accounts to
help pay study from sallie mae and gallup shows that uarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their
children's college education plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans. but it's
considered a risky move since taking money out of retirement accountstax pn reduce the amount of financial
aid a family enough to meet their retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend borrowing to pay for
college instead of tapping into retirement accounts. according to the study, 60-percent of parents say they're
saving for their children's college education, having put away an average of $28- thousand dollars so time their
kids are ready for college. the most common way for parents to save for college they report, is with c-ds or
general savings accoun know what you think - - is college the only way out right now - - and do you - - or your
kids - plan to head back to class. call us right now - and what about senate candidate - craft a huge mistake - or
is she the breath of or - - jump - in on our live chat - - with - producer thom ot-com. where we're - talking about -
education and the economy - -at it will r the election. a - little - more - the markets - took off - on - wall - street. -
- the dow - - soared too. that's an increase - of more than one-hundred - 93 points. the nasdaq - - went right
along for the ride - - increasing to two- thousand - 399. that's up more than 55 - points. and - the s -&-p 500 - -
gained ground - to one- thousand -160. 23 - points - to close out the tuesday - trade. still ahead - - - the latest
on a little - girl - abducted - right in front of her family. there's a dramatic - up- date - on what happened. then - -
a - freighting we'll show you - how -en - attacks its trainer. and - - tonight's - viral - video - - is a warning - to the
people - who sculpt those - butter - cows - - at the iowa state fair. watch your back - -...
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WQAD-DAV (ABC) 6:34pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 18791
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350291
Article_Body: WJTV (CBS) - Jackson, MS
Newschannel 12 at Six
WJTV 10/05/2010 18:17:25: ...retirement accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition. a new study
from sallie mae and gallup shows that nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's
college education plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans. but it's considered a
risky move since taking money out of retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties. it can also
reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. and it may leave parents without enough to meet their
retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college instead of tapping into
retirement accounts. according to the study, 60- percent of parents say they're saving for their children's
college education, having put away an average of $28-thousand dollars so far. and most wiit comes to college
tuition or retirement needs visit our website at w-j-t-v dot com. sound full up next in sports....footbal l frenzy is
near...whose your favorite cheereladers and bands ole miss new mascot choices to replace colladies got
there? but aleve can last 12 hours. wendy's apple pecan chicken salad and a baked potato. a blt cob and a
chili. for one price you can pick 2 things. what do you got? this. ahh. only one thing? i have something else.
[buzz] my pookie bear, you're my pookie bear my pook-- [beep] now you can pick 2 at wendy's. any half-size
salad and one of 7 tasty options for just $4.99. you know when it's real...
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WJTV (CBS) 6:17pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 34908
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350292
Article_Body: CNN - U.S. Cable
The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer
CNN 10/05/2010 18:11:21: ...they would not need to take in so much money. j u.s. a thought. another sign of
how the troubled economy is forcing americans to make tough choices. this is scary. a new study shows that
almost one fourth of parents plan to raid their own retirement accounts in order to pay for their kids' college
education. it is a sallie mae survey done by gallup, and shows that 24% of parents plan to pay for college by
dipping into 401(k)'s and pension plans, and 24%. this is money that people have set aside for the golden
years. experts call the trend disturbing and a desperation move and risky, because of tax penalties and fees if
you withdraw money from the accounts early, and restrictions on how quickly you have to pay back money you
borrow from a retirement plan. experts say there are 529 college savings plans tax-free to pay for the
youngster's education when he turns college age. nevertheless, the survey finds that despite the shaky
economy, education is still a top priority for americans, and 60% are saving for their children, and by the time
they are ready for college, parents will have saved close to $50,000 and the most common way they are saving
is cds or saving accounts which earn precious little interest, and those are followed by stocks and mutual funds
and money market accounts. here is the question then. what does it mean if one-fourth of parents want to use
their retirement money to pay for college tuition. go and post a comment on my blog. >> that means we are all
in trouble. that is frightening. jack cafferty will be back. thank you. >>> a celebrity billionaire is eyeing the oval
office and details of what donald trump is saying right now. and now the controversial tea party candidate says,
i'm not a witch, i'm you. >>> and lions turn on their trainer attacking him in front of a horrified audience. we
have the yid owe....
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: CNN - U.S. Cable 6:11pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 395256
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350294
Article_Body: WLOS (ABC) - Greenville, SC
News 13 at 5:30
WLOS 10/05/2010 17:44:01: ...companies will not prohibit merchants from offering customers discounts or
rebates for using a particular card. they must also allow merchants to express preferences for the use of a low-
cost card. american express.. says it's willing to fight the federal lawsuit. more and more parents are dipping
into their own retirement accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition. a new study from sallie mae
and gallup shows that nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college
education.. plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, i-r-a's and pension plans. but it's considered a risky
move since taking money out of retirement accounts can trigger big tax penalties. it can also reduce the
amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. many financial advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college
instead of tapping into retirement accounts. the government unveils its new safety rating- system for cars.. with
tougher tests, higher standards and a closer look at women. and as emily schmidt reports.. there's also another
change that aims to make comparison shopping easier for consumers. the government's new safety ratings
revealed today aim to make an impact as big as these crashes themselves. sot ray lahood ""we have raised the
bar on safety. more stars, safer cars."" the national highway traffic safety administration now adds side pole
crash testing to its evaluation. another major change adds female dummies to the crash tests. sot ray lahood
""we are also rating a system now not just for male passengers or drivers, but for female passengers or drivers.
that's an extraordinary leap for us."" sot adrian lund/insurance institute for highway safety ""our concern when
they announce these new procedures is that we thought they could do more."" another group -- the insurance
institute for highway safety -- has used female dummies in its testing since 2003 -- after discarding the theory
that protecting an average size man would protect everyone. sot adrian lund ""we need to check out how the
restraints systems are working for smaller occupants and lighter weight occupants."" most vehicles tested
under the old government system earned a top five- star safety rating. not now. just 2 of 34 vehicles tested with
the new standards - the bmw 5-series and the hyundai sonata -- received top marks. (gfx) the nissan versa
scored lowest with 2 stars. the top-selling toyota camry got 3 stars overall. (gfx) toyota tells abc news ""this is
caused by the new testing procedures, not because the vehicle is less safe."" (standup close) the new safety
ratings are all available online. the government says because of the new, more stringent tests, 2011 ratings are
not comparable to earlier years. emily schmidt, abc news washington....
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WLOS (ABC) 5:44pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 96112
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350295
Article_Body: WGGB-SPR (ABC) - Springfield, MA
abc40 at 5:30pm
WGGB 10/05/2010 17:36:50: ...so, the kids are gone to college so it's time to enjoy that retirement life, right?a
recent study shows that many parents are sacrificing their retirement money to help their kids pay for
school.here is christine roman from new york. york. many parents intend to dip into their own retirement
accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition.a new study from sallie mae and gallup shows that
nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college education plan to use some
of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans.but it's considered a risky move since taking money out of
retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties.it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a
family qualifies for.and it may leave parents without enough to meet their retirement needs.many financial
advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college instead of tapping into retirement accounts. according to the
study, 60-percent of pants say they're saving for their children's college education, having put away an average
of $28-thousand dollars so far. and most will have saved about $48-thousand dollars by the time their kids are
ready for college. the most common way for parents to save for college they report, is with c-ds or general
savings accounts.in new york, i'm christine romans. romans. president obama wants to build stronger bridges
between community colleges and businesses that can hire their graduates.it's part of a program called ""skills
for america's future."" future."" ""we want to help community colleges and employers create programs that
match curricula in the classroom with the needs of the boardrooms."" boardrooms.""the president said he wants
to see 5 million more community college degrees and certificates in the u-s by 2020. google tv is one step
closer to becoming reality. the company has announced that so far cnn, hbo and the nbc are on board to
provide content - along with net flix and amazon's video store. google tv's goal is to allow viewers to watch tv
and surf the web on the same screen. screen. where homeowners have seen infestations this fall, scam artists
have seen opportunity. bed bugs and stink bugs have been tough to wipe out, and the problem can linger even
longer if the wrong pest control company gets in your home. karin caifa has tips to exterminate those bug
removal s. scams. bed bugs. stink bugs.recent infestations of creepy crawlers have left homeowners desperate
to boot them for good. and scam artists have noticed. so when you're looking for help, keep these tips in
mind:do your research. an exterminator should have the proper training and certifications and ideally, the better
business bureau says be a member of a national or local trade association, and be backed by the local pest
control regulatory board....
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WGGB-SPR (ABC) 5:36pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 12966
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 350296
Article_Body: WKRC-CIN (CBS) - Cincinnati, OH
News
WKRC 10/05/2010 17:09:28: ...new economy -- almost a fourth of american parents plan to raid their own
retirement accounts to help pay for their child's college education. that's according to a new sallie mae gallop
poll. the survey found 24 percent of parents plan to dip into 401-ks, i- r-as and pension plans. the same
percentage plan to use college savings plans such as 529 accounts. there are tax penalties for cashing out
retirement accounts -- but the college saving accounts can be spent tax free. the most common way to save for
college is a traditional savings accounts. police departments in two butler county communities are trying to
determine if two robberies involving shotguns may be linked. west chester and middletown detectives are
meeting to compare notes today. the waffle house on kingsgate way in west chester was held up about 1-30
this morning. two white men came into the business with a shotgun - forced the workers and customers into the
restroom - and then took off with cash. no one was hurt. about two hours earlier someone robbed the b-p
express drive thru at grand avenue and breiel boulevard in middletown. the suspect in that case was one white
man who was also armed with a shotgun. that person also got away with cash. the fort wright police
department is warning people not to leave their garage doors open because it may invite crime. a theft was
reported over the weekend from a garage door left open during the day on east crittenden avenue. officers are
talking to residents who leave the doors open -- and asking neighbors to be aware of any suspicious activity in
their community. call the police department if you see anything out of the ordinary. we have new information on
the terror plot involving americans overseas -- coming up on local 12. plus -- a warm up is headed our way. tim
has your complete hour by hour forecast. we got the federal every state did. how'd strickland spend ours? hired
a texas company to administer ohio state program. an $11 million texas? we needed those jobs here. gets
better. the texas company used hundreds of workers in el salvador to do the work. strickland didn't get the ohio
jobs done....
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WKRC-CIN (CBS) 5:09pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 104271
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351064
Article_Body:
KTUL.com (Tulsa, Okla.)
October 6, 2010
Don't Raid Your 401(k) To Pay For College
Here's a financial challenge many parents will find themselves in at some point... how to pay for
their children's college tuition. A new study shows that many intend to dip into their own
retirement accounts to do it.
Nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college education plan
to use some of the money in their 401ks, IRAs and pension plans, according to a new study from
Sallie Mae and Gallup.
Your intentions may be good, but financial advisors say raiding your retirement account is risky.
Steve Ellis, with Seasons Financial Group in Tulsa, says it may delay your retirement date, and
when you do retire, you might run out of money sooner. So what can parents do? Ellis advises
to:
•Get with a good financial planner to crunch the numbers.
•Evaluate other options to pay for college.
•It may be better for a parent to take on an extra job than dip into their retirement fund.
Other alternatives? Just half of the parents polled said they were familiar with 529 college
savings plans, which are available in every state.
And how about this one? Maybe the student can help out by getting a part-time job. Just a
thought.
Here's more on the results of the College/Retirement survey.
http://www.ktul.com/Global/story.asp?S=13278606
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Don't Raid Your 401(k) To Pay For College
Publication: http://www.ktul.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 61403
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351095
Article_Body:
Newsday
October 2, 2010
Borrowing Tomorrow's Funds To Pay For Today
Mark Miller
The recession is eroding retirement security even more deeply, as more Americans tap into all
available resources to meet current needs. In many cases, that means tapping into 401(k)
accounts, IRAs, or taking Social Security early.
Fidelity Investments reported recently that 11 percent of its active 401(k) plan participants
borrowed or withdrew funds from their accounts during the 12-month period ended June 30, up
from 9 percent a year ago - a 10-year high. The portion of participants with loans outstanding
also increased two full percentage points in the second quarter, to 22 percent. What's more, 5
percent of the participants who took a hardship withdrawal last year did so again this year.
Along with that report comes data suggesting that the number of families tapping retirement
accounts to pay for college expenses this year has doubled. A new study by Gallup and student
lending giant Sallie Mae of more than 1,600 families with college-age children found that 7
percent withdrew or borrowed funds from a 401(k) or IRA for the 2009-2010 academic year, up
from 3 percent in the previous year.
And the amounts withdrawn or borrowed increased to $8,554, up from $5,318 in the previous
year. "That kind of change in a single year is very significant, and very worrisome," said Sarah
Ducich, senior vice president for public policy at Sallie Mae. The key economic concerns
expressed by parents responding to the study included rising tuition, reduced value of their home
and a big increase in worries about declining income due to job loss.
Retirement accounts can be tapped under certain circumstances without incurring a withdrawal
penalty.
The Internal Revenue Service allows hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) for limited and very
specific purposes, including funding of education, medical expenses and funerals, paying
mortgage debt or to avoid foreclosure or eviction. The IRS requires employers to meet tough
qualification requirements, and employees must submit extensive documentation proving the
hardship.
A Roth IRA can be tapped without penalty as long as the funds have been invested a minimum
of five years. However, the funds do generate tax liability as ordinary income - which can impact
eligibility for need-based financial aid in the following year. [CORRECTION: Roth IRAs can be
tapped without penalty or tax as long as the funds have been invested a minimum of five years
and you are at least 59 1/2 years old. The tax effect was incorrect in last week's Act2 column.
(A19 ALL 10/8/10)]
Withdrawing funds from a standard IRA before age 59½ generally triggers a 10 percent tax
penalty, and the funds also will be taxed as ordinary income. There are certain "special
circumstances" that can exempt you from this rule; see IRS Form 590 for more details at this
website: bit.ly/NsYX3.
Borrowing from a 401(k) account comes with special risks. These loans have five-year terms; if
you leave your job for any reason before then, you must repay in full - or the loan is treated as a
taxable distribution. Plus, if you're under age 59 1/2, you'll pay a 10 percent penalty if you
default on the loan.
Then there's the long-term damage to your retirement savings. Borrowing or withdrawing funds
will inflict serious damage because of the time those funds won't be earning investment returns.
Also lost is the opportunity to earn returns on new investments; in most cases, you can't make
contributions while you have a loan outstanding, and you can't contribute for six months after
you make a hardship withdrawal.
A 35-year-old investor who borrows $25,000 from her 401(k) and repays it over five years
reduces the balance at retirement by about 17 percent, according to the Transamerica Center for
Retirement Studies (The example assumes retirement at 65, a $5,000 annual contribution to the
401(k) and a starting vested balance of $50,000.)
Likewise, a $50,000 hardship withdrawal would set back that same investor at retirement by a
whopping 45 percent.
The nest egg raid also extends to Social Security, where the poor economy is pushing more
Americans to file for early benefits - a move that reduces lifetime benefits sharply in most cases.
Under Social Security rules, your lifetime benefits will be reduced based on an actuarial
projection of your longevity if you file before the current full retirement age of 66. Starting at 62
means you retired four years early; the net effect is that your annual benefits will be reduced
permanently by a total of 25 percent.
The Social Security Administration reports that 73 percent of workers who filed for benefits in
2009 were filing early - that is, sometime before their full retirement age. That number hasn't
changed much since the onset of the economic downturn, but it's an overwhelmingly large
percentage of all filers.
Date: 10/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Borrowing Tomorrow's Funds To Pay For Today
Publication: Newsday
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 257124
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351222
Article_Body: WTOP-DC (Radio) - Washington, D.C.
