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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Five ways to avoid, reduce college debt
Students searching for the college of their dreams typically consider a multitude of factors: strong academic program in their major, vibrant campus life with attractive amenities, student abroad and internship opportunities. But one factor that eventually becomes a focal point is college cost. Currently, more than 40 million Americans have federal student debt totaling more than $1.6 trillion. To avoid joining that group, collegebound students should consider some strategies. Students should apply to at least one public in-state college, where the list price tuition is typically the most affordable. The tuition at Rutgers University – New Brunswick for this past academic year was $17,929 for New Jersey residents. At The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) it was $19,632, and at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) it was $19,000. Room and board do add to the cost, but most New Jersey students live within commuting distance of at least one of New Jersey's 11 public four-year colleges. More: Demonstrated interest bolsters acceptance rate | College Connection Students should spend time in high school identifying the field they want to pursue in college. It's never a good idea to start college 'undecided' because there's no guarantee that once a student does identify a favorite major, there will be a seat available in the program. Even if the student is able to enroll, the courses that have already been taken may not count towards those required for the major. Thus, graduation may be delayed by one or more semesters – significantly increasing the cost of earning a degree. Students should earn money during their college years to help offset student debt or at least cover some of their living expenses. There are companies with locations near many colleges that offer tuition reimbursement including Chipotle, McDonalds, UPS, AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile, Best Buy, Home Depot and Walmart. More: College essays present unique opportunity to shine | College Connection Students should invest some time in seeking, and applying for, available scholarships. A good place to start is at which offers a scholarship search database that includes four million scholarships that are collectively worth more than $22 billion. Students should work hard to have the highest GPA and SAT scores that they are capable of earning. It's typical for colleges to award scholarship money based on these criteria. Whatever scholarship money is offered for the first year is typically renewed for the next three years. Thus, a $15,000 award ultimately provides $60,000 in scholarship money. So, focusing on GPA and SAT scores is frequently the easiest way for students to minimize their student debt. By paying attention to college costs in advance of enrolling, students can avoid a future of debilitating debt. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit or call 908-369-5362. This article originally appeared on College debt: Five ways to avoid, reduce financial burden Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Five ways to avoid, reduce college debt
Students searching for the college of their dreams typically consider a multitude of factors: strong academic program in their major, vibrant campus life with attractive amenities, student abroad and internship opportunities. But one factor that eventually becomes a focal point is college cost. Currently, more than 40 million Americans have federal student debt totaling more than $1.6 trillion. To avoid joining that group, collegebound students should consider some strategies. Students should apply to at least one public in-state college, where the list price tuition is typically the most affordable. The tuition at Rutgers University – New Brunswick for this past academic year was $17,929 for New Jersey residents. At The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) it was $19,632, and at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) it was $19,000. Room and board do add to the cost, but most New Jersey students live within commuting distance of at least one of New Jersey's 11 public four-year colleges. More: Demonstrated interest bolsters acceptance rate | College Connection Students should spend time in high school identifying the field they want to pursue in college. It's never a good idea to start college 'undecided' because there's no guarantee that once a student does identify a favorite major, there will be a seat available in the program. Even if the student is able to enroll, the courses that have already been taken may not count towards those required for the major. Thus, graduation may be delayed by one or more semesters – significantly increasing the cost of earning a degree. Students should earn money during their college years to help offset student debt or at least cover some of their living expenses. There are companies with locations near many colleges that offer tuition reimbursement including Chipotle, McDonalds, UPS, AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile, Best Buy, Home Depot and Walmart. More: College essays present unique opportunity to shine | College Connection Students should invest some time in seeking, and applying for, available scholarships. A good place to start is at which offers a scholarship search database that includes four million scholarships that are collectively worth more than $22 billion. Students should work hard to have the highest GPA and SAT scores that they are capable of earning. It's typical for colleges to award scholarship money based on these criteria. Whatever scholarship money is offered for the first year is typically renewed for the next three years. Thus, a $15,000 award ultimately provides $60,000 in scholarship money. So, focusing on GPA and SAT scores is frequently the easiest way for students to minimize their student debt. By paying attention to college costs in advance of enrolling, students can avoid a future of debilitating debt. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit or call 908-369-5362. This article originally appeared on College debt: Five ways to avoid, reduce financial burden
