As credit standards for private loans have tightened, some for-profit, or "proprietary," colleges are now lending money directly to students. Such borrowing may be worthwhile, but here are some tips for protecting yourself on any student loan from three experts: Deanne Loonin of the National Consumer Law Center, Tim Ranzetta ...

It's become part of financial wizardry 101: Savvy parents invest in 529 college savings plans. But as the market suffers a relentless pounding, some parents are considering an alternative that lets them lock in tuition costs at state universities. Such finality may be tempting at a time when ...