Why should I go to college?
- You will challenge yourself, gain skills, meet new people, and gain experience in fields that interest you
- People with higher levels of education tend to get jobs with higher wages and better health care and retirement benefits. More money and better benefits is a definite plus!
- On average, college-educated people live longer and enjoy healthier lives.
- Evidence shows that a college education increases one’s sense of life satisfaction and overall happiness
What types of colleges are there?
It’s best to start with ideas about what you want to do for work and what your interests and strengths are in school. If you like hands-on work, start with a certificate in a field of interest. That decision may lead you to decide that you want a Bachelor’s Degree in a completely different field, but that certificate will still help you! You don’t have to know exactly what you want to become in order to work towards your next step. Starting a program of interest in college can help you understand which options are best for you. All you have to do now is decide what’s next, you don’t have to know the final end goal because there will likely be changes. The resources below can help you explore some options and think about what step you would like to take next.
- The Occupational Outlook Handbook- this website includes up to date information about careers including education requirements, how much they pay, how many vacancies there are, and careers are grouped by categories of interest to help you discover new options.
- Keys to Success– this website has tests you can take which can give you some ideas of careers that may fit your interest. This website also has LOTS of information about careers, colleges and how to choose a school and pay for college.
- Big Future – This website has LOTS of information about colleges
How much does college cost?
When you think about costs remember that there are many different factors to consider. College costs are going to include more than tuition. Once you have narrowed down your choices and found schools with degrees/programs you are interested in, consider the following equation to determine how much it will cost.
( Tuition + Materials + Living Expenses ) – Financial Aid = Cost of College
Tuition: All schools differ in tuition. As an example, for full-time students, SLCC is about $1,784 per semester; UVU is $2, 630 per semester; Harvard is over $20,000 per semester. Although tuition varies between schools, it is not the ONLY thing determines the final bill for college costs.
Books and Materials: Some colleges or programs require additional fees for materials. Some required equipment for specific programs (like tools for a mechanics program) may cost additional money as school begins. All colleges require students to buy their own books, which can be done cheaply (around $100) but sometimes may cost up to $500 per semester depending on classes and how good of a bargain book shopper the student is.
Living Expenses: If you have family close to the college, your living expenses will be much lower than someone who has to pay rent and buy food. Some cities are more expensive than others. The cost of living could be anywhere between $0 and $10,000 per semester. As you decide which college is right for you, don’t forget to compare living expenses between options
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial aid and Scholarships are SUBTRACTED from the cost of college because they are money that the student receives for college. There are MANY ways to earn financial aid and scholarships and they vary by school and student. This part of the equation may make college cost nothing or may only reduce the cost by a few thousand dollars, but every bit helps!
How can I afford college?
Apply for FAFSA: go to FAFSA.GOV and fill out an application for federal aid. This can qualify you for government money that you can use for school. Billions of dollars are given out freely to students who fill this out. For help filling out the FAFSA ask your counselor or visit the YouTube page FederalStudentAid
Apply for Scholarships: You don’t have to be a perfect student to receive a scholarship. Ask your counselor about scholarships and do some of your own research. There are millions of scholarships and one might be right for you. The school you attend may also award scholarships, it never hurts to apply!
Working and saving: Most students now days have to work in order to afford college. Many colleges have part-time jobs on campus and that can be just enough to keep you on top of the costs of college.
Student Loans: A student loan is money that a student borrows to pay for college that they pay back when they graduate (and hopefully have a good job). BEFORE TAKING STUDENT LOANS DO YOUR RESEARCH, some companies take advantage of students and read the fine print before accepting a student loan.
Be smart: Attend schools that fit your budget and lifetime goals. It’s not worth going into lots of student debt for a programs you aren’t interested in. Decide which program is right for you and budget to make it work. While you are a student, live like a student! Don’t spend grant money or scholarships foolishly.
Am I College Material? Could I succeed in college?
ANYONE with a high school diploma can go to college somewhere and be successful! Don’t doubt yourself! Keep working towards your personal best and continue setting goals and YOU can get the education you need to be successful in a career you enjoy. It’s worth every sacrifice you will make in the process.
