If you’re interested in an industry that’s rewarding, fun, and has an excellent job outlook, consider animal training. Employment in this career field is expected to grow 20 percent for the 2008-2018 decade, which is much faster than the average for all career fields. Not only this, but this is one of the top fields for individuals interested in freelancing or running their own business. Around 54 percent of animal trainers are self-employed.

So what do you have to do to become an animal trainer? Besides having a love for animals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent for some jobs, and a bachelor’s degree for others. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a marine mammal trainer, a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, animal science, animal psychology, or biology may be required. Some jobs may also require an animal health technician degree.

Education plays an important role in how much you will earn as well as experience and certification. For example, dog trainers with certification by a professional association or a private vocational or state-approved trade school have the most opportunities and earn the highest salaries in this sector. The Bureau reports that overall, animal trainers earn an average salary of $27,270 per year. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,880 and $38,280 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,700. The top 10 percent earned more than $51,400.

To find out information about animal training and certification, visit the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) at www.ccpdt.org or the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

One of the best ways to increase your marketability in tough economic times is to earn a degree. It’s true that a degree is not a guarantee that you will get the job you want and in the timeframe you want, but it is a fact that the unemployment rates for individuals without an education or less education are astronomical compared to unemployment rates for individuals with a degree—especially an advanced degree. As of February 2010, the unemployment rate for individuals with less than a high school diploma was 14.9 percent. For individuals with a high school diploma, the unemployment rate was 10.3 percent. The unemployment rate for individuals with some college, but no degree was 9.2 percent. The unemployment rate for:

• -Associate degree holders is 7 percent
• -Bachelor’s degree holders is 5.4 percent
• -Master’s degree holder’s is 4 percent
• -Professional degree holder’s is 2.4 percent
• -Doctoral degree holder’s is 1.9 percent

These figures combined and averaged bought the overall unemployment rate to 8.2 percent in 2010, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Not only does education protect you from unemployment, to a certain extent, it can also keep you out of the low-income bracket. Individuals with a degree earn double (and in some cases triple) the amount per week that  less educated workers do.  

The bottom line is—education pays, especially in a tough economy where competition is intense and employer’s are in a position to demand more from potential employees. As a result, adults are making the decision to return to school to earn an advanced degree, while others are enrolling in a variety of certificate programs, online degree programs, and more. Hundreds of colleges and universities have reported an increase in graduate school enrollment ranging from 7 to 15 percent, while online undergraduate degree programs have seen a significant increase over the past several years. Some colleges and universities report a 2.3 percent increase in undergraduate online enrollment while others report more than a 10 percent increase. 

The reasons for the increase in enrollment in graduate programs and online undergraduate degree programs go beyond America’s current economic crisis. Graduate programs have actually become more accessible through online offerings and international enrollment is up, which helps boost percentages.

The availability of graduate programs online appeals to many full-time working professionals that may also have major obligations at home. The same is true for online undergraduate programs. Overall, these online programs are also a way to conserve and save money. They’re just more affordable, as they eliminate the need to commute and spend.

About Online Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs

Most online undergraduate degree programs are an extension of an existing program at a brick and mortar college or university. Online graduate programs, especially MBA’s, are offered in abundance through most accredited colleges and universities. Although online degree programs have the same curricula and requirements as brick and mortar programs, in many cases (and contrary to popular belief) online degree programs are much more difficult.

To successfully complete an online program you must be at least somewhat computer savvy, mainly because you have to master the system you will be using in order to attend lectures, chat, submit papers, post to discussion areas, and more. Programs such as Blackboard and SOAR are common platforms. In addition, you must be extremely disciplined, organized, and focused. It’s a lot tougher when you don’t see your professor or interact with other students several times a week.

It’s up to the student to check in, read through all materials, jot down due dates, post to discussion boards, and contact the instructor if there are any issues. There is absolutely no hand holding in an online environment, but the good news is, in addition to earning an advanced degree, your organizational and problem-solving skills will soar.

Before you enroll in an online degree program, check to make sure the school is accredited. This means that the U.S. Department of Education must recognize the schools accreditation. You can check your school’s accreditation status by accessing the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

About Accreditation

Accreditation is a validation process by which institutions of higher education are evaluated against established standards to ensure a high level of educational quality. Accreditation is accomplished through a peer-review process in which faculty from accredited institutions help to conduct evaluations of either new non-accredited institutions or accredited institutions seeking renewal. The standards used to conduct these evaluations may vary but in general they assess the institution’s mission, goals and objectives, resources and resource allocation, student admission requirements, student support services, and the quality of the faculty and educational offerings.

