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My first question after reading about seven teachers in an Atlanta, Ga., public school accused of altering standardized test scores to make it appear students performed better than they actually did was: How could they!?

A Future Stuck in the Pipeline

High-stakes testing, zero tolerance, militarized security and sadistic underfunding, has succeeded in warping public education beyond recognition, especially in low-income, zero-political-clout neighborhoods. And the result is kids with no future

Financial Aid Group Calls on Feds to Shore Up Lending to Parents

Parents are increasingly borrowing through a federal program to fund their children's college education. Called Parent Plus, the program has no hard limits on what parents may borrow

Boys in the Back of the Class

Every year, millions of American kids show up at kindergarten woefully unprepared to learn. Some can't even tell you their own complete name, let alone spell any of it. That's enough reason for 'high-quality universal preschool' programs

You Can't Fix Education by Lowering the Bar

It burns -- I tell you this from experience -- to realize people have judged you by a lower standard, especially when you had the ability to meet the higher one all along. So this 'interim' cannot end soon enough

Pakistan's Malala: Everyone's Daughter in the Fight for Girls' Education

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban for demanding that she and other girls go to school, is rightly becoming the icon for 32 million girls worldwide who are out of primary school

Education Can Replace the Loss of Hope

Extending educational opportunity is an urgent moral, economic and security imperative. Fortunately, there are good grounds for believing that we can move quickly to deliver new and better chances for young people

An Education Reform That Will Work

The United States is a wealthy nation of dummies. Does it have to be this way? Of course not. In fact experts have argued that a relatively direct way to improve school achievement is to enroll all children in preschool

Turning College Students into a Commodity

Looking at America's trillion-dollar student debt crisis, free-market purists have had a revelation. The crisis can be healed by getting government out of the student loan business. In other words, turn students into Wall Street commodities

The New American Helots

The New American Helots. Over the last few decades, we've created millions of indebted young Americans with little prospect of finding permanent well-paying work, servicing their enormous college debts

The Commencement Address That Won't Be Given

As a former secretary of labor and current professor, I feel I owe it to you college graduates to tell you the truth about the pieces of parchment you're picking up today. You're screwed

Income-Based Diversity Push Falls Short at Elite Colleges

A few years ago, Harvard University startled the academic world and many of the rest of us by offering what many would call a form of class-based affirmative action. How has it worked out? Unfortunately, not as well as many had hoped

College, Loans and the Road to Success

It is something of a truism that whenever the federal government steps in, costs usually rise and efficiency declines. That is especially true when it comes to a college education

Avoid 5 Assumptions About College Financial Aid

As you compare award offers, understand what you're looking at to make the best decision

Engagement Is Key to Community College Success

In a new book, one graduate details how forming relationships and getting involved is critical

Computer Science Transitions From Elective to Requirement

The digital age is here to stay, so some colleges are updating mandatory general education courses

Future in Politics Less Desirable Among Today's Pre-Law Students

Some students say heavy law school debts and political gridlock may be to blame

College Student Leaders Divided on Benefits of Student Government

Applicants may find no middle ground in the ways people view the student government experience

6 Resume Writing Tips for Business School Grads

Follow these rules to ensure your resume makes an impression and helps you land a job

How to Get In: Tulane University A. B. Freeman School of Business

We posed questions to admissions officials at the Tulane University A. B. Freeman School of Business regarding the application process, what they look for in applicants, and what sets their school apart. These are their responses

New Three-Year Degree Programs Trim College Costs

Some schools offer or are planning to debut fast-track bachelor's degree programs that only hit families' wallets for three years

Free Online Classes May Help MBA Students

What students can do, professors say, is use free courses to supplement or prepare themselves for their business degrees

Steps to Success at Community College

Here are some tips to reach your goal

Tips to Finish Community College

Attending community college can be a major cost saver, provided you stay on track

Tips to Overcome a Bad Grade in College

Professors say there are ways to deal with a bad grade that don't exhaust the instructor and actually help students be more successful next time. Here are three tips for how to do that

