For over 35 years, the goal of INvestEd has been to provide students with solutions to put higher education within reach. INvestEd believe strong choices before college are the best way to limit excessive student loan debt after college. INvestEd’s goal is to help families before, during, and after college by showing them how to maximize FREE money, graduate, and all with the least debt possible!
Embedded Files
2020-2021-INvestEd-College-Planning-Guide.pdfSaving for College
There are many benefits to start saving early for college, and it may be easier than you think. 529 College Savings Plans are a great way to save due to low contribution requirements and Indiana tax breaks! Any amount you save can ultimately lower the amount or eliminate the need for student loans. LEARN MORE »
Choosing Your Career and Major
One of the hardest decisions involved in planning for college is deciding what career you want to go into afterwards, and what major will give you the best shot at making it there. There are several tools available to help you narrow down your choices and give you an idea of what options are out there. LEARN MORE »
Finding Scholarships
One of the most under-utilized sources of college funding are scholarships. Scholarships of all types and amounts are out there — you just have to find them! We’ve got great tools to help you find these great sources of free education dollars. LEARN MORE »
Choosing Your School
There are online tools and practical steps a student can take when searching for the right college. Doing research and making the right choice now can avoid unnecessary debt due to changing schools in the future! LEARN MORE »
Completing / Filing the FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important form in the financial aid process. It’s FREE and determines your eligibility for both state and federal aid. Most colleges require the FAFSA to determine your need for institutional scholarships and grants as well. LEARN MORE »
Making informed decisions is critical for any family working through the college planning process. Comparing schools, projected costs and potential financial aid provides key pieces of information.
Finding the right fit academically, personally and financially can help reduce anxiety and excessive student loan debt. INvestEd can help guide you through the comparison process with some great tools and resources! Comparing College Costs
Financial assistance comes in the form of grants, scholarships, work study and loans. Knowing how each of these fit into your college funding puzzle could make the difference in determining if a school is the right fit for you. LEARN MORE »
Understanding Student Loan Options
When looking at your options to pay for college, you may have to decide if you’ll use education loans for part of the funding. Loans are one option available to pay for the cost of education, but remember, they must be paid back!
Education loans can be in either the student or parent’s name, or both. They can come from the federal government, or from a private lender. INvestEd is here to help Hoosier families understand the various loan options, which can lead to smarter choices! LEARN MORE »
Finalizing Financial Aid
College is a big investment that provides numerous opportunities. The choices you make in how to pay for it, however, can impact your financial future. A proper plan to pay for college maximizes free money and minimizes debt. LEARN MORE »
Financial aid comes in many forms. Scholarships and grants are money you don’t have to pay back. Student employment provides income to help cover costs and education loans are debt that must be paid back. Each type of aid is a piece of the college funding puzzle and INvestEd is here to help you put the pieces together.
Saving for College
There are many benefits to start saving early for college, and it may be easier than you think. 529 College Savings Plans are a great way to save due to low contribution requirements and Indiana tax breaks! Any amount you save can ultimately lower the amount of student loans you may need to borrow. LEARN MORE »
Completing / Filing the FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the most important form in the financial aid process. It’s FREE and determines your eligibility for both state and federal aid. Most colleges also require the FAFSA to determine your need for institutional scholarships and grants as well. LEARN MORE »
Finding College Grants
Grants are forms of FREE money for college that do not have to be paid back. Grants can come from the state and federal government, as well as the college or university you attend. The good news is you only have to file one application in order to apply, the FAFSA! LEARN MORE »
Exploring Student Employment
Student employment is often overlooked but can be a great way to help pay for college and gain practical work experience. Money earned can help cover college expenses and minimize student loan debt. LEARN MORE »
INvestEd Student Loan
INvestEd has created a no fee private education loan to help families cover the remaining costs for school. This loan includes a benefit for degree completion! Eligibility is based on the credit of the student and typically a cosigner. LEARN ABOUT THE INVESTED STUDENT LOAN
Any adventure starts with the first step, and INvestEd wants to help you plan for college wisely. Determining the right major, school and funding options takes time and research. Organizing your information is critical too. The starting point is realistically looking at where you are today so you can determine the steps needed to move forward toward your future goal and INvestEd’s College Planning Toolbox can help you do just that.
INvestEd College Planning Toolbox
An essential piece to any plan is having a map and tools to move from point A to point B. The INvestEd College Planning Toolbox helps families track the various pieces of the college planning puzzle, allowing for more informed decisions. Regardless of whether college is far off or starts much sooner, the tool will provide vital help with the process. You can also project the costs needed to cover for college and the amount you’ll need to save to help reduce potential loan debt, as well as compare various savings options. Don’t wait. Get started today!
INvestEd helps thousands of Hoosier families with steps in the college planning process. We know it can seem a little overwhelming and many questions may come up as you go through it. Below we’ve listed answers to some of the questions we get asked most frequently as a quick resource for you!
College Planning
Financial Aid
My parents are divorced or separated. Which parent’s information should I use on the FAFSA?
What information do I need to have with me when filing the FAFSA?
After the FAFSA
Remember, these are just frequently asked questions; your situation may be unique. Always remember that you can contact us with any questions you may have at (317) 715-9007 or by email at outreach@investedindiana.org and we’ll respond with an answer quickly!
Start Your Path to Success!
Graduating college with the least debt possible requires three main steps.
Step one is to focus on what you hope to do for a living someday and map out the path to get there. If you know exactly what that is, great! If not, let’s work on that first.
Step two is to take this information and apply it to the incredible list of school options available to find your perfect fit.
Step three, unfortunately, is where most students begin the process, and that is choosing how to pay for college.
Please don’t underestimate how important the first two steps are in avoiding debt. In step three, we completely focus on how to best pay for college. Notice we said “best” and not “easiest.” If we go step by step, you use the college planning tools and worksheets we provide, and you contact us with any question you may have, we can make the best way easy too!
In addition to the resources listed below, also visit our Literacy page for an abundance of advice, tips and more resources.
College Planning:
Financial Aid & FAFSA:
After the FAFSA:
Contact INvestEd
Fill out the Online Form
INvestEd Literacy
317.715.9007
INvestEd Lending
317.715.9015
Media Queries
317.715.9002
Report abuse