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RiskVal Financial Solutions CEO Jordan Hu Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Hu, a 1989 graduate of NJIT, earned the New Jersey Region award for his ambitious, entrepreneurial leadership. Jordan Hu Newark, N.J., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jordan Hu '89, CEO of RiskVal Financial Solutions, and a distinguished alumnus of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), has been named the 2025 New Jersey winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. The honor celebrates entrepreneurs who are building and leading high-growth, innovative companies that are transforming industries and creating positive impact. Founded in 2001, RiskVal is a global software-as-a-service provider specializing in pre-trade fixed income analytics and portfolio risk management. Its flagship solutions — RVFI and RVPortfolio — deliver real-time insights using decades of historical and market data and serve more than 1,000 portfolio managers across banks, asset managers and hedge funds. Hu earned his M.S. in computer science from NJIT and has remained closely connected to the university, having served on NJIT's Board of Trustees and championing initiatives that expand STEM opportunities for future generations. Hu's journey embodies the American dream. From his initial move to the United States from Taiwan with limited resources, his dedication propelled him to launch RiskVal Financial Solutions, a multimillion-dollar global enterprise. 'To receive this award is both humbling and energizing,' said Jordan Hu. 'It's a recognition not just of RiskVal's success, but of the journey behind it — from starting with little more than an idea to building a company that serves global financial institutions. I'm proud to be part of a community that continues to fuel innovation.' In April, Hu was selected as one of 25 finalists in New Jersey, chosen for entrepreneurial leadership, sustained growth and significant community engagement. His selection as the New Jersey regional winner was announced in June and now advances to the national Entrepreneur of the Year competition, which culminates in November at the Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, California. The Entrepreneur of the Year National overall award winner will then represent the U.S. as they compete for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year award in June 2026. 'Jordan Hu exemplifies the kind of visionary leadership NJIT is proud to cultivate,' said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. 'He took a bold idea and built a company that has reshaped how financial markets approach risk and analytics. His entrepreneurial success, paired with his commitment to giving back, reflects the core values of NJIT and the transformative power of a STEM education.' Hu's recognition is the latest milestone in a career defined by innovation and resilience. After emigrating from Taiwan, he founded RiskVal without outside funding and steadily grew it into a leading force in financial analytics. In 2024, NJIT renamed its College of Science and Liberal Arts in Hu's honor to recognize his leadership and philanthropic support. Further insights into his journey and impact can be found in 'Making a Difference in Real Time.' Attachment Jordan Hu CONTACT: Deric Raymond New Jersey Institute of Technology 973-642-7042 draymond@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fast Company
09-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Students designed these unusual cabanas to bring shade to Newark's public pools
Five public pools in Newark, New Jersey, just got an unusual upgrade. Painted in bright neon colors and sporting far-out shapes, five custom-designed cabanas have been installed on the decks of these public pools, one at each location. Created by second-year design-build students at the New Jersey Institute of Technology's Hillier College of Architecture and Design, the cabanas offer seating, shading, and a generally unconventional poolside experience. The cabanas are the result of a 15-week college-wide design project involving roughly 170 students. Initiated through a long-standing relationship between Newark's recreation department and NJIT senior lecturer Mark Bess, the project was aimed at filling a large void in the city's public pool offerings. 'The pool areas didn't have any types of amenity at all. It was essentially concrete platforms. There was nothing there,' Bess says. 'This provided some useful function as well as giving the students an opportunity to stretch out a little bit.' A public private partnership was formed between NJIT, the city of Newark, and the logistics real estate company Prologis, which provided $16,500 in funding for the cabanas. 