Look Out for These Federal Aid Changes in 2012

New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college

5 Great College Towns for Winter Enthusiasts

For students who place great importance on outdoor activities during the winter season, here are five great college towns -- in alphabetical order -- for you to consider

Tips for First-Generation College Students

Find out how one first-gen student tackled college, and how you can succeed, too

3 Tips to Master the TOEFL

Proving a mastery of the English language is a crucial step in coming to the United States for college or graduate school -- a goal that's becoming more pervasive and increasingly competitive

New Guarantees Help College Students Graduate in Four Years

Some colleges are offering ways to ensure students' timely exits

Tips for College Applicants, Students with Physical Disabilities

Applicants should try to visit campuses and prepare, as students, to advocate for their needs. Here are four tips for disabled applicants and students

How to Get the Most Money for Your Textbooks

For students who are using campus bookstores for buybacks, here are a few tips that may help you get more cash for your textbooks

How to Kick Off Your Student Loan Repayments

If you're still unsure about how to proceed with your loan repayments, use these tips to gain some clarity

With College, Only the Motivated Need Apply

At the current price tag, it makes no economic sense to send most kids to college

Government Is Behind the Curve

President Obama wants the United States to have the world's highest proportion of college graduates by 2020. But is a college degree still worth what it once was?

How to Go to Medical School for Free

From merit-based to military scholarships, here's how to do medical school without going bankrupt

Students Can Ditch Competition by Interning This Spring

Many spring internship listings have been popping up on company websites and job boards, and because there's less competition for these positions, they may work better than summer programs for some students. But leaving campus during spring semester requires serious academic planning

5 New Ways Colleges Are Reaching High School Students

There are some colleges and universities that are breathing new life into the recruiting process in order to supplement -- or buck -- the traditions. Here are five examples of schools using social media and technology to connect with prospective college students

College Admissions Officials Turn to Facebook to Research Students

When a prospective student applies to college, it is expected that his or her application profile will be judged -- whether it be on grades, standardized test scores, or a combination of factors. A growing trend among college admissions officers, though, involves a different profile check of an applicant: a Facebook profile

LinkedIn Transforms Job Search for M.B.A. Graduates

Business schools are encouraging students to start early and be active on the social networking site

Some Teens Start College Work Early Via Dual Enrollment

Concurrent enrollment offers students a chance to get high school and college credit simultaneously

How to Get In: University of Texas-Austin McCombs School of Business

We posed questions to admissions officials at the University of Texas-Austin McCombs School of Business regarding the application process, what they look for in applicants, and what sets their school apart. These are their responses

Avoid Social Media MBAs, Some Students Say

A course or two in social media can be helpful, but students say it's not worth a whole concentration

Starving Public Universities Shrinks the Middle Class

America is already making it harder for young people of modest means to attend college. Public higher education is being starved, and the middle class will shrink even more as a result

Tips for Choosing an M.B.A. Concentration

Since choosing a specialty can be a point of anxiety, business school deans, students, and career advisers offer the following tips for selecting a degree focus

Evolution of American Higher Education

Institutions must shed old ways, leave comfort zone, to keep college education relevant, desirable

Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree

When thinking about how to pay for an online education, keep these factors in mind

Time Management Tips for Online Students

These time management tips from online learning veterans can help you stay ahead of the game

Economy Puts a Premium on Postsecondary Skills

College is still a good deal, on average, for most students. But it could be a better deal for more people, and needs to be for America to remain competitive in the 21st century

College Graduates Earn Higher Pay

During a recession, there are bound to be those who would advise students to skip college. This, however, is bad advice

More, Better Jobs for College Graduates

The current fad for totting up the negatives and dismissing the worth of college is wrong

With College Degree, One Size Does Not Fit All

Yes, a college degree still matters, but it requires work, particularly when selecting such an important investment

College Is a Safe Bet

Plenty of evidence suggests that, on average, a college degree is worth it

You Can Lead Kids to College but You Can't Make Them Learn

A college degree has become the easiest way to signal to employers that a person is reasonably hardworking and will show up on time. That's an awfully expensive signal mechanism

