paying for college

Some employers are offering benefits that pay down student loans. They say it's a popular way to recruit younger workers who are struggling with college debt.

For the vast majority of people, says one expert, it's good to save in a 529 plan. And no, saving money in one of those plans doesn't mean you'll pay a lot more for college tuition.

Noelle Johnson has about $20,000 in student loans and is still working on her degree. Without the higher earnings a B.A. can bring, even a modest student debt load can pose a big challenge.