Judge Approves $25 Million Settlement Of Trump University Lawsuit

The deal was reached in November but needed the approval of U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel. One student had objected to the settlement, which prevented her from suing Trump on her own.

source http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/31/522199535/judge-approves-25-million-settlement-of-trump-university-lawsuit?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

3 Ways to Pay Off Big Student Loans Faster

The average student now graduates from college with around $30,000 in loan debt. However, the most recent data from the Council of Graduate Students states that 1.74 million students are continuing their education with Master’s and Ph.D. programs, piling on even more student loan debt. Currently, graduate student degree holders account for 40% of the over $1 trillion in total student loan debt for the country, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Depending on your job and other financial responsibilities, paying back that amount of debt could take a lifetime. That’s why it’s paramount to tackle your student loan with an aggressive strategy. Start your journey with these tips:

1. The debt avalanche method.

There are several different debt repayment strategies developed by experts. One of the most popular is the debt snowball plan. It recommends that borrowers pay back the loan with the least amount owed with the idea that paying off small student loans will help borrowers build momentum toward paying off the larger loan amounts.

The debt avalanche method, however, encourages borrowers to pay off the student loan with the highest interest rate first. This strategy helps graduates save more money in the long run. At the same time, borrowers should pay the minimum on any other student loans.

2. Take advantage of extra income opportunities.

In addition to your real job, it may be beneficial to look for other income opportunities. You could pet sit for friends and family, become a brand ambassador for a product or clean houses. Fortunately, there are a plethora of industries that offer part-time work. Using all income from your side job could enable you to make extra payments on student loans.

It’s also worth exploring student repayment help at your job. While the practice is still relatively new, there are companies that are beginning to help their employees pay down their student loans. Ask your boss or talk to the human resources department about student loan assistance.

3. Make extra payments.

Student loans require a minimum monthly payment in order to prevent the loan from going to default. However, if you’re making the minimum payment, it will take decades to pay off your student loans. Aim to pay the minimum monthly payment as well as the interest that you will accrue for the loan for that month. To determine your daily interest costs, multiply your interest rate by the current balance on your student loan; then divide that by the number of months in the year. That figure will serve as the amount of interest your student loan is accruing each month.

When you can, make extra payments. If you have a surplus of $50 or $100, use it to pay down your student loans rather than something superfluous.

If you want to get serious about eliminating your student loan debt, it will require your fair share of sacrifice. You may have to pass on vacations, shopping sprees and home décor for your new apartment. But all of that is just “for now.” Paying off student loans will enable you to save money faster for those things you really care about – like your first home, trips abroad and building your nest egg for retirement. A little sacrificing now, means less sacrificing later.

For more student loan repayment advice, visit our Student Loan Center.

source http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/three-ways-to-pay-off-big-student-loans-faster

#ThanksForTyping Spotlights Unnamed Women In Literary Acknowledgments

A professor shared book acknowledgment pages, where men thanked their wives for typing their manuscripts. #ThanksForTyping soon sparked a conversation on women and their uncredited roles in academia.

source http://www.npr.org/2017/03/30/521931310/-thanksfortyping-spotlights-unnamed-women-in-literary-acknowledgements?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

A Surprising Explanation For Why Some Immigrants Excel In Science

It has to do with language learning, according to a new study from Duke University.

source http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/03/30/521794961/a-surprising-explanation-for-why-some-immigrants-excel-in-science?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

Muslim Schoolchildren Bullied By Fellow Students And Teachers

One study revealed that teachers and school officials have participated in one in four bullying incidents involving Muslim students.

source http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/03/29/515451746/muslim-schoolchildren-bullied-by-fellow-students-and-teachers?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

A New Kind Of March Madness Hits Schools

It's March Mammal Madness, a bracket with real animals facing off in fictional battles. Hundreds of science classes are playing in schools around the country.

source http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/03/29/521148505/a-new-kind-of-march-madness-hits-schools?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

The Dos and Don'ts of Tax Season for Students

This year, you don’t just have to worry about filing your taxes correctly – you have to worry about getting the best financial aid deal out of your taxes. No pressure – right?

It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confusing; we’ve got you covered. Conquer your taxes – and make the results work to your advantage – with our do’s and don’ts of tax season.

1. Do know the difference between tax-free and tax-exempt scholarships. Scholarships fall into two categories: tax-free and not tax-free. Before you apply, ask the scholarship provider about their tax status. You don’t want to win a scholarship only to lose some of that money in paying taxes. Unless it’s more than worth it, of course.

2. Do take advantage of tax credits. There are two tax credits available to students and their families filing their taxes: the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits. Eligible students can claim up to $2,500 with the American Opportunity tax credit; and if the tax credit pays your tax down to zero, you can have 40% of the remaining amount of the credit – up to $1,000 – refunded to you. The Lifetime Learning tax credit is worth up to $2,000, and there is no limit to how many years it can be claimed.