A College Degree Is Well Worth the Time, Cost, and Effort

For most students, the benefits of a college degree will outweigh the costs

Some Career Pathways Require a Four-Year College Degree, Many Don't

The question of whether a college degree -- especially a four-year college degree -- is still 'worth it' is not so simple

At Some Colleges, Professors Live in Dorms, Too

Faculty-in-residence programs have proliferated, and an online search yields dozens, if not hundreds, of university websites detailing programs that embed faculty in dorms

7 Ways to Slip Through the Sophomore Slump

It's not uncommon for college sophomores to experience something called the Sophomore Slump: feelings of boredom and apathy because the newness of college has worn off. Here are some ways to ensure the Sophomore Slump doesn't ruin all you worked for during your first year

Colleges Step Up to Meet Dyslexia Challenge

Even high-achieving students may find it difficult to be admitted to competitive colleges, but for those with dyslexia, the hurdles can be higher. A growing number of colleges, though, are showing a greater appreciation for these students

How to Save Time On Your College Applications

College applications require thought, honesty, and time. But, depending on where you plan to apply, you may be able to trim some of your workload by submitting one application to multiple schools. Keeping in mind that you shouldn't apply to numerous colleges just because you can, here are some time-savers to consider

Output Metrics Increasingly Influence College Decisions

While they're useful, don't solely rely on output metrics like starting salary when choosing a school

How to Get In: Georgia Institute of Technology College of Management

We posed questions to admissions officials at the Georgia Institute of Technology College of Management regarding the application process, what they look for in applicants, and what sets their school apart. These are their responses

How to Get In: Purdue University Krannert School of Management

We posed questions to admissions officials at the Purdue University Krannert School of Management regarding the application process, what they look for in applicants, and what sets their school apart. These are their responses

More Schools Debut Tuition Guarantee Programs

While tuition guarantees can lend a degree of clarity to financial forecasting, attending a school with such a program won't necessarily be the least expensive option

5 Shocking Facts About Student Loan Debt

It has surpassed credit card debt and has twice the delinquency rate

Obama to High-Priced Universities: 'You're on Notice'

President Obama announced plans to limit college tuition costs by punishing schools that don't keep prices down

Steps to Take if Your College Student Fails a Class

Check out how parents can be supportive when grades aren't up to par but should avoid overstepping

Information Security MBA's Teach Business Side of Cybersecurity

Business schools train grad students to handle security breaches and protect customer data

Weighing Costs of an Online Master's in Nursing

Unlike engineering or IT professionals registered nurses may see little movement in their paychecks if they advance their degrees. Here's why

3 Career Reasons Why Students Get Online MBAs

Here are three reasons why some students choose an online M.B.A. program to meet their career goals

Waste Of Time For Business Students to Take Courses on Government

Some business schools are adding political coursework to their curricula to reflect an evolving corporate landscape. But some executives denounce this development as a fad and discourage M.B.A. students from studying politics

Going to College Is a Mistake for Many

Just as buying speculative stocks makes sense for some investors but not others, so 'investing' in a college education has a payoff for some -- but for many others it is a mistake

Student Debt Reaches All-Time High

A new report from the Project on Student Debt shows that average debt for college seniors graduating in 2010 was $25,250, the highest on record, and up 5.2 percent from the 2009 figure of $24,000

Tips for Mastering Alumni Interviews

Be yourself, ask questions, and follow these tips to impress graduates of your prospective college

4 Tips for Making the Most of Liberal Arts Degrees

Type 'liberal arts degrees are,' into Google, and the search engine suggests you finish the line with 'worthless' or 'useless.' And how should a liberal arts student respond to that charge?

