Financial Help for school

Hello Samantha,

This is a tough, but important question. First, I want to start by saying that regardless of which route you choose, make sure you're discussing your concerns with your parents.

There are a lot of differing opinions on this topic so don't take my advice as definitive. My advice is to do a combination of both. Work and save every penny you can for a year after you finish high school so that you have to take out as few loans as possible. Once you do start college and have to take out loans, don't make the mistake that so many young people make (myself included) and take out more loan then you need. I've heard so many stories, even from my own wife, that the residual check came and it was like $3,000. They went out and spent all that money instead of sending it back. Now that they've graduated they've got student the size of a house mortgage. It's important to remember , when you're done with school you have to pay it back and it typically has a high interest rate.

I would also recommend finding a job that does tuition reimbursement. Depending on your skill set you may be able to get a job with the college you want to attend. I'm pretty sure McDonald's does tuition assistance, although they may have the requirement that you work for them for x amount of time before you get that benefit.

Another option that's becoming very popular is going to a local community or technical college to take your general education classes first as they cost is significantly less.When you're finished there transfer to a 4 year college. Make sure to check with the 4 year college to see if they will accept the credits from the community or technical college first.