3. Don’t default on your student loans. Defaulting on your student loans has far-reaching ramifications, one of which is no more tax refunds. The federal government has the right to garnish your tax refund for each year you’re in default.

4. Do deduct your loan interest. As a borrower, you are eligible to deduct up to $2,500 on qualified student loans for interest paid. To be eligible, borrowers must make less than $80,000 a year – or $160,000 if married and filing jointly.

5. Do your research on student loan forgiveness and taxability. Student loan forgiveness is a huge benefit for borrowers working in certain fields. After 10 years – more of less depending on the type of service – student borrowers can have the remaining balance of their loans forgiven. However, it comes at a cost. If your student loans are forgiven, you’ll have to pay taxes on the remaining balance paid.

6. Don’t lie on your taxes. Intentional or not, mistakes on your taxes don’t just land you on the IRS watch list. They will affect your financial aid. The FAFSA asks for financial information from the prior prior tax year, meaning you could miss out completely if your taxes are pulled for review.

Filing your taxes plays a large role in formulating future financial aid. Be smart about the process, take your time and double check your financial information.

For more tax help, click here.

source http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/the-dos-and-donts-of-tax-season-for-students

Programs and Scholarships to Pay Off Student Loans

If you’re like the millions of students looking for a way out of your student loans; I've got good news for you. There are alternatives but, as with most things in life, there’s a tiny catch.

What's the catch? If you’re willing to do some good for the world (gasp!) and volunteer, there are plenty of programs that will be willing to help pay off your student loans in exchange for service work.

So, if these options sound like they may options you'd be interested in pursuing, read on to learn more about the programs willing to help bail you out of student loan debt:

AmeriCorps

What is AmeriCorps?



When you become an AmeriCorps member and give your time through national service work, you’re able to gain real life educational and work experiences at the same time.

What do you do with AmeriCorps?

You’ll work within an intensive service position suited to your skills, interests or location preference, working to help move communities forward across the country.

How long will I volunteer for?

• Anywhere from 10 months to one year

• There are some part-time opportunities available, but most are full-time

What types of student debt relief will I qualify for?

• Most AmeriCorps members will qualify for postponement or forbearance of the repayment of your loans during your service

• When you’re finished with your service, you will a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to help pay for college, graduate school, or vocational training or to repay student loans.

• The dollar amount of a full-time award is tied to the the maximum amount of the U.S. Department of Education's Pell Grant, thus it can vary from year to year.

You can learn more about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award here.

Will I get paid?

• As a member, you will receive a modest living allowance. (Note: Although you may not make much money, as in, to open a savings account, you should have enough to live on to cover your daily needs.)

• Depending on the program, you may receive housing

• Depending on the program, you may receive health insurance

You can learn additional Americorps program details here.

Peace Corps

What is Peace Corps?

“As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service—at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country. When they return home, Volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences—and a global outlook—that enriches the lives of those around them.” –Peace Corps Mission Statement

What do you do with Peace Corps?

• Volunteers travel to a foreign country and focus on one specific volunteer area, determined by the needs of the host country and by the qualifying skills of the volunteer.

• The areas generally fall under one of several general categories: Education; Youth in Development; Health; Community Economic Development; Agriculture; Environment; HIVE/AIDS; Food Security; Earth Day; Stomp Out Malaria.

How long will I volunteer for?

• Generally, starting out for 2 years

What types of student debt relief will I qualify for?

• If you volunteer with the Peace Corps, you can qualify for student debt relief from federally administered or guaranteed student loan programs during the time of your Peace Corps service.

According to the Peace Corps web site:

• Public student loans may be eligible for deferment

• Perkins loan may be eligible for partial cancellation – for example, 4 years of service may be eligible for up to 70% of loan forgiveness. (Note: Even more may be forgiven for additional years of service. )

• A “readjustment” allowance of $7,425 (pre-tax) upon completion of service

The rules and regulations allowing relief for each specific type of loan and the interest rates that accompany it, however, are extremely complicated. If you’re considering this route, it’s best to consult with you financial aid advisor on the guidelines for the loans you’ve taken out.

Additionally, Seed Global Health partners with the Peace Corps to help encourage Americans to volunteer in service work, lifting any financial constraints of an individual accepted into the program.

Seed Global Health is able to provide loan repayment to eligible volunteers through private philanthropists, which includes educational debt in the amount of up to $30,000 to qualifying individuals.

Will I get paid?

As a Peace Corps volunteer, you will receive:

• A monthly living a housing allowance

• All travel expenses paid (to and from country of service)

• 48 paid vacation days

• Full medical and dental coverage

You can learn more about the additional tangible benefits for volunteers here.

Plus, Career Connections:

• Unique graduate school opportunities

• Transition and job support, including social networking after service

• Advantages in federal employment

You can learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Peace Corps here, additional educational benefits the Peace Corps offers here and debt repayment through Seed Global Health here.

Sponsor Change

What is Sponsor Change?