Even As They Proliferate, Online MBAs Remain Controversial

Though some applaud the flexibility and cost of online M.B.A.s others say their value is inflated

How to Apply to College for Free

You don't have to spend a fortune on your college applications -- or any money at all. Here's how

President Lays Out New Student Loan Rules

For millions of Americans the cost of college and graduate school can mean decades of financial hardship. With a new proposal, the Obama administration hopes to provide some relief, but the magnitude of that relief is far from clear

Some Recommend Working for Colleges for Free Tuition

Many schools offer free education to staff, and some waive or reduce tuition for staffers' dependents

Common Application Goes Mobile With New Site

The Common Application's new mobile site streamlines the site for high school seniors and admissions officers at the 456 colleges that currently accept the Common App

Baby Boomers Keep Learning With Continuing Education Classes

Classes geared toward older students are not unusual at American universities, though their labels can get tricky

Why Math and Science Education Means More Jobs

Our future depends on the strength of our scientific spine. Spelled out, it's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM, as it has become known. The skills derived from a STEM education are the mission-critical elements of the jobs of tomorrow, for they are directly linked to economic productivity and competitive products

6 Ways to Network While You're in College

Here's why you should build your network before you need a job -- and how to do it

Growing Number of College Grads Filing for Bankruptcy Protection

A rising number of college graduates are filing for bankruptcy protection, says a study by the Institute for Financial Literacy scheduled for release

Back to School and Deeper in Debt

It's not the education that's changed; it's the circumstances surrounding it. Increasingly, graduating from college no longer means putting your education to work for you -- it now means being a virtual indentured servant to your education. Instead of propelling you into the future, more and more it means trapping you in the past

Dipping Into Your Retirement Account to Pay for College

When using retirement accounts to pay for college, the type of retirement account and the timing of the transaction can determine how much of your savings will be applied to the tuition bill. And, of course, withdrawals and loans can hurt your retirement security. If you're considering tapping your nest egg for college costs, here's what you need to watch out for

Colleges Offer Hidden Savings to Students

Though tuitions are rising and government budgets for education programs have been slashed, there are still deals to be had at colleges across the country. Colleges nationwide are implementing initiatives such as these to ease some costs of the college experience

5 Ways Commuters Can Make Campus Feel Like Home

With a little hard work and some planning, you or your commuter student can have a successful college experience. Here's what commuters and academic advisers recommend you do to make your college experience feel as authentic as possible

College Dropouts Rob Feds of Billions

Despite efforts by President Obama to boost college graduation rates, more than 40 percent of freshmen don't graduate and that's costing Uncle Sam and state governments billions in lost tax income -- and even more in lost income to the dropouts

Student Loans Pack Surprising Benefits

For students who borrow just what they need to finance a degree they're serious about earning, student loans can add a few positives to one's college experience. Here are at least four benefits to consider

These Free Websites Help Students With Classwork

Homework may require the use of an online calculator or searching for recent news events on Twitter, but it seems that when there's classwork to be done, Internet distractions beckon. Fortunately, there are free websites that will actually help you focus, study for tests, and complete research

4 Overlooked Ways to Pay for College

Whether you'll be moving into your dorm room in two months or you're starting to save now for your toddler's college education, here are four often-overlooked considerations that may lessen your financial burden

Weigh the Value of a Summer Business Program

Summer Business programs typically range from 4 to 10 weeks; most are offered only to students hailing from nonbusiness backgrounds and are available to recent college graduates or students enrolled at the host college or any other school. The bulk of what is taught is on par with material covered in introductory business courses at the undergraduate level

Prediction Tools Gauge College Admissions Chances

It is one of the most important-and stressful -- decisions for a student, and narrowing a list of potential colleges is often a daunting process. Many families, confused and overwhelmed by the challenge, rely on outside assistance to ease the burden. Some students are event using prediction tools to determine their future college admissions prospects

Pros and Cons of Taking the GMAT in College

According to data from the Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT, students who take the test when they're 20 or 21, presumably while they're still in school, score an average of 39 points better than their 22- and 23-year-old counterparts

10 Most Expensive Public Colleges

Here's the list of the 10 most expensive public colleges and universities for in-state students based on tuition and required fees. These figures do not include room and board, books, and other miscellaneous costs

Steps to Financially Prepare Your Student for College

Preparing your child to be financially successful in college is a delicate balance between supplying enough funds and know-how. Here's what to brief your students on before they head off to school -- and what you should let your children learn on their own

Navigate the Booming Computer Science Market

Computer science students with either bachelor's or master's degrees are in demand now and are expected to be for the next decade. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, there will be an estimated 1.8 million new IT jobs by 2018, a 22 percent jump from today's market