WTOP 10/05/2010 05:08:54: ...push for education there was no WTO please have anything worth as same as
their student Scott community college is a form on hard times are short of cash and Jim laid off workers and
students might be in for your schools if they had more cash a new survey from Gallup and sallie mae fund with
college caches in such short supply at home for nearly one in four parents are using their retirement accounts
including 401(k)s to pay for their children's college education is obviously important about because in families
who make under $35,000 year they save almost $1800 year about 8% of their budget for college reporting live
in an interview to your opinions and the rest of us are working toward 96 in favor of schoolchildren economies
taking it over to all the local job market is one jurisdiction is issued a freeze on all new hire rate as well as
across-the-board cuts in spending taking a $175 million budget shortfall DC Mayor Adrian said he has ordered
a freeze on hiring pay raises and travel for government employees that is also told his district government
agencies to reduce their spending by 10% to move comes as the mayor and the DC Council begin negotiations
on how to close that hundred and $75 million budget gap Council Chairman Sprague will likely be the next
mayor says all options are on the table including cuts to services tax increases and Laos working as W. TV
news take a quick look around the more It bears nearly 7% of households 6% of Virginia households have
liquid assets of more than 1 million bucks have taken 1/2% increase in each day from July to June of this past
year was here Berlin number two in the country to have a legal one for the fourth straight year Virginia dropped
two spots to number seven going to examine writings are based on assets like stocks bonds -- but do not
include retirement accounts tensions or home-equity postal truth that you will loose illiterate has resulted close
to a literal is a theft in that order possible moratorium on foreclosures which so many questions about whether
they are legit and photos feels like time is running out next on your credit cards collection calls are coming
every day in your two payments behind on your mortgage you need help or credit card release and we been
helping people just like you for nearly a decade call credit card relief right now the consultation is free...
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WTOP-DC (Radio) 5:08
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351223
Article_Body: WMTW (ABC) - Portland, ME
News 8 This Morning
WMTW 10/05/2010 05:07:54: ......push for education there was no WTO please have anything worth as same
as their student Scott community college is a form on hard times are short of cash and Jim laid off workers and
students might be in for your schools if they had more cash a new survey from Gallup and sallie mae fund with
college caches in such short supply at home for nearly one in four parents are using their retirement accounts
including 401(k)s to pay for their children's college education is obviously important about because in families
who make under $35,000 year they save almost $1800 year about 8% of their budget for college reporting live
in an interview to your opinions and the rest of us are working toward 96 in favor of schoolchildren economies
taking it over to all the local job market is one jurisdiction is issued a freeze on all new hire rate as well as
across-the-board cuts in spending taking a $175 million budget shortfall DC Mayor Adrian said he has ordered
a freeze on hiring pay raises and travel for government employees that is also told his district government
agencies to reduce their spending by 10% to move comes as the mayor and the DC Council begin negotiations
on how to close that hundred and $75 million budget gap Council Chairman Sprague will likely be the next
mayor says all options are on the table including cuts to services tax increases and Laos working as W. TV
news take a quick look around the more It bears nearly 7% of households 6% of Virginia households have
liquid assets of more than 1 million bucks have taken 1/2% increase in each day from July to June of this past
year was here Berlin number two in the country to have a legal one for the fourth straight year Virginia dropped
two spots to number seven going to examine writings are based on assets like stocks bonds -- but do not
include retirement accounts tensions or home-equity postal truth that you will loose illiterate has resulted close
to a literal is a theft in that order possible moratorium on foreclosures which so many questions about whether
they are legit and photos feels like time is running out next on your credit cards collection calls are coming
every day in your two payments behind on your mortgage you need help or credit card release and we been
helping people just like you for nearly a decade call credit card relief right now the consultation is free...
Date: 10/5/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WMTW (ABC) 5:07
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 2841
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351227
Article_Body: KFVS (CBS) - Paducah, KY
Breakfast Show
KFVS 10/07/2010 05:04:48: ...protection ... and citizens need to get involved in the process at the university of
tennessee. a knoxville not so fast! a new study shows many parents are sacrificing their retirement money to
help their kids pay for school. tyler profilet joins us live from the newsroom with more on the study. jim, many
parents intend to dip into their own retirement accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition. a new
study from sallie mae and gallup shows that nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their
children's college education plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans. but it's
considered a risky move since taking money out of retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties.
it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for, and it may leave parents without enough to
meet their retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college instead of
tapping into retirement accounts. according to the study, 60-percent of parents say they're saving for their
children's college education, having put away an average of $28-thousand dollars so far. and most will have
saved about $48- thousand dollars by the time their kids are ready for college. the most common way for
parents to save for college, is with c-d's or general savings accounts, jim...
Date: 10/7/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KFVS (CBS) 5:04
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 18409
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351228
Article_Body: KTUL (ABC) - Tulsa, OK
News Channel 8 at 6
KTUL 10/06/2010 18:13:32: ...when it comes to paying college tuition. a new study... shows many plan to use
money... from their retirement accounts. so news channel 8's mark bradshaw... wanted to see... if that's a smart
choice. as a parent of one college student now, and more on the way, you do what it takes to help your kids
pay for school. but it's considered a risky move to raid your retirement account to do it. a new study from sallie
mae and gallup shows nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college
education plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans . your intentions may be good,
but financial advisors say raiding your retirement account is risky.. steve ellis, with seasons financial group in
tulsa, says it may delay your retirement date, and when you do retire, you might run out of money sooner. so
what can parents do? ellis advises to get with a good financial planner to crunch the numbers, and evaluate
other options to pay for college. and he says it may be better for a parent to take on an extra job than dip into
their retirement fund. other alternatives? just half of the parents polled said they were familiar with 529 college
savings plans, which are available in every state. and how about this one? maybe the student can help out by
getting a part-time job. just a thought. mark bradshaw nc8. to read more about that survey. just look for this
story... at ""ktul.com"". a new state law allows disabled students to transfer from public schoosl to private
schools. but we found out two local school aren't complying with that law. new tonight at ten-- we'll find out why-
- and if those schools can be penalized for breaking the rules. plus-- you've seen them before-- radical
protesters from kansas-- outside the funerals of fallen u-s soldiers. is stopping them a violation of their
constitutional rights? the supreme court is taking up the issue. up the issue. join us for these stories and much
more-- new tonight at ten o'clock-- right after ""the whole truth"". a guy in fayettville, arkansas... sets a state
record for hunting. he's killed the largest alligator ever. john baxter harpooned this 700-pound mammoth last
month... 90- miles southeast of little rock in gillett. he's 13-feet long... and that beats the old record by 2-
inches. it's believed the gator could be 30- years old. baxter is planning to have the gator... made into a rug. by
the way... alligators aren't that rare in arkansas. there's an estimated 3,000 of them statewide. main wx open
toss to taft for wx. frank does wx. frank tosses back. coming up... can the texas...
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KTUL (ABC) 6:13pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 57921
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351230
Article_Body: KPTV-POR (FOX) - Portland, OR
5 O'Clock News
KPTV 10/06/2010 17:25:40: ...the rebates and subsidized financing will be offered on certain models. the goal
is to get lexus past mercedes benz as the top selling luxury brand. lexus held that title for more than 10 years,
but mercedes has sold more cars so far this year. >>> a recent study shows that many parents are sacrificing
their retirement money to help their kids pay for school. a new study from sallie mae and gallup shows that
nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college education plan to get some of
the money from their retirement accounts. but it's considered a risky move since taking money out of retirement
accounts can trigger big tax penalties. it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. >>>
verizon wireless is gearing up to launch its long awaited 4-g wireless service later this year at pdx. the network
will be available in nearly 40 major metropolitan areas and 60 airports. the company plans to cover about 110
million people with 4-g service using the lte technology. the service will be rolled out over the next three years,
much the same way the carrier expanded its 3-g wireless network several years ago. >>> high-end retailer
neiman marcus released its christmas book yesterday. if you have an unlimited budget, you may be able to buy
some of these. it's always at least fun to look, though. most people really can't afford this stuff. check this out,
an edible gingerbread playhouse. but be prepared to pay $15,000 for all that sugar. there's also a luxury
houseboat that retails for $250,000. and a special edition camaro convertible sells for $75,000. >>> coming up
on the 5:00 news, a solution for students struggling to pay for college. how one local university is offering
students a way to save money on textbooks. >>> and see an incredible rescue caught on camera. neighbors
and firefighters risk their lives to save a four legged friend. >>> but first, here is a live look outside.
meteorologist stephanie kralevich will have your complete forecast coming up in the second half hour of the
5:00 news. >> you're watching the 5:00 news, first, live, local....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KPTV-POR (FOX) 5:25pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 28754
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351232
Article_Body: WBRC-BIRM (FOX) - Birmingham, AL
FOX6 News at 5:00PM
WBRC 10/06/2010 17:25:55: ...rays --the ranger's nelson cruz and benjie molina homered off david price-- 5-1
rangers. the phils lead the reds 4-zip in the 4th. so, imagine this... the kids are gone to college and it's time to
enjoy the golden years, right? unfortunately, a recent study shows... many parents are sacrificing their
retirement money to help their kids pay for school. a new survey from sallie mae and gallup... shows that nearly
a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college education... plan to use some of the
money in their 401k's, ira's and pension plans. but it's considered a risky move since taking money out of
retirement accounts for college... can trigger big tax penalties. it can also reduce the amount of financial ""aid""
a family qualifies for. and it may leave parents without enough to meet their retirement needs. protests at
military funerals test the limits of free speech. now the issue is before the supreme court. new at 5:30, what the
father of a fallen marine is asking the high court to do. and a home burns to the ground. but it's not because
firefighters were slow to respond. why they ""let"" it burn. you're watching fox6 wbrc paul bussman? a judge
had to force paul bussman to finally pay long overdue family support, even his children's medical bills. but it
gets worse. official documents now prove that for six years paul bussman illegally prescribed prescription drugs
without a license. the alabama dental board fined paul bussman thousands of dollars....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WBRC-BIRM (FOX) 5:25pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 108469
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351233
Article_Body: WJRT (ABC) - Flint, MI
ABC12 News First at 4
WJRT 10/06/2010 16:37:41: ...retirement life, right? a recent study shows that many parents are sacrificing
their retirement money to help their kids pay for school. here is christine roman from new york. (pkg) many
parents intend to dip into their own retirement accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition. a new
study from sallie mae and gallup shows that nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their
children's college education plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans. but it's
considered a risky move since taking money out of retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties.
it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. and it may leave parents without enough to
meet their retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college instead of
tapping into retirement accounts. according to the study, 60-percent of parents say they're saving for their
children's college education, having put away an average of $28-thousand dollars so far. and most will have s
sed about $48- thousand dollars by the time their kids college they report, is with c-ds or general michigan
advertising campaign now have the chance to wear the logo. last month that the campaign was tailing off for
the year because of the state's government budget problems but now the agency that launched pure michigan
will start selling stuff like sweatshirts, t- shirts, hats, and travel mugs. a portion of sales from the online store will
help support the advertising campaign. (weather open) (leslie) terry their protests at soldiers funerals have
cause outrage across the nation - and here in mid- michigan. ahead - more on what happened before the
supreme court today concerning the westboro baptist church - and a local lawmaker's efforts to get the group to
stop. matt and a woman's rescue - after being locked in a car lot - while just looking for a car....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WJRT (ABC) 4:37
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 20422
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351234
Article_Body: WTTE-CBO (FOX) - Columbus, OH
Good Day Columbus
WTTE 10/06/2010 07:20:49: ...old government system earned a top five-star safety rating. under the new
standards, just 2 of 34 vehicles tested scored top marks -- the bmw 5-series and the hyundai sonata.the the
nissan versa scored lowest with 2 stars. so, the kids are gone to college and it's time to enjoy that retirement
life, right? a recent study by sallie mae and gallup shows that's not the case... many parents are sacrificing their
retirement money to help their kids pay for school. about quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their
children's college use some of the money in their 401ks, i-r-a's and pension plans.this is considered a risky
move, because it can trigger big tax penalties. today is national walk to school day.it's a reminder to everyone
to drive slowly in school zones.. and for parents to teach their kids how to be safer pedestrians when they walk
to and from school. these types of accidents have been making headlines lately. lately. you'll remember last
month... 16-year old gregg lee ran into the street in front of walnut ridge high school in east columbus. it was
raining hard that day.. and a car hit him.. killing him. in just franklin county.. between 2005 and 2009.. 19
children ages 14 and underwere killed. another 631 were injured. every year - more than 244 children
nationwide die from pedestrian-related injuries. 3 it's a case that has a lot of people fuming. fuming.a local
official goes under the radar to try and put a fire department contract on the chopping block. 3 and a former city
councilman's house is searched by police. we're there as investigators comb through evidence. and you can
get breaking news and weather alerts from fox 28 on the most popular networking sites.get connected on
facebook and twitter.go to my fox 28 columbus.com and click on the logos to get started....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WTTE-CBO (FOX) 7:20
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 22750
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351235
Article_Body: KMPH-FRES (FOX) - Fresno, CA
Great Day
KMPH 10/06/2010 06:27:33: ...well, a recent research shows that many parents are sacrificing their retirement
money to help their kids pay for school. a new study from sallie mae and gallup shows that nearly a quarter of
the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college education plan to use some of the money in their
401ks, iras and pension plans. but it's considered a risky move since taking money out of retirement accounts
for college can trigger big tax penalties. it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. and
it may leave parents without enough to meet their retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend
borrowing to pay for college instead of tapping into retirement accounts. according to the study, 60-percent of
parents say they're saving for their children's college education, having put away an average of $28-thousand
dollars so far. and most will have saved about $48-thousand dollars by the time their kids are ready for college.
historically one of the ways for parents to save for college they report, has been to use c-ds or general savings
accounts. kim and mike adlib about previous story. kim>> thanks mike, see you again in about an hour. we'll be
right back. but first, some great day faces....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KMPH-FRES (FOX) 6:27
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 26512
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351236
Article_Body: KTUL (ABC) - Tulsa, OK
Good Morning Oklahoma
KTUL 10/06/2010 06:23:35: ...that retirement life, right? a recent study shows that many parents are sacrificing
their retirement money to help their kids pay for school. here is christine roman from new york. many parents
intend to dip into their own retirement accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition. a new study from
sallie mae and gallup shows that nearly a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's
college education plan to use some of the money in their 401ks, iras and pension plans. but it's considered a
risky move since taking money out of retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties. it can also
reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. and it may leave parents without enough to meet their
retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college instead of tapping into
retirement accounts. according to the study, 60- percent of parents say they're saving for their children's
college education, having put away an average of $28-thousand dollars so far. and most will have saved about
$48- thousand dollars by the time their kids are ready for college. the most common way for parents to save for
college they report, is with c-ds or general savings accounts. in new york, i'm christine romans. toss to weather
weather update toss to traffic traffic update still ahead on g-m-o.. still ahead on g-m-o.....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KTUL (ABC) 6:23
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 24415
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351237
Article_Body: WIAT-BIRM (CBS) - Birmingham, AL
Wake Up Alabama
WIAT 10/06/2010 06:18:06: ...marshall space flight center will get the majority of the work in developing the
heavy lift program. and with the international space station program being extended another 5 years, there will
be more job security for some workers. a new study says many parents intend to dip into their own retirement
accounts to help pay for their children's college tuition. the study from sallie mae and gallup shows, that nearly
a quarter of the nation's parents who are saving for their children's college education, plan to use some of the
money in their 401-k's, i-r-a's and pension plans. but it's considered a risky move, since taking money out of
retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties. it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a
family qualifies for. and, it may leave parents without enough to meet their retirement needs. many financial
advisors recommend borrowing to pay for college, instead of tapping into retirement accounts. according to the
study, 60- percent of parents say they' )re saving for their children' )s college education, having put away an
average of 28- thousand dollars so far. and, most will have saved about 48-thousand dollars by the time their
kids are ready for college. the most common way for parents to save for college -- they report -- is with c-d's or
general savings accounts. do you enjoy a good bike ride? if so, chances are you haven' )t ridden on a journey
like a 60-year-old couple recently did. they started their epic tour in montreal, canada.. and wrapped things up
right here in birmingham! more than 1,500 miles, 29 days, and 5 flat tires later... harry and grietje (cretch-uh)
everts recently completed their journey. they say it was a great experience, creating a unique and memorable
way to visit family in canada and here in birmingham. they traveled with a collapsible tent, and an inflatable
mattress for campsites... but, also stayed in motels about 50-percent of the time. with this journey behind
them... they're now considering a similar trip throughout europe! coming up, some thrilling scarecrows inspired
by michael jackson... and, find out who' )s the most eligible bachelorette. plus: wake up's rick jackson returns
with poultry in hand, with a preview of the kickin chicken wing fest. don't +you+ get chicken and fly the coop.
wake up will...
