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If you drive a car, you need car insurance — and not just because it’s the law in nearly every state.

Fortunately, these days, getting car insurance is usually a simple process. You can buy car insurance online, over the phone, or even in person — but the easiest way to do so is with a few mouse clicks.

5 Steps to Getting Car Insurance

Knowing how to get car insurance that suits the type of vehicle you have and your driving habits is easier when you know your way around the car insurance market. Here’s our step-by-step guide to buying automobile insurance.

1. Figure Out What Type Of Coverage You Need.

The first step in learning how to get insurance on a car? Understanding what car insurance is in the first place and how much coverage you really need.

There’s a veritable dictionary of different auto insurance terms to understand, but one of the most important distinctions is between liability insurance and full insurance coverage.

•   Liability insurance is coverage that pays out to another driver if you’re found to be at fault in an accident. Liability insurance is further split into property damage and bodily injury coverage, coverage for vehicular damages and medical expenses, respectively.

•   Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is another type of liability insurance that pays out in the event of an accident involving another driver who doesn’t have insurance (or much of it).

•   Full coverage includes liability insurance but also pays out for damage to your own vehicle, even if you’re at fault. This may include collision coverage, which pays out in the event of an accident involving another vehicle, and comprehensive coverage, which pays out in the event of non-collision damages, such as fire, falling objects, or glass damage.

•   You may also be able to purchase medical payments coverage, which can offset the cost of your medical bills in the event of an accident, or personal injury protection insurance, which can help with lost wages and other expenses. These types of coverage kick in regardless of who’s at fault.

Most state laws only require liability insurance. However, this varies, as do the minimum policy limits in each state, so be sure to get familiar with your state laws before you go shopping.

Requirements aside, full coverage might be worth considering. Even in a minor accident, you could face thousands of dollars in repair costs, not to mention random damages like a windshield crack due to a rock kicked up on the highway.

And keep in mind, too, that even full coverage doesn’t mean everything is covered or coverages are unlimited. How much coverage you decide you want is up to you. It’s worth factoring in the age and value of your vehicle, other coverages you may have that can help, and how high a deductible you could afford to pay out of pocket in the event of an accident. Higher deductibles generally mean lower monthly car premiums — but, of course, you’re on the hook for a larger portion of the expenses if you do need to file a claim.

Recommended: What Does Car Insurance Cover?

2. Gather Your Information.

Once you have an idea of the kind of coverage you need, it’s time to get serious about shopping for auto insurance. You’ll need certain information in order to buy an auto insurance policy, so in order to make the transaction go smoothly, it’s a good idea to gather the following ahead of time:

•   The name and birth date of every driver to be put on the policy

•   The driver’s license number and issuing state of every driver to be put on the policy

•   The driving history (both at-fault and no-fault accidents) of every driver to be put on the policy

•   The car’s make, model, and vehicle identification number

•   The car’s current mileage

•   The estimated mileage the car is driven each year, as well as its primary purpose (business or leisure)

•   Any car safety features, like car alarms

•   The address the car is kept at most of the time

•   The name and policy number of your current insurance plan, if you have one

Other information may also be required, but gathering the basic details ahead of time should help save you some time.

💡 Recommended: How Much Is Sports Car Insurance

3. Choose Your Shopping Method.

There are three main ways to purchase car insurance: directly from an insurance company, through a captive agent, or through an independent broker.

•   Buying auto insurance directly (either online or over the phone) from an insurance company means you can do the research yourself. However, getting individual quotes from a variety of different companies can take time.

•   Buying auto insurance through a captive agent means you’re working with a representative from a single insurance company, which can be useful if you want a single point of contact who can help walk you through every step of the process. This might also be a good idea if you have more than one insurance policy through the same company because you may qualify for multi-policy discounts.

•   Buying auto insurance through an independent broker can create a bespoke insurance-buying experience where the broker does the footwork of shopping around for the best deal to suit your needs. However, your premiums may include a broker’s fee.

Each approach has its own drawbacks and benefits, and the best one when deciding how to get auto insurance for you will depend on your preferences.