How Higher Education Affects Lifetime Salary

While those earning master's, doctoral, or professional degrees still earn more during their careers than those with less education, the gap is closing

Unfinished College Degree Means Less Money

As incoming college freshman start this next chapter of their lives, more than 40 percent of them will not graduate. According to analysts, college dropouts will cost the United States billions of dollars in lost earnings and therefore millions of dollars in lost tax revenue

American Parents Tapping Into Retirement Fund to Pay For College Education

To fund the college education of their children, American parents are tapping into their retirement savings. A recent study by Sallie Mae and Gallup found that last year the number of parents who took a loan or withdrew from the 401(k) plans jumped to 7.4 percent from 3.4 percent.

7 Tools to Aid the College Admissions Process

The route to choosing a college oftentimes involved a lot of frustration and legwork. However as technology advances, digital tools have become more prevalent in making this life-altering process more manageable. Here are just a few of those tools available to students and parents

LinkedIn Offers New Options for Students

In an effort to aid young professionals in their job searches, LinkedIn -- the social network of more than 100 million members and recognized for connecting professionals -- has added new sections to its profiles that allow students and graduates with limited

10 Colleges That Lead to Graduate School

Here are the 10 colleges with the highest percentages of graduates that went on to pursue graduate degrees within a year

5 Tips to Use the Summer Before College Wisely

After running a 12-year marathon, many high school seniors cross a long-awaited finish line with both a diploma and a college acceptance letter in hand. And between that race and the next lay three warm summer months, often devoid of responsibility. How should students fill that time? Here's five tips to successfully manage the summer before their freshman year of college

10 Private Universities With Largest Financial Endowments

Here's the list of the 10 universities with the largest financial endowments, according to data reported by the schools to U.S. News

College Tuition Data Released for the First Time

Students and parents found out the most expensive and most affordable universities across the nation when the Education Department for the first time released data on the costs of a college education. Universities that have hiked their tuition the most must justify the increases in a report to the agency

Ask College Officials About Graduation Rates

What better way to gauge the extent to which you will be valued in a given academic environment than to determine that place's likely investment in your success? As you visit college campuses, then, be prepared to ask following questions

10 Least Expensive Public Colleges for In-State Students

Here's the list of the 10 Least Expensive Public Colleges for In-State Students and universities for in-state students based on tuition and required fees. These figures do not include room and board, books, and other miscellaneous costs

10 Least Expensive Private Colleges

How to Qualify for Out-of-State Tuition Breaks

Students in nearly every state may qualify for these types of programs, though the tuition breaks aren't always well known and often require a student or parent to be proactive in applying for the reduction

5 Ways Summer Melt May Mean Financial Aid for You

Every year, prospective students who have committed to a school back out in the 11th hour, a trend commonly known as summer melt. Don't expect these summer melt funds to fall into your lap, however. Use these five tips to earn more financial assistance from your school in the few weeks before you start classes

An Expensive, Alternative Route to Medical School

For students with mediocre-to-above-average grades, all hope is not lost. There are dozens of postbaccalaureate premedical programs that offer students a chance to take science classes like organic chemistry, molecular biology, and physics they either struggled with or avoided altogether

The Growing Culture of Unpaid Internships

If it seems like an increasing number of internship opportunities are unpaid, that's because they are. And while college students, recent graduates, and even mid-life career-changers are often willing to go without a paycheck to gain experience, not everyone supports this work-for-free phenomenon

The Ethics of Unpaid Internships

In an economy where companies and organizations often can't afford to hire, bringing an intern on board has become common practice. New graduates often jump at these opportunities even if the internship doesn't include a paycheck, because paid jobs that offer relevant work experience are few and far between in this struggling economy. But how many of these opportunities are legal?