'Cities don't often have the budget for state-of-the-art amenities like this, so this public-private partnership is a model for how municipalities can find creative solutions to improve public resources,' says Donnell Redding, director of Newark's Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services. Erin Pellegrino, an adjunct instructor at NJIT, worked with students on the designs, and held regular reviews with city officials and Prologis to review the ideas taking shape. Participating students initially came up with dozens of concepts that then got whittled down to 10 finalist ideas. Through 3D design and scale physical modeling, the students landed on five final designs that they then built themselves. The cabana designs range from familiar lounge chairs to more experimental shade structures. 'We actually try to avoid using the word cabana at the early stages,' says Pellegrino. 'We try to tell students this is a pavilion. It needs to host sitting and laying and, you know, relaxing . . . perhaps even eating and communicating. So we try to give them verbs instead of nouns.' One of the cabanas is a row of chairs with rounded backs and an overhang that folds from behind like a crashing wave. Another is a geometrical puzzle of benches, tables, and walls that looks like it's made out of Tetris blocks. Another resembles the metal fingers of an arcade's claw machine, draped with fabric shade cloth. 'We give them a long leash, particularly early on,' Pellegrino says. 'That usually results in some really interesting ideas. Then, when they have to build it, and they have to sit in it, that's when they start to refine it and bring it back to reality.' Pellegrino and other NJIT instructors helped ensure the designs were feasible from a variety of perspectives, including the $16,500 budget provided by Prologis, the liability the school faced by putting these objects in public places, and even logistical issues like how much each cabana weighs and how it would be transported from the college to the pool. The cabanas were installed in late May. Pellegrino says an in-kind donation from a local paint store of about $3,000 worth of paint and other finishing materials should set the cabanas up to survive for at least five years, if more aren't requested sooner. 'I would love to do it again. There's certainly room for more of these things at most public pools and other kinds of public spaces,' Pellegrino says. 'But that's going to be dependent on money, like everything else.'
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These are the top-ranked New Jersey colleges
While college-bound students often seek to spread their wings, tens of thousands choose to remain in New Jersey each year to take advantage of in-state tuition and highly ranked programs. Students who enroll in one of New Jersey's four-year public colleges and universities benefit from in-state tuition, which can reduce the cost by more than 50%. At Rutgers – New Brunswick, for example, the tuition for state residents in 2024-25 was $17,929 while out-of-state students paid $37,441. Academically, Rutgers – New Brunswick ranks No. 15 of the Top Public National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report, ahead of such notable institutions as University of Maryland, Purdue University, University of Georgia, and Virgina Tech. Substantial in-state discounts are likewise in place at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rowan University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Montclair State University, Kean University, and more. More: Researching college majors pays future dividends | College Connection Fortunately, local students are not sacrificing educational rigor as many New Jersey schools, both public and private, offer impressive, highly ranked programs. Princeton University, ranked No. 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report, has an extremely low acceptance rate of 4%. However, according to the University's newspaper, The Daily Princetonian, nearly 17% of the incoming Class of 2025 hails from New Jersey. While excelling in all fields, Princeton's most popular majors are Social Sciences, Engineering, and Computer & Information Sciences. Another private Garden State institution, Stevens Institute of Technology, is particularly renown for its programs in Engineering which enroll 53% of the student body. Graduates, overall, move onto successful careers earning a median salary of $90,326 six years after graduation. More: Private consulting firms help set college costs | College Connection New Jersey Institute of Technology, ranked in the Top 50 Public Universities Nationwide, is particularly noted for its programs in Engineering and Computer and Information Sciences. According to its website, the average starting salary for NJIT graduates is $82,232. The College of New Jersey, ranked No. 1 Top Public Regional University – North, is best known for its programs in Business and Teaching. It also hosts a highly competitive seven-year direct entry medical program with Rutgers' New Jersey Medical School. Seton Hall, a Catholic university, is particularly attractive to local students pursuing health-related careers due to its five and six year dual-degree programs. Students can earn their bachelor's and master's degree in Athletic Training in five years, and their bachelor's and advanced degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Speech-Language Pathology in six years. New Jersey's college-bound students would do well to research the opportunities within their state before contributing to the 'brain drain' of those leaving the Garden State. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit or call 908-369-5362 This article originally appeared on These are the top-ranked New Jersey colleges | Opinion
