How can high school seniors be encouraged to continue education with the rising cost to attend a university?
College debt is a major concern. Many high school seniors are fearful of racking up college debt. They are choosing to enter straight into the work force or going to trade schools instead of attending college. #high-school-students
6 answers
Jimmy’s Answer
This is a very good question that is extremely relevant with the high costs of higher education. College can be very beneficial, and does tend to be correlated to higher lifetime earnings. However, a few things can help:
- Take as many AP classes as possible while in high school, or take advantage of any programs your school may offer that will allow you to earn college credits.
- Unless you have a very clear idea of what you want to study, consider beginning at a Community College (or Junior College, or whatever they are called in your area). Community Colleges offer excellent educational opportunities and are much more affordable. Some career paths only require an Associate's degree in order to get your foot in the door, so you can also start earning money sooner. Once you have gotten a job, you might then be able to go back to school to complete a Bachelor's or higher degree (if you want to!).
- Whether you are enrolled in a Community College or 4-year University, you may be able to "test out" of some courses, especially the ones that make up your "general education" credits. This can help you graduate more quickly, which helps save money. Also consider taking summer classes if offered, they tend to be shorter in duration, cheaper, and again, can help you graduate more quickly!
- Finally, don't forget that there are a ton of free resources on the Internet that can help you learn a subject. Use good judgment when selecting a source, but you can learn virtually any topic from a number of online resources like Udemy, Lynda, or even good old Youtube!
Yasemin’s Answer
Besides these however, first and foremost it is important to fill out a FAFSA because it's hard to know what type of aid you will obtain without it. You may qualify for work study, which I would highly recommend because it is an on campus job, that pays you and this can definitely help in covering expenses such as books. It is also an easy going position where you can study and get work done as well. Now with grants, work study and everything else you may still have to take out loans, and it is important to make sure to take out federal loans first because the interest is very low on these than private loans. I would take out subsidized loans first because as long as you are in school at least half time (about 10-12 credits I believe but it may vary), then the interest will not accrue. I would advise to check out FAFSA.ed.gov to obtain more information.
Best of luck!
Yasemin recommends the following next steps:
Heather’s Answer
I had a blast in college. You won't want to miss out on all of the new experiences and friends college can bring. But the real reason is probably financial. Freakonomics took an in-depth look at whether college is (still) worth it given high costs. The answer is 100% yes. For every year of higher education, your salary increases. In my experience, the increase is exponential. (Look up exponential if you don't know what it means :) )
Listen to these 2 podcasts http://freakonomics.com/podcast/freakonomics-goes-to-college-part-2-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/ and check out this article http://freakonomics.com/2011/05/27/the-numbers-game-is-college-worth-the-cost/
Bruce’s Answer
What colleague can provide to you will be not only solid knowledge but critical thoughts. You will be more familiar with self-learning and self-thinking.
Apart from personal leadership, you will know clearly which direction you will go to select for your career path, by deep thinking of your truely interesting.
Estelle’s Answer
Mark’s Answer
Don't be put off if you can't afford university. In the software developer world, it is not uncommon to find accomplished professional developers who have not completed a degree.
Check out this survey on Slashdot