Go Overseas to Find Yourself

A growing number of students are taking a gap year between high school and college, according to gap year organizations. Often, they are using that time to travel abroad where they volunteer, study a new language, work -- or, usually, a little of each

10 Most Expensive Private Business Schools

Check out the 10 Most Expensive Private Business Schools based on tuition and required fees

10 Least Expensive Private Business Schools

Check out the 10 Least Expensive Private Business Schools based on tuition and required fees

10 Least Expensive Public Business Schools for Out-of-State Students

Check out the 10 Least Expensive Public Business Schools for Out-of-State Students based on tuition and required fees

10 Least Expensive Public Business Schools for In-State Students

Check out the 10 Least Expensive Public Business Schools for In-State Students based on tuition and required fees

10 Most Expensive Public Business Schools for In-State Students

Check out the 10 Most Expensive Public Business Schools for In-State Students based on tuition and required fees

10 Most Expensive Public Business Schools for Out-of-State Students

Check out the 10 most expensive public business schools for out-of-state students based on tuition and required fees

10 Least Expensive Public Colleges for Out-of-State Students

Here's the list of the 10 Least Expensive Public Colleges for Out-of-State Students and universities based on tuition and required fees. These figures do not include room and board, books, and other miscellaneous costs

10 Most Expensive Public Colleges for Out-of-State Students

Here's the list of the 10 Most Expensive Public Colleges for Out-of-State Students and universities based on tuition and required fees. These figures do not include room and board, books, and other miscellaneous costs

10 Most Expensive Private Colleges

When many think of the most expensive schools in the nation, top ranked institutions such as Harvard University and Williams College likely first come to mind. Neither is amongst the top 10 most expensive private universities

Visit College Campuses From Home

Thanks to the growth of social media and technology, prospective college students can learn a lot without leaving the comforts of their own homes. Here are five online resources that reveal more about what college life is really like

M.B.A. Programs Tackle Global Challenge

Much more needs to be done to fully integrate an international mindset into the culture of business schools, says Guy Pfeffermann, founder and CEO of the Global Business School Network, which is working with business schools in the hopes of accelerating their efforts to truly go global

CEOs Teach in MBA Classrooms

Most CEOs spend the latter years of their professional lives giving presentations in high-pressure board rooms for select groups of middle-aged power brokers, not in lecture halls filled with green but eager M.B.A. students. However, a few opt to trade in their corner office for office hours and venture into the world of higher education

Business Schools Recruit Poets, Philosophers and Scientists

Several business school graduate programs have recently started targeting students without business experience. Prominent business schools that offer Master of Arts in Management degrees include Wake Forest University, Duke University , the University of Virginia and the University of Florida

Colleges That Offer Courses and Choices for Vegetarians

Some schools already have a multitude of opportunities for students to experiment with new ways of eating. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian, are considering restricting your diet, or you simply want to learn more about the environmental impacts of eating meat, here is a selection of the colleges that may foster your lifestyle choices

5 Ways to Make a Jobless Summer Productive

Once the allure of three months without homework and tests wears off and boredom inevitably takes hold, you'll likely want to focus on making this summer as productive as possible. For college students who still don't have an internship or job, here are ways to use the next three months to strengthen their chances to succeed in school and get hired in the future

Fighting the Freshman 15 With Calorie Counts

Northwestern University is one of many schools that have begun to prominently display calorie counts and other nutrition information, such as grams of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, in their dining facilities in recent years. This trend is endemic of a larger push among the American populace, and students are no exception

10 Universities With the Smallest Classes

Small classes aren't commonplace at universities. This tends to hold especially true for freshmen and sophomores, who oftentimes take introductory level courses -- typically in mathematics, science, or social science -- sitting next to 400 of their closest friends. However, data reported by colleges indicate there are exceptions to this rule

Get a Head Start on College Visits

As seniors finish the taxing college admissions process, sophomores and juniors are beginning their own search for a future home. For students and parents alike, one of the first tasks is deciding which colleges and universities to visit

How to Evaluate College Financial Aid Options

As high school seniors watch their mailboxes waiting for thick envelopes that signal a college acceptance, their parents wait for another form of communication from schools -- financial aid award letters. Here's how to evaluate financial aid offers

Graduate Schools Quantify Your Potential

In July 2009, the Educational Testing Service began offering the Personal Potential Index. This new evaluation tool is designed to quantify a student's abilities in six areas: knowledge and creativity, communication skills, teamwork, resilience, planning and organization, and ethics and integrity. In its brief existence, the PPI has gained momentum in the graduate school admissions world