4. Compare Quotes.

Car insurance is one of those areas of life where you can save a lot of money by shopping around. Of course, getting multiple quotes can be time consuming, but given that car insurance premiums can cost more than $172 per month, it might just be worth your time.

Fortunately, these days, there are some great auto insurance comparison websites and apps that can help you see your potential savings by filling out just a single form. (Be aware that you may start getting phone calls, emails, and letters from insurers eager to acquire your business, however.)

Recommended: Car Insurance Guide for New Drivers and 3 Ways to Save

5. Drive Happy — But Check In Regularly.

We’ve all heard the commercials, but it really is true: You may stand to save money by switching your car insurance to a different carrier, so it’s worth checking in at least once a year to make sure you’re happy with your coverage and its cost.

That said, many carriers also offer loyalty discounts to longtime customers, and if you get a lower offer elsewhere, your insurer may be able to match it. Your car insurance premium may get lower over time if you improve your driving record or your credit history, and you may also be able to score discounts by bundling different types of insurance from the same provider (like renters insurance, homeowners insurance, etc).

Of course, it’s not just monthly costs that are worth considering. You may decide you want more or less coverage over time or as your life situation changes, which is another good reason to check in from time to time. Additionally, if you do decide to switch carriers, make sure you’re purchasing a policy of equivalent coverage. Otherwise, you’re not saving money on an equivalent product — you’re just buying something cheaper from elsewhere.

Recommended: Electric Vehicle Insurance: Everything EV Drivers Need to Know

The Takeaway

Knowing how to buy car insurance might not be exciting, but car insurance is an important financial product that could relieve a financial burden in the case of an accident. As you start exploring your options, you’ll want to decide the type and amount of coverage you’ll need based on the age and value of your vehicle, your budget, and other coverage that you may have. Taking the opportunity to compare car insurance companies before committing to a policy can be a smart move that might save you money on your insurance rate.

When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.

Photo credit: iStock/LumiNola

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered trademark of Experian.
SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC. (“”SoFi””) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through the SoFi-Experian partnership.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPRO-Q225-027

Congratulations on the new home. But hang on. The garbage disposal isn’t working as it should and the hot water doesn’t seem to be hot anymore. A home warranty can ease the headaches and financial strain of fixing or replacing appliances and home systems, but any contract will require much more than a glance.

A policy can be purchased directly from a home warranty company at any time, not just upon a move-in. In some cases, the seller may provide a home warranty with the sale of the home.

Home warranties can help protect new homeowners and existing owners from troubles here and there, but is a home warranty really worth it?

What Exactly Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty — different from homeowners insurance — covers specific items such as home systems (things like the HVAC system), washers and dryers, kitchen appliances, pool equipment, garbage disposals, and exposed electrical work.

Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, covers theft and damage to a home from perils like fire, wind, and lightning strikes.

While homeowners insurance is typically required by a mortgage company, home warranties are optional.

Price of a Home Warranty

The cost of a home warranty can range from $450 to $600 a year, possibly more for coverage for items not on the stock home warranty list. Extras may include pool systems and septic systems.

Those who purchase a home warranty will pay that annual premium. If they do call in a service provider, they will likely have to pay a fee for service calls, too.

Depending on the extent of the issue, the service call may cost anywhere from $75 to $150.

Recommended: How Much Are Closing Costs on a New Home?

Pros of a Home Warranty

While the above fee may seem pricey, the real pro of having a home warranty is it could save a homeowner a bundle on repairs in the future. HomeAdvisor reports that the average national cost to replace an HVAC system ranges from $5,000-$12,500, and a new water heater ranges from $883-$1,807. Both of these items would likely be covered under a home warranty.

Another benefit of a home warranty is pure convenience. If something breaks, a homeowner calls the warranty company, which will likely have a list of technicians at the ready. This means homeowners won’t have to spend time researching and vetting the right people for a repair or replacement. As the saying goes, time is money.

Then there’s resale value. When selling a home, homeowners with a home warranty may be able to transfer the warranty to the new owner, which could be a bargaining chip for those attempting to sell an older home. (Some home warranties are non-transferable, so it’s up to sellers to do their due diligence when adding this to the deal.)

