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How am I going to pay for college? How do I know if i'll enjoy what i'm majoring in if I've never worked in that field before?

as a senior in high school i'm struggling with the fact of how am I going to pay for college. I often wonder if i'm ever going to get out of student loan debt. I'm applying to scholarships left and right and I can't figure out how i'm supposed to take out a massive loan when I'm only 17. The whole system feels like the odds are being stacked against me.

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Jackie’s Answer

Hi Sofia! Your concerns make sense, and you've gotten some good advice. I suggest looking into scholarships and jobs that might help with tuition costs. After you pick a college, you might find scholarships offered through the school while you're there. Also, remember you don't have to pick your final major before starting college! Try different classes to see what interests you. Good luck with your college journey and career!
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Douglas’s Answer

I like the responses you have already received. Might add that oftentimes the cost of higher education has grown faster than starting salaries and the rate of inflation. High school students should consider attending a public university within their home state or even a community college at least for the first two years since they cost significantly less than private schools or out of state schools. Good luck with your education journey!
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Sofia, Your questions are very pragmatic and remind me when I had to wade through all of those concerns. I will try to address them as best I can. Paying for college: loans/grants scholarships can all be considered. I recently worked a seasonal gig for Amazon in one of their warehouses. Very physical work, BUT, if you can get hired full time, they will pay for your education! It may take longer, but imagine getting your education relatively debt free. There may be other companies like that as well. As far as knowing if you will enjoy a major, I can tell you a very large percentage of students switch majors once enrolled in college. That happened to me. Also consider that even if you graduate with your degree and begin your career, that is only the beginning and chances are that your career may lead you down a completely different path. Again, this is very common. There's nothing wrong with changing direction, it's simply is an indication you are making decisions based on information you didn't have previously. I hope this is beneficial insight. Best of luck!
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Melissa’s Answer

Hey Sofia. This is a great and very reasonable question. As Mark said above, I would research what opportunities are out there that could pay for some or all of your college. There a many opportunities, the hardest part if looking for them, so I get it. One thing I regret not doing sooner was making a brand of myself. Put yourself out there, show the world who you are and what you have to offer, and the rest will fall into place. Authenticity sells. Then you will not only learn more about yourself and find what interests you, but people will know your name and refer you if they hear an opportunity come up.
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Paola’s Answer

Hi Sophia. First of all that is a very valid concern. My son is a graduating senior this year, he is going thru the same thing as you. I would say look into your high school student counsel website as they may have lots of scholarships that you can apply for. Look through your local scholarship websites. There maybe merit base or need base.

Also look at workplaces that offer tuition reimbursement:
Starbucks: Starbucks offers tuition reimbursement for full-time and part-time employees who have worked for the company for at least 90 day.
Amazon: Amazon associates who’ve worked with the company for at least 90 days are eligible for the Amazon Career Choice program. The program pays 95% of tuition and fees for eligible employees toward certificates or diplomas in “qualified fields of study”
Home Depot: Home Depot offers tuition reimbursement for full-time and part-time employees who have worked for the company for at least 90 days.
Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers tuition reimbursement for full-time and part-time employees who have worked for the company for at least 90 days.
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