4 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language in College

Given the increasingly international nature of the business world, the need for college students to learn a foreign language -- particularly in-demand languages like Chinese, Spanish, or Arabic -- is greater than ever, education experts say. Use these four tips to pick, and learn, a language that could prove beneficial to your career

6 Steps to Beating the Shortage of Financial Aid

Although nearly every college student wants a scholarship to help pay tuition, only about 50 percent of college students are expected to receive free money in 2011 and 2012. And the shortage of scholarships is expected to be especially severe in 2011 and 2012. But financial aid experts say there are six steps students can take right now to improve their odds of being in the lucky 50 percent

Make College Worth the Cost

Over the past 25 years, college tuition and fees have risen three times as fast as individual family income, according to the College Board, and tuition has increased over the past decade at a rate of 5.6 percent per year beyond the rate of general inflation. That's not all the fault of the colleges, of course

Specialized College Majors: High Risk and High Reward

Though specializing within your major may seem like the fast track to a job and competitive salary immediately after graduation, many career counselors, hiring consultants, and academic officials think it's wise for students to diversify their undergraduate experience

YouTube Goes to College

Berkeley is one of nearly 450 universities worldwide -- roughly 390 of which are in the U.S. and Canada -- that have established a channel via YouTube EDU. In total, the schools have uploaded 63,500 hours -- or about seven years -- worth of video content, ranging from class lectures to interactive question-and-answer 'office hours' with professors

Financial Aid 101: Fill Out the FAFSA

Wondering how you'll pay for college? Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you don't, it could cost you thousands in grants, work-study, low-interest federal loans -- and need-based scholarships.

Pros and Cons of a Post-graduation Gap Year

Thinking of taking a year off after graduation and before heading into the workplace or grad school? No, we're not talking about a break to slouch on the couch. We're talking about a gap year. Here, are the pros and cons from recent grads who've done it

Top Ways to Save Money At College

College tuition at public universities is up 24 percent in just the last five years. With graduation right around the corner, many high school seniors and their families are wondering how they can save on one of the biggest expenses they'll face. Assuming you've already made your choice of colleges, here are some top ways to conserve resources while in school

Customize and Digitize Your College Education

AcademicPub allows professors to build custom course packs online that have automatic copyright clearance. Students can purchase these online and either print them in the school bookstore, have them shipped directly by AcademicPub, or read them as a high resolution PDF via any digital reader

Online Education May Transform Higher Ed

Can online education be the rock that disturbs the placid waters of American higher education? Several industry experts believe it will have a significant ripple effect on colleges and universities of all sizes in coming years

Searching for 'Perfect Fit' College Can Be A Big Mistake

College admissions officers tell applicants they are looking for students who fit on campus. High school counselors tell students that they need to find a college that fits their unique learning styles and interests. Now, a few counselors are starting to worry that the emphasis on college fit is giving too many high schoolers the notion that there is a perfect match college out there for them

New Website Streamlines College-Aid Application

During the next few weeks, prospective college students will be hovering over their computers, thumbing through federal tax forms and logging on to the web site for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form is the key to unlocking millions of dollars in loans, scholarships, grants and other tuition-assistance dollars. What families will find is a completely redesigned website

Law Students Rank Their Future

Prospective law students put more weight on a school's ranking than any other factor, a survey of 1,383 people who recently took the LSAT finds. In a recent survey by Kaplan Test Prep, 30 percent of respondents claimed that a school's rank was the most important factor in their decision-making process. However, Law school experts aren't sure this is the right approach

Resolutions That Could Lower Your College Tuition

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to find more money for college, here are six steps you can take to reduce the financial pain of higher education

10 Paying College Jobs That Look Good on Your Resume

It may be hard to find a job, but that won't be a good excuse for a slim resume when you're sitting across from a recruiter next year. Like it or not, college students are expected to pull good grades in tough classes while gaining professional experience on the side. These 10 jobs are great choices for students because they look good on a resume