Graphic designers design art and copy layouts for material to be presented by electronic media and visual communications media such as magazines, newspapers, books, television, and packaging. Graphic designers use a variety of techniques to communicate messages such as animation, illustration, color, type, and photography. Graphic designers work for advertising agencies, newspapers and magazines, the film and video industry, publishing houses, and government agencies, design firms, and public relations firms.

Although graphic design jobs are available in these industries and many others, the biggest employers of graphic designers are marketing and advertising firms. Many graphic designers work on a contract basis. Currently, 25.6 percent of all graphic designers are self-employed.

Depending on factors from the size of the firm to region, graphic designers can earn anywhere from $42,000 per year on the low end to $95,000 or more on the high end. Entry-level graphic designers usually earn the lowest salaries, but in most cases, these designers advance rather quickly—usually within 1-3 years.

Graphic designers are in high demand today, but positions are very competitive. However, most graphic designers will agree that the right position is well worth the effort because not only are these creative positions exciting and rewarding, they are also the most stable positions in the creative sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for graphic designers is good, based on an impressive 13 percent increase in job growth between now and 2018.

So, what does it take to become a graphic designer? Employers prefer to hire graphic designers with at least an associate degree, but designers with a bachelor’s degree or higher will find more opportunities. They will receive higher starting salaries as well. Currently, more than 50 percent of all graphic designers have an associate degree or higher and more than 20 percent have some college experience, but no degree. More than 6 percent of all graphic designers have a master’s degree. 

It is important to note that education alone does not guarantee entry into or success in the field. Creativity, communication skills, and computer skills are a must. Web design and animation experience are also a must for most of the top firms.

Graphic designers come from many different educational backgrounds. Some have a degree in advertising or marketing communications while others may have a degree in fine art, multimedia arts, or even animation. If the focus is graphic design, students can expect to take classes such as flash animation, marketing design, website design, computer graphics, studio art, printing techniques, principles of design, commercial graphics production, history of graphic design and desktop publishing, to name a few.

In the U.S., there are more than 250 accredited postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Art & Design schools are twice as likely to offer a degree or certificate in graphic design, but many of the schools on the list below are traditional four-year colleges and universities. The list was complied by U.S. News and World Report. If you decide that the schools on the list aren’t for you or they are just too competitive, remember, many other schools offer graphic design programs. If you come across a school that you aren’t familiar with, just check to make sure the program is accredited by The National Association of Art and Design (NASAD) or other recognized accrediting agency. Visit Ed.gov for a list of recognized agencies.

America’s Best Graphic Design Programs 

• -Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
• -Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI
• -Yale University, New Haven, CT
• -Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
• -Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
• -Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
• -School of Visual Arts, New York, NY
• -California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA
• -Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
• -California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA
• -School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• -New School–Parsons School of Design, New York, NY
• -Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
• -University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
• -Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN

Yes, you can still find jobs with the nation’s largest employer—the Federal Government. In fact, federal government departments have seen significant growth year after year, even during the darkest days of the recession. So, how do you do you get a Federal Government job? You can start by earning a bachelor’s degree!

Nearly half of all federal government employees have a bachelor’s degree and the majority of mid to high-level positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, especially in fields that involve research, scientific, and professional work, or medical work such as engineering, biology, psychology, medical technology, and accounting. To qualify for positions in these fields, the degree musty also be from a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

High-level federal government positions are generally assigned a letter/number of GS-7 or higher. In these cases, the applicant must have some form of specialized experience. At least one year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to level of the next lower grade in the Federal Service. So, to qualify for GS-11 you must have had a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-10.

If you do not have a college degree, you can still qualify for certain lower level positions in the Federal Government and you can work your way up. But even for positions that are considered lower level, you should have:

• 1.) Been in the job market for several years
• 2.) Accumulated an extensive work history

Starting at the GS-5 grade or equivalent level, positions generally require 1 year of specialized experience equal to the next lower grade. For clerical and assistant positions at the GS-2 level, a high school diploma and some work experience is all that is needed.

