Will There Be Less Competition After 2025?

2025! That's when experts say that the bubble will burst. Fewer babies born after the 2008 recession, especially in New England, will lead to a decrease in college-going students after 2025. 

New Allowance In Effect for 529 Plans

You can now use your 529 college savings plan to pay for private school -- from elementary to high school.  This bill was signed into law in December 2017 and could have interesting financial implications for your family. So I would talk to your financial planner or accountant to learn more.

Flaship State Universities Becoming More Popular Among Students

According to the Washington Post, the most recent federal data reveals that 1.3 million applications were submitted for fall 2016 undergraduate admission to the 50 state flagship universities.  That is up 79% from ten years earlier.  What is driving this trend?  Out-of-state applicants, both domestic and international, have risen dramatically over the past ten years.  Many public universities look to these out-of-state applicants paying higher tuition to offset shortfalls in state funding. In addition, more in-state students are turning to their public institution as a more affordable option.  We will continue to examine the private colleges’ and universities’ response to this trend, if any, as well as how to advise our current families in response to this increasingly competitive environment.

Want to Graduate Faster? Look Abroad!

It takes only three years to earn a typical full-time bachelor's degree in the United Kingdom (not Scotland, however). In addition, students dive head first into their major right away - and focus exclusively on that subject.

"What are distribution requirements?!?!"

International Student Enrollment Down

International student numbers are down - by more than 7% - with universities in the midwest feeling the sting of lost revenue the most! 

More Students Are Looking at Law Schools

Law school is hot! According to the Law School Admission Council, the number of people applying for fall 2018 admission is up 12% as compared with last year. This is the first increase of significance in many years. 

Why Colleges Are Getting More Expensive

A recent survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education, "Filling the Funding Gap," asked college leaders how they plan to keep up with the increased challenges of funding for technology, innovation, and change. 68% said that they would likely raise tuition, 67% would raise student fees including room and board, and 52% planned on reducing staff.   

What Should You Do For a Career?

A recent Pew Research poll found that 34% of Americans would recommend a STEM focus for a high school student seeking career advice. Another third would advise that students follow their passion or pursue something that they love. Among this group, however, younger respondents tended to favor the "do what you love" path, unlike older respondents who favor STEM or technology careers.