It's no secret that the cost of advanced education can be very steep. The average annual tuition cost alone at a four-year private institution in 2008-2009 was $25,143, according to the College Board.

Annual tuition at a four-year public institution averaged $6,585 for in-state residents. Furthermore, tuition costs have been rising faster than inflation rates.

Careful planning, even if your child is getting close to college age, can whittle some of the costs down to a manageable size.

• Planning for the Costs of Higher Education Brochure (PDF | 12.8MB)
• College Savings Checklist (PDF | 246KB)
• Planning for the Costs of Education Webinar

Funding

• +studentaid.com College Cost & Planning Report™: Get a 10 percent discount when ordering this report from the Financial Planning Association®!
• Managing Student Loans
• Start Saving Now
• Education Funding: Before, During and After College
• Money Saving Tips for College 
• Funding Private Day and Boarding Schools
• How to Pay for College
• I am a single parent who is currently paying off a loan. What’s the best way to save money so I can return to school?
• We have four children and limited resources for saving for college and our retirement. Which is more important to save for?
• Can Roth IRA's be used for qualified education expenses?

Financial Aid

• Financial Aid
• Headed for College? Whether It's You or Your Kid, It's Time to Check the Rules on Financial Aid
• Families of College Bound Students: Tips on Financial Aid Forms
• Fighting for Financial Aid
• How to Complete: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• What is the benefit of consolidating student loans?
• What advice do you have for students who want to create a budget and pay their student loans?
• Should I claim my daughter on my taxes, or should she claim herself? What is better?
• How can I find my daughter a loan for college without cosigning?
• Will my investments affect my son receiving grants for college?

Investment

• Investment Choices
• What Investments are Best When Saving for College (Mp3)

Additional Resources

• Top 10 Money Decisions for Today’s Incoming College Freshman
• Making Sure Your Departing College Student is Properly Insured
• Get Your Student Off to the Right Financial Start at College
• Teach Your Children About Finances
• Financial Tips for Students Attending College
• Back to school? How can you decide?
• Student on Medical Leave? Keep Your Health Plan
• Discussing Essential Financial Skills and Responsibilities With Children Leaving for College
• The Financial Checklist for Parents Sending Children to College
• Are You on Course to Send Your Children to College? (PDF | 25KB)
• How a Financial Planner Can Help You ... And How to Choose the Right One Brochure (PDF | 2.59MB)
• Estimated College Contribution (EFC) Calculator
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Student Aid
• CSS Profile/Financial Aid Profile