Planning Tools

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Financial Literacy: Jumpstart.com

The Department of Education provides a general overview of methods for financing a college education in Getting Ready for College Early and at Project Easi.

Iowa Student Loan has provided a Repayment Chart for Federal Loans and Private Loans.  For more customized estimates, use the online repayment calculator at: https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/repaymentEstimator.action.

For more information on the federal American Opportunity Tax Credit and other changes enacted by the tax cut bill recently passed by Congress, call 1-800-USA-LEARN.

There are many Internet sites which deal with the new "Education IRA." Visit Vanguard's site for a good summary of the program.

The U.S. Treasury Department's web site has information on U.S. Savings Bonds. 

Mapping Your Future features information on career planning, choosing a college, and financial aid programs.

The Financial Aid Information Page has a number of calculators which help families estimate their expected family contribution, how much they can afford to borrow, and how much they need to save.

To learn more about a 529 Plan offered by the State of Iowa check the College Savings Iowa website.