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Consumer Information and Additional Resources

Federal Student Aid Programs

State Financial Aid

Macalester Financial Aid

General Macalester College Information

College Savings Plans & Prepaid Tuition Plans

(also known as section 529 plans or Qualified State Tuition Plans)

  • Earnings on savings invested in College Savings Plans are tax-deferred for federal purposes. Many states also offer tax-deferment on earnings or other tax incentives.
  • Withdrawals for qualified educational expenses are not subject to federal income tax.
  • Many College Savings Plans offer a variety of investment options.
  • Prepaid Tuition Plans are guaranteed to increase in value at the same rate that tuition increases.
  • College Savings Plans & Prepaid Tuition Plans may be used at most colleges and universities.
  • Plan savings can sometimes be transferred between family members.

See also:

Additional Resources

finaid.org
General information about financial aid. Includes family contribution estimator and scholarship search services.

Fastweb.com
A free scholarship search service.

The College Board
General information about paying for college, CSS Profile registration, online family contribution estimator.

The United States Department of Education
Information about Federal Student Aid programs.

Loan Servicing and Collection Information

Finaid.org for Parents
Includes college savings calculator, financial aid estimator, loan information, scholarship search, et al.

The Motley Fool
Consult the Fool for an overview of college savings strategies and calculators.

National Merit Deadlines