10 College Classes That Impact the Outside World

An increasing number of undergraduate programs are letting their students apply their burgeoning skills in arenas outside the classroom. The following are a few examples of courses that allow undergraduate students to make a significant impact beyond the confines of their colleges, while honing skills that may one day be applicable to their careers

How to Accept College Rejection

You're upset. You're disappointed. After waiting four stress-filled months to hear from that dream school, your teenager didn't get the news she was hoping for. What can you do about it? Fire back your own letter

Colleges Bring Campuses to Facebook

Times have changed in college admissions. Gone are the days when a prospective student could be targeted with a single pamphlet in the mail. High schoolers can now learn a wealth of information about a university just by logging onto Facebook. Not to be outdone, college admissions offices have embraced Facebook to connect with, recruit, and research potential students

10 Steps to Picking the Right College

The college selection process doesn't need to be overwhelmingly stressful for students or parents -- it can even be fun, experts say. Take a deep breath and use these tips from college officials, coaches, and counselors to find the right college for you

Online Law Schools Have Yet to Pass the Bar

Enrolling in an online law school program may seem like a convenient alternative to spending three years and more than $100,000 on a traditional legal education, especially for working adults -- but prospective students should be wary of the potential pitfalls, experts say

A Harvard Education Is Not As Advertised

This is a warning to prospective college students: be careful what you wish for. For nearly the past three years, I have been a student at Harvard, a university whose formula for undergraduate prestige has created an international reputation far beyond that of even its closest competitors. But as any undergraduate who actually attends the school knows, the Harvard education is overrated

The College That Rejects You May Be Doing You a Favor

You are at a crossroads. In a matter of days, you will get letters from colleges you applied to. Some will be thick. You will like those. Some will be thin. You won't like those so much. I am here to say don't fret if that letter is thin. You will survive. You may even prosper. Here's why

College Rejections Are Not the End of the World

Where I live, the land of perpetual green, nothing ushers the arrival of spring like a fat -- or thin -- letter from the college of one's dreams. Ah, yes, it's that time again, when thousands of anxious applicants will rip open an envelope (or click on a website) to find out their post-high school fate

Where the Fortune 500 CEOs Went to College

Ivy League schools produce a disproportionate amount of corporate leaders, according to a U.S. News study of the educational backgrounds of 2010's Fortune 500 CEOs

Get Into Business School: Work Experience

Business schools place great value on their applicants' work and leadership experience. If you're considering pursuing an M.B.A., it's integral that you amass experience that will stand out to business school admissions counselors. Here's how to use work experience to get a leg up when applying to business school

Get Into Business School: Letters of Recommendation

Finding the right people to write your letters of recommendation is no simple task. Chioma Isiadinso -- a former admissions official at Carnegie Mellon University and Harvard Business School and author of the book The Best Business Schools' Admissions Secrets -- offers advice on choosing someone who can portray you in the best and most accurate light

Get Into Business School: Admissions Essays

Crafting an intricate admissions essay is perhaps the most daunting part of applying to business school. Here's insight on how to write an essay that will set you apart from the competition

Early Applicants More Likely to Gain College Admission

High school seniors who apply to college early -- through 'Early Decision' or 'Early Action' programs with fall deadlines -- are more likely to receive admission letters than those who apply using the regular deadlines and processes at more than 80 percent of the colleges that report such statistics

In Defense of the Liberal Arts

The liberal arts face a perfect storm. The economy is struggling with obscenely high unemployment and is mired in massive federal and state deficits. Budget-cutting won't spare education

Where to Start if You Want to Be a Rhodes Scholar

How the Government Overestimates Your Ability to Pay for College

4 Steps to Maximize Your College Savings

Be on the Alert for Scholarship Scams

Save on College Visits

Big Changes to College Admissions

Here Come $60,000-A-Year Colleges

Federal Grants and Tax Breaks Help Reduce Tuition Pain

4 Steps to Get Free Money in Your College Savings Account

Rebate Deals Make It Easier to Save for College

Online Universities: 5 Tips Before You Pursue a Degree

Online Universities: Online Degrees Gain Respect