Cons of a Home Warranty

A downside of a home warranty is that it can be complicated to understand. Every purchaser should carefully read the contract before signing and ask all the questions they need to in order to understand the warranty.

For example, a home warranty may come with a financial limit per repair or per year. If someone ends up having one heck of a year with the appliances, some of those repairs may not be covered.

Recommended: Most Common Home Repair Costs

You may need to request additional coverage for appliances that are considered optional or replaced frequently. And will your Sub-Zero fridge and Wolf range be covered if they go kaput? (Not likely.) Most warranty companies list excluded items on their sample contracts.

Ask: Will the plan repair or replace a broken item? If a repair is considered too expensive, the provider might offer to replace the broken item — but give you only the depreciated value.

Claims can also be denied by the warranty company for a variety of reasons, including if it believes an appliance hasn’t properly been maintained. The warranty company can also ultimately decide if a problem is worth fixing or not, despite how the homeowner feels about the situation.

Home warranties also cannot guarantee timeliness. If something breaks, homeowners may have to wait longer than they’d like to get it fixed.

Home warranties will also likely not cover preexisting conditions. If a person moves into a home with a termite problem, the warranty will likely not cover the cost to repair issues. Before you sign the warranty, the company will probably come inspect all the items covered, and could deny coverage for certain items.

Choosing the Right Home Warranty

Choosing the right home warranty comes down to personal choice and research. It’s important to look into each contract to see what is covered, what isn’t, the cost of services, and more.

While searching for the right home warranty, it may be best to go beyond online reviews. Rather than looking on public listings, head over to websites like the Better Business Bureau and search for individual companies.

Is a Home Warranty Really Worth It?

A home warranty could be the right call for people who are not up for having to perform repairs themselves or don’t have time to hire technicians.

For those buying a new construction, a home warranty may likely be unnecessary as many newer homes come with some type of guarantee. Also, because everything is newer, it may be less likely to break early on.

Individual appliances may also come with their own warranties, so make sure to check each one to see if it’s still protected before spending extra money on it with a home warranty.

One more way to figure out if a home warranty is worth it is to check out the home’s inspection report. If there are red flags about a home’s condition, it may be a good idea to purchase a home warranty to cover any additional expenses that crop up.

Alternatives to Home Warranties

If homeowners are worried about protecting their investment but aren’t sure a home warranty is right for them, there is an alternative: Build up an emergency fund.

Homeowners can start stashing away cash into an emergency savings fund that they can dip into whenever they need repairs done. This acts as their own “home warranty” without having to pay a premium to a company.

To take it one step further, homeowners could also create a spreadsheet with the names of repair workers when they need something fixed.

The Takeaway

Are home warranties worth it? Anyone looking into purchasing one will want to take a close look at the annual cost, the charge for service calls, exactly what is and isn’t included, and how much of a replacement item is covered.

Note: SoFi does not offer home warranties at this time. However, SoFi does offer homeowners insurance options.

If you’re a new homebuyer, SoFi Protect can help you look into your insurance options. SoFi and Lemonade offer homeowners insurance that requires no brokers and no paperwork. Secure the coverage that works best for you and your home.

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered trademark of Experian.
SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC. (“”SoFi””) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through the SoFi-Experian partnership.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPRO-Q225-026

A 401(k) loan allows you to borrow money from your retirement savings and pay it back to yourself over time, with interest. While this type of loan can provide quick access to cash at a relatively low cost, it comes with some downsides.

Read on to learn about borrowing against a 401(k), how 401(k) loans work, when it may be appropriate to borrow from your 401(k) — and when you might want to consider an alternative source of funding.

Can I Borrow From My 401(k)?

Borrowing from a 401(k) is possible under many 401(k) plans. In general, it’s wise to let your retirement savings stay invested so you’ll have that money for the future, but in some circumstances, borrowing against a 401(k) could make sense. For instance, if you find yourself in a situation where you need money immediately and have no other options, you may want to consider a 401(k) loan.

A 401(k) loan lets you borrow money from your retirement savings account and pay it back over time with interest. You’re essentially paying back yourself — the money you borrow against your 401(k) goes back into your 401(k) account with interest.

Not all 401(k) plans offer loans, so check with your plan administrator to find out if yours does.

