Paying for College

College Options

 Tuition costs have skyrocketed in the past 10 years. A college degree maybe a safe bet to help a person succeed but it's not a sure thing. Students and parents should be thoughtful in selecting a degree. Find a program that is marketable and interesting. Keep all options on the table. There are other options available to pursuit a higher education. Don't succumb to the social pressure of standing on line at the bank to start your line of school credit and ship off to a four year college or university. You don't have to do what everyone else appears to be doing. There are smarter ways to achieve your higher education goals.

The average price for college across the nation in 2014-2015 was $23,400. Private colleges are $46.000. It is easy for students to leave college owing over $100,000.00  

There are other options if money is tight or if you just want to save some of your hard earned money and do not want to graduate with 100k worth of student loan debt.

Community College:

A great place to start and students will pay less than $5000 a year. Coordinate with community college guidance office to study courses that will transfer to the state's 4 year colleges.

A person with an Associate Degree increases their marketability in the work force. An Associates degree will also increase the odds of getting a job and demands a higher wage than a person directly out of high school. 

Some states such as Virginia have coordinated programs that transfer all credits but upon completion of your Associates Degree guarantee acceptance. This is a fantastic deal for students saving money or did not take high school quite so serious.

 Tuition Assistance: 

The Associates Degree is not necessary to begin employment.  Dedicating the time to complete the two year degree directly out of high school places the individual on a fast track to completing their Bachelors degree.  Employers want motivated independent employees  Many employers will reimburse their employees tuition costs if they are attending college part time while they are employed. Companies know employees willing to invest and dedicate their free time to work towards a higher education are serious about their career and development. 

CLEP Test: 

The College Level Examinations program (CLEP) provide students with the chance to earn college credits in a few ways. College programs vary but many will take up to 12 credits on a variety of courses. The traditional CLEP tests cost $80 per course. A substantial savings in money and time. Coordinate with your school guidance office to insure you receive credit towards your degree.

Clep Test Subjects

Military:

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay your in state tuition and you may also qualify for housing, books and other expenses. The military can also train an individual get them the experience needed to launch their career. College courses are offered on base while active duty and the tuition is reimbursed. this provides the vet with the opportunity to get their college work started.

Military GI Bill

 Grants:

College grants like scholarships are not paid back. The Federal Government is the largest issuer of college tuition grants. To get started a student must register with Department of Education by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

FAFSA

Scholarships: 

Work hard in high school. Play sports join clubs, volunteer your time be involved throughout your high school career and you will drastically increase your odds of earnig scholarship money. In addition to merit scholarships for the top performing students there are millions of dollars worth of scholarships available from many non profit and for profit organizations. There are many web sites that offer guidance on the many scholarships available and inexpensive phone apps to aid in your search.

Scholarship Search 

Scholarship Phone App

Teamwork:

It is possible and sometimes necessary for an individual to work alone in educating oneself. It is easier with a family working together. Parents should start talking to their child while they are in grammar school about attending college. The talks should be age appropriate and geared towards inspiring the child to realize their education does not end in high school.