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WIAT-BIRM (CBS) 6:18
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 12794
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351238
Article_Body: KHQ (NBC) - Spokane, WA
News
KHQ 10/06/2010 06:09:26: ...adults. the students are accused of broadcasting live images of freshman tyler
clementi in a same-sex encounter.. clementi jumped to his death into the hudson river from the george
washington bridge threedays later. nearly a quarter of the nation's parents saving for their children's college
education... are tapping into their retirement funds. in a new poll by sallie mae and gallup... 24 percent of
parents say they're dipping into their 401k's, ira's and penion plans. economists say the main problem with
raiding the retirement is that it triggers big tax penalties.. money taken from retirement accounts goes toward
adjusted gross income... reducing the amount of financial aid a family qualities for. the agency distributing
reimbursement claims to businesses impacted by the gulf oil spill says it's changing the way it evaluates
claims. even though no oil hit bay area beaches... one resort claims they're still feeling the impact with
reservations coming to a halt. tradewinds says b-p denied their claim for more than a million dollars in losses
....but now has done an about face. bp's claim director says proximity...will no longer be a factor in considering
claims.... ""he apologized to me twice and said 'i was wrong, we should have listened to you sooner and we're
going to make it right now."" there's only about half of all claims paid-out so far facebook users are logging back
on this morning... take internet facebook says site issues caues a major site outage last night...impacting more
than 500 million users. the outage caused such a stir... the phrase facebook isn't working was the number one
search site on google for more than an hour. . a central pennsylvania family is proudly displaying the massive
pumpkins they grew this year. the family grew these giant gourds at their home in cambria county. the largest
of the great pumpkins weighs over one thousand pounds. the family has already hollowed out the pumpkins
and will turn them in to jack-o-lanterns for the halloween holiday....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KHQ (NBC) 6:09
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 32717
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351239
Article_Body: WISN-MKE (ABC) - Milwaukee, WI
12 News This Morning
WISN 10/06/2010 05:56:32: ...li at the cme group in chicago, i'm angie lau bloomberg news - for 12 news this
morning back to you. an-- when it comes to sending kids to school, there's a report out that says many parents
are saving for college, but just not in the best way? usa today reports the latest from a sallie mae gallup poll
that says many parents are choosing to take out loans on their 401-k retirement accounts, or... withdraw money
from their retirement accounts completely. that's not a good idea ... because taking out a loan means paying
extra taxes... and the withdrawal, usually results in a penalty. only about 12- percent of the respondents held
dedicated college savings 529 accounts. one in four teenagers says they have engaged in binge drinking in the
past month. they didn't know they were taking. you're watching wisn 12 news this morning....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WISN-MKE (ABC) 5:56
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 32337
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351240
Article_Body: WSBT (CBS) - South Bend, IN
WSBT News First Thing in the Morning
WSBT 10/06/2010 05:51:02: ...is sending kids to college hurting your retirement plans? a new study from sallie
mae and gallup shows nearly a quarter of our country's parents who are saving for their children's education,
plan to use some of the money in their 401k's, i-r-as and pension plans. it's considered a risky move, since
taking money out of retirement accounts for college can trigger big tax penalties. financial advisors recommend
borrowing to pay for college, through student loans. a tax intended to reduce the use of plastic bags at
supermarkets in washington d-c has been so successful at cutting down on waste, that it has failed to generate
the revenue the city projected. since december, residents of the nation's capital have paid 5 cents for each bag
they use. but so far, the city has collected only a third of the projected revenue. ready or not, the holiday
shopping season is upon us, as a high-end department store releases its ever- popular christmas catalog. cbs'
alexis christoforous has this morning's money watch. stocks rallied to a five month high after japan's central
bank cut its key interest rate to boost that country's economy. investors are betting the federal reserve will
announce similar steps to jumpstart the u-s economy when policymakers meet next month. the dow industrials
shot up 193 points closing in on 11- thousand the nasdaq ran up 55. stocks also got a boost on news the
service industry, which includes restaurants and retailers, expanded for the ninth straight month. that's an
encouraging sign since the service sector generates most of the jobs in this country. for the second year in a
row social security beneficiaries are not expected to see more money in their checks. experts say there simply
hasn't been enough inflation to justify a bump in benefits. ford may cut about 35 percent of its lincoln
dealerships as it tries to revive the luxury brand. the company would eliminate about a hundred 75 of its 5-
hundred lincoln dealerships. the average age of a lincoln owner is 66 and ford wants to change that. it has
plans for new models in the coming months -- including its first lincoln compact car. looking for that perfect gift
for the person who has everything? the neiman marcus christmas catalog suggests this 75 thousand dollar
special edition 2011 chevy camaro. or for 250 thousand you can get a houseboast complete with viking
appliances and a hi-def projector. for more headlines, head to cbsmw.com. in ny, i'm ac......
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WSBT (CBS) 5:51
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 17334
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351241
Article_Body: WWLP-SPR (NBC) - Springfield, MA
22 News at 5:30AM
WWLP 10/06/2010 05:34:05: ...substance abuse prevention programs. package store owners who are in favor
of the repeal... say the tax has turned customers away, especially on the state line with new hampshire, which
does not have a sales tax. a new poll says parents will be forced to tap their own retirement accounts to help
pay for their children's college tuition.. a sallie mae/ gallup poll shows nearly 25 percent of parents saving for
their kids' college plan to use some of the money in their 401ks and iras. but taking money out of retirement
accounts is risky, triggering tax penalties, and possibly reducing the amount of financial aid a family qualifies
for... not to mention reducing your retirement nest-egg. a new poll shows governor patrick with a double digit
lead over charlie baker when it comes to women voters. 22news explored whether western massachusetts
women are leaning toward patrick ... and why. just under a month to go until the elections and drama is
unfolding among the gubernatorial candidates. the most recent controversy involved tim cahill...after his
running mate dropped out and said he supports charlie baker. cahill and governor patrick claim the switch
smells like a back room deal...and although baker denies it...it could only further hurt him. he is already having
trouble resonating with women voters...patrick however is not. ""he kind of shows a bit of compassion for
women. he just comes across that way. he doesn't appear to be more chauvanistic."" it could be that perceived
chauvanism that is keeping women from supporting baker. a new suffolk university poll shows the republican is
double digits behind governor patrick among women voters. 41-percent support patrick while just 34-percent
support baker. ""analysts say governor patrick has done well connecting with women on issues they care
about, like education...and baker needs to do the same."" ""i don't think there's been a solid message. i can tell
you i'm gonna cut your taxes and i'm going to cut taxes 5% but would you even know what dollar amount that
equates to? and what does that mean to you?"" local political consultant paul santaniello says baker needs
connect with women groups and hammer home his message. ""he really needs to get down to a level that says
look folks, here's what i'm all about. he needs to say i've got kids, i know what it means to raise them...i have
daughters."" baker started meeting with women voters last week...we'll find out in the next four weeks if it's
helping him gain their votes....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WWLP-SPR (NBC) 5:34
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 13155
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351242
Article_Body: WIAT-BIRM (CBS) - Birmingham, AL
Wake Up Alabama
WIAT 10/06/2010 05:12:56: ...will get the majority of the work in developing the heavy lift program. and with the
international space station program being extended another 5 years, there will be more job security for some
workers. a new study says many parents intend to dip into their own retirement accounts to help pay for their
children's college tuition. the study from sallie mae and gallup shows, that nearly a quarter of the nation's
parents who are saving for their children's college education, plan to use some of the money in their 401-k's, i-
r-a's and pension plans. but it's considered a risky move, since taking money out of retirement accounts for
college can trigger big tax penalties. it can also reduce the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for. and, it
may leave parents without enough to meet their retirement needs. many financial advisors recommend
borrowing to pay for college, instead of tapping into retirement accounts. according to the study, 60- percent of
parents say they' )re saving for their children' )s college education, having put away an average of 28-
thousand dollars so far. and, most will have saved about 48-thousand dollars by the time their kids are ready
for college. the most common way for parents to save for college -- they report -- is with c-d's or general
savings accounts. a brand new start for a place that serves underprivileged children. cbs 42's kim carapucci
shows us how a school makeover is impacting those students. +nats of ribbon cutting and clapping+ it's an
open house in east birmingham, marking the makeover of cornerstone school... a school with more than eighty
percent of its students living in poverty. (sot- jacquelyn moore/parent)""i because they didn't have to do it and
it's just good for the kids."" jacquelyn moore is one of several parents touring the school, thrilled with the
improvements. (standup-kim) ""at least half of the classrooms here at cornerstone have been totally renovated.
everything from the lighting to the walls, even the carpeting."" (sot- kawanna gardner/teacher) ""it has
tremendously impacted. before, we had smaller classroom sizes. we were very limited in what we could do
within the classroom, but now our rooms are just amazing and we have the space to do whatever we need to
do."" on top of that, they've also installed smartboards, a phone system, and the internet...all donations from
various local businesses. (sot- mike girouard/ teklinks/donor) ""we just think it's a great gift to give back to
students that need it. these kids need a chance."" and with a whole new environment to learn, these children
definitely have that chance. reporting in birmingham, kim carapucci, cbs42 news....
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WIAT-BIRM (CBS) 5:12am
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 7769
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351243
Article_Body: WWLP-SPR (NBC) - Springfield, MA
22 News at 11PM
WWLP 10/06/2010 04:09:36: ...volunteer appreciation event in honor of past director pam finer, who lost her
battle with cancer last year. many parents will tap their own retirement accounts to help pay for their children's
college tuition.. a sallie mae/ gallup poll shows nearly 25 percent of parents saving for their kids' college plan to
use some of the money in their 401ks and iras. but taking money out of retirement accounts is risky, triggering
tax penalties, and possibly reducing the amount of financial aid a family qualifies for... not to mention reducing
your retirement nest-egg. here's another reason not to speed.. an eastern massachusetts woman has been
charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon... dog poop. she's accused of throwing a bag of dog
feces at a passing motorist to try to slow him down. the woman initially contacted police last week and reported
witnessing the driver nearly hit a man on a bicycle while she was walking her dog. police said the woman
admitted tossing doggie doo at the driver because she believed he was speeding. ""i think that you would all try
to do the same thing"" justice today for the a man who killed a mother and two girls during a connecticut home
invasion three years ago. hear why firefighters in one tennessee town let a man's home burn to the ground..
and never tried to stop it. and it looks like a mudslide.. but wait til you hear what's actually burrying several
counties in hungary. have you ever worked on your laptop computer with it sitting...
Date: 10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WWLP-SPR (NBC) 4:09am
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 958
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351551
Article_Body: LITTLE ROCK, Ark. iShares, a global leader in Exchange Traded Funds, today noted that the
year-end tax planning season in 2010 brings strategic opportunities unique to the current tax environment and
the characteristics of 529 college savings plans. ―With the country in full gear preparing for healthcare reform
and additional tax changes under consideration, this year-end season will be a crucial one for tax strategy,‖
said Stephen Jobe, director of 529 programs at iShares. ―529 plans were created specifically to make saving
for higher education easier, and they come equipped with important tax incentives that CPAs and advisors can
maximize during their planning process.‖ Despite rising college costs and a bad economy, a recent survey1
suggests parent and student attitudes toward the value of a college education remain high: 80% strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, virtually unchanged over the past three years 71% strongly agree
that a college degree is more important now than it used to be 60% strongly agree that they will stretch
themselves financially to afford college 529 Plans serve as an innovative tool for addressing higher education
goals while offering attractive tax benefits to the account owners. In addition to the earnings, if any, in a 529
plan account growing tax-deferred, with federal and state taxes waived on withdrawals that are used for
qualified education expenses2, consider these other tax incentives: Capitalize on accelerated gifting: Using a
unique provision for accelerated gifting, individual investors can immediately reduce their taxable estate by
$65,000 per beneficiary ($130,000 for a married couple) in a single year3 without losing control of those assets.
Liquidate UGMAs with gains now before taxes increase: Custodial accounts intended for higher education
expenses may gain more through a conversion to a 529 plan, where assets have the potential to grow tax-
deferred and qualified education expense withdrawals are free from federal tax4 Make the most out of RMDs:
Discretionary required minimum distributions may earn more by reinvesting in a 529 plan, where account
owners can also establish a financial legacy for future generations Maximize the earnings of Trust assets:
Because many Trusts hold investments which put them in the highest tax bracket, those Trusts may benefit
from reinvesting a portion of the assets -- specified for higher education -- in a 529 plan The iShares 529 Plan
is a college savings plan sponsored by the State of Arkansas, which offers additional tax benefits to account
owners who are Arkansas taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to
$10,000 for married couples) of their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross
income5. The plan is available through financial advisors, and is the only 529 plan with all Exchange Traded
Funds as the underlying investments. For more information about iShares 529 Plan, please visit
www.ishares529.com. About iShares: iShares is the global product leader in exchange traded funds with over
430 funds globally across equities, fixed income and commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide.
The iShares Funds are bought and sold like common stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are
attractive to many individual and institutional investors and financial intermediaries because of their relative low
cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm,
financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer
base consists of the institutional segment of pension plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of
financial advisors and high net worth individuals. About BlackRock: BlackRock is a leader in investment
management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30,
2010, BlackRock‘s AUM was $3.15 trillion. BlackRock offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet
clients‘ needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are
offered in a variety of structures including separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® exchange traded funds,
and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise
investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®.
Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2010, the firm has approximately 8,500 employees in 24
countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia,
Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at
www.blackrock.com. For more information about the iShares 529 Plan, contact your financial advisor, call 1-
888-529-9552 or visit www.ishares529.com to obtain a Program Description and Participation Agreement which
includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it
carefully before investing or sending money. Upromise Investments, Inc., Co-Distributor and Underwriter;
BlackRock Fund Distribution Company, Co-Distributor. If you are not an Arkansas taxpayer, consider before
investing whether your or the designated beneficiary‘s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are
only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. The iShares 529 Plan is a college tuition
savings program sponsored by the State of Arkansas and is administered by the Arkansas 529 Plan Review
Committee. Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, serve as the Program
Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day
operations, including marketing and co-distribution of the Plan. BlackRock Fund Distribution Company also has
responsibility for co-distribution of the Plan. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., serves as Investment
Manager for the Plan. The Plan‘s portfolios, although they invest in exchange traded funds, are not exchange
traded funds. Units of the Portfolios are municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market
conditions. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The information is for illustrative and
educational purposes only. This information should not be relied upon as investment advice. Neither BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and its affiliates nor Upromise and its affiliates provide tax advice. Please
note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained in this communication cannot be used by you for the
purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii) this communication was written to support the promotion or marketing of
the matters addressed herein; and (iii) you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an
independent tax advisor. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and BlackRock Fund Distribution
Company are subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc., none of which is affiliated with Upromise. © 2010 BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A. iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company,
N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. *
Not FDIC Insured * No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee * May Lose Value 1 Source: Sallie Mae / Gallup
study, ―How America Pays for College,‖ Aug 2010. 2 Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and
board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be
subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other
benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. 3 In the event the donor does not survive the 5-
year period, a pro-rated amount will revert back to the donor's taxable estate. 4 Qualified expenses include
tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to
federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes.
The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. 5 Contributions to the
Plan in a tax year are deductible from Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in subsequent years in
which non-qualified withdrawals or a rollover out to another state‘s 529 plan is made.
