| College educations cost money, and depending on | | | | attend college. |
| your school of choice, it can mean big money. Here's a | | | | Outside of the college financial aid offices, check with |
| quick snapshot of college tuition costs for 2010 from | | | | local community and industry organizations to see |
| government and private college websites: | | | | what they may have to offer in college financial aid. |
| Average costs for college tuition and fees for private | | | | There are many sources from your local VFW to |
| four-year schools are $26,273, public four-year schools | | | | business groups who may offer some kind of |
| are $7,020, and public two-year schools are $2,544. | | | | program. High School counselors are a good source of |
| These are yearly costs and are based solely on tuition | | | | information on local sources. |
| and fees and does not include room and board | | | | You can also check with colleges that offer online |
| expenses. Living expenses can add up to $1500 per | | | | classes at a much lower costs. You can easily work |
| month. They are also based on instate tuitions, out of | | | | fulltime and access these college classes 24/7 around |
| state students can pay an additional 25% on average. | | | | your schedule. Mix and match according to your |
| So you can see how quickly college education costs | | | | abilities and job by taking some onsite classes and |
| can add up. Figure about $160,000 cost for average | | | | some online classes. This method can take a little |
| for a private college four-year degree (including room | | | | longer to graduate but will cost much less overall. |
| and board along with tuition and fees). Many students | | | | The first step is to pick your college and find out |
| end up with well over $50,000 of student loan debt | | | | exactly what your tuition and fees will be for your |
| upon graduation. Some students end up owing a lot | | | | choice of degree. The next step is to do a realistic |
| more for student loans if they choose to finance the | | | | budget on living expenses based on whether you |
| entire cost. | | | | want to live at a dorm or off campus. This will give |
| But there are ways to reduce your college education | | | | you a good idea of what your specific costs will be at |
| costs besides loans. The first thing to do is contact the | | | | the college of your choice. |
| college you choose to attend and go visit their financial | | | | Once you know that the costs will be, start applying |
| aid office. The people there can give you some very | | | | and researching every possible source of financial aid |
| specific information on what's available, how you | | | | other than loans to start with. Don't wait until the last |
| qualify, and how to apply for different financial aid | | | | minute, many of these grants and scholarships are first |
| programs. The government has several grant | | | | come, first serve and you will need to apply far in |
| programs that are based on you income (or your | | | | advance. And don't get impatient, this is a slow |
| parents depending on your age). There are also work | | | | process by nature and takes some dedicated time |
| related programs that you can apply for that pay you | | | | and effort to be successful. |
| to work at the college. | | | | You can also start out at a Community College or a |
| There are hundreds, if not more, local organizations | | | | Public 2 Year college and save quite a bit. You can |
| that also provide scholarships that are based on many | | | | finish up at whatever 4 year institution you want for |
| criteria besides grades or athletics. Don't just go for the | | | | your degree. This would also give you a chance to |
| big dollar scholarships, even $200 a semester can help | | | | improve your grades if necessary to get into your |
| and many have very easy to qualify requirements. | | | | 4-year college of choice. It would also give you a |
| Community organizations are a great source for small | | | | chance to establish residency for out of state schools |
| scholarships that may be small amounts but can add | | | | and attend as a state resident, which can be a big |
| up fast. | | | | chunk of money. |
| Your parent's employers may have programs that | | | | The bottom line is you need to do your research, |
| range from scholarships to loans at no cost. If you | | | | establish your projected costs, and then turn over ever |
| have a job, check with your employer too. Some | | | | possible rock to find grants, scholarships, or work |
| critical industries (that need specific employee skills) are | | | | programs. Digging a little deeper can produce some |
| also a good source of grants and scholarships. Some | | | | good results, and the earlier you start the better. |
| will even offer part or full time employment while you | | | | |