This spring, the U.S. Department of Education asked colleges to help students whose families are struggling due to economic hardship like unemployment and medical bills. Now, schools are dishing out record amounts of aid — and approving more appeals than ever.

Federal authorities estimate that 1.5 million students eligible for Pell grants did not apply because they wanted to avoid the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Starting in July, borrowers can choose a new repayment plan — Income-Based Repayment, or IBR — that calculates payments on federal student loans by income and family size. Under this program, qualified borrowers will never have to spend more than 15% of their discretionary income on student loan payments.

With so many slumps and crises going on ― credit, housing, and beyond ― concepts like “counseling” and “literacy” have become buzzwords. Is this a fad, or could consumer under-education really have been a factor in creating the economy’s current state?

As if the anxiety that comes with having those first “real” interviews isn’t enough, new graduates have another hurdle to overcome: a historically grim job market.

While many college students earn summer cash serving food, working in a different kind of food industry, the organic farm, has become a growing trend.

President Obama recently signed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which aims to protect consumers from industry practices that have been criticized for trapping users under piles of debt.

Class is out and the only lecture you’ll think about for a few months is the one you need to give your roommate on doing dishes.

Last year, the number of people between ages 16 and 24 who entered the workforce during the summer increased by nearly 2 million. Why?

Are you wowed by your “grown-up” friends’ tales about the real world? While things might seem pretty sweet in New Condo New Car Land, your full-timer friends might not be telling you the whole story. Management of your expectations — as well as your spending and other lifestyle habits — is essential in order to thrive during this stage of the game of life. Just don’t forget to have a little fun while playing.