Date: 10/13/2010 2:46:00 PM
Title: Year End Financial Planning in 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, says iShares 529 Plan
Publication: biz.yahoo.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351556
Article_Body: iShares, a global leader in Exchange Traded Funds, today noted that the year-end tax planning
season in 2010 brings strategic opportunities unique to the current tax environment and the characteristics of
529 college savings plans. ―With the country in full gear preparing for healthcare reform and additional tax
changes under consideration, this year-end season will be a crucial one for tax strategy,‖ said Stephen Jobe,
director of 529 programs at iShares. ―529 plans were created specifically to make saving for higher education
easier, and they come equipped with important tax incentives that CPAs and advisors can maximize during
their planning process.‖ Despite rising college costs and a bad economy, a recent survey1 suggests parent and
student attitudes toward the value of a college education remain high: 80% strongly agree that college is an
investment in the future, virtually unchanged over the past three years 71% strongly agree that a college
degree is more important now than it used to be 60% strongly agree that they will stretch themselves financially
to afford college 529 Plans serve as an innovative tool for addressing higher education goals while offering
attractive tax benefits to the account owners. In addition to the earnings, if any, in a 529 plan account growing
tax-deferred, with federal and state taxes waived on withdrawals that are used for qualified education
expenses2, consider these other tax incentives: Capitalize on accelerated gifting: Using a unique provision for
accelerated gifting, individual investors can immediately reduce their taxable estate by $65,000 per beneficiary
($130,000 for a married couple) in a single year3 without losing control of those assets. Liquidate UGMAs with
gains now before taxes increase: Custodial accounts intended for higher education expenses may gain more
through a conversion to a 529 plan, where assets have the potential to grow tax-deferred and qualified
education expense withdrawals are free from federal tax4 Make the most out of RMDs: Discretionary required
minimum distributions may earn more by reinvesting in a 529 plan, where account owners can also establish a
financial legacy for future generations Maximize the earnings of Trust assets: Because many Trusts hold
investments which put them in the highest tax bracket, those Trusts may benefit from reinvesting a portion of
the assets -- specified for higher education -- in a 529 plan The iShares 529 Plan is a college savings plan
sponsored by the State of Arkansas, which offers additional tax benefits to account owners who are Arkansas
taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) of
their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross income5. The plan is available through
financial advisors, and is the only 529 plan with all Exchange Traded Funds as the underlying investments. For
more information about iShares 529 Plan, please visit www.ishares529.com. About iShares: iShares is the
global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 430 funds globally across equities, fixed income and
commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide. The iShares Funds are bought and sold like common
stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are attractive to many individual and institutional investors
and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can
purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in
any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment of pension
plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors and high net worth individuals.
About BlackRock: BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services
for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30, 2010, BlackRock‘s AUM was $3.15 trillion. BlackRock
offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clients‘ needs, including active, enhanced and index
strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including separate
accounts, mutual funds,iShares® exchange traded funds, and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock
also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of
institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2010, the
firm has approximately 8,500 employees in 24 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including
North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information,
please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com. For more information about the iShares 529 Plan,
contact your financial advisor, call 1-888-529-9552 or visit www.ishares529.com to obtain a Program
Description and Participation Agreement which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and
other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing or sending money. Upromise
Investments, Inc., Co-Distributor and Underwriter; BlackRock Fund Distribution Company, Co-Distributor. If you
are not an Arkansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary‘s home
state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition
program. The iShares 529 Plan is a college tuition savings program sponsored by the State of Arkansas and is
administered by the Arkansas 529 Plan Review Committee. Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise
Investment Advisors, LLC, serve as the Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent,
respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including marketing and co-distribution of
the Plan. BlackRock Fund Distribution Company also has responsibility for co-distribution of the Plan.
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., serves as Investment Manager for the Plan. The Plan‘s portfolios,
although they invest in exchange traded funds, are not exchange traded funds. Units of the Portfolios are
municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions. Investing involves risk, including
possible loss of principal. The information is for illustrative and educational purposes only. This information
should not be relied upon as investment advice. Neither BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and its
affiliates nor Upromise and its affiliates provide tax advice. Please note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax
matters contained in this communication cannot be used by you for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii)
this communication was written to support the promotion or marketing of the matters addressed herein; and (iii)
you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and BlackRock Fund Distribution Company are subsidiaries of BlackRock,
Inc., none of which is affiliated with Upromise. © 2010 BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. iShares® is
a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. * Not FDIC Insured * No Bank, State or
Federal Guarantee * May Lose Value 1 Source: Sallie Mae / Gallup study, ―How America Pays for College,‖
Aug 2010. 2 Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on
nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as
well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting
other requirements. 3 In the event the donor does not survive the 5-year period, a pro-rated amount will revert
back to the donor's taxable estate. 4 Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and board costs,
and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a
10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be
contingent on meeting other requirements. 5 Contributions to the Plan in a tax year are deductible from
Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in subsequent years in which non-qualified withdrawals or a
rollover out to another state‘s 529 plan is made. Media Relations Christine Hudacko, 415-670-2687
christine.hudacko@blackrock.com or iShares 529 Plan: Jamie Giller, 781-449-3244
jamie@ebbenzallgroup.com
Date: 10/13/2010 2:56:00 PM
Title: Year End Financial Planning in 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, says iShares 529 Plan
Publication: www.euroinvestor.co.uk
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351558
Article_Body: BusinessWire - iShares, a global leader in Exchange Traded Funds, today noted that the year-
end tax planning season in 2010 brings strategic opportunities unique to the current tax environment and the
characteristics of 529 college savings plans. "With the country in full gear preparing for healthcare reform and
additional tax changes under consideration, this year-end season will be a crucial one for tax strategy," said
Stephen Jobe, director of 529 programs at iShares. "529 plans were created specifically to make saving for
higher education easier, and they come equipped with important tax incentives that CPAs and advisors can
maximize during their planning process." Despite rising college costs and a bad economy, a recent survey(1)
suggests parent and student attitudes toward the value of a college education remain high: 80% strongly agree
that college is an investment in the future, virtually unchanged over the past three years 71% strongly agree
that a college degree is more important now than it used to be 60% strongly agree that they will stretch
themselves financially to afford college 529 Plans serve as an innovative tool for addressing higher education
goals while offering attractive tax benefits to the account owners. In addition to the earnings, if any, in a 529
plan account growing tax-deferred, with federal and state taxes waived on withdrawals that are used for
qualified education expenses(2), consider these other tax incentives: in a 529 plan The iShares 529 Plan is a
college savings plan sponsored by the State of Arkansas, which offers additional tax benefits to account
owners who are Arkansas taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to
$10,000 for married couples) of their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross
income(5). The plan is available through financial advisors, and is the only 529 plan with all Exchange Traded
Funds as the underlying investments. For more information about iShares 529 Plan, please visit
www.ishares529.com. About iShares: iShares is the global product leader in exchange traded funds with over
430 funds globally across equities, fixed income and commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide.
The iShares Funds are bought and sold like common stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are
attractive to many individual and institutional investors and financial intermediaries because of their relative low
cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm,
financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer
base consists of the institutional segment of pension plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of
financial advisors and high net worth individuals. About BlackRock: BlackRock is a leader in investment
management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30,
2010, BlackRock's AUM was $3.15 trillion. BlackRock offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet
clients' needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are
offered in a variety of structures including separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares(R) exchange traded funds,
and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise
investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions(R).
Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2010, the firm has approximately 8,500 employees in 24
countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia,
Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at
www.blackrock.com. For more information about the iShares 529 Plan, contact your financial advisor, call 1-
888-529-9552 or visit www.ishares529.com to obtain a Program Description and Participation Agreement which
includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it
carefully before investing or sending money. Upromise Investments, Inc., Co-Distributor and Underwriter;
BlackRock Fund Distribution Company, Co-Distributor. If you are not an Arkansas taxpayer, consider before
investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are
only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program. The iShares 529 Plan is a college tuition
savings program sponsored by the State of Arkansas and is administered by the Arkansas 529 Plan Review
Committee. Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, serve as the Program
Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day
operations, including marketing and co-distribution of the Plan. BlackRock Fund Distribution Company also has
responsibility for co-distribution of the Plan. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., serves as Investment
Manager for the Plan. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in exchange traded funds, are not exchange
traded funds. Units of the Portfolios are municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market
conditions. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The information is for illustrative and
educational purposes only. This information should not be relied upon as investment advice. Neither BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and its affiliates nor Upromise and its affiliates provide tax advice. Please
note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained in this communication cannot be used by you for the
purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii) this communication was written to support the promotion or marketing of
the matters addressed herein; and (iii) you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an
independent tax advisor. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and BlackRock Fund Distribution
Company are subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc., none of which is affiliated with Upromise. (C) 2010 BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A. iShares(R) is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust
Company, N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners. * Not FDIC Insured * No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee * May Lose Value (1) Source: Sallie Mae /
Gallup study, "How America Pays for College," Aug 2010. (2) Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain
room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax
and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax
or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. (3) In the event the donor does not survive
the 5-year period, a pro-rated amount will revert back to the donor's taxable estate. (4) Qualified expenses
include tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are
subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local
income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. (5)
Contributions to the Plan in a tax year are deductible from Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in
subsequent years in which non-qualified withdrawals or a rollover out to another state's 529 plan is made.
SOURCE: iShares Media Relations Christine Hudacko, 415-670-2687 christine.hudacko@blackrock.com or
iShares 529 Plan: Jamie Giller, 781-449-3244 jamie@ebbenzallgroup.com
Date: 10/13/2010 3:05:00 PM
Title: Year End Financial Planning in 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, says iShares 529 Plan
Publication: www.forbes.com
Mediatype: Wire
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351561
Article_Body: 529 plans offer tax-smart incentives for saving for higher education iShares, a global leader in
Exchange Traded Funds, today noted that the year-end tax planning season in 2010 brings strategic
opportunities unique to the current tax environment and the characteristics of 529 college savings plans. ―With
the country in full gear preparing for healthcare reform and additional tax changes under consideration, this
year-end season will be a crucial one for tax strategy,‖ said Stephen Jobe, director of 529 programs at iShares.
―529 plans were created specifically to make saving for higher education easier, and they come equipped with
important tax incentives that CPAs and advisors can maximize during their planning process.‖ Despite rising
college costs and a bad economy, a recent survey1 suggests parent and student attitudes toward the value of
a college education remain high: 529 Plans serve as an innovative tool for addressing higher education goals
while offering attractive tax benefits to the account owners. In addition to the earnings, if any, in a 529 plan
account growing tax-deferred, with federal and state taxes waived on withdrawals that are used for qualified
education expenses2, consider these other tax incentives: The iShares 529 Plan is a college savings plan
sponsored by the State of Arkansas, which offers additional tax benefits to account owners who are Arkansas
taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) of
their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross income5. The plan is available through
financial advisors, and is the only 529 plan with all Exchange Traded Funds as the underlying investments. For
more information about iShares 529 Plan, please visit www.ishares529.com. About iShares: iShares is the
global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 430 funds globally across equities, fixed income and
commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide. The iShares Funds are bought and sold like common
stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are attractive to many individual and institutional investors
and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can
purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in
any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment of pension
plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors and high net worth individuals.
About BlackRock: BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services
for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30, 2010, BlackRock‘s AUM was $3.15 trillion. BlackRock
offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clients‘ needs, including active, enhanced and index
strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including separate
accounts, mutual funds, iShares® exchange traded funds, and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock
also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of
institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2010, the
firm has approximately 8,500 employees in 24 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including
North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information,
please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com. For more information about the iShares 529 Plan,
contact your financial advisor, call 1-888-529-9552 or visit www.ishares529.com to obtain a Program
Description and Participation Agreement which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and
other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing or sending money. Upromise
Investments, Inc., Co-Distributor and Underwriter; BlackRock Fund Distribution Company, Co-Distributor. If you
are not an Arkansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary‘s home
state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition
program. The iShares 529 Plan is a college tuition savings program sponsored by the State of Arkansas and is
administered by the Arkansas 529 Plan Review Committee. Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise
Investment Advisors, LLC, serve as the Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent,
respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including marketing and co-distribution of
the Plan. BlackRock Fund Distribution Company also has responsibility for co-distribution of the Plan.
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., serves as Investment Manager for the Plan. The Plan‘s portfolios,
although they invest in exchange traded funds, are not exchange traded funds. Units of the Portfolios are
municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions. The information is for illustrative and
educational purposes only. This information should not be relied upon as investment advice. Neither BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and its affiliates nor Upromise and its affiliates provide tax advice. Please
note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained in this communication cannot be used by you for the
purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii) this communication was written to support the promotion or marketing of
the matters addressed herein; and (iii) you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an
independent tax advisor. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and BlackRock Fund Distribution
Company are subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc., none of which is affiliated with Upromise. © 2010 BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A. iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company,
N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. *
Not FDIC Insured * No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee * May Lose Value 1 Source: Sallie Mae / Gallup
study, ―How America Pays for College,‖ Aug 2010. 2 Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and
board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be
subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other
benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. 3 In the event the donor does not survive the 5-
year period, a pro-rated amount will revert back to the donor's taxable estate. 4 Qualified expenses include
tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to
federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes.
The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements. 5 Contributions to the
Plan in a tax year are deductible from Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in subsequent years in
which non-qualified withdrawals or a rollover out to another state‘s 529 plan is made. Thomson Reuters is the
world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news,
technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and
mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms.
Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and
disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at
least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, .
Date: 10/13/2010 2:54:00 PM
Title: Year End Financial Planning in 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, says iShares 529 Plan
Publication: www.reuters.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351562
Article_Body: iShares, a global leader in Exchange Traded Funds, today noted that the year-end tax planning
season in 2010 brings strategic opportunities unique to the current tax environment and the characteristics of
529 college savings plans. "With the country in full gear preparing for healthcare reform and additional tax
changes under consideration, this year-end season will be a crucial one for tax strategy," said Stephen Jobe,
director of 529 programs at iShares. "529 plans were created specifically to make saving for higher education
easier, and they come equipped with important tax incentives that CPAs and advisors can maximize during
their planning process." Despite rising college costs and a bad economy, a recent survey1 suggests parent and
student attitudes toward the value of a college education remain high: 80% strongly agree that college is an
investment in the future, virtually unchanged over the past three years 71% strongly agree that a college
degree is more important now than it used to be 60% strongly agree that they will stretch themselves financially
to afford college 529 Plans serve as an innovative tool for addressing higher education goals while offering
attractive tax benefits to the account owners. In addition to the earnings, if any, in a 529 plan account growing
tax-deferred, with federal and state taxes waived on withdrawals that are used for qualified education
expenses2, consider these other tax incentives: Capitalize on accelerated gifting: Using a unique provision for
accelerated gifting, individual investors can immediately reduce their taxable estate by $65,000 per beneficiary
($130,000 for a married couple) in a single year3 without losing control of those assets. Liquidate UGMAs with
gains now before taxes increase: Custodial accounts intended for higher education expenses may gain more
through a conversion to a 529 plan, where assets have the potential to grow tax-deferred and qualified
education expense withdrawals are free from federal tax4 Make the most out of RMDs: Discretionary required
minimum distributions may earn more by reinvesting in a 529 plan, where account owners can also establish a
financial legacy for future generations Maximize the earnings of Trust assets: Because many Trusts hold
investments which put them in the highest tax bracket, those Trusts may benefit from reinvesting a portion of
the assets -- specified for higher education -- in a 529 plan The iShares 529 Plan is a college savings plan
sponsored by the State of Arkansas, which offers additional tax benefits to account owners who are Arkansas
taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 (up to $10,000 for married couples) of
their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross income5. The plan is available through
financial advisors, and is the only 529 plan with all Exchange Traded Funds as the underlying investments. For
more information about iShares 529 Plan, please visit www.ishares529.com. About iShares: iShares is the
global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 430 funds globally across equities, fixed income and
commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide. The iShares Funds are bought and sold like common
stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are attractive to many individual and institutional investors
and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can
purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in
any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment of pension
plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors and high net worth individuals.