How to Apply for Federal Jobs

Potential applicants may find out about job vacancies in the federal government by visiting the Federal Government’s Employment Information System at www.usajobs.com. Here, applicants may utilize the Online Resume Builder feature, which allows job seekers to create on-line resumes specifically designed for applying for Federal jobs. Applicants can use the resume builder to create, print, save, edit for future use, or send by fax or mail to employers. Many of the hiring agencies will accept electronic submissions of resumes created through USAJOBS for vacancies listed on the web site.

The automated phone system is also available 24/7. Here, potential job seekers can access current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, applications, forms, and apply for some jobs.

Best Places to Work in the Federal Government

The first list of rankings below has been determined based on employee satisfaction. The second list covers rankings based on pay and benefits. Both lists rank federal government departments in order (starting with the best) from 1-30. The last list covers government agencies with the highest employment beginning with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—home to the nation’s highest number of government employees.

Employee Satisfaction Rankings

1. 1. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
2. 2. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission  
3. 3. Department of Veteran Affairs 
4. 4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
5. 5. Department of Justice
6. 6. Department of the Army
7. 7. Social Security Administration 
8. 8. Securities and Exchange Commission 
9. 9. Department of State
10. 10. All Department of Defense
11. 11. Department of the Air Force
12. 12. Department of Agriculture 
13. 13. Department of Health and Human Services
14. 14. Department of Labor
15. 15. General Services Administration
16. 16. Department of the Navy
17. 17. Environmental Protection Agency
18. 18. Department of the Interior
19. 19. National Archives and Records Administration
20. 20. Department of Commerce
21. 21. Department of the Treasury
22. 22. Office of Personnel Management 
23. 23. Department of Transportation
24. 24. Department of Energy
25. 25. Department of Housing and Urban Development
26. 26. Small Business Administration
27. 27. epartment of Education
28. 28. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
29. 29. Department of Homeland Security
30. 30. Government Accountability Office

Pay and Benefits Rankings

1. 1. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
2. 2. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
3. 3. Securities and Exchange Commission
4. 4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
5. 5. General Services Administration
6. 6. Office of Personnel Management
7. 7. Environmental Protection Agency
8. 8. Department of Housing and Urban Development
9. 9. Department of Education
10. 10. Department of State
11. 11. Social Security Administration
12. 12. mall Business Administration
13. 13. Department of Agriculture
14. 14. epartment of Commerce
15. 15. Department of Energy
16. 16. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
17. 17. Department of Health and Human Services
18. 18. epartment of the Treasury
19. 19. Department of Labor
20. 20. Department of the Interior
21. 21. Department of Justice
22. 22. Department of the Army 
23. 23. Department of the Navy
24. 24. All Department of Defense
25. 25. National Archives and Records Administration 
26. 26. Department of Transportation
27. 27. Department of the Air Force
28. 28. Department of Veteran Affairs
29. 29. Department of Homeland Security
30. 30. Government Accountability Office 

Federal Agencies with the Most Employment

1. 1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
2. 2. .S. Army
3. 3. U.S. Navy
4. 4. U.S. Department of Homeland Security
5. 5. U.S. Air Force
6. 6. U.S. Department of Treasury
7. 7. U.S. Department of Agriculture
8. 8. U.S. Department of Justice
9. 9. U.S. Department of Defense
10. 10. U.S. Department of the Interior
11. 11. U.S. Social Security Administration
12. 12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
13. 13. U.S. Department of Transportation
14. 14. U.S. Department of Commerce
15. 15. U.S. Department of State
16. 16. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
17. 17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
18. 18. .S. Department of Labor
19. 19. U.S. Department of Energy
20. 20. U.S. General Services Administration
21. 21. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
22. 22. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
23. 23. Smithsonian Institution
24. 24. U.S. Department of Education
25. 25. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

For more information about government jobs including salaries, projections and more, visit the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

Did you know that many employers offer Employee Educational Assistance Packages to employees interested in pursuing an associate or undergraduate degree, graduate degree or certificate? Currently, around 33 percent of employees that attend college through Employee Educational Assistance Packages (EAPs) earn an associate degree, 23 percent earn a bachelor’s degree, 22 percent pursue master’s degrees, and 15 percent pursue professional certificates. EAPs offer tuition reimbursement and reimbursement for books and program associated fees.

Employee Education Assistance Packages are common at large firms, although some smaller firms may be receptive to the idea. More on this later. Larger companies in the insurance industry, public utilities, financial, hospital care and education will almost always offer EAPs to employees. And contrary to popular belief, many plants and retailers do offer tuition packages to employees under certain circumstances. A good example is Ford Motor Company. Back in 2004, when Ford’s Edison, New Jersey and Avon Lake, Ohio plants closed leaving 1,500 workers without jobs, workers became eligible to receive up to $15,000 a year toward tuition as long as they were enrolled as full-time students.