What Is a 401(k) Loan & How Does It Work?

A 401(k) loan is a provision that allows participants in a 401(k) plan to borrow money from their own retirement savings. Here are some key points to understand about 401(k) loans.

Limits on How Much You Can Borrow

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets limits on the maximum amount that can be borrowed from a 401(k) plan. Typically, you can borrow up to 50% of your account balance or $50,000, whichever is less, within a 12-month period.

Spousal Permission

Some plans may require borrowers to get the signed consent of their spouse before a 401(k) loan can be approved.

You Repay the Loan With Interest

Unlike a withdrawal, a 401(k) loan requires repayment. You typically repay the loan (plus interest) via regular payroll deductions, over a specified period, usually five years. These payments go into your own 401(k) account.

401(k) Loans vs. Early Withdrawals

When you withdraw money from your 401(k), these distributions generally count as taxable income. And, if you’re under the age of 59½, you typically also have to pay a 10% penalty on the amount withdrawn.

You may be able to avoid a withdrawal penalty, if you have a heavy and immediate financial need, such as:

•  Medical care expenses for you, your spouse, or children

•  Costs directly related to the purchase of your principal residence (excluding mortgage payments).

•  College tuition and related educational fees for the next 12 months for you, your spouse, or children.

•  Payments necessary to prevent eviction from your home or foreclosure

•  Funeral expenses

•  Certain expenses to repair damage to your principal residence

While the above scenarios can help you avoid a penalty, income taxes will still be due on the withdrawal. Also keep in mind that an early withdrawal involves permanently taking funds out of your retirement account, depleting your nest egg.

With a 401(k) loan, on the other hand, you borrow money from your retirement account and are obligated to repay it over a specified period. The loan, plus interest, is returned to your 401(k) account. But during the term of the loan the money you borrow won’t enjoy any potential growth.

Recommended: Can I Use My 401(k) to Buy a House?

Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?

It depends. In some cases, borrowing against a 401(k) can make sense, while in others, it may not. Here’s a closer look.

When to Consider a 401(k) Loan

•   You’re in an emergency situation. If you’re facing a genuine financial emergency, such as medical expenses or imminent foreclosure, a 401(k) loan may provide a timely solution. It can help you address immediate needs without relying on more expensive forms of borrowing.

•   You have expensive debt. If you have high-interest credit card debt, borrowing from your 401(k) at a lower interest rate can potentially save you money and help you pay off your debt more efficiently.

When to Avoid a 401(k) Loan

•   You want to preserve your long-term financial health. Depending on the plan, you may not be able to contribute to your 401(k) for the duration of your loan. This can take away from your future financial security (you may also miss out on employer matches). In addition, money removed from your 401(k) will not be able to potentially grow or benefit from the effects of compound returns.

•   You may change jobs in the next several years. If you anticipate leaving your current employer in the near future, taking a 401(k) loan can have adverse consequences. Unpaid loan balances may become due upon separation, leading to potential tax implications and penalties.

Pros and Cons of Borrowing From Your 401(k)

Given the potential long-term cost of borrowing money from a bank — or taking out a high-interest payday loan or credit card advance — borrowing from your 401(k) can offer some real advantages. Just be sure to weigh the pros against the cons.

Pros

•   Efficiency: You can often obtain the funds you need more quickly when you borrow from your 401(k) versus other types of loans.

•   No credit check: There is no credit check or other underwriting process to qualify you as a borrower because you’re withdrawing your own money. Also, the loan is not listed on your credit report, so your credit won’t take a hit if you default.

•   Low fees: Typically, the cost to borrow money from your 401(k) is limited to a small loan origination fee. There are no early repayment penalties if you pay off the loan early.

•   You pay interest to yourself: With a 401(k) loan, you repay yourself, so interest is not lost to a lender.

Cons

•   Borrowing limits: Generally, you are only able to borrow up to 50% of your vested account balance or $50,000 — whichever is less.

•   Loss of potential growth: When you borrow from your 401(k), you specify the investment account(s) from which you want to borrow money, and those investments are liquidated for the duration of the loan. Therefore, you lose any positive earnings that would have been produced by those investments for the duration of the loan.

