For almost 30 years, average college costs have annually risen higher than the rate of inflation.

The average  annual sticker price of private college — that's tuition, fees, room and board — is over $51,000 a year, and many of the top colleges have crossed the $72,500-a-year barrier. While a large percentage of college students qualify for some form of aid, applying for—and more importantly, maximizing your eligibility for—this financial aid can be a challenging process. Our book Paying for College  offers detailed, annually updated guidance on completing these applications to maximal advantage. In addition to advice on aid recent FAFSA changes, how to plan long-term for college costs, and how to find the best student loans, the new 2021 Edition also looks at aid that might be available as a result of COVID-19. As an independent financial aid consultant, author Kalman A. Chany has helped thousands of parents cut tens of thousands of dollars off the cost of their children's college education.

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Get your copy of Paying for College, 2021 Edition.

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  College Hopes & Worries Survey

  Every year, we survey college applicants and their parents about their dream schools, their biggest challenges, and what factors into their college search. Check out some of our key 2020 findings.

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  Advice on Paying for College

  Read college advice articles with our expert tips on how to finance your college education.

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  Guide to Student Loans

  From federal to private, here’s a rundown of what every college applicant needs to know about student loans.

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  12 Ways to Pay Less for College

  Get financial aid tips from the author of Paying for College.