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The article reports on the easing of financial aid restrictions in 2008 by U.S. colleges and universities. The author focuses on Harvard University and reaction by other educational institutions to its restructuring. Harvard's new policies and costs are explained in detail and are compared with adjusted policies and costs of other U.S. college and universities. A chart is also provided. INSET: FINANCIAL FUDGE FACTOR.

Offers a look at the cost of college tuition in the United States as of April 2004. Lack of federal aid and college endowments to help college students; Percent of student aid that is loans rather than grants; Management suggestions for personal finances; Benefits of student loans.

Offers advice on financial aid for college students in the U.S. Alternatives to loans, including tuition-payment plans; Types of loans available to students and parents; Loan programs from individual states; Tax deductions for college loans.

Focuses on the costs of going to college. Way that tuition rates have increased at universities and colleges; Financial aid which is given to students; Challenges for low-income families to send students to college; Importance of saving early for college in so-called 529 plans; Mention of Stafford and Perkins loans.

The article provides advice for students and parents on student loans. Students graduate with an average $20,000 in education debt and the article says students don't always realize how hard they can be to repay and what can happen if they don't. For a calculation of what a person's expected contribution on a free grant, the article gives the Web site projectonstudentdebt.org. The article also suggests seeking merit aid.

This article reports on student loans and how borrowers can save money as loan costs increase in 2008. As the U.S.'s largest student lender Sallie Mae raises costs, it is recommended that students examine lenders like Discover and JPMorgan Chase or ask their universities to recommend other options. The article also discusses variable rate loans and consolidation for recent college graduates.

The article focuses on the issue of student loans in the U.S. for 2008. It explains that loans may be issued by fewer lenders than in years previous, which may make it more difficult for students and parents to find a loan. Federal Stafford loans are discussed and the loan company Sallie Mae Inc. is mentioned. Interest rates are examined and information on how to find the lowest rate is also provided.

An interview with Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org, on the topic of college financial aid is presented. When asked about college costs for freshmen starting in Fall of 2008, Kantrowitz states that there will be fewer lenders, but that federal student loans will still be available to borrowers. Kantrowitz also provides strategic tips for parents and recommendations for students who already have school loans.

The article discusses methods that college students can use to ensure they are getting the best deals on student loans. Students should accept whatever grants, scholarships and work-study programs a school offers but shop around for loans. Private education loans should be used as a last resort, since they have high interest rates.

This article offers suggestions to parents planning for college tuition payments. To qualify for financial aid, the author recommends selling any stocks or assets the year prior to applying. If the child is a sophomore or younger, put money into a 529 college savings plan or Coverdell education savings account.

The article reports that older adults can also use the 529 college savings plan. Money in the plan grows tax free as long as it is used for higher education, so adults can use the funds to pursue a master's degree or post-retirement classes. 529s can be transferred to children or grandchildren if they are not used.

The article discusses how high school seniors can find financial aide to go to college. It offers advice on how to negotiate with schools, borrow from banks and the best time to act. Suggestions from Mark Kantrowitz, financial-aid expert and publisher of the Internet site finaid.org, are also offered. Students are also encouraged to shop around as some lenders may have special offers.

The article reports on Morningstar, Inc.'s annual publication of a list of its favorite 529 college-savings plans. Even though they recommend several 529's, three out of four of the company's analysts opted to use the Coverdell Education Savings Accounts instead, which are better for families with tighter budgets.

Focuses on the impact of scholarships in helping students choose which college or university to attend in the United States. Statement that schools offer merit-based scholarships to smart students in order to help in rankings; Funds given to students from rich families; Willingness of parents to spend the money to send their kids to the college of their choice.

Discusses new interest rates being offered on student loans. Record low this summer of 2.77percent; Opportunities for former students to lower their rates; Suggestions for consolidation with various companies such as Salliemae.

Looks at 529 college-savings plans. Best investment choices at the lowest costs; Rules and requirements some plans may have that make them more or less attractive; Importance of choosing a plan that fits one's family best.

Offers a look at writing competitions for high school students looking for tuition aid for college in the United States. Essay contest offered by the Ayn Rand Institute; Essays on Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," offered by Signet Classic publishing company; Awards from the Holocaust Remembrance Project; Assignment of the Lincoln Forum Scholarship.

Reports on a change in policy by three elite colleges which reformed their early admission rules. Stanford, Harvard and Yale who agreed to switch to a nonbinding early admission policy; Charges that the previous policy which required an accepted student to attend was unfair to poor students who needed to compare aid offers; How the new plan differs; Result of the change on school applications.

Presents a brief profile of Berea College, a Christian liberal arts school in Kentucky that has made a mission of educating students from Appalachia by offering all students full tuition scholarships. Berea's endowment; Details of financial aid; Typical professions of Berea graduates.

Discusses the affirmative action policies of the University of Michigan. Statement that scholarships should be given on the basis of economic need not race; How the University of Michigan unapologetically accepts students based on race; discussion of the pros and cons to affirmative action.

Discusses the 529 college savings plan in the United States. Concern that the plans may take away from obtaining loans and grants; Details of the prepaid tuition-plan; Description of the college-savings plan; How both plans are tax breaks; How one balances tax savings against possible losses in financial aid.

Notes that Minnesota businessman Warren Bielke, chief executive of Advanced Bio-Surfaces, has endowed a scholarship fund at his former high school for students with B minus or C plus grade averages. Amount of the fund; His comment.

Focuses on parental cheating on applications for student aid to United States colleges and universities. Advice from paid consultants; Ease of cheating, and difficulty for schools to check information; Summer 1998 passage by congress of a provision to make deceivers easier to catch; Results of the Education Department's Office of Inspector General's (OIG) conduct of an honesty test on aid applications.

Discusses what students need to know about college financial aid in the United States in 1997. How there is more money available in 1997; The use of computer models in choosing which students are worth the investment; Whether schools are willing to negotiate terms of aid; How students who save can still benefit from aid; Schools that are creative in helping parents to finance higher education.