It looks like gifts to colleges may be getting more money from gifts this year.  Does this mean that college cost will not rise greater than inflation or will colleges just go ahead and raise rates anyway, because they can?

U.S. colleges: What bad economy? Gifts rise 8.2 percent to $30.3 billion
Bellingham Herald, on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:27:20 -0800

Adjusted for inflation, last year’s increase is 4.8 percent over 2010, according to the Voluntary Support of Education survey. The good fundraising news doesn’t automatically mean that parents and students won’t face tuition increases.

… and don’t forget your FAFSA applications whether it’s the first time or the time to redo it for the coming school year….

FAFSA Form Is Crucial For College Tuition Payment Plans
NY1, on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:10:55 -0800

Just about every college-bound student should take a refresher course on a very important application — the form for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). NY1′s Money Matters reporter Tara Lynn Wagner filed the following report.

Your College Financial Aid

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