•   Default penalties: If you don’t or can’t repay the money you borrowed on time, the remaining balance would be treated as a 401(k) disbursement under IRS rules. This means you’ll owe taxes on the balance. And if you’re younger than 59 ½, you will likely also have to pay a 10% penalty.

•   Leaving your job: If you leave your current job, you may have to repay your loan in full in a very short time frame. If you’re unable to do that, you will face the default penalties outlined above.

Alternatives to Borrowing From Your 401(k)

Because borrowing from your 401(k) comes with some drawbacks, here’s a look at some other ways to access cash for a large or emergency expense.

Emergency fund: Establishing and maintaining an emergency fund (ideally, with at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses) can provide a financial safety net for unexpected expenses. Having a dedicated fund can reduce the need to tap into your retirement savings.

Home equity loans or lines of credit: If you own a home, leveraging the equity through a home equity loan or line of credit can provide a cost-effective method of accessing extra cash. Just keep in mind that these loans are secured by your home — should you run into trouble repaying the loan, you could potentially lose your house.

Negotiating with creditors: In cases of financial hardship, it can be worth reaching out to your creditors and explaining your situation. They might be willing to reduce your interest rates, offer a payment plan, or find another way to make your debt more manageable.

Personal Loans: Personal loans are available from online lenders, local banks, and credit unions and can be used for virtually any purpose. These loans are typically unsecured (meaning no collateral is required) and come with fixed interest rates and set terms. Depending on your lender, you may be able to get funding within a day or so.

The Takeaway

Borrowing against your 401(k) can provide short-term financial relief but there are some downsides to consider, such as borrowing limits, potential loss of growth, and penalties for defaulting.

It’s a good idea to carefully weigh the pros and cons before you take out a 401(k) loan. You may also want to consider alternatives, such as using non-retirement savings like an emergency fund or taking out a personal loan or a home equity loan or line of credit.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What is a 401(k) loan?

A 401(k) loan allows you to borrow money up to a certain amount from your retirement savings account and pay it back over time with interest. The money you repay goes back into your 401(k) account.

How do 401(k) loans work?

A 401(k) loan allows you to borrow money from your 401(k) account. Not every plan allows 401(k) loans, but many do. There are limits on how much you can borrow — generally up to 50% of your account balance or $50,000, whichever is less, within a 12-month period. In addition, you may have to get your spouse’s permission to take out a 401(k) loan, and you need to repay the amount you borrowed with interest typically within five years.

When should I consider taking a 401(k) loan?

It’s generally best not to touch money in a retirement savings account if possible so it can potentially keep growing for your future. However, in some situations it may make sense to take out a 401(k) loan — for instance, if you’re facing an immediate medical emergency or you’re trying to pay off extensive high-interest debt, such as credit card debt. If you have no other financial options, a 401(k) loan might be something to consider.

How do 401(k) loans differ from early 401(k) withdrawals?

With a 401(k) loan, you borrow money from your retirement account and must repay it over a specified period, typically within five years. The loan, plus interest, is repaid to your 401(k) account. An early 401(k) withdrawal, on the other hand, is when you withdraw money from your 401(k) before age 59½. These distributions generally count as taxable income. And because you’re under the age the IRS specifies for qualified retirement withdrawals, you typically will also have to pay a 10% penalty on the amount you took out.

There are some possible exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty. If you have a heavy and immediate financial need, such as medical expenses, for example, you may be able to avoid the 10% penalty on an early 401(k) withdrawal.

What are some alternatives to borrowing from my 401(k)?

Alternatives to borrowing from your 401(k) include taking the money from an emergency savings fund, taking out a home equity loan if you have equity in your house, taking out a personal loan, or negotiating with your creditors to see if they might be willing to put you on a payment plan.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-001

College tuition inflation since 1980 has been rising. In fact, widely cited statistics have consistently shown college tuition rising faster than inflation.

It’s no secret: College tuition is on the rise, and it has been for years. According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition and fees costs at undergraduate institutions were:

•   $9,700 at public institutions

•   $17,800 at private for-profit institutions

•   $38,800 at private nonprofit institutions

Between 2008-2009 and 2018-2019, costs rose 28% at public institutions and 19% at private nonprofit institutions. However, the costs for private for-profit institutions have reduced 6% in 2018-2019 compared to 2008-2009.