About BlackRock: BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services
for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30, 2010, BlackRock's AUM was $3.15 trillion. BlackRock
offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clients' needs, including active, enhanced and index
strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including separate
accounts, mutual funds, iShares® exchange traded funds, and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock
also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of
institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2010, the
firm has approximately 8,500 employees in 24 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including
North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information,
please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com. For more information about the iShares 529 Plan,
contact your financial advisor, call 1-888-529-9552 or visit www.ishares529.com to obtain a Program
Description and Participation Agreement which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and
other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing or sending money. Upromise
Investments, Inc., Co-Distributor and Underwriter; BlackRock Fund Distribution Company, Co-Distributor. If you
are not an Arkansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home
state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition
program. The iShares 529 Plan is a college tuition savings program sponsored by the State of Arkansas and is
administered by the Arkansas 529 Plan Review Committee. Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise
Investment Advisors, LLC, serve as the Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent,
respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including marketing and co-distribution of
the Plan. BlackRock Fund Distribution Company also has responsibility for co-distribution of the Plan.
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., serves as Investment Manager for the Plan. The Plan's portfolios,
although they invest in exchange traded funds, are not exchange traded funds. Units of the Portfolios are
municipal securities and the value of units will vary with market conditions. Investing involves risk, including
possible loss of principal. The information is for illustrative and educational purposes only. This information
should not be relied upon as investment advice. Neither BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and its
affiliates nor Upromise and its affiliates provide tax advice. Please note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax
matters contained in this communication cannot be used by you for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii)
this communication was written to support the promotion or marketing of the matters addressed herein; and (iii)
you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and BlackRock Fund Distribution Company are subsidiaries of BlackRock,
Inc., none of which is affiliated with Upromise. © 2010 BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. iShares® is
a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. * Not FDIC Insured * No Bank, State or
Federal Guarantee * May Lose Value 1 Source (News - Alert): Sallie Mae / Gallup study, "How America Pays
for College," Aug 2010. 2 Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies.
Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal
penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent
on meeting other requirements. 3 In the event the donor does not survive the 5-year period, a pro-rated amount
will revert back to the donor's taxable estate. 4 Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and board
costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject
to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits
may be contingent on meeting other requirements. 5 Contributions to the Plan in a tax year are deductible from
Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in subsequent years in which non-qualified withdrawals or a
rollover out to another state's 529 plan is made. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Date: 10/13/2010 2:59:00 PM
Title: Year End Financial Planning in 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, says iShares 529 Plan
Publication: www.tmcnet.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351571
Article_Body:
E-wisdom.com
October 8, 2010
Some Using Retirement Savings Accounts For College
By Ryan Fields
A recent report from Sallie Mae and Gallup shows nearly one-quarter of parents will tap their retirement savings
accounts to pay for their children's college, even though there are other alternatives.
According to the study, 24 percent of responding parents who are saving for college said they were doing so through
their retirement savings accounts. This is despite the fact doing so can cost them in taxes and put their own future at
stake.
Sallie Mae noted one alternative option is a 529 college savings plan, which offers federal tax
benefits. Of respondents who did not use these financial vehicles to set aside education money,
50 percent said they had never heard of them.
On average, parents have $6,503 earmarked in retirement funds for their children's college education, compared to
the $3,340 in 529 savings accounts.
Still, regardless of how they are doing it, parents on average are on a pace to save $48,367 for college by the time
their son or daughter is 18.
"The good news is that savers start early and plan to save enough to cover two years at a public university or one
year at a private one," said Albert Lord, Sallie Mae chairman and CEO.
http://www.e-wisdom.com/news/banking/money-market/some-using-retirement-savings-accounts-for-college-
800105552/
Date: 10/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Some Using Retirement Savings Accounts For College
Publication: http://www.e-wisdom.com/
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 29229
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351938
Article_Body: Old Main administrative building at Penn State University in State College, Pa. FUNDING
EDUCATION How the average family pays for college: Source: Sallie Mae/ Gallup survey, "How America Pays
for College" of 1,624 adults, conducted March 24-May 3 via telephone. Margin of error is plus or minus 3
percentage points. By Sandra Block, USA TODAY Some parents have big dreams about what they'll do when
their children start college. They'll take a cruise, go back to school, maybe walk around the house with no
clothes on. But unless your child has received a generous scholarship, mooning your neighbors may be all that
you can afford to do. You can take some of the sting out of college bills by taking advantage of the credits,
deductions and other tax-advantaged programs Congress has enacted to make college more affordable. At the
end of this year, though, some of those benefits are scheduled to expire. Here's a look at what's changing: Tax
credit The American Opportunity Credit, included in last year's economic stimulus package, provides a tax
credit of up to $2,500 per student in 2010. You can claim the credit for up to 100% of the first $2,000 in
qualified college costs and 25% of the next $2,000. To get the full credit, you'll need to spend at least $4,000
on qualified expenses. Forty percent of the credit is refundable, so a low-income family that doesn't owe federal
taxes could receive a check from the government for up to $1,000. In addition, the income limits on this credit
are broader than limits on the Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits, which have been around since the Clinton
administration. Married couples with modified adjusted gross income of up to $160,000 can claim the full credit.
The credit is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. There's a good chance Congress will extend it, "but the question
is when," says Mel Schwarz, partner at Grant Thornton in Washington, D.C. One possibility is that Congress
will wait until next year to extend the tax credit and make it retroactive for 2011. YOUR MONEY: Student loan
program changes affect rates, repayment DEBT: Student loan debt exceeds credit card debt in USA In any
event, it makes sense to get the most out of the credit available for 2010. If you haven't already run up $4,000
in qualified expenses, here are some steps you can take before the end of the year: •Prepay tuition. Many
colleges send out tuition bills for the spring semester at the end of the year. If you pay the bill before Dec. 31,
you can claim the credit for those expenses on your 2010 tax return, says Melissa Labant, tax technical
manager for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. •Buy next semester's textbooks. Textbooks
and course materials are qualified expenses for the American Opportunity Credit. If your child knows what
courses he or she is going to take in the spring, you can buy textbooks before Dec. 31 and claim the credit,
says Gil Charney, tax researcher for H&R Block's Tax Institute. You can't claim the credit for expenses paid
with your 529 college savings plan, says John W. Roth, tax analyst for CCH, a publisher of tax reference
books. Because 529 plans also receive special tax treatment — withdrawals are tax-free if they're used for
educational purposes — that's considered double-dipping. Instead, use your 529 plan to pay for costs that
aren't covered by the tax credit, such as room and board. Coverdell accounts Since 2002, Coverdell Education
Savings Accounts have allowed families to save up to $2,000 a year in a portfolio of mutual funds or other
investments. Contributions are after-tax, but withdrawals are tax-free as long as the money is used for qualified
expenses. Along with college-related costs, the money can be used for tuition at a primary or secondary
school. Barring action by Congress, though, these accounts will become much less appealing after Dec. 31.
Annual contributions will shrink to $500, and tuition for primary and secondary schools will no longer be a
qualified expense, says Barbara Weltman, author of J.K. Lasser's 1001 Deductions and Tax Breaks. Even
more significantly, a portion of withdrawals taken after Dec. 31 will be taxed, Weltman says. What to do before
year's end if you have a Coverdell account: •Roll it into a 529 college savings plan. As long as you roll the
money directly into a 529 plan, you won't have to pay taxes on it. Withdrawals from 529 plans are tax-free as
long as the money is used for qualified expenses. •Spend the money. Under current law, you can use Coverdell
funds to pay for a broad range of education expenses, including computers, school uniforms and tutoring. If
you've got some money sitting around in a Coverdell account, "use it up," Weltman says. "That way, it's all
going to be tax-free." Sandra Block covers personal finance for USA TODAY. Her Your Money column appears
Tuesdays. Click here for an index of Your Money columns. E-mail her at: sblock@usatoday.com. Follow on
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandyblock E-mail| Save | Print | To report corrections and clarifications, contact
Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to
letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go
to corrections.usatoday.com. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your
comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the
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Date: 9/13/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: YOUR MONEY: Some tax benefits for college expire at end of 2010
Publication: http://www.usatoday.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 12505100
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 351949
Article_Body:
News Release
October 13, 2010
Year End Financial Planning In 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, Says Ishares 529 Plan;
529 Plans Offer Tax-Smart Incentives For Saving For Higher Education
(issued by iShares)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - iShares, a global leader in Exchange Traded Funds, today noted that
the year-end tax planning season in 2010 brings strategic opportunities unique to the current tax environment and the
characteristics of 529 college savings plans.
―With the country in full gear preparing for healthcare reform and additional tax changes under consideration, this
year-end season will be a crucial one for tax strategy,‖ said Stephen Jobe, director of 529 programs at iShares. ―529
plans were created specifically to make saving for higher education easier, and they come equipped with important
tax incentives that CPAs and advisors can maximize during their planning process.‖
Despite rising college costs and a bad economy, a recent survey(1) suggests parent and student attitudes toward the
value of a college education remain high:
* 80% strongly agree that college is an investment in the future, virtually unchanged over the past three years
* 71% strongly agree that a college degree is more important now than it used to be
* 60% strongly agree that they will stretch themselves financially to afford college
529 Plans serve as an innovative tool for addressing higher education goals while offering attractive tax benefits to
the account owners. In addition to the earnings, if any, in a 529 plan account growing tax-deferred, with federal and
state taxes waived on withdrawals that are used for qualified education expenses(2), consider these other tax
incentives:
* Capitalize on accelerated gifting: Using a unique provision for accelerated gifting, individual investors can
immediately reduce their taxable estate by $65,000 per beneficiary ($130,000 for a married couple) in a single
year(3)
* without losing control of those assets.
* Liquidate UGMAs with gains now before taxes increase: Custodial accounts intended for higher education
expenses may gain more through a conversion to a 529 plan, where assets have the potential to grow tax-deferred
and qualified education expense withdrawals are free from federal tax(4)
* Make the most out of RMDs: Discretionary required minimum distributions may earn more by reinvesting in a
529 plan, where account owners can also establish a financial legacy for future generations
* Maximize the earnings of Trust assets: Because many Trusts hold investments which put them in the highest tax
bracket, those Trusts may benefit from reinvesting a portion of the assets -- specified for higher education -- in a 529
plan
The iShares 529 Plan is a college savings plan sponsored by the State of Arkansas, which offers additional tax
benefits to account owners who are Arkansas taxpayers. For example, Arkansas taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000
(up to $10,000 for married couples) of their iShares 529 Plan contributions from their Arkansas adjusted gross
income(5).
The plan is available through financial advisors, and is the only 529 plan with all Exchange Traded Funds as the
underlying investments.
For more information about iShares 529 Plan, please visit www.ishares529.com.
About iShares: iShares is the global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 430 funds globally across
equities, fixed income and commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide. The iShares Funds are bought and
sold like common stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are attractive to many individual and
institutional investors and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading
flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker,
and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment
of pension plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors and high net worth
individuals.
About BlackRock: BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for
institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30, 2010, BlackRock’s AUM was $3.15 trillion. BlackRock offers
products that span the risk spectrum to meet clients’ needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across
markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including separate accounts, mutual funds,
iShares(®) exchange traded funds, and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management,
advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock
Solutions(®). Headquartered in New York City, as of June 30, 2010, the firm has approximately 8,500 employees in
24 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia,
Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at
www.blackrock.com.
For more information about the iShares 529 Plan, contact your financial advisor, call 1-888-529-9552 or visit
www.ishares529.com to obtain a Program Description and Participation Agreement which includes investment
objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information; read and consider it carefully before investing
or sending money. Upromise Investments, Inc., Co-Distributor and Underwriter; BlackRock Fund Distribution
Company, Co-Distributor.
If you are not an Arkansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary’s home
state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition
program.
The iShares 529 Plan is a college tuition savings program sponsored by the State of Arkansas and is administered by
the Arkansas 529 Plan Review Committee. Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise Investment Advisors,
LLC, serve as the Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, with overall
responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including marketing and co-distribution of the Plan. BlackRock Fund
Distribution Company also has responsibility for co-distribution of the Plan. BlackRock Institutional Trust
Company, N.A., serves as Investment Manager for the Plan. The Plan’s portfolios, although they invest in exchange
traded funds, are not exchange traded funds. Units of the Portfolios are municipal securities and the value of units
will vary with market conditions.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
The information is for illustrative and educational purposes only. This information should not be relied upon as
investment advice.
Neither BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and its affiliates nor Upromise and its affiliates provide tax
advice. Please note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained in this communication cannot be used by
you for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii) this communication was written to support the promotion or
marketing of the matters addressed herein; and (iii) you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., and BlackRock Fund Distribution Company are subsidiaries of
BlackRock, Inc., none of which is affiliated with Upromise.
© 2010 BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. iShares(®) is a registered trademark of BlackRock
Institutional Trust Company, N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.
* Not FDIC Insured * No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee * May Lose Value
(1) Source: Sallie Mae / Gallup study, ―How America Pays for College,‖ Aug 2010.
(2) Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified
withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and
local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.
(3) In the event the donor does not survive the 5-year period, a pro-rated amount will revert back to the donor's
taxable estate.
(4) Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, certain room and board costs, and supplies. Earnings on nonqualified
withdrawals are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and
local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.
(5) Contributions to the Plan in a tax year are deductible from Arkansas state income tax, subject to recapture in
subsequent years in which non-qualified withdrawals or a rollover out to another state’s 529 plan is made.
Date: 10/13/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Year End Financial Planning In 2010 Brings Unique Opportunities, Says Ishares 529 Plan; 529 Plans
Offer Tax-Smart Incentives For Saving For Higher Education
Publication: http://www.istockanalyst.com/
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 206169
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354197
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Clark Howard
HDLN 10/17/2010 12:30:41: ...by the time i was 31, i'd earned enough to retire. so i embarked on a new
mission, helping you take care of your money so you can save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off.
>>> all right, i've got some scary news for you. it's a new survey done by the gallup organization and sallie
mae. that's a big college loan company. guess what? one in four parents, approximately, expect to pay for their
kids' college education by drawing on their own retirement accounts like 401(k)s. this is a terrible idea! you
don't ever want to use your own retirement funds to pay for a kids' college because, number one, there are all
kinds of tax problems with that for you and two, how are you going to pay for your retirement? college, tons of
ways to pay for it. and don't have a case of the guilts as a parent that your son or daughter will have the
responsibility for much of their college education, because there are lots of ways to make that more affordable.
think community college as a possibility for the first two years is just one example, but when should you take
your own retirement money and spend it on your kids' college? absolutely never. as you look for the best way
to save for your kids' college, use an account that very few parents actually use, a 529 plan. i have a wonderful
guide to 529 tax-free college savings plans on my website. >>> joshua joins us. welcome to ""the clark howard
show."" how can i be of service to you, joshua? >> caller: i have a quick question for you. i'm moving to south
korea in march. my wife will be taking english as a second language job. i bought my car with a 22% interest
rate for 72 months. i know it's crazy. i was 18 years old and didn't know what i was doing. but now that i'm older
with more experience, i'm planning on defaulting on my loan when i move to north korea. i refuse to pay the
payments, with 22% interest. my credit rating is not so great now. i went through a divorce and i'm on my
second marriage. if i default on my loan, how much will that hurt my credit when i come back in 12 months? >>
there are two issues. one is repossession of a vehicle is a pretty significant hit on your credit. not as severe as
a foreclosure, but it's a pretty big number. the bigger issue is in most states, you can be subject to what's
known as deficiency,...
Date: 10/17/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 12:30
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 135008
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354199
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Clark Howard
HDLN 10/17/2010 06:30:42: ...it. by the time i was 31, i'd earned enough to retire. so i embarked on a new
mission, helping you take care of your money so you can save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off.
