Education And You 2011 - Special Report

College is on the mind of millions of high school students. Juniors are planning campus visits to prospective schools, while seniors are deciding which one they'll attend. In both cases, parents might want to vote with their wallet. Higher education is already a crushing expense for families and costs continue to rise. Here's how to save money -- and find even more.

Is the Four-Year, Liberal-Arts Education Model Dead?

More and more people are questioning the practicality of a traditional bachelor of arts degree as the United States struggles to create jobs in a global economy while U.S. colleges fail to contain tuition costs.

Five Ways to Save on College
You'll have to work harder and make more sacrifices, but you'll graduate sooner and with less or even no debt.
The Hunt for Financial Aid
There's more money than ever, but the competition for dollars has never been greater. So start your search early, be imaginative, and don't settle for less.
The 411 on Saving for College: 529 Plans
There are a number of ways for families to save for college, but tax-free 529 plans are probably the best.
How to Pick the Right Plan
There are dozens of 529s to choose from, but like other investments, your choice depends on your risk tolerance, your time horizon, and your savings capacity.

Is an Ivy League Education Really Worth It?

Yes and no. Your decision depends on what is important to you. Are you concerned primarily with getting an education, or with making connections that help your long-term career?

The Debt That Won't Go Away
Put That Pizza on my Student Loan
As Costs Soar, More Students Go Abroad
Students Take Creative Approach to Paying off Debt

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Price of Admission: America's College Debt Crisis
CNBC investigates a system that encourages widespread borrowing—often with little regard to a student's ability to pay.

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Biggest Endowments Per Student
These schools all have millions of dollars stockpiled away, but you may feel better knowing how much per student.
The Most Offbeat Scholarships
Forget about sports and academics, how about duck calling caddying, duct tape design or height. Did we mention Star Trek?
Colleges Bringing The Top Paychecks
Prestige, academics and cost are major considerations, but post-graduate salary is something rarely taken into account.
Most Expensive Colleges 2010-2011
As any parent knows, college can cost a small fortune. Here's the ten most expensive for the 2010-2011 acadmeic year, according to CollegeGrotto's annual list.
Colleges Creating The Most Debt
Student debt in America is increasing, but its particularly worrisome at some schools.
States With the Highest Student Debt
In the U.S., a college education is largely viewed as an essential step to success, but it comes at quite a cost.

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Education And You 2011 - Special Report

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CNBC Originals

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