Madison
Should money determine what college or university you go to? What if you are absolutely in love with a college but you can't afford it?
I'm going to a university I can't afford and I don't know what to do. #money #HELP # #money-management
5 answers
Hilda De Bara Kulkarni
Hilda’s Answer
Bryan Weatherly
Bryan’s Answer
That shouldn't deter you from a certain school. You still have opportunities to qualify for a scholarship, state grant, and also apply for loans to help pay.
Kavyashree A
Kavyashree’s Answer
There is no doubt that education is a key to success. If you can afford to attend good top schools or colleges, nothing like it. In case you're not able to afford it, attending top colleges, may yield benefits and risks for students. Its not just the college fee, once you're in there will be additional programs, conferences etc which may require an advance fee. This would end up with loans where you might be paying for rest of your few years. Also, if you can afford it, with any means, then go for your top college.
In case you're not able to afford it, after considering few options like loan, my best advise would be select the college that suits your financial status. At the end, its not just from which college you graduated. The companies out there would require talent at work and key skills. There is no point in graduating from any college of your choice if you have no required talent or skills that a company is looking for. I have seen many workers, who had graduated from government, online, correspondence or small private colleges and has reached amazing level in an org and achieved success. What I'm trying to say is, it doesn't matter from where you acquire your graduation. All that matters is you gain good knowledge and covert them to actions. One of the great aim of education is not just knowledge but action.
Just make sure that the money you invest on does not become a burden in the coming future.
All colleges provide enough education to get a job and settle in life. All the best for your studies and career.
Darcy Spence
Darcy’s Answer
Hi Madison!
I think many people have felt this way at one time. Speaking from personal experience, I attended a school that was too expensive for me, and I regret my decision. I wish that my parents would have steered me away from it, but they left the decision mostly to me. I am 42 years old, and I am still paying about $200 a month back in student loans back, and probably will be for the rest of my working career. If I had the chance to do it over again, I would have chosen to go to a less expensive school for sure!
Many community colleges now have programs where you can start there, and finish up your degree at a four year university that are very economical, but you can still say you got your degree from the larger, more prestigious university, so that my be something you want to look into.
Scholarships are another option to reduce your costs. There are websites dedicated to helping you find scholarships you may be eligible for. Scholarships.com is one you may want to check out, for example to see if there is anything there for you.
There are also calculators out there that will help you determine what your monthly payment would be if you decide to take out loans to attend school. These will help you determine if the financial burden is worth going to the college of your dreams.
Darcy recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Is your choice of college or university swayed by finances?
Deciding if finances should be a determining factor in your choice of college or university is a multifaceted and personal matter, and there's no universal solution. However, there are several aspects to consider while making this decision.
On the positive side, opting for a pricier college or university might grant you access to superior resources, faculty, and networking opportunities. Prestigious institutions, for instance, often boast comprehensive career services, well-funded research initiatives, and robust links to industry leaders. Moreover, certain sectors and industries may highly regard degrees from specific schools.
Conversely, choosing a more affordable college or university can help minimize your student loan debt. This can yield long-term financial advantages, like the ability to buy a house or start a business earlier. It's also worth mentioning that many successful people have graduated from less costly institutions or even community colleges.
If you're completely smitten with a college but it's financially out of reach, consider these options:
Seek financial aid: Most colleges and universities offer financial aid packages to help students afford tuition and fees. These packages can include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Don't forget to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal aid.
Search for scholarships: Numerous scholarships from private organizations, foundations, and corporations can help defray tuition costs. Investigate and apply for scholarships that align with your interests, achievements, and background.
Think about a gap year: If financial constraints prevent you from attending your dream school, consider a gap year to save money or work and reapply later. This period can also be used to gain valuable work experience and reassess your career objectives.
Consider community college: Community colleges typically charge lower tuition than four-year institutions. You can fulfill your general education requirements at a community college and then transfer to your dream school to finish your degree.
In the end, the choice to let cost influence your college or university selection is a personal one, depending on your unique situation and aspirations. It's crucial to carefully weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of each option before deciding.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.