2 answers
Dayanara
Student
Pleasanton, California
1
Question
Asked
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What if I don't have enough money to pay for college How would I attend college without the money? Why is college so expensive, and what can I do to prevent a college debt??
How can I get a lot more scholarships that don't require an essay?
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2 answers
Allison Nixon
Social Impact
8
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hey Dayanara, great question. College is a big investment, and unfortunately these days comes with a hefty price tag many times. Here's a few suggestions:
1. Research the most cost effective colleges. Are the schools that interest you that are known for good tuition rates, or generous scholarship options?
2. Consider starting college at a community college or other 2 year institution, and transferring to a university to finish an undergrad. Community colleges are often times much more cost effective, and you can knock out your gen eds at a much lower price point.
3. When evaluating schools, see if you can research what the student job market is like in the city and surrounding area. Some campuses and college towns have great job markets, and others are notoriously difficult to find jobs in. Picking up a part time job (or full time depending on capacity) is a great way to offset the cost, or cover the gap if you get a partial scholarship.
4. Be mindful of living expenses, on top of tuition, and college guidelines for living. Some institutions want all freshman to live on-campus, which might also require some sort of meal plan (and both come with an additional price tag). Living costs usually go down if you are able to live off campus.
5. On a related note - make sure to check out the cost of living where you're interested in applying. Balancing scholarships available to you with how much rent and other living expenses will add up to will be an important step in identifying the overall affordability of different options.
6. In the meantime, learn to plan and practice a budget! Budgeting is a skillset that can be quite empowering once you get comfortable with it. Think of it as your strategy for using money to reach your goals, not a metaphorical stick or set of rules to beat yourself with.
7. Make sure to research FAFSA and find out what student aid you qualify for.
8. Many college departments and majors offer scholarship opportunities to their students, so once you begin school and select a major, make sure to meet with an academic advisor to learn about what options are available to you!
Paying for college is a big step and feels stressful, but there are lots of resources available to finding something that works for you! Good luck!
1. Research the most cost effective colleges. Are the schools that interest you that are known for good tuition rates, or generous scholarship options?
2. Consider starting college at a community college or other 2 year institution, and transferring to a university to finish an undergrad. Community colleges are often times much more cost effective, and you can knock out your gen eds at a much lower price point.
3. When evaluating schools, see if you can research what the student job market is like in the city and surrounding area. Some campuses and college towns have great job markets, and others are notoriously difficult to find jobs in. Picking up a part time job (or full time depending on capacity) is a great way to offset the cost, or cover the gap if you get a partial scholarship.
4. Be mindful of living expenses, on top of tuition, and college guidelines for living. Some institutions want all freshman to live on-campus, which might also require some sort of meal plan (and both come with an additional price tag). Living costs usually go down if you are able to live off campus.
5. On a related note - make sure to check out the cost of living where you're interested in applying. Balancing scholarships available to you with how much rent and other living expenses will add up to will be an important step in identifying the overall affordability of different options.
6. In the meantime, learn to plan and practice a budget! Budgeting is a skillset that can be quite empowering once you get comfortable with it. Think of it as your strategy for using money to reach your goals, not a metaphorical stick or set of rules to beat yourself with.
7. Make sure to research FAFSA and find out what student aid you qualify for.
8. Many college departments and majors offer scholarship opportunities to their students, so once you begin school and select a major, make sure to meet with an academic advisor to learn about what options are available to you!
Paying for college is a big step and feels stressful, but there are lots of resources available to finding something that works for you! Good luck!
Catherine H
Digital Nomad
20
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
College is expensive, so first—ask yourself if it’s really for you. There are plenty of great careers that don’t require a degree: acting, IT support, real estate, skilled trades, sales, and more.
You can go to community college for two years (way cheaper) and then transfer—or just get a job after high school. When you work, you earn money and benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and sometimes even retirement plans. Many companies also offer to pay for additional training or college later on.
You’ll be gaining real experience while figuring out what you actually want—and avoiding massive debt.
You can go to community college for two years (way cheaper) and then transfer—or just get a job after high school. When you work, you earn money and benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and sometimes even retirement plans. Many companies also offer to pay for additional training or college later on.
You’ll be gaining real experience while figuring out what you actually want—and avoiding massive debt.