| Congratulations! Your child is in the last year of high | | | | · Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of |
| school. It won't be long now until you send him off to | | | | Science (A.S.) degree |
| your alma mater or better yet, that prestigious private | | | | · Less costly than a four-year school |
| school. But wait! It is often tempting for a parent to | | | | · Can be public or private |
| select a college that is prestigious or one that is the | | | | Community/Junior Colleges |
| least costly (neither one of these choices is bad in | | | | Community/Junior Colleges are schools that provide |
| themselves). However, if the college does not meet | | | | students with a two-year program: |
| the career goals or educational needs of the student, | | | | · Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of |
| don't fit a square peg in a round hole. You will just end | | | | Science (A.S.) degree |
| up wasting money or making your child terribly | | | | · Programs that can be transferred after two |
| unhappy. | | | | years to four-year schools |
| If your child is looking to go directly into a skilled | | | | · Worker training and retraining certification |
| profession, a technical or community college may | | | | programs |
| provide him the skills he wants. However, if he is | | | | · Occupational and technical programs |
| looking to go into a profession that requires a | | | | · Less costly than a four-year school - and |
| four-year commitment, he needs to go to a four-year | | | | that's a big plus for some people. |
| university. You need to talk with your child about what | | | | · Liberal arts courses (psychology, sociology, |
| he is looking for in a college and what his goals are for | | | | math, English, foreign language, etc.). |
| his career. Talk about about the learning and living | | | | · Enough training and education to enter directly |
| environments and arrangements. Don't be afraid to talk | | | | into their chosen field. |
| about money concerns and financial aid. Read the | | | | · Can be public or private |
| literature from the colleges and universities. This is a | | | | Some programs strictly prepare students in their |
| very important decision. If you have these honest | | | | career choice similar to a technical school. |
| conversations early in the junior or senior year of high | | | | Universities/Colleges |
| school, you will be so much further ahead when you | | | | Universities/Colleges are schools that can award a |
| try to make a final decision. | | | | two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree: |
| Public vs. Private Schools | | | | · The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of |
| · Public colleges or universities receive their | | | | Science (B.S.) degrees are the two most frequently |
| primary funding from the states they are located in - | | | | awarded, but a variety of bachelor's degrees by other |
| the other portion comes from tuition, student fees and | | | | names are also granted. (bachelor's degree programs |
| endowments from alumni, friends and businesses. | | | | in some fields of study or at some institutions can be |
| Students are eligible to receive federal financial aid, | | | | longer than four years). |
| scholarships and loans. | | | | · Broad selection of academic programs |
| · Private schools generally cost more because | | | | · Advanced studies such as the master's or |
| they do not receive the same primary funding from | | | | doctorate degree. |
| the state and federal government. Most of their | | | | · Four-year institutions cost more than |
| funding comes from tuition and fees paid by the | | | | two-year colleges (costs are based on tuition, room |
| student or through endowments and contributions from | | | | and board and student fees) |
| alumni. Students are eligible to receive federal financial | | | | · Can be public or private |
| aid, scholarships and loans. | | | | Another consideration: If your child needs academic |
| Technical Schools | | | | remediation in certain subjects, make sure the institution |
| Technical Schools are schools that provide job training | | | | will provide support so that your child will have |
| or occupational training: | | | | academic success. |
| Career Training certifications (less than two years) | | | | |