There are two types of EAPs: job related EAPs and self-improvement EAPs. Job-related EAPs offer the most benefits for employers. They are tax deductible for employers and the training the employee receives will increase the employee’s worth (i.e. performance and productivity). Job related EAPs are also tax-free for employees. Self-improvement EAPs may or may not be tax deductible, so it’s best to consult the most current tax regulations before applying for EAP funds.

To apply for EAP funds, employees must complete the application through the Human Resources (HR) department. Depending on the company, the HR department may evaluate the application based on the institution, the program, the employees work history, salary and whether or not the course of study fits within the objectives of the company. Again, this depends on the company. Some companies may offer assistance for just about any program as long as the employee maintains a B average or better.

Approximately half of all companies that offer EAPs pay 100 percent of tuition costs. Twenty percent pay between 50 and 90 percent of tuition costs and 30 percent pay below the 50 percent mark. While most employers offer tuition reimbursement through EAPs, other plans may pay for tuition up front, but with one caveat. If the employee drops out or does not pass with a B average or better, the employee will have to reimburse the employer in full. If the employee quits his job before paying the employer back, the employer has the right to collect through the appropriate legal channels. Remember, all employees that receive money from EAPs will have to sign an agreement stating that they agree to pay the employer back if the employee fails, drops out or quits his job.

Not every employer has a formal employee education assistance program in place, but they might be open to the idea on a case-by-case basis or as a group. If the employee or group can prove that higher education will result in returns for the company, the employer may be willing to make an offer. It’s best to schedule a meeting with the boss to present your case.

Overall, EAPs are well worth the effort. They offer an excellent way for employees to finance their education. Remember, billions of dollars are readily available through employers to cover the costs of tuition. No other financial aid avenue offers a salary plus free money for higher education.

The list below represents only a fraction of the companies that currently offer Employee Educational Assistance Packages.

• -American Fidelity Insurance
• -AT&T
• -Chicago Mercantile Exchange
• -Cigna
• -Ernst & Young
• -Farmer’s Insurance
• -General Mills
• -Google
• -Hilton Hotels
• -Johnson & Johnson
• -Kaiser Permanente
• -Lockheed Martin
• -Microsoft
• -Nike
• -Philip Morris
• -Starbucks
• -U.S. Bank
• -Wal-Mart
• -Wells Fargo
• -Xerox

*Google image provided by Shutterstock.com.

Travel nursing is one of the fastest growing sectors in nursing today. Although travel nursing has become more popular in recent years thanks to wireless technology and Internet technology, this profession is not as new as one might think. Travel nursing can be traced back to 1978, where it all started in New Orleans. During Mardi Gras, the population in New Orleans nearly doubles in size, creating a demand for additional police officers, service workers, healthcare professionals, and many others.

In 1978, the hospitals in New Orleans were short-staffed during Mardi Gras, so one hospital hired a contract nurse to help out. According to Healthcare Traveler Magazine, this set a precedent. In the 1980s, a nationwide nurse shortage occurred. In response, hospitals hired contract nurses or “travel nurses” to care help care for patients. This trend continued after the most severe shortages ended, based on the convenience and cost-effectiveness of hiring skilled nurses for short-term assignments.

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there is still a nursing shortage in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 500,000 nursing shortage by 2025, with more than one million needed by 2016. This is excellent news for aspiring nurses, but bad news for the industry overall. A nursing shortage means nurses that are already working are overworked, and hospitals are understaffed. As a result, more hospitals recruit and hire travel nurses. This creates a high demand for travel nurse agencies. In fact, there are more than 300 travel nurse agencies across the U.S. and this number continues to grow. Hospitals and placement agencies are willing to pay top dollar for skilled nurses willing to travel to hospitals and other medical facilities across the country.

It is estimated that, on average, travel nurses earn roughly 15 percent more than home-based nurses, excluding benefits and perks. Travel nurses earn an average of $83,200 per year. Median annual wages of home-based registered nurses is around $62,450 per year. It is important to note that most travel nurse agencies offer a number of bonuses such as signing bonuses, referral bonuses, and even a bonus upon completion of an assignment. Most home-based nurses do not receive bonuses.

