It’s no secret that the cost of college is increasing every year. A recent Associated Press article outlines just how much tuition increased this fall.
It’s time to plan ahead. If you are a high school junior or senior looking at attending college in the next couple of years, preparation is your best chance to complete your degree without a financial burden.
Here are a few ways to plan ahead:
- Scholarships: Beef up your academics and your community service. Explore your passions as a way to set yourself apart from all the other applicants. Be VERY thorough.
- Work to learn: Some employers (like STCU), offer tuition assistance programs for loyal employees. A job AND help with college? Double win!
- Fill out the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Fill it out early. Loans you qualify for will have an interest rate cap, and you won’t have to pay them back until six months after you stop being a full-time student.
- Consider a local state school with solid programs.
- Consider a community college or associate’s degree to get the first two years under your belt.
Paying for college can be a challenge. Remember there is no better investment you can make, than one in yourself.