>>> all right, i've got some scary news for you. it's a new survey done by the gallup organization and sallie
mae. that's a big college loan company. guess what? one in four parents, approximately, expect to pay for their
kids' college education by drawing on their own retirement accounts like 401(k)s. this is a terrible idea! you
don't ever want to use your own retirement funds to pay for a kids' college because, number one, there are all
kinds of tax problems with that for you and how are you going to pay for your retirement? college, tons of ways
to pay for it. and don't have a case of the guilts as a parent that your son or daughter will have the responsibility
for much of their college education, because there are lots of ways to make that affordable. think community
college as a possibility for the first two years is just one example, but when should you take your own
retirement money and spend it on your kids' college? absolutely never. as you look for the best way to save for
your kids' college, use an account that very few parents actually use, a 529 plan. i have a wonderful guide to
529 tax-free college savings plans on my website. >>> joshua joins us. welcome to ""the clark howard show.""
how can i be of service to you, joshua? >> caller: i have a quick question for you. i'm moving to south korea in
march. my wife will be taking english as a second language job. i bought my car with a 22% interest rate for 72
months. i know it's crazy. i was 18 years old and didn't know what i was doing and now that i'm older with more
experience i'm planning on defaulting on my loan when i move to north korea. i refuse to pay the payments,
with 22% interest. my credit rating is not so great now. i went through a divorce and am on my second
marriage. if i default on my loan, how much will that hurt my credit when i come back in 12 months? >> there
are two issues. one is repossession of a vehicle is a pretty significant hit on your credit. not as severe as a
foreclosure, but it's a pretty big number. the bigger issue is in most states, you can be subject to what's known
as deficiency where whatever loss they suffer when...
Date: 10/17/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 6:30
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 158562
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354203
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Clark Howard
HDLN 10/16/2010 16:30:45: ...so i embarked on a new mission, helping you take care of your money so you
can save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off. all right, i've got some scary news for you. it's a new
survey done by the gallup organization and sallie mae, a big college loan company. and guess what? one in
four parents approximately expect to pay for their kids' college education by drawing on their own retirement
accounts like 401(k)s. this is a terrible idea. you don't ever want to use your own retirement funds to pay for a
kid's college because number one, there are all kinds of tax problems with that for you, and, two, how are you
going to pay for your retirement? college, tons of ways to pay for it. and don't have a case of the guilts as a
parent that your son or daughter is going to be responsible for much or all of their own college education. there
are lots of ways to make that more affordable. think community college is a possible for the first two years is
just one example. but when should you take your own retirement money and spend it on your kids' college?
absolutely never. as you look for the best way to save for your kids' college, use an account that very few
parents actually use, a 529 plan. i have a wonderful guide to 529 plans on my website. >>> joshua joins us.
welcome to the clark howard show. how can i be of service to you, joshua? >> caller: i'm moving to south korea
in march. my wife's going to be taking english as a second language job. i originally bought my car with a 22%
interest rate for 72 months. i know that's crazy. i was 18 years old, i didn't know what i was doing, but now that
i've gotten a few years older and more experience, i plan on defaulting to my loan because i refuse to pay the
payments, $400 a month for 72 months for 22% interest. i went through a divorce, i'm on my second marriage
now, but my question is, if i default on my loan, how much is that going to hurt my credit when i come back in
12 months? >> all right. well, there's two issues. one is, repossession of a vehicle is a pretty significant hit on
your credit. not as severe as a foreclosure, but it's a pretty big number. the bigger issue is in most states you
can be subject to what's known as deficiency, where whatever loss they suffer when they sell that vehicle, they
can bill you for that loss,...
Date: 10/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 4:30
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 115475
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354204
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Clark Howard
HDLN 10/16/2010 12:30:46: ...so i embarked on a new mission helping you take care of your money so you
can save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. >>> all right, i've got some scary news for you. it's a
new survey done by the gallup organization and sallie mae. guess what? one in four parent, approximately,
expect to pay for their kids' college education by drawing on their own retirement accounts like 401(k)s. this is a
terrible idea! you don't ever want to use your own retirement funds to pay for a kids' college because number
one, there are all kinds of tax problems with that for you and how are you going to pay for your retirement?
college, tons of ways to pay for it and don't have the guilts that your son or daughter will have the responsibility
for their college education. think community college as a possibility for the first two years is just one example,
but when should you take your own retirement money and spend it on your kids' college? absolutely never. as
you look for the best way to save for your kids' college use an account that very few parents actually use, a 529
plan. i have a wonderful guide to 529 tax-free college savings plans on my website. >>> joshua joins us.
welcome to ""the clark howard show."" how can i be of of service to you, joshua. >> caller: i have a quick
question for you. i'm moving to south korea in march. my wife will be taking english as a second language job. i
bought my car with a 22% interest rate for 72 months. i know it's crazy, and i was 18 years old and didn't know
what i was doing and now that i'm older with more experience i'm planning on defaulting on my loan when i
move to north korea. i refuse to pay the payments, with 22% interest. my credit rating is not so great now. i
went through a divorce and am on my second marriage. if i default on my loan how much will that hurt my credit
when i come back in 12 months? >> there are two issues. one is repossession of a vehicle is a pretty
significant hit on your credit. not as severe as a foreclosure, but it's a pretty big number. the bigger issue is in
most states you can be subject to what's known as deficiency where whatever loss they suffer when they sell
that vehicle, they can bill you for that loss and they can even sue you against that loss....
Date: 10/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 12:30
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 220034
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354205
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Clark Howard
HDLN 10/16/2010 06:30:44: ...so i embarked on a new mission, helping you take care of your money so you
can save more, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off. >>> all right. i've got some scary news for you. it's a
new survey done by the gallup organization and sallie mae. that's a big college loan company. and guess
what? one in four parents approximately expect to pay for their kid's college education by drawing on their own
retirement accounts like 401(k)s. this is a terrible idea. you don't ever want to use your own retirement funds to
pay for a kid's college because, number one, there are all kinds of tax problems with that for you. two, how are
you going to pay for your retirement? college, tons of ways to pay for it. don't have a case of the guilts that your
son or daughter is going to be responsible for much or all of their college education. because there are lots of
ways to make that more affordable. think community college for the first two years is just one example. when
should you take your own retirement money and spend it on your own kid's college? absolutely never. as you
look for the best way to save for your kid's college, use an account that few parents actually use, a 529 plan. i
have a wonderful guy to tax-free college savings plans on my website. joshua joins us. walk to the clark howard
show. how can i be of service to you, joshua? >> caller: i'm moving to korea. my wife is taking an english as a
second language job. i bought my car with a 22% interest rate for 72 months. i was 18 years old. i didn't know
what i was doing. now that i have gotten a few years older and a little bit more experienced, i'm planning on
defaulting on my loan when i move to korea yampt i refuse to pay the payments, $400 a month for 72 months.
my credit rating is not so great right now. i went through a divorce. i'm on my second marriage now. my
question is, if i default on my loan, how much is that going to hurt my credit when i come back in 12 months?
>> two issues, repossession of a vehicle is a pretty significant hit on your credit. not as severe as a foreclosure
but it's a pretty big number. the bigger issue is in most states you can be subject to what's known as deficiency,
where whatever loss they suffer when they sell that vehicle they...
Date: 10/16/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 6:30
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 180968
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354210
Article_Body: WTHR-IN (NBC) - Indianapolis, IN
Eyewitness News Sunrise at 5:30
WTHR 10/15/2010 05:48:05: ...retirement funds to pay for college. the study.. by student loan provider sallie
mae and gallup.. shows nearly a quarter of parents planned to pay for college by dipping into 4-0-1k's, i-r-a's
and pension funds. financial experts warn about taking out a loan against your 401k.. because often times, the
loan must be paid back in a very short period of time. withdrawing retirement funds can also hurt chances for
financial aid. verizon wireless will soon sell apple's popular ""ipad"" tablet computer. it will be available at
verizon retail stores by the end of the month. verizon won't sell the 3-g version. instead it will sell the ""wi-fi""
""ipad"" model with the option of bundling it with a ""mi-fi"" gadget that allows you to connect to verizon's data
network. the ""mi-fi"" device will cost an additional 130-dollars.. and verizon data plans start at 20- dollars per
month. doctors say seniors who are losing mobility, memory, or coping with depression.. can benefit from
seeing a doctor who specializes in senior care. healthbeat reporter anne marie tiernon... has the story of a local
women who started seeing her geriatrician at age 75.... and credits the doctor's care and her faith... for her
longevity. 15:04:40 mary: nat photos zoe isabella.. where ever she goes...mary young...takes her favorite
photos with her. 15:25:31 mary: i collect them she's 85...and her 6 children provided her with nearly 2 dozen
children and great grandchildren. 15:06:12 no that is the...nat.... she now lives with family. 15:12:12
mary:whatever goes on granny is in the middle of it. 15:12:16 the connection her doctor says...is part of why
mary is doing so well. 14:53:12 doctor robin beck: she is still driving and she still takes care of her grandkids
and great grand kids and does a great job with all of that. 14:53:17 14:53:46 doctor: staying active is very
important but also key is mary's willingness to see the doctor regularly...to monitor her blood pressure...check
her medicines... 14:5059 doctor: the medications that people are on when they are younger may not be exactly
right when you get older and the way the body metabolizes certain medications can also change as well. so
some of the doses may need to be adjusted some of the medications may longer be appropriate any more
when you hit the age of 65 and so it's really important to reevaluate all of the patients medications. 14:51:18
wishard senior care geriatrician..dr. robin beck...also makes house calls for 120 seniors like who can't make it
into the office. the relationship help keeps the patients aware of changes in their health. 152400 mary: my
doctor told me she didn't want me to gain to much and she didn't want me to lose too much 15:24:10 mary
leaves her appointment...carryin g photos of dr. beck's three children...saying always ready..to expand her
photo's of family....
Date: 10/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WTHR-IN (NBC) 5:48
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 55358
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354211
Article_Body: WTHR-IN (NBC) - Indianapolis, IN
Eyewitness News Sunrise at 4:30
WTHR 10/15/2010 04:49:40: ...asking the judge who ruled against the policy.. to let it remain in effect while
they appeal. and gay rights advocates are warning gay service members to avoid revealing their sexuality in
the meantime. a new study shows a disturbing trend... more parents are raiding their retirement funds to pay for
college. the study.. by student loan provider sallie mae and gallup.. shows nearly a quarter of parents planned
to pay for college by dipping into 4-0-1k's, i-r-a's and pension funds. financial experts warn about taking out a
loan against your 401k.. because often times, the loan must be paid back in a very short period of time.
withdrawing retirement funds can also hurt chances for financial aid. if you got an extension on paying your
income taxes last year... your time is up. the i-r-s expects to receive up to 10 million returns from people who
filed individually. candidates running for election this november.. must have their finance reports turned in by
noon today. the reports cover the period from their nomination in april through last friday. and you can check
them out. once filed.. they are posted on the state website. the white house is pretty in pink. the north portico
was lit up in honor of breast cancer awareness month. the color change was just for one night... and included
the main entrance to the vice president's observatory. residence at the u-s naval an injury has him sidelined for
the season.. but colts player devin moore will be the center of attention tonight. why a local school is honoring
him. ""... ...""...
Date: 10/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WTHR-IN (NBC) 4:49
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 8341
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354212
Article_Body: KOAA (NBC) - Colorado Springs, CO
News First at 6PM
KOAA 10/14/2010 18:12:54: ...banks have seized more than 816- thousand homes through the first nine
months of this year. a new study shows more families are raiding their retirement funds... to help pay for their
kids college... tuition for a four-year private college now averages more than 26-thousand dollars. and with
costs continuing to rise... a study by ""sallie mae and the gallup"".... found that nearly a quarter of parents are
using their 401k's and pension funds... to pay for their child's education. economic experts stress... this is
""not"" a good idea. ==== ""when you take money out of your retirement account, you're going to pay taxes on
it. you will have the penalty for premature, below 59 and a half, withdrawal, but you'll be paying a hefty tax.""
experts suggest taking out personal loans, or student loans instead... which are often low- interest. xxxx the
space shuttle ""discovery"" is getting set for its final mission.... as new information is released about the shuttle
program. mike madson is here now..with details.. hi mike. ==== mike ad lib ad lib tease here's a quick look
ahead at...
Date: 10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KOAA (NBC) 6:12pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 35391
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354213
Article_Body: WITN-GRENC (NBC) - Greenville, NC
WITN 7 News at 5:30pm
WITN 10/14/2010 17:49:18: ...average tuition at a four year private college these days? more than twenty-six
thousand dollars!no wonder more parents than ever are dipping into their retirement accounts early to pay for
their kids school, like anthony scragg did.(sot anthony scragg, parent)""i guess it was 401, ira...we were
working, and i worked for a really good company.""lynda: ""so did you use part of your 401k for college?""(sot
anthony scragg, parent)""oh yeah, i guess so. a lot of that.""(sot gail insell, parent)""i can see it happening, and
tuition went up another six percent where we were this year.""a study, out tuesday by student loan provider
sallie mae and the gallup organization shows nearly a quarter of parents penalty for premature, below
withdrawal, but you'll be paying a hefty tax."" (standup lynda baquero, reporting)""financial experts also warn
about taking out a loan against your 401k to pay for college. they say often times, the loan has to be paid back
in a very short period of time, or immediately if you change employers.""withdrawing retirement funds early also
count as income and could hurt chances for financial aid.but the survey does show that twenty-four percent of
parents plan to use 529 college savings plans, which are tax free.(sot lewis altfest, pres., altfest personal
wealth management)""it structures you earlier to put money away so that you don't come into this, 'oh my god,
now i have to take out money from my own retirement.'""roughly half of parents, though, planned to pay for
colege tcdsor o ue investments, like m keaccounts. shortfall in tuition, altfest sug out nal loans, or student loans
which are often low-interest.(sot gary rinehartparen)""if u according to the project on student debt, more than
two- thirds of students who graduated from four-year colleges and universities in 2008 had student loans, with
an average debt of about 23 thousand dollars. we're going to really see if the cast of nbc's hit show 30 rock can
make the comedy grade tonight... tonight... the show will be performed live! details are next. next....
Date: 10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WITN-GRENC (NBC) 5:49pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 37853
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354214
Article_Body: WHEC-ROC (NBC) - Rochester, NY
News 10 NBC at Five
WHEC 10/14/2010 17:42:40: ...walmart, and target sell i-pads...but a-t-and-t is the only one that sells apple
data plans. verizon say it will also sell i-phones in the near future. a new study shows more parents are dipping
into their retirement accounts early...to pay for their kids' education according to a survey by student loan
company sallie mae...nearly a quarter of parents planned to take money out of their 401-k, i-r-a, and pension
funds. but financial experts say that's not a good idea. first...that money will be taxed. also...withdrawn funds
count as income...and could hurt chances for financial aid. instead...financial experts recommend parents use a
529 college savings plan, which is tax free. they also suggest taking out personal and student loans. lewis
altfest, personal wealth manager: ""it structures you earlier to put money away so that you don't come into this,
'oh my god, now i have to take out money from my own retirement.'"" gary rinehart, parent: ""if you have to
borrow off your assets for your kids, i mean it's not great but college is expensive and you want them to go
there. if you find a way to do it, you do it."" and the average cost of tuition for a four year private school? 26-
thousand dollars a year.. checking wall street now--stocks ended a 4 day winning streak, closing slightly lower.
the dow was down a fraction... the nasdaq more than 5 points and the s&p 500 was down 4 points. . in stocks
of local interest kodak lost 8 cents. paetec was up a penny paychex lost 3 cents and xerox was down a nickel.
it irritated customers...and ""the gap"" listened. just a week ago...the clothing chain changed it's familiar white
and navy blue logo...to this one. a white background with black letters and a little blue box in the background.
the president of the company says he didn't realize how many people liked the old logo. he also says the
company didn't give customers enough time to voice their opinion about the new logo. the old logo will return
next month.... but the company is not ruling out a logo makeover in the future. ordering more than two drinks at
starbucks...could cost you more time in line. starting in november, employees won't be allowed to make more
than two drinks at a time. also...workers have to steam milk for individual drinks...instead of by the pitcher-full.
the company says this will improve effiency at stores...but customer say the new rules will only slow down
service. when you're a coach....learning your players names is always a challenge....
