Ten Steps to Planning for Your Child's Education

1. Save money as early as possible to help pay for your child's education. View the Start Now! Saving for College and Introduction to 529 College Savings Plan webcasts for more information. Also consider educational loyalty and affinity programs.
    

2. Encourage your child to make high school count, preparing academically for higher education.
    

3. Discuss with your child his or her skills and interests, career options and schools he or she is interested in attending.
    

4. Meet with the high school guidance counselor to determine what schools match your child's academic abilities.
    

5. Gather information about the schools your child is interested in attending including information on financial aid.
    

6. Help your child apply for admission. To apply for financial aid, help your child complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    

7. Consider scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Complete any necessary applications or forms.
    

8. Consider loans only after you have researched all the sources of free financial aid.
    

9. Consider the loan programs available to you and your child. Federal loan programs include:
   Federal Family Education Loans
   Federal Direct Loans
   Federal Perkins Loans.
    

10. Help your child to manage his or her student loan debt by deciding how much you and your child can afford to borrow and repay.

Source: www.mapping-your-future.org/parents