Although travel nurses make more than home-based nurses, they still receive the same benefits as home-based nurses (i.e. health insurance, savings, retirement), but with several extras. Hospitals and nurse travel agencies are willing to pay relocation costs (no matter how many times you must relocates), they offer travel allowances, and you will never have to pay for an apartment or other accommodations. This means, travel nurses get to keep more of the money they earn as well.

The typical hospital nurse works a full-time schedule either days, nights or weekends. In facilities such as nursing care facilities where patients typically require 24-hour care, travel nurses may end up working the night shift. In some cases, overtime may be required. The amount of overtime pay travel nurses receive will depend on the position, facility, and if applicable, the agency. for example, a nurse that earns $42/hr. on assignment may receive $63/hr. for every hour worked above and beyond the regular 40-hour work schedule. Other positions list a n hourly wage of $40 and $60/hr. for overtime. Home-based nurses are eligible for overtime as well. The amount varies by facility.

Hourly wages are not the only financial benefit to working as a travel nurse. According to San Diego-based Travelnursing.com, “many travel nurse companies will allow their travelers to participate in their 401(k) plans.” Some agencies allow travelers to begin contributing on the first day of the first assignment, with the possibility to contribute up to $15,500, tax-free. Mature travel nurses, age 50 and up, may have the opportunity to contribute up to $20,500. Before you accept an assignment, simply inquire within about the agencies 401K plan. The same applies if you sign with a facility.

If you are considering accepting a travel nurse position and you would like to compare salaries and benefits of home-based vs. travel nurses, visit the U.S. Department of Labor at www.bls.gov.

Many reports have suggested that one of the worst career fields to take up in a bad economy is anything related to art. Well, a recent report by the National Endowment for the Arts says this just isn’t true. Between now and 2018, the report says job growth in artistic fields such as painting   photography, and architecture is expected to exceed the average growth rate across all industries. What’s seven more promising is, museum jobs such as archivists and curators are set to grow at nearly double the average rate.

Other art jobs that creatives can count on for future growth are animators, actors, graphic designers, interior designers, writers, interpreters, translators, and landscape architects. Although job growth is promising for these careers, the competition is still fierce. To get your foot in the door, you’ll need more than just talent. A degree and experience are equally as important.

For more information about creative careers, what they pay, and growth projections, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.

If you’re preparing for a job interview, it’s impossible to anticipate all the questions, so on some level it’s more important to be relaxed and be comfortable about discussing your career goals, the potential job and your previous experience. That said, it’s important to prepare. Part of that involves doing research on the company and the prospective job, but you also need to be prepared for the tough interview questions that pop up often in interviews.

Forbes has an article about how to answer the 10 toughest interview questions. They don’t go very in-depth into the answers, but the advice is solid and it’s a good list.

There are more than 1.1 million active military personnel in the U.S. today and more than 1 million reserve and National Guard members around the country. Civilian personnel also make up a sizable number of America’s military system with more than 634,185 active employees distributed throughout the four branches of military service—the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Many members of the military will continue their careers within any of the four branches of service, while others will pursue interests outside of the military, such as obtaining a college degree.

One of the biggest benefits of serving in the U.S. military is the opportunity to have most if not all of your college tuition covered. For veterans and current members of the military, the U.S. government has set aside more than $4 billion in education benefits and more than $3 billion in grants. Veterans and current members of the military are almost guaranteed a substantial amount of “free” funding for college, regardless of income, in the form of benefits, grants, and scholarships.

Depending on the program, students may enjoy benefits that cover anywhere from 75 to 90 percent of undergraduate or graduate school expenses. In addition, low-cost student loans are also available to all members and former members of the military.

Programs for Veterans and Current Members of the Military

Because the U.S. military is made up of a diverse group of American citizens and the military is diverse and complex in itself, there are literally hundreds of college financial aid programs to consider. The following are the largest financial aid programs offered by the U.S. government/military. It is important to keep in mind that each of the four branches of military offers its own distinct financial aid programs.

The Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill provides benefits to veterans, service members, and certain dependents of disabled or deceased veterans interested in pursuing a degree or vocational training. The GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to servicemembers. For post-9/11 veterans, the benefit will cover the full cost of tuition at any public school in the country and a sizable number of private schools. Tuition payments will be paid directly to the school and each student will receive a $1,000 book/supply stipend per year as well as a monthly living stipend. Tuition payments are capped at the cost of the most expensive public school in each state. Please click here for a state-by-state breakdown. To calculate your benefits, click here or visit the GI Bill 2008 website at: http://www.gibill2008.org/.