Date: 10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WHEC-ROC (NBC) 5:42pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 24721
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354221
Article_Body: KSEE-FRES (NBC) - Fresno, CA
KSEE24 News at 4PM
KSEE 10/14/2010 16:13:12: ...advice. they're raiding their retirement funds to pay for college. the study by
sallie mae and the gallup organization shows a quarter of parents plan to dip into retirement money like
401k's... ira's and pension funds. personal wealth managers say... that's not a good idea. that's because you'll
have to pay heft taxes and penalties early withdrawal penalties. another option is to use the 529 college
savings plans... which are tax free. if you've been wanting an i-pad.. verizon says it will start selling the apple
tablet computer at the end of the month. verizon says it will also offer data plans for the i-pad for 20-dollars a
month. this will prevent a- t-and-t from being the only seller of apple wireless plans. verizon is also getting
ready to sell the i-phone. what's your favorite place to travel to? readers of conde nast traveler say san
francisco... the golden gate city... is their top spot. san francisco tops the magazine's top destinations list for the
18th year in a row. the city by the bay won with more than 26-thousand votes. second place was charleston...
south carolina. and third was santa fe... new mexico. what's the weather going to be like for the weekend?
when we come back ... to the fresno we'll take you back fairgrounds for a-j's forecast....
Date: 10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KSEE-FRES (NBC) 4:13pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 14015
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354223
Article_Body: KUSA-DEN (NBC) - Denver, CO
9News Noon
KUSA 10/14/2010 12:19:16: ...raiding their retirement funds >>> welcome back, everyone. >>> a new study
shows more parents are raiding their retirement funds to pay for their kids' college. the study, by student loan
provider sallie mae and the gallup organization shows nearly one out of four parents planned to dip into 401k's,
ira's and pension funds to fund their child's college education. financial advisors say this is bad idea because
not only will you have to pay taxes on that money but it can hurt the possibility of your student getting financial
aid. they suggest a 529 college savings plan or low-interest personal or student loans. >>> if you're thinking
about starting your own business but don't know how to fund it here's an idea. the university of northern
colorado is offering a $10,000 first prize in their annual entrepreneurial challenge. to win local entrepreneurs
need to send their business concept to unc's college of business by november 29. last year's challenge was so
successful unc has doubled this year's total prize money from a total pot of $18,000 to $36,000. unc business
professor david thomas says the contest's goal is to build entrepreneurial spirit in colorado. >> the university
believes it has a responsibility to be an agent of change anniversary agent of growth in the region by helping
our students connect with businesses that are either at that growth stage or startup and also helping the local
community grow. >> if you are interested in competing, unc is holding free information session today. the
challenge runs from 6:00 to 8:00 tonight at the unccentera center. submissions will be taken until november
29th at wwwncb-e challenge.com. we have the link on our web site....
Date: 10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KUSA-DEN (NBC) 12:19
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 57709
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354224
Article_Body: KUSA-DEN (NBC) - Denver, CO
9News Noon
KUSA 10/14/2010 12:11:41: ...each version. >> my biggest concern is that the show will end in the middle
because the last bread. >> you can catch the special live episode of 30 rock starting at 7:30 tonight on channel
9. 3 >>> 3 >>> 3 3 >>> shows more raiding their retirement funds college. the study, by student loan mae and
the gallup organization.. shows nearly one organization.. mae and the gallup provider sallie the study, by
college. retirement funds shows more >>>...
Date: 10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KUSA-DEN (NBC) 12:11
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 57709
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354391
Article_Body:
Headline News
October 19, 2010
Transcript: Morning Express With Robin Meade
Most parents do anything to help pay their child's college education. but would you give up your
retirement cash? hln money expert clark howard says no.
okay. pushes come to shove. a lot of us have kids that are approaching college age. or maybe they have
already entered. times have become really difficult and you as a parent feel so guilty about doing what
you can to pay for your kids' college. well, listen to this. according to a survey found guy a gallup and
sallie mae, big stun loan lender. one in four parents say that they intend to hit up their own personal
retirement accounts to pay for their son or daughter's college. let me tell you something. this is a
terrible idea. key question for you. what scholarship program is there for your retirement? there is not
one. the worst that happens, your son or daughter has to take on the obligation for much or all of their
own education. going to a different college than they intended or may mean they are a night student
and work during the day. but don't raid your retirement account ever, ever. i'm clark howard. for more
of clark's smart ways to handle your dough go to cnn.com/clarkhoward.
Date: 10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Transcript: Morning Express With Robin Meade
Publication: http://www.cnn.com
Mediatype: Online News
Impressions: 15187993
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354397
Article_Body: WWLP-SPR (NBC) - Springfield, MA
22 News at 5:30PM
WWLP 10/22/2010 17:38:56: ...recent survey from sallie mae and gallup. but should parents put their own
financial future in jeopardy to pay for it? in today's insider report, sharon epperson shows how cracking open
your nest egg could cost a lot more than you might expect. 55 year old rob jackson tapped his 401 to pay for
college. ""this is a commitment we made to our children to help them pay for their college we don't want them to
be unreasonable in debt when they graduate"" but the laid off computer programmer never realized the ripple
effect that withdrawal would have on his families finances, after he took out $10,000 from his 401k he was hit
with federal and state income taxes plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty leaving him with a balance of only
$7,000 to pay his sons college bills. ""if i would've known that we'd been penalized this way there's no way that
i would've taken a distribution."" the next financial blow will likely come when the college calculate his bill for
next year. ""when you withdraw money from your 401k account it counts as income for purposes of calculating
your financial aid next year it can reduce substantially the amount of financial aid someone is eligible for in a
coming year."" jackson is among a growing number of parents dipping into their retirement funds to pay for
college. at 7% it's doubled in the past year but more alarming is a new survey showing nearly one quarter of
parents are now using retirement accounts to save for college. some plans will let you take a loan from your
401k while your working to pay for college but its not a sound strategy the money has to pay back or you'll owe
ordinary income taxes and may have to pay a 10% early penalty. ""they need to exhaust all of their options
before they resort to using their 401k."" rob jackson knows that now. ""we would've definitely sought out some
other method."" after learning a hard lesson about raiding a 401k. sharon epperson cnbc business news. the
economy is issue number one for many voters. tonight on nbc nightly news with brian williams, countdown to
the midtersm: what voters really care about. economic concerns offset the corporate earnings bonanza today
sending stocks lower. for details on the closing numbers...
Date: 10/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WWLP-SPR (NBC) 5:38pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 35496
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354398
Article_Body: WITN-GRENC (NBC) - Greenville, NC
WITN 7 News at 5:30pm
WITN 10/22/2010 17:31:52: ...school groups to put in their classrooms. the family is also planning their annual
fall festival scheduled for next weekend several local churches in the community. families paid an average of
about 24-thousand dollars on college related expenses in 2010, up 24-percent from last year, according to a
recent survey from sallie mae and gallup. the economy is proving that a good education is now perhaps more
important than ever. but should parents put their own financial future in jeopardy to pay for it? sharon epperson
shows how cracking open your nest egg could cost a lot more than you might expec. expect. 55 year old rob
jackson tapped his 401 to pay for collegesot / rob jackson ""this is a commitment we made to our children to
help them pay for their college we don't want them to be unreasonable in debt when they graduate""but the laid
off computer programmer never realized the ripple effect that withdrawal would have on his families finances,
after he took out $10,000 from his 401k he was hit with federal and state income taxes plus a 10% early
withdrawal penalty leaving him with a balance of only $7,000 to pay his sons college billssot / rob jackson ""if i
would've known that we'd been penalized this way there's no way that i would've taken a distributionthe next
financial blow will likely come when the college calculate his bill for next year.sot / sarah ducich, sallie mae
""when you withdraw money from your 401k account it counts as income for purposes of calculating your
financial aid next year it can reduce substantially the amount of financial aid someone is eligible for in a coming
year""jackson is among a growing number of parents dipping into their retirement funds to pay for college. at
7% it's doubled in the past year but more alarming is a new survey showing nearly one parents are now using
retirement save for collegesome plans will let you take a loan from your 401k while your working to pay for
college but its not a sound strategy the money has to pay back or you'll owe ordinary income taxes and may
have to pay a 10% early penalty.sot / sarah ducich, sallie mae ""they need to exhaust all of their options before
they resort to using their 401k.""rob jackson knows that now.sot / rob ""we would've definitely sought out some
other method."" after learning a hard lesson about raiding a 401k. sharon epperson cnbc business news. it's a
big weekend in greenville with quite a few people headed to town for ecu homecoming festivities. brittany
creamer is live in greenville at one of the events. free boot friday... b? brittany?...
Date: 10/22/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: WITN-GRENC (NBC) 5:31pm
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 25520
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354501
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
HLN News
HDLN 10/19/2010 12:20:26: ...push has come to shove. a lot of us have kids approaching college age or have
already entered. times have become really difficult. you as a parent have become so guilty doing what you can
to pay for your kids' college. listen to this. according to a survey done by gallup and sallie mae, one in four
parents say they intend to hit up their own personal retirement accounts to pay for their son or daughter's
college. let me tell you something, this is a terrible idea, because, a key question for you, what scholarship
program is there for your retirement? right. there's not one. so the worst to happen, your son or daughter has to
take on the obligation for much or all of their own education. it might mean going to a different college than they
intended. it might mean they're a night student and work during the day, but don't raid your retirement account
ever, ever. i'm clark howard. for more clark smart ways to handle your dough, go to cnn.com/clarkhoward. >>>
clark will help you save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. he has great advice. you'll get much
more every saturday and sunday at noon and 4:00 p.m. eastern right here on hln. >>> more hln ""news now""
after the break. could switching to geico really save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance? does a
former drill sergeant make a terrible therapist? patient: and that's why yellow makes me sad. i tnk. sarge: that's
interesting. you know what makes me sad? you do! maybe we should chug on over to mambie pambie land
where maybe can find some. yoself-confidence for you.? ya jackwagon! tissue? crybaby. geico. fifteen minutes
could save you fifteen percent or more. [ male announcer ] nature is unique... ...authentic... ...pure... and also
delicious. like nature valley. granola bars made with crunchy oats and pure honey. because natural is not only
good, it also tastes good. nature valley -- 100% natural. 100% delicious. i've been looking at the numbers, and i
think our campus is spending too much money on printing. i'd like to put you in charge of cutting costs. calm
down. i know that it is not your job....
Date: 10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 12:20
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 200501
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354502
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Morning Express With Robin Meade
HDLN 10/19/2010 09:41:43: ...>> okay. pushes come to shove. a lot of us have kids that are approaching
college age. or maybe they have already entered. times have become really difficult and you as a parent feel
so guilty about doing what you can to pay for your kids' college. well, listen to this. according to a survey found
guy a gallup and sallie mae, big stun loan lender. one in four parents say that they intend to hit up their own
personal retirement accounts to pay for their son or daughter's college. let me tell you something. this is a
terrible idea. key question for you. what scholarship program is there for your retirement? there is not one. the
worst that happens, your son or daughter has to take on the obligation for much or all of their own education.
going to a different college than they intended or may mean they are a night student and work during the day.
but don't raid your retirement account ever, ever. i'm clark howard. for more of clark's smart ways to handle
your dough go to cnn.com/clarkhoward. >> clark will teach you. everybody knows. save more, spend less.
avoid getting ripped off. catch him on the weekends on hln. >>> i'm a bit tired of saying it. >>> very ditch kind of
starbucks has opened in seattle. where you can buy beer and wine if you want at the starbucks. honey, they
have like cheese served on nice plates. setting is a little more like a cafe. and if it works you may see one
popping up in your hometown. starbucks hopes a it brings in more customers in the afternoon and evening
when their business slows down. what would they call hem? bearista snst. >> will they have silly name for their
beers, too? takes a half hour to order them. i don't know. good morning. >> mocha latte -- >> hops. it is just a
beer. give me a me. a delay for you now. you like that? ad lib delays. just kidding. remember that? let me show
you. we have san francisco, 5 52-mine delay. no big deal for you. low clouds coming in. rain showers, too. what
about the rest of the delays? not much going on now. which is good. give you time, dallas, l.a.x., san diego,
whole west coast south to san francisco getting back into nevada and arizona. you are going to find rain
showers. could slow down. we will talk about that in a half hour. >>> bristol palin dressed in a gorilla suit and
did the fox trot on ""dancing with the stars.""...
Date: 10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 9:41
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 310805
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354503
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Morning Express With Robin Meade
HDLN 10/19/2010 08:25:11: ...says that is a no no. >> pushes come to shove, a lot of us have kids that are
approaching college age or maybe they already entered and times have become very difficult and you as a
parent feel so guilty about doing what you can for your kids' college. according to a survey that was done by
sallie mae the big student loan lender, one in four parents say they intend to hit up their own personal
retirement accounts to pay for their son or daughter's college. let me tell you something, this is a terrible idea.
because key question for you, what scholarship program is there for your retirement? that's right, there is not
one. so, the worst that happens. your son or daughter has to take on the obligation for much or all of their own
education. it might mean going to a different college than they attended or a night student who worked during
the day, but don't raid your retirement ever, ever. i'm clark howard. for more clark smart ways to handle your
dough. go to cnn.com/clarkhoward. >> so, clark will teach you to save more, spend less, avoid getting ripped
off and join him on the weekends on hln. >>> here's a new idea to scare away robbers. the bad guys get
sprayed with a mist visible only under ultraviolent light. it contains a synthetic dna that police can use to track
them down. the technology is already installed add a mcdonald's in the netherlands. everybody knows about it
before they come in and police say crimes already dropped. >> i'm sure it's perfectly safe to spray that stuff
around food. >> good morning, bob. >> good morning, robin. one delay, philadelphia, 40-minute delay because
of the low clouds and the rain and only a morning event. the heaviest rain off the shore from new jersey and
south of long island and light showers reported around manhattan and most of the delays should be felt this
morning around the east coast. here's what we have for the day. new york city metros could still see an hour
delay. philadelphia, again, about 40 minutes right now and may climb before it gets out of there this afternoon
and then d.c., morning showers, no delays yet. later this afternoon, dallas, lax and san diego some storms
forming and they could be on the strong side. talk about that, robin, in just a little bit. >>> the flight attendant
who did a big take this job and shove it. no, we always have to start. if we plan any of these stories around
travel, if you're traveling today -- anyway, you know steven slater may have to go to anger management
classes....
Date: 10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 8:25
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 322295
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354504
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Morning Express With Robin Meade
HDLN 10/19/2010 07:25:47: ...push has come to shove. a lot of us have kids that are approaching college age
or maybe they've already entered. and times have become really difficult. and you as a parent feel so guilty
about doing what you can to pay for your kids' cleanly. well, listen to this. according to a survey that was done
by gallup and sallie mae, the big student loan lender, one in four parents say that they intend to hit up their own
personal retirement account to pay for their son or daughter's college. let me tell you something, this is a
terrible idea. because key question for you, what scholarship program is there for your retirement? that's right.
there's not one. so the worst that happens, your son or daughter has to take on the obligation for much of all of
their own education. it might mean going to a different college than they had intended. it might mean they're a
night student and work during the day. but don't raid your retirement account ever, ever. i'm clark howard. go to
cnn.com/clarkhoward. >> clark will teach you how to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. he's
on the weekends at hln. you're going to like him. >>> a student at a charlotte high school picked up a pen and
the pen exploded. officials say the student got the pen from his desk and it exploded when he took the top off.
one other student is being questioned. he reportedly told other students recently that he would make a bomb in
a pen. >>> a man that says he was mistreated in a traffic stop wants to go toe to toe with the officer. he put a
sign on his truck insulting the entire police force and took out an ad in the local newspaper challenging the cop
to a mixed martial arts fight. it does not amuse the police force. >> if every officer that pulled somebody over
and they weren't happy, if they were challenged to a fighting match, certainly those officers would all be
suspended or lose their jobs. >> people think i'm a little nutty and i'm just calling him out, you know? he's a
tough guy behind the badge and gun, you know, he needs to drop it and see how tough he is. >> stevens is a
big guy. he used to play in the nfl. >>> a flight -- or the flight attendant that said take this job and shove it may
have to go to anger management. find out what else steven slater may have to do....