In comparison, public institutions cost $9,100 in 2010-2011, private for-profit was $19,400, and nonprofit institutions cost $34,000 in the same year, according to NCES , a subagency of the U.S. Department of Education.

Why has college tuition outpaced inflation, anyway? We’ll walk you through a complete guide to understanding college tuition vs inflation and the reasons college tuition has outpaced inflation over time.

What Is the College Tuition Inflation Rate?

First of all, inflation refers to a decrease in how much individuals can purchase with their money, based on increases in the prices of goods and services. According to Macrotrends, the general U.S. inflation rate for 2022 was 8%. Inflation peaked at 13.55% in 1980, at its highest levels since 1960.

Each college has its own tuition rate increase per year, so to get an accurate measure of an individual college’s tuition inflation rate, you can use the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) inflation rate calculator to calculate the current inflation of college tuition rate for each institution based on previous tuition costs.

Ultimately, the average cost of tuition has increased nearly 180% over the past 20 years, even after accounting for inflation.

How Does Inflation Affect College Tuition?

When the cost of goods goes up, colleges and universities offset the increased cost of operating by increasing tuition costs.

The Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), which measures the price changes of items that allow universities to stay afloat, doesn’t align exactly with the Consumer Price Index, which refers to what consumers pay for goods.

It can be difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison between rising tuition at colleges and universities and changes in inflation because the HEPI is affected by more than just the cost of goods. For example, administrators, professors, financial aid professionals, admission counselors, and others also require salary increases on top of the miscellaneous expenses associated with keeping college and university facilities running.

Why Is the Cost of College Rising?

There are other reasons that cause tuition, room, board, and fees to increase from year to year. In the next section, let’s explore the reasons that it becomes more expensive to run a school. We’ll discuss state funding availability, demand, and financial aid.

Less State Funding

Declining state funding has influenced tuition costs at state universities as health care and pensions increase for state employees.

As a direct result of the last two economic recessions, education appropriations remain 6% and 14.6% below 2008 and 2001 levels, respectively, according to the 2022 State Higher Education Finance (SHEF) report produced by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO).

However, state funding for financial aid has increased steadily for two decades. State and local funding reached $100 billion for higher education for the first time in fiscal 2019.

More Demand

As demand rises, costs increase as well. More than five million more students attended U.S. colleges in 2017 than in 2000, though between fall 2010 and fall 2021, total undergraduate enrollment decreased by 15% (from 18.1 million to 15.4 million students), according to the most recent data from NCES.

Despite recent statistics, it’s still evident that the demand for higher education has continued to increase over the past few decades. The dependence on a highly skilled workforce and growing wage differences between college and high school graduates means more students choose to attend college and drive up the demand for higher education. Higher education prices must increase in response to a growing student population.

More Federal Aid

The 1987 Bennett hypothesis (named after President Ronald Reagan’s secretary of education, William Bennett), stated that colleges will raise tuition when financial aid increases, especially subsidized federal loans that offer low interest rates. In other words, the theory was that colleges can raise prices because federal financial aid will cover the excess costs and students can offset the cost increase with federal student loans.

Is the Bennett hypothesis still a worry today?

The New York Federal Reserve compiled a 2015 study that supports that finding. It found that student credit expansion of the past fifteen years has risen with college and university tuition.

Why Has College Tuition Outpaced Inflation?

It’s not easy to pinpoint one single reason for the rise in college tuition — you might be quick to blame governments that face deep deficits and cannot subsidize the full costs of higher education. However, the truth is that the costs of outpaced inflation are multifaceted.

Colleges often attempt to raise tuition to appear competitive with similar institutions, increasing costs across the board. University presidents also face enrollment demands and increases in HEPI also inflate budgets. That’s why high school students, together with their families, may want to carefully plan for the costs of attending a particular institution.

Some options for students who are looking into financing their education might include finding work during the summer, applying for financial aid, or looking into payment tuition plans.