“SponsorChange.org provides non-profits a solution to increase their impact. Non-profits can easily recruit skilled college graduates to complete service projects and raise funds from sponsors to reward their work with student loan payments, helping both non-profits and college graduates reach their full potential.” - Sponsor Change Mission Statement

What do you do with Sponsor Change?

Through Sponsor Change, you can find work at non-profit organizations and you’ll complete service projects.

As you complete projects, the site will help you raise funding through sponsors to reward your hard work to help pay back your student loan payments.

As a result, both the non-profits and you, the college graduate, receive benefits from the arrangement.

How long will I volunteer for?

• The length of time you volunteer will depend on your amount of student loans you’ve accumulated – basically, how much debt you have to work off.

What types of student debt relief will I qualify for?

• This is basically an even exchange: time in exchange for payment, so there’s not added student debt relief.

Will I get paid?

• Yes, in a sense. All of your “payments” will go towards your student loans.

What You’ll Need:

• A bachelor’s degree

• Proof of student loan debt

To learn more about Sponsor Change and the programs it offers, visit Sponsorchange.org.

Career-Specific Loan Forgiveness Programs

If you’re entering a specific field, you may qualify to enter a career-specific loan forgiveness program. These programs do differ by state, so check your states requirements for specifics.

Most of these programs allow teachers, doctors and other recent college graduates in specific professional fields to have the option to work in exchange for student loan forgiveness, similar to those listed below:

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

• What’s agreed to: You’ll work as a registered nurse for a minimum of 32 hours weekly for 2 years at a non-profit in need of nursing services

• What you’ll get in return: Up to 60% of student loans paid off

• Added value: If the nurse agrees to work 3 years or more, you’ll be eligible to get 25% more off loans

• Applications for the program are accepted once annually

You can learn more about eligibility and applications for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program here.

National Health Service Corps. Program (for those within the medical field)

• What’s agreed to: You agree to work as a medical professional for two years within a community in need of medical services

• What you’ll get in return: You can receive up to $25,000 paid off of your student loans

• Added value: If you work longer, there’s potential for even larger payoffs of your student loans

Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers

This is for those who have taken out Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans.

• What’s agreed to: You agree to work for 5 years as a teacher within a school in need – usually within a lower income community

• What you’ll get in return: You’ll be eligible for anywhere from $5,000-$17,500 in forgiveness of your student loans

To learn more about the Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers, visit the Teacher Loan Forgiveness section of the Federal Student Aid web site.

Teacher Cancellation

This is for those who have taken out Federal Perkins Loans.

• What’s agreed to: You must teach full-time for a full academic year or its equivalent as a teacher in one of the following scenarios: in a school serving students from low-income families; as a special education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities; teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state.

To view all of the requirements in detail, visit the Federal Student Aid web site.

• What you’ll get in return: If eligible, up to 100 percent of the loan may be cancelled in exchange for teaching service. It will, however, be cancelled incrementally, though it does include interest that was accrued throughout the year.

• Increments:

-15% cancelled per year for the 1st and 2nd years of service

-20% cancelled per year for the 3rd and 4th years of service

-30% cancelled for the 5th year

To learn more about Teacher Cancellation, visit the Teacher Loan Forgiveness section of the Federal Student Aid web site.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

This is available for Direct Loans only.

• What’s agreed to: You must make a required 120 qualifying payments on your Direct Loans on time, monthly payment made under one of the Direct Loan Program repayment plans, while employed full-time by a public service organization. Jobs include public health and safety, social work, library and varied law professions.

• What you’ll get in return: After you make your 120th qualifying payment, you will need to submit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) application to receive loan forgiveness. The application is under development and will be available prior to the date when the first borrowers will be eligible for PSLF Program forgiveness, in October 2017.

• Added value: The program is most beneficial for those who have excessive student loan debt who would not be able to pay back loans within 10 years.

To learn more about the PSLF Program, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness section of the Federal Student Aid web site.

source http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/programs-and-scholarships-to-pay-off-student-loans

Google Hopes To Hire More Black Engineers By Bringing Students To Silicon Valley

Howard, the historically black university in Washington, D.C., is sending computer science students to study at Google's headquarters in California, as part of an effort called Howard West.

source http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/03/28/521737097/google-hopes-to-hire-more-black-engineers-by-bringing-students-to-silicon-valley?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

How For-Profit Colleges Sell 'Risky Education' To The Most Vulnerable

Tressie McMillan Cottom worked in enrollment at two for-profit colleges, but quit because she felt uncomfortable selling students an education they couldn't afford. Her new book is Lower Ed.

source http://www.npr.org/2017/03/27/521371034/how-for-profit-colleges-sell-risky-education-to-the-most-vulnerable?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

'Open Schools' Made Noise In The 70s, Now They're Just Noisy

'Open Education' was a big idea half a century ago. Kids were supposed to move around, learning in groups or exploring on their own. But, within a few years, the movement faded. So, what happened?

source http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/03/27/520953343/open-schools-made-noise-in-the-70s-now-theyre-just-noisy?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education