Date: 10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 7:25
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 314252
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354505
Article_Body: Headline News - U.S. Cable
Morning Express With Robin Meade
HDLN 10/19/2010 06:26:46: ...push has come to shove. a lot of us have kids that are approaching college age
or maybe they've already entered. and times have become really difficult. and you as a parent feel so guilty
about doing what you can to pay for your kids' cleanly. well, listen to this. according to a survey that was done
by gallup and sallie mae, the big student loan lender, one in four parents say that they intend to hit up their own
personal retirement account to pay for their son or daughter's college. let me tell you something, this is a
terrible idea. because key question for you, what scholarship program is there for your retirement? that's right.
there's not one. so the worst that happens, your son or daughter has to take on the obligation for much of all of
their own education. it might mean going to a different college than they had intended. it might mean they're a
night student and work during the day. but don't raid your retirement account ever, ever. i'm clark howard. go to
cnn.com/clarkhoward. >> clark will teach you how to save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off. >>>
the flight attendant that said take this job and shove it may to go to anger management now. find out what else
steven slater may have to do if he cops a plea deal for jumping out of a plane....
Date: 10/19/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: Headline News - U.S. Cable 6:26
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 301038
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 354737
Article_Body: KFOR-OKC (NBC) - Oklahoma City, OK
NewsChannel 4 6AM Sunday
KFOR 10/24/2010 06:33:18: ...the area ... in hopes somebody will spot the missing little girl. if you have any
information on her whereabouts -- please call 9-1-1. tackling college costs... did you know families paid an
average of about 24-thousand dollars on college related expenses in 2010?. that's up 24- percent from last
year, according to a recent survey from sallie mae and gallup. how far should parents go to ensure their child's
education is paid for? in this morning's consumer alert... sharon epperson shows how cracking open your nest
egg could cost a lot more than you might expect. package: 55 year old rob jackson tapped his 401 to pay for
college sot / rob jackson ""this is a commitment we made to our children to help them pay for their college we
don't want them to be unreasonable in debt when they graduate"" but the laid off computer programmer never
realized the ripple effect that withdrawal would have on his families finances, after he took out $10,000 from his
401k he was hit with federal and state income taxes plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty leaving him with a
balance of only $7,000 to pay his sons college bills sot / rob jackson ""if i would've known that we'd been
penalized this way there's no way that i would've taken a distribution the next financial blow will likely come
when the college calculate his bill for next year. sot / sarah ducich, sallie mae ""when you withdraw money from
your 401k account it counts as income for purposes of calculating your financial aid next year it can reduce
substantially the amount of financial aid someone is eligible for in a coming year"" jackson is among a growing
number of parents dipping into their retirement funds to pay for college. at 7% it's doubled in the past year but
more alarming is a new survey showing nearly one quarter of parents are now using retirement accounts to
save for college some plans will let you take a loan from your 401k while your working to pay for college but its
not a sound strategy the money has to pay back or you'll owe ordinary income taxes and may have to pay a
10% early penalty. sot / sarah ducich, sallie mae ""they need to exhaust all of their options before they resort to
using their 401k."" rob jackson knows that now. sot / rob jackson ""we would've definitely sought out some
other method."" after learning a hard lesson about raiding a 401k. sharon epperson cnbc business news.
another problem for grads with large student loans is the job market... the unemployment rate for recent grads
ages 20 to 24 was up 8-point-7 percent in 2009. the search for a prominent missing...
Date: 10/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Sallie Mae Broadcast
Publication: KFOR-OKC (NBC) 6:33
Mediatype: Broadcast
Impressions: 18189
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Making an observation
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Average
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 355432
Article_Body:
Today/PG
The college tryAs the recession wears on, families struggle to pay for college tuition, expenses
Kara McGuire; MCT NEWS SERVICE
914 words
17 August 2010
The Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)
NSL
State/ROP
030
English
Copyright 2010, The Star-Ledger. All Rights Reserved.
Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors close because I
don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why she's encouraging her
kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for four years. But you
need it," she said of a college diploma.
The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to
college, although they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way they live to
pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays
for College" study released Aug. 10.
"Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to
believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We
expected to see some erosion there, but we have not."
WILLING TO STRETCH
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year strongly agree that
college is an investment in the future, unchanged from 2008. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable.
"Families are telling me, "We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car
to school. We've cut back,' " said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is
hearing from more families who have run out of options. "They're saying "I've been unemployed and
we've gone through our savings and I don't have credit to co-sign a loan.' "
In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to accept tuition
on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college related expenses -- from tuition
and textbooks to living expenses -- in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the
2009 survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and
scholarships, student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and
friends made up the smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in
just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie may look quite different from the average.
Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and
$100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-
class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help their student pay for
school, the survey found.
With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of non-loan financial aid, and the stalled economy
dinging most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree.
Americans are now on the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt -- a figure that surpasses the $826.5
billion in revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of finaid.org. Some
analysts fear student loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American
consumer's next financial crisis.
NEW FUNDING SOURCES
Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is forcing
his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources they
wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends for assistance. Others are
tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by borrowing against a stock
portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said.
Six percent of those surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college
costs last school year. The same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on
a credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home
equity to pay for college, even though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this
option for many families.
The good news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills, indicating that some
parents have planned ahead.
Although most students believe they need a college degree to earn more money and work in their chosen
field, some are beginning to question whether an education is worth the hefty price tag.
Only a slight majority -- 53 percent -- of those surveyed in 2010 feel college is worth the cost; 62 percent
thought a degree was worth it in 2008.
To see the complete report, go to salliemae/howamericapays.
A great majority of parents and students surveyed this year strongly agree that college is an investment in
the future.; STAR-LEDGER FILE PHOTO
Document NSL0000020100817e68h00038
Date: 8/17/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: The college tryAs the recession wears on, families struggle to pay for college tuition, expenses
Publication: Star-Ledger
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 287082
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 355433
Article_Body:
Many families have to go to great lengths to pay for college
Kara McGuire Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
932 words
15 August 2010
Charleston Gazette
CGAZ
P5F
English
(Copyright 2010)
MINNEAPOLIS - Jill Jerdee knows firsthand the value of a college degree. She doesn't have one. "Doors
close because I don't have a college degree," said the 43-year-old from Osseo, Minn. That's why she's
encouraging her kids to attend college no matter the cost. "It's going to be like $120,000, $130,000 for
four years. But you need it," she said of a college diploma.
The Great Recession has prompted families to rethink their priorities. But they're still sending kids to
college, although they're having to borrow more, dig deeper into savings and change the way they live to
pay for escalating costs. That's the message from the third annual Sallie Mae-Gallup "How America Pays
for College" study released Tuesday (www.salliemae/howamericapays).
"Families over the last three years, even though they're cutting back in other areas, are continuing to
believe it is an investment," said Sarah Ducich, Sallie Mae's senior vice president for public policy. "We
expected to see some erosion there but we have not."
A whopping 81 percent of parents and 84 percent of students surveyed this year, unchanged from 2008,
strongly agree that college is an investment in the future. The majority of parents continue to believe
college is so important that they're willing to stretch financially to send their kids to school. Of the families
surveyed, 99 percent said they took at least one step to make college more affordable.
"Families are telling me, 'We're not taking vacations, we're not allowing our son or daughter to take a car
to school. We've cut back,'" said Stuart Perry, director of financial aid at St. John's University. He also is
hearing from more families who have run out of options. "They're saying 'I've been unemployed and we've
gone through our savings and I don't have credit to co-sign a loan.'"
In those cases, families may qualify for more need-based aid. The school is also willing to accept tuition
on a monthly payment plan, something "more families are considering," Perry said.
According to the report, families paid an average of $24,097 on college-related expenses - from tuition
and textbooks to living expenses - in 2010. That's a 24 percent increase from the $19,432 reported in the
2009 survey. Parent income and savings covered $8,752 of that amount, followed by grants and
scholarships, student borrowing and student income and savings. While gift money from family and
friends made up the smallest piece of the pie, it is the fastest-growing piece, increasing by 53 percent in
just one year. Of course, a family's actual pie may look quite different from the average.
Middle-income families are most feeling the squeeze. The average family making between $35,000 and
$100,000 paid $7,149 from earnings and savings in 2010, an increase of 34 percent over 2009. Middle-
class parents also borrowed about as much as families making six figures to help their student pay for
school, the survey found.
With the cost of college far outpacing the growth of nonloan financial aid, and the stalled economy dinging
most Americans' net worth, more families are racking up thousands in debt to get that degree. Americans
are now on the hook for $830 billion in student loan debt - a figure that surpasses the $826.5 billion in
revolving credit owed, according to analysis from Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of www.finaid.org. Some
analysts fear student loans, which are nearly impossible to discharge in bankruptcy, will be the American
consumer's next financial crisis.
Ronald Ramsdell, founder of College Aid Consulting Services in Minneapolis, said the economy is forcing
his clients, who come to him while in high school to navigate the financial aid process, to tap sources they
wouldn't have considered in the past. Some are turning to family and friends for assistance. Others are
tapping retirement accounts. A few have resorted to paying for college by borrowing against a stock
portfolio.
"I've been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen things this bleak," Ramsdell said.
Six percent of those surveyed took a retirement savings withdrawal averaging $8,554 to pay for college
costs last school year. The same percentage of respondents resorted to putting an average of $4,943 on
a credit card. Surprisingly, 4 percent of those surveyed managed to tap an average of $11,204 in home
equity to pay for college, even though tighter credit conditions and declining home values shut off this
option for many families. The good news is that more families are using college savings to pay the bills,
indicating that some parents have planned ahead.
It wasn't possible for Jerdee and her husband, Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, to put money away for college,
especially after the store he managed went out of business. So they're helping their kids in other ways.
She co-signed loans for their eldest son, who is a senior at Bemidji State University. They're letting their
son Jake Letofsky live at home rent-free while completing his general requirements at North Hennepin
Community College, a decision that will save him thousands of dollars toward the nursing degree he
plans to pursue at Winona State University. Like Jake, 43 percent of students reported living at home to
reduce college costs. Thirty percent are trying to finish school in fewer semesters.
Document CGAZ000020100817e68f0002v
Date: 8/15/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Many families have to go to great lengths to pay for college
Publication: Charleston Gazette
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 0
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Giving a shout-out
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: In Passing
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 355512
Article_Body:
Many families are turning to retirement accounts to pay bills and college tuition.
By Mark Miller
The recession is eroding retirement security even more deeply, as more Americans tap into all
available resources to meet current needs. In many cases, that means tapping into 401(k)
accounts, IRAs, or taking Social Security early.
Fidelity Investments reported recently that 11 percent of its active 401(k) plan participants
borrowed or withdrew funds from their accounts during the 12-month period ended June 30, up
from 9 percent a year ago--a 10-year high. The portion of participants with loans outstanding
also increased two full percentage points in the second quarter to 22 percent. What's more, five
percent of the participants who took a hardship withdrawal last year did so again this year.
Along with that report comes data suggesting that the number of families tapping retirement
accounts to pay for college expenses this year has doubled. A new study by Gallup and student
lending giant Sallie Mae of more than 1,600 families with college-age children found that 7
percent withdrew or borrowed funds from a 401(k) or IRA for the 2009-2010 academic year, up
from 3 percent in the previous year.
And the amounts withdrawn or borrowed increased to $8,554, up from $5,318 in the previous
year. "That kind of change in a single year is very significant, and very worrisome," said Sarah
Ducich, senior vice president, public policy at Sallie Mae. The key economic concerns expressed
by parents responding to the study included rising tuition, reduced value of their home and a big
increase in worries about declining income due to job loss.
Retirement accounts can be tapped under certain circumstances without incurring a withdrawal
penalty.
The Internal Revenue Service allows hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) for limited and very
specific purposes, including funding of education, medical expenses and funerals, paying
mortgage debt or to avoid foreclosure or eviction. The IRS requires employers to meet tough
qualification requirements, and employees must submit extensive documentation proving the
hardship.
A Roth IRA can be tapped without penalty so long as the funds have been invested a minimum
of five years. However, the funds do generate tax liability as ordinary income--which can impact
eligibility for need-based financial aid in the following year.
Withdrawing funds from a standard IRA before age 59 ½ generally triggers a 10 percent tax
penalty, and the funds also will be taxed as ordinary income (There are certain "special
circumstances" that can exempt you from this rule; see IRS Form 590 for more details.)
Borrowing from a 401(k) account comes with special risks. These loans have five-year terms; if
you leave your job for any reason before then, you must repay in full--or the loan is treated as a
taxable distribution. Plus, if you're under age 59-1/2, you'll pay a 10 percent penalty if you
default on the loan.
Then there's the long-term damage to your retirement savings. Borrowing or withdrawing funds
will inflict serious damage because of the time those funds won't be earning investment returns.
Also lost is the opportunity to earn returns on new investments; in most cases, you can't make
contributions while you have a loan outstanding, and you can't contribute for six months after
you make a hardship withdrawal.
A 35-year-old investor who borrows $25,000 from her 401(k) and repays it over five years
reduces the balance at retirement by about 17 percent, according to the Transamerica Center for
Retirement Studies (The example assumes retirement at 65, a $5,000 annual contribution to the
401(k) and a starting vested balance of $50,000.)
Likewise, a $50,000 hardship withdrawal would set back that same investor at retirement by a
whopping 45 percent.
The nest egg raid also extends to Social Security, where the poor economy is pushing more
Americans to file for early benefits--a move that reduces lifetime benefits sharply in most cases.
Under Social Security rules, your lifetime benefits will be reduced based on an actuarial
projection of your longevity if you file before the current full retirement age of 66. Starting at 62
means you retired four years early; the net effect is that your annual benefits will be reduced
permanently by a total of 25 percent.
The Social Security Administration reports that 73 percent of workers who filed for benefits in
2009 were filing early--that is, sometime before their full retirement age. That number hasn't
changed much since the onset of the economic downturn, but it's an overwhelmingly large
percentage of all filers.
http://www.secondact.com/2010/09/recession-prompts-more-people-to-tap-retirement-savings/
Date: 9/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: Recession Prompts More People to Tap Retirement Savings
Publication: http://www.secondact.com
Mediatype: Blog
Impressions: 9072
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: Distributing media
Prominence: Top 20%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 355521
Article_Body:
USA TODAY Snapshots®
$27,679
$32,454$32,454
$35,201$35,201
$16,436$16,436
$1$13,3,3,7070706 $14,122$1$14,4,12122
By Jae Yang and Paul Trap, USA TODAY
1 - Includes tuition, roomand board and any other school costs
Colleges gettingmore expensive
Total cost1 of attendance per year,
on average:
Source: SallieMae/Gallup
4-year private
4-year
state
2007-
2008
2008-
20092009
2009
Date: 9/7/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: USA TODAY Snapshots®
Publication: USA Today
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 2113725
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays
ArticleID: 355522
Article_Body:
USA TODAY Snapshots®
Source:
Sallie Mae/
Gallup survey
By Jae Yang and Paul Trap, USA TODAY
Student loans rank with
homemortgages
Percentage rating debt as acceptable:
Student
loan
Mortgage
Car
loan
Credit
Card
debt
Source:
Sallie Mae/
Gallup survey
By Jae Yang and Paul Trap, USA TODAY
Date: 9/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
Title: USA TODAY Snapshots®
Publication: USA Today
Mediatype: Print
Impressions: 2113725
Organization: Sallie Mae
Conversation_Type: General News
Prominence: Bottom 80%
Dominance: Dominant
Tone: Neutral
Subject: Gallup: How America Pays