To apply for the Montgomery GI Bill visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to complete and submit your electronic application online or you may call 1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551) to have the application form mailed to you.

Army ROTC

For individuals interested in earning a college degree and serving as an officer in the Army, Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard, the Army ROTC program is for you. The program is offered at more that 600 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and it is the largest single source of Army officers. Army ROTC scholarships pay up to $20,000 a year for college tuition and education fees or room and board. The student may choose what area he or she would like to use the scholarship award for.

In addition to a maximum $20,000 per year, ROTC students will also receive a tax-free subsistence allowance for up to 10 months each year the scholarship award is in effect. The amount of the subsistence allowance increases as student’s progress through the program. Army ROTC scholarships are based on merit and grades, not on need. So a student may fall into any income bracket and still qualify for a scholarship award. For more information about Army ROTC, visit the official Army ROTC website at: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/.

Federal Pell Grants

Many forms of financial aid for veterans and military personnel may be combined with the Federal Pell Grant to help cover the costs of college. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest grant program offered by the federal government.

U.S. Congress sets the maximum award amount based upon a student’s need analysis and status (full or part-time). For the 2009-2010 academic year, the maximum award is expected to fall somewhere between $4,241-$4,310.

To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, simply fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

The Veterans Education Assistance Program is a matching program designed to help cover the costs of college tuition and it may also cover the costs for refresher courses for individuals who have been out of school for a while. Enlisted individuals can contribute $25-$100 per month to an educational fund. The Federal government will match the contribution with $2 for every $1 contributed by the service member. The program pays the service member up to 75 percent for undergraduate courses and 90 percent for job-related courses.

Debt settlement can be a useful option when a consumer has acquired too much debt that he or she cannot afford to pay in full. With debt settlement, the creditor agrees to settle with the debtor for an amount that’s less than the actual amount owed.

Much like most other debt management options, debt settlement has its advantages and disadvantages. Debt settlement can reduce the total amount that is owed to creditors and it can also reduce interest on your debt. Debt settlement can eliminate any future fees on your debt, it can consolidate all of your payments under one creditor, and it is possible to become debt-free in less than two years. And, unlike a debt consolidation loan, you are not creating new debt by borrowing to get out of debt. 

One of the disadvantages of debt settlement is the negative effect it may have on your credit report. Because you won’t be paying your creditors the usual monthly payments, this will be noted on your credit report. However, to some creditors this notation can also mean that the debtor did take responsibility in paying as much as he or she possibly could, which may help to offset the negatives. In addition, because your credit report will show that the debt is “paid” or “settled” rather than “outstanding,” this may have a positive effect on your credit history.  

Another disadvantage to debt settlement is that any cancelled amount exceeding $600 is considered taxable income. If the creditor reports the forgiven amount to the IRS, you will receive a 1099-C form. In some instances, however, the IRS will decide that the debtor is insolvent, meaning that the debtor will not owe any Federal taxes on the amount.

If you decide that debt settlement is the best option for you, there are several ways to accomplish it. You may negotiate your own debt settlement agreement or you can hire a consumer law attorney to assist you. It is highly recommend that you hire an attorney, especially if your debt is substantial. When negotiating a debt settlement agreement on your own it is important to get everything in writing. Debt collectors typically deal with hundreds of cases per day, so mistakes can happen. To protect yourself, make sure you have agreement in hand before making any kind of payment. The agreement should clearly state the following:

• -Payment due date
• -How much you have agreed to pay (total amount and each payment amount)
• -Method of payment (i.e. cashier’s check, electronic bank transfer)
• -The debt collector will report to the three major credit bureaus that the debt has been settled or (if applicable) “paid in full” 
• -Any/all conditions of the agreement (consequences of late payments, consequences of breach)
• -Any concessions that the debt collector has made

It is recommended that you contact a consumer law attorney to review the agreement to ensure that your interests are well protected. You can search for consumer law attorneys in your local area through the American Bar Association (ABA) website. Access to the ABA lawyer locator is free.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, but instead, you are considering a debt settlement agency – beware. There are several things you can do to protect your personal information and to ensure a smooth and lawful process. Before you do business with a debt settlement agency check to make sure that the staff consists of IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators) certified debt arbitrators, that they belong to an accredited U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and that they are a member of the Better Business Bureau.