Without a doubt, college education is one of the most expensive investments you can ever make. Fortunately, the costs do not have to be that prohibitive because there are measures you can take to reduce your college education expenditure. If you are thinking about going back to school, you can advantage of the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) to enjoy affordable education. First, however, you need to learn how this tax credit works.

What is the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)?
The AOTC is a refundable tax credit for undergraduate education. You can use this tax credit to decrease your federal tax bill by up to $2, 500 annually for each qualified learner. The credit is only available for the first four years of college education, meaning those who have finished four-year undergraduate degrees cannot claim it for their graduate studies. The tax credit was initially set to expire in 2012 but the recent fiscal tax deal extended it to 2017.

Who Qualifies?
As stated above, this tax credit is available for the first four years of college education. If you are studying in any post-secondary educational institutions, you are eligible as long as you are enrolled at least part time. Students of all accredited institutions, including online colleges, are eligible. The maximum credit is $2,500 per year for four years. Since you can claim it for multiple qualifying students (your dependents) you can save a lot of money this way.

You lose your eligibility for AOTC if you are single and you have an adjusted gross income (AGI) worth $80,000-$90,000 or you are married and your joint AGI falls between $160,000 and $180,000. If you did not join college after high school, here is your chance to enroll for college at an affordable price. The fact that accredited online institutions qualify means you can achieve your educational ambitions from your home, which will reduce the costs for you even further.

In short, you qualify if you:

• Are studying in an accredited post secondary institution
• Are in your first four years of college
• Are single with an AGI of $80,000-$90,000
• Are married with an AGI of $160,000 and $180,000

Which Expenses are Covered?

The American Opportunity Tax Credit only applies to qualified expenses, which are defined as the expenses that you must meet to enroll or attend your college. These include:

• Tuition
• Books
• Course equipment

Going by this argument, course materials are covered (since you need them to attend your course) but sports fees (for those who are taking non-sport related courses) are not covered. Other things that are not covered include:

• Room and board
• Insurance
• Activity
• Transportation

There are things that reduce your qualified expenses and they include:

• Scholarships
• Grants
• Fellowships
• Educational assistance from employers
• Educational assistance for veterans
• Other tax-free benefits

Examples of things that do not decrease your qualified expenses include:

• Inheritances
• Gifts
• Bequests

Want to learn more about ways you can fund your education at Argosy University? Contact us to learn more today at 1-866-4ARGOSY!

Sources
http://www.forbes.com/sites/troyonink/2013/01/16/american-opportunity-tax-credit-pay-for-college-and-pay-less-tax/2/
http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/3804-congress-passes-fiscal-cliff-legislation-extending-american-opportunity-tax-creditb
http://www.cpataxmag.net/welch-stories/43-juliewelch-columns/760-10-ways-the-american-opportunity-tax-credit-reduces-college-cost
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/01/03/how-students-and-families-can-best-use-american-opportunity-tax-credit/

As an online student at Argosy University, Online Programs, it’s important for you to feel connected to your graduation team members, your instructors and your fellow students. Thankfully, technological advances have made this easier than ever before.

One fairly recent innovation that has seeped into everyday life is Skype, which makes connecting with each other easier than ever before. Consider the benefits:

• It’s Free – It used to be that if you wanted to connect with someone in another state or another country, your only recourse was a long distance phone call or a letter in the mail. Both options have their own associated costs that can create communication barriers. Skype’s free solution can connect you to others in a matter of minutes.
• It’s Easy – Skype is compatible with most computer systems today, provided you have a webcam available, either built directly into your machine or externally attached.
• It Offers Face to Face Communication – Gone are the days when you had to be physically in the same room as the person you’re communicating with in order to see them. Skype offers a great option for families who don’t get to see each other often to log on to their computers for a nice chat.
• It’s Mobile – If you have a smartphone, you can download the Skype app and connect to others when you’re on the go.

Argosy University, Online Programs College of Undergraduate Studies instructor Frank Beckendorf has been awarded the JFK Lancer – Mary Ferrell Promise Award for 2012.

The JFK Lancer – Mary Ferrell Promise Award is given by JFK Lancer Productions and Publications each year in appreciation of an individual’s contribution of new evidence and furthering the study of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Beckendorf currently administers several Facebook groups related to the crime and has just finished editing a book by ballistics and blood splatter expert Sherry Fiester. Entitled Enemy of the Truth, the book can be found on Amazon and other major bookstores, as well as the JFK Lancer website. The awards began in 1996 and are named after Mary Ferrell, who is regarded internationally as one of the most knowledgeable and respected historical researchers on the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Her work was so extensive that when she passed away, her donated papers comprised several eighteen wheeler truckloads.

Ms. Ferrell aided many authors and other researchers in their work, and compiled a vast database involving over 8,200 individuals and a detailed set of chronologies. Her skills as an investigator and historian were matched by her ability to educate and stimulate those around her. JFK Lancer’s purpose and website are devoted to carrying on her work and spirit.

“It is an honor to be named a recipient of the JFK Lancer – Mary Ferrell Promise Award,” says Beckendorf. “To be held in the same esteem as the most respected and prominent assassination researchers worldwide is overwhelming.”

The holidays are a favorite time for many, but can also be very stressful when you’re trying to balance family, work and school. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to take this time to enjoy your self and to make the most of every minute.

Here are some tips that can help you keep things in perspective:

• Know your priorities – If you make a list of all of the items you’re concerned about and budget time in the coming weeks to complete each one, your schedule will feel less chaotic and more organized.
• Learn to say “no” – This time of year, there seems to be an endless array of parties and events, but if you feel obligated to take part in everything, you risk spreading yourself too thin. It’s ok to say “no” sometimes if you don’t have the time or the desire to participate.
• Ask for help – Look at your “to do” list and ask yourself if it’s essential that you complete each item. If not, work with your family and friends to help each other get everything done.
• Have fun! – The holidays are about spending time with those we love and reflecting on old times. Take advantage of this opportunity to relax and reminisce.

From all of us at Argosy University, happy holidays and happy New Year!

If you have decided that you would like to go back to school and further your education, there are steps that you can follow to streamline the process. If you are looking to enroll in a higher education program for the first time, or have already completed some credits and want to finish the process, following these four simple steps can be helpful for you and have you attending classes at your college of choice in no time.

1. Before beginning your education, you want to select a program and stick with it. The first mistake many college students make when beginning their college career is changing their major several times. This increases the time you will spend in college and requires you to pay for courses that will not go towards your final degree.
2. If you have already completed some college courses, you can speak with an Admissions Representative to learn how those credits might transfer to your desired degree program.
3. Regardless of whether you are a new or returning student, you’ll want to decide if you will need financial aid before enrolling. Our Student Finance Counselors can assist you with this.
4. Once you have your financial aid set up and have decided on a degree program, or which courses you will be taking, its time to enroll officially. Contact us today to speak with an Admissions Representative who can help guide you through the process.