A good education is expensive

[sumbirdy]

I'm going to be starting college next fall (a little late since I'll be 21) I just can't believe how expensive everything is. Since I will be moving in January I'm searching for another job, but my experience is very little. (I can't even really write a good resume with what I have) It seems I can't find a high enough paying job to be able to afford to go to college. I'm glad they have financial aid, but really how much of everything does that actually cover? There is student loans, but do I really want to be stuck with paying them back for a while? It's just very stressful trying to figure out how I'm going to cover all of this.

[Karen]

Do work with the college financial aid office. Yes, it is expensive. Have you decided what college you want to attend and what program? In some states, state colleges are far more cost-effective an education. You can also check about work study to help pay for school. They are used to your exact issue, I promise, and will have plenty of ideas and ways to help.

[Marigold2]

Yes it is very expensive to go but more so to not. Without college a women is at a great disadvantage all her life. Karen gave some great advice. Don't let anything stop you from getting your education. You will never regret it.

[RICHARD]

Here in California, the state just increased fees by 33%.

Naturally, the students protested the raise.

During the protests they interviewed one kid that was not very well spoken.

He began to complain about the increase, the hardship and said something like, The school charges a great deal of money for sub par education.
But it was the way he said it that shocked me.....
'You know, the school charges way too much for education that is no good'.

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I didn't catch where it happened, but a bunch of kids vandalized some school president's home on account of the increase-as if he had something to do with it?


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Like Karen said,

One way to maximize your school dollars is to take classes at local or state colleges. You can transfer some credits to Uni's-take basic classes at a JC, then when you find that you need a specialized major, you are not as burdened when you transfer to a large institute.

Oh and plan ahead, even if it is a loose outline of what you want with your education, think a few semesters ahead.

Be prepared,

You will take at least ONE class that will make you want to change your direction in life, I guarantee it.

And do not hesitate to change a class if you do not like the teacher.

I have spent a few classes hating the teacher, the way they taught and have settled for a less-than-stellar grade because I was too stupid and lazy to change a class.

IT's your education and you will be more that thrilled when you finish a class with a great teacher, that has a good teaching style. You'll know it because you WANT to go to class.

[pomtzu]

I consider myself fortunate that I'm not in the generation just starting out - having to get a college education in order to get any kind of decent paying job.

When I was starting my adult life in the early 60's, you could get a very good job with just a h.s. diploma, and a few extra tech courses or even seminars, got you even a better one.

Back then - work/life experience counted a great deal - but not today. I was in the business/accounting field, and always had a good job with good pay, even tho I didn't have any degree that placed a lot of letters after my name. Both of my brothers were brilliant engineers, and my oldest brother holds several patents, both h.s. school graduates with a few specialty courses and apprenticeships - no college degrees - just on the job experience.

Of course this is not possible in today's hi-tech world. It's a shame that so many very intelligent people will not be able to achieve the max of their potential, simply because they cannot afford the expense of college, and cannot benefit from on the job experience, because they won't be hired without that college degree.

[Freedom]

the financial aid office can help you set up
- scholarships
- loans
- work study oppotunities.