2 answers
Erin
Student
Clinton, Oklahoma
1
Question
Updated
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What would you tell a first gen student is the most important thing about paying for college or trade school?
I am a senior in highschool and I am starting college at the end of August. I am the first person in my family to go to college. I don't want to take out loans unless absolutely needed.
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2 answers
Joseph Aseo
88
Answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Before asking, "How will I pay for it?" think about, "Where do I want to be in four years?"
Consider college or trade school as an investment in your future career.
I was also a first generation college student when I graduated from high school in 1975. I graduated graduated from San Jose State in 1981, spending about $10,000 in scholarships and loans. My first job paid $18,000 a year. After 37 years, I earned $128,000 a year.
Consider college or trade school as an investment in your future career.
I was also a first generation college student when I graduated from high school in 1975. I graduated graduated from San Jose State in 1981, spending about $10,000 in scholarships and loans. My first job paid $18,000 a year. After 37 years, I earned $128,000 a year.
C Venkat
37
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
C’s Answer
Hi Erin,
Congratulations on being the 1st in your family to go to college! You should be proud!
A few things for your to consider regarding Trade Schools:
1. You need to be very clear upfront on your career path as the training is very specific and there will not be much flexibility to switch to other specializations.
2. Faster in terms of duration (typically ranges from 8 months to 2 years), so you can go into the workforce sooner.
3. Lower total cost of education
4. If you decide to go to Trade school, you can still pursue a college degree later & depending on the location, get credits for courses youc ompleted in trade school. There are also many Online degree programs that are now popular and can be done from home or remotely and will cost much less than in-person college.
A few things to consider regarding colleges:
1. More flexibility in career choices, learning new subjects even after enrollment.
2. Better long-term career prospects and potential earnings.
3. Higher cost of education - may be partially/fully offset by applying to scholarships (please check with the Financial Aid office on what scholarships and financial aid you could apply for). Many colleges offer tuition discount or waivers for 1st gen colleg students.
4. If you decide to go to college, you can work part-time either in the college itself or outside to offset your tuition and other expenses.
Think long-term goals Vs short-term goals before you make your decision. Good luck!
Congratulations on being the 1st in your family to go to college! You should be proud!
A few things for your to consider regarding Trade Schools:
1. You need to be very clear upfront on your career path as the training is very specific and there will not be much flexibility to switch to other specializations.
2. Faster in terms of duration (typically ranges from 8 months to 2 years), so you can go into the workforce sooner.
3. Lower total cost of education
4. If you decide to go to Trade school, you can still pursue a college degree later & depending on the location, get credits for courses youc ompleted in trade school. There are also many Online degree programs that are now popular and can be done from home or remotely and will cost much less than in-person college.
A few things to consider regarding colleges:
1. More flexibility in career choices, learning new subjects even after enrollment.
2. Better long-term career prospects and potential earnings.
3. Higher cost of education - may be partially/fully offset by applying to scholarships (please check with the Financial Aid office on what scholarships and financial aid you could apply for). Many colleges offer tuition discount or waivers for 1st gen colleg students.
4. If you decide to go to college, you can work part-time either in the college itself or outside to offset your tuition and other expenses.
Think long-term goals Vs short-term goals before you make your decision. Good luck!