The New York Times 'Your Money' personal finance columnist offers a deeply reported and emotionally honest approach to the biggest financial decision families will ever make: what to pay for college.

"The cost of a college degree has increased by 1,125% since 1978 - four times the rate of inflation. Total student debt is $1.3 trillion. Many private universities charge tuitions ranging from $60-70,000 per year. Nearly 2/3 of all college students must borrow to study, and the average student graduates with more than $30,000 in debt. 53% of college graduates under 25 years old are unemployed or underemployed (working part-time or in low-paying...

"Financing a college education is a daunting task no matter what your circumstances. With line-by-line instructions for filling out the FAFSA and consumer-friendly advice to minimize college costs, Paying for College helps you take control of your experience and: Maximize your financial aid eligibility ; Learn how COVID-19 and the latest tax laws affect the financing of your college education ; Explore long- and short-term strategies to reduce college...

"With information on online and part-time classes and new financial aid, loan, and scholarship opportunities, this updated resource teaches adult students how to find and win scholarships, get financial aid for online programs, receive larger financial aid packages, take advantage of educational tax breaks, and cancel education debts with loan forgiveness programs"--