Westborough – Author Mark Bilotta will be promoting his new book, “Paying for College: A 2015 Guide to Saving Time and Money” at Tatnuck Bookseller Sunday, June 1 from 1-3 p.m.
The book offers advice to readers to “look under the hood” and investigate whether a college is more than just a good academic fit. Is it a good financial fit as well?
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Bilotta departs from the typical college guide, recognizing that it's not enough to enroll in college. Students need to successfully complete their programs. After all, how helpful is it to have 45 credits, no degree and student loan debt? Bilotta directs his readers on how they can save on time and money. For him time is measured in credit hours and semesters; money is measured in the thousands of dollars and lost income opportunities.
This book is short, easy-to-read, and comprehensive. It tackles a number of topics, some that are familiar, like sticker price vs. net price and Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Others topics get to the heart of financial fit, including: a checklist of $$$ questions for a college search; how to measure the value and risk of enrolling at a specific college at a specific net price; how to compare financial aid awards; and how to borrow without sacrificing your future. Bilotta then departs from most college guides and continues with reducing the need for remedial classes and exploring new trends that are designed to save time and money, including stackable credentials and reverse transfer. He ends with a brief look at the future of higher education and the growing interest in competency-based learning.
Tatnuck Bookseller is located at the Westborough Shopping Center, Route 9 and Lyman Street.