college debt

Money Troubles: Who's Hurting the Most in Today's Economy

The sluggish economy has made money tighter across the nation, but, no surprise, the pain isn't being shared equally. A recent survey from Bankrate asked Americans how they're feeling about their finances, and reveals which groups are struggling the most.

How I Went Bankrupt at 23

For as long as Amanda Chatel could remember, her dad had warned her about the dangers of credit cards. Then she got to college and began ignoring those warnings -- repeatedly.

Older Workers Flock Back to School ... and Student Loans

The best route to a secure job still runs through the classroom, and droves of middle-aged Americans are following it. The proof is in the lending: The fastest growth in the student loan business is among people in their 40s. But are they making a good investment, or a bad bet?

Why to Ditch Out On Early-Decision College Agreements

More parents are realizing they don't need to ruin themselves financially for their children's education. But what if you have that epiphany after your kid has applied to her first-choice school early decision? If they accept her, she's committed, right? Wrong. You can -- and should -- break the contract.

Are Student Credit Cards Really That Big of a Deal?

American colleges took in $83 million from credit card companies, leading some to wonder if college students are being exploited by the industry. But here are the real numbers: The average college student graduates with about $4,100 in credit card debt and $24,000 in student loans. Which is the bigger problem?

Want to Go to College in New York City? Be Ready to Pay

A lot of high school students dream of going to college in New York City, and who can blame them? The problem is you'll most likely pay dearly for the privilege. And chances are you may take an awfully long time to recoup that investment.