College Tuition Inflation Since 1985

According to data from the NCES, since 1985 the average college tuition at all institutions has increased nearly $20,000 from $4,885 to $24,623 during the 2018-2019 school year. That number is even higher when considering the cost of attending a four-year institution, which in 1985 was $5,504 and during the 2018-2019 school year increased to $28,123

College Tuition vs Inflation

The increase in college tuition and fees have outpaced the rise of inflation for decades. According to Forbes, the cost of attending a four-year college or university during the 2021-2022 school year was increasing at double the rate of inflation. The cost of attending a two-year community college is increasing a third faster than the rate of inflation.

However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has changed slightly. From the 2020-2021 school year and the 2021-2022 school year, tuition and fees increased by about 0.6% on average, while overall prices in the U.S. increased by 3.2%, according to Bloomberg based on data from the BLS.

The Takeaway

College tuition has increased dramatically — increasing by nearly 180% in the past 20 years. The reasons for such an rise in tuition can be attributed to a variety of factors including less state funding, an increase in demand, and even an increase in the amount of federal aid awarded.

Despite the seeming downsides to inflation and college costs, SoFi can offer some major perks to help you pay for school with our private student loans. Note because private student loans don’t offer the same benefits as federal student loans (like income-driven repayment options), private student loans are generally considered only after students have carefully reviewed all other sources of funding and financial aid.

But, if private student loans seem like an option, you can check your rates and apply in minutes and easily add a cosigner if you so choose.^* Borrowers can choose from four flexible repayment options and there are no fees.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/TARIK KIZILKAYA

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Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

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For college students, few things are more welcome than extra money. And surprisingly, those additional funds might be from your school in the form of a college refund check.

Colleges sometimes issue refunds to students, and the amount can be thousands of dollars, depending on your situation.

Are you eligible for a refund from your college, and if so, how long does it take to get your money? Read on to learn more about college refund checks.

What Is a Refund Check From a College?

A refund check is typically issued by your college or university when your financial aid covers more than what you owe for tuition, room, board, and fees. Here’s how that can happen: When you receive financial aid, the aid amount is based on your college’s cost of attendance (COA). The COA is an estimated amount, however, and sometimes the actual price turns out to be less than the amount you may have been awarded in scholarships and borrowed through student loans. In that case, your school sends you a refund check.

For example, let’s say you received $15,000 in aid for the semester, but your school’s tuition and fees were $12,000. In this case, you’d get a $3,000 refund.

When you are owed a refund check, your college or university may send you a paper check in the mail, directly deposit the money into your bank account, or credit your school account (the credit can be applied for the next semester’s tuition or other school-related expenses).

Although it’s exciting to get money back, student loan refunds are typically not free money. Unless the refund comes from leftover funding from a grant or scholarship you received, these funds are likely to be part of the student loan you borrowed, and they will need to be repaid with interest. So it’s important to use your refund wisely.

Refund Check Process

The process for getting a refund check varies from school to school, but this is typically how it works:

1.    Financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of the semester. This is when federal student loan funds, grants, scholarships, and private student loans are sent to your school and applied to your tuition, room, board, and fees. To make sure your disbursement happens promptly, register for all the classes required to get your financial aid, and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for your federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized student loans.

2.    Your school should notify you when the disbursement happens. If there is money left over after that, your school will issue a refund.

3.    You may receive a paper refund check or the money may be directly deposited into your bank account (you can sign up for direct deposit through the online portal for your school account). The refund might also be credited to your college account, in which case it won’t be sent to you. Instead, the credit will be applied to future school costs like tuition.

College Refund Check Dates

Schools typically disburse financial aid at the beginning of a semester. After they disburse your funds, if they determine that you are owed a refund, they will start the refund process. The time it takes to receive a college refund check varies from school to school. Some schools issue refunds within several days; others take 14 days. Contact with your college’s financial aid office to find out the timeline.

For freshmen, the college refund check process may take longer. First-year undergraduates who are taking out student loans for the first time may experience a 30-day delay after the first day of the school’s waiting period before their college disburses their loan funds. Not every school uses this 30-day rule, though, so check with your school to find out.

College Refund Check Status

To check on the status of a college refund, log into your school account through the online portal to see if the refund is noted on your account. If it is, but there’s no information listed about how long the refund might take, contact the school’s financial aid office to inquire about the status of your refund check.

