Postsecondary education has become a need in today's economy.

Study after study shows how much more a college graduate will earn than their high school diploma-wielding friends. There may have been a time when one could find a good-paying job straight out of high school, but that simply is not the case now. In the not-too-distant future, most "living wage" jobs will require some sort of education after high school, whether that education be vocational, two-year, four-year or graduate.

Unfortunately, college isn't as affordable as it once was. Four years at a public university costs at least $60,000 and a private college education may have a sticker price in excess of $200,000. However, a thorough financial aid search will substantially reduce those prices.

Use the tools on COMPASS Guide to help provide your student with the future he/she deserves without going broke in the process.