Topic: Mark Kantrowitz

Former Ed secretary: Only 4 percent of colleges worth the money. Families: Pick value.

Former Education Secretary Bennett argues that most of America's 3,500 colleges aren't worth the investment. As costs rise, more families are taking a harder look at a college's value instead of its reputation.

Unemployed and overlooked: Labor force rate of participation down drastically

Since 2007, 4 million people have left the labor force, in many cases because they have given up looking for jobs. If these 'discouraged jobseekers' were counted in the jobless rate, August's numbers would have been 10.5 percent.

Student debt: How big a risk does it pose to the economy?

Student debt represents a financial challenge for America, some economists say, but in a way that's different from the big buildup in mortgage debt that led to a deep recession.

Loan forgiveness? Great, but beware the tax.

Loan forgiveness is helping indebted Americans. But the amount of the loan forgiveness can be taxed by the IRS.

The Daily Reckoning Why the young are forced to pay the old's debts

Instead of families paying for their children’s education, they force the children to borrow the money from the government. Then, paying it back, the money is recycled to old people — through Social Security, Medicare, and so forth. How long will they put up with it?

Big squeeze for grads: Student loans rise, job opportunities dim

College grads have to pay back ever bigger student loans. But job opportunities are slim. Is US competitiveness at stake?

Financial aid for college: tips for the new FAFSA form

For students in need of financial aid, the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available online Saturday.

Student loan reform: What will it mean for students?

President Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act Tuesday, whose student loan reform will mean big savings for the US government, but not much change for students until 2014.

How much will you be worth, college student?