Refund Check Problems

If you believe you are owed a refund but the money hasn’t landed in your account, there may have been a snafu. Some possible reasons a college refund check could be held up include:

•   Late paperwork. If you filed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) late or you waited to apply for student loans, you might experience a delayed refund check. The financial aid office at your college or university may be able to give you an update on the status of your refund and when you might expect it.

•   Incorrect paperwork. If you forgot to complete a section of your paperwork or missed a signature on your financial aid forms, this could delay the process. Fix the mistakes and submit the correction, then double check with the school’s financial aid office to make sure everything is in order.

•   Regular processing delays. It takes time for colleges and universities to implement financial aid disbursements and then to pay out any necessary refunds, especially at the busy start of the school semester. These may just be normal delays, but of course it doesn’t hurt to contact the school to find out.

When Will I Get My College Refund Check?

The dates for refund checks vary by the school and their financial aid disbursement process. The type of aid you’re being refunded for may also factor into the equation.

For example, in 2025, Jackson College in Jackson, Michigan, mailed or deposited Pell Grant check refunds on September 13. Loans, however, were disbursed by the school in two waves. For the first loan disbursement, refunds were sent on October 4, 2024. For the second disbursement, refunds go out on November 1.

As you can see, how a school handles this process affects when you’ll receive a refund. Every school’s dates and processes are different, so check with your college to find out the specifics.

Do I Get a Refund Check Every Semester?

You might get a refund check every semester you’re in college, but it depends. You must submit the FAFSA each year, which could affect the amount of aid you receive. That, in turn, can determine whether or not you receive a refund.

Recommended: Student Loan Forgiveness Guide

What Is the Average College Refund Check?

A college refund check might be hundreds or thousands of dollars. The refund amount depends on a variety of factors, including your school’s estimated COA versus the true cost. Other factors include the type of financial aid you receive and how much you get. Each student’s situation is unique.

And remember, a bigger refund is not necessarily better. If the refund is from loan funds, you’ll have to repay that money eventually, along with the rest of your student loans. A student loan payment calculator can help you figure out how much you might owe and help put things in perspective.

Things to Do With a College Refund Check

Getting a college refund check is exciting, and you may be tempted to spend the money on a vacation or some new clothes. However, since those funds are supposed to be for your education — and you may very well have to repay it — think carefully about how you spend it. Some ideas include:

•   Start paying your student loans. You can begin repaying your student loans anytime — you don’t have to wait until the six-month grace period after you graduate. Making payments on your loans now could give you a head start on getting out of student loan debt.

This is especially true if you have loans that accrue interest while you’re in college, like federal Direct unsubsidized loans. Depending on the federal student loan interest rates, the amount of interest you might accrue over time may be substantial if you don’t begin paying them off. You can even just pay down the interest amount.

•   Put the money toward your tuition bills. You can allocate a college refund to next semester’s tuition. You might also use it for other education-related expenses, such as books or supplies.

•   Pay off other debt. Another option is to use the money to help pay off high-interest debt, such as credit card debt. With interest rates of approximately 24%, this type of debt can add up quickly if you don’t begin tackling it.

•   Return the refund. You don’t have to accept a college refund check. If the money is from federal student loans, you can send it back to the Department of Education, which could help reduce your student loan debt. As long as you return it within 120 days, you won’t pay interest or fees on the sum. To return the refund, call your college’s financial aid office to see if they can help. If they are unable to, contact your loan servicer.

Recommended: Student Loan Debt by Major

The Takeaway

You may be eligible for a college refund check if your financial aid amount was more than the actual cost of your tuition, room and board, and other fees. The check may be mailed to you or deposited directly in your bank account, or the amount may be credited to your college account for future school costs. The length of time it takes to receive a college refund depends on your school, among other factors, and it generally takes between several days to two weeks.

One way to use a college refund is to start repaying your student loans, especially if interest is accruing on the loans while you’re in school. And keep this in mind: If the interest rates on your student loans are high, one option is to refinance student loans later on for a lower rate and better terms, if you qualify. Just be aware that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

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SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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