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How much was University for you, what do I expect?
I am a first generation student with no money and no financial savings. I would like to know for everyone how was school for all of you? How much did it cost? What would be the starter kit for university?
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Kevin’s Answer
Hi Mayra,
Undergrad was $8k for me at Northwestern from 2014 to 2018. The starter kit in your situation that I would recommend is:
-fill out FAFSA to get the best financial aid possible
- only apply and attend a school that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need (Example: FAFSA says your EFC is $5,000 per year. Your school costs $75k per year, and if they meet 100% of demonstrated need, they will give you scholarships worth $70k per year, leaving you with $5k in loans per year).
-Do a job through Work Study so you can get paid while doing school (after your first semester- take some time to adjust to school before working!)
- Apply to scholarships online via Google
- make friends and join support groups like Posse, Quest Bridge, and FGLI affinity groups!
Undergrad was $8k for me at Northwestern from 2014 to 2018. The starter kit in your situation that I would recommend is:
-fill out FAFSA to get the best financial aid possible
- only apply and attend a school that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need (Example: FAFSA says your EFC is $5,000 per year. Your school costs $75k per year, and if they meet 100% of demonstrated need, they will give you scholarships worth $70k per year, leaving you with $5k in loans per year).
-Do a job through Work Study so you can get paid while doing school (after your first semester- take some time to adjust to school before working!)
- Apply to scholarships online via Google
- make friends and join support groups like Posse, Quest Bridge, and FGLI affinity groups!
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
WOW this is broad. :-) We'll let me provide some bullet points:
Went to North Carolina 2 yrs, didnt miss but 1 party in North Carolina. Best 2 yrs in my life. Was kicked out.
Graduated at St Josephs University. Awesome school. So never quit. Saved $$ going to evening school and day classes and weekend classes.
Daughter saved $$$ of money attending online College at Drexel University.
California has great in state schools that can save you money. I would suggest speaking with your H.S. guidance counselor. Also, if you have some schools of choice you can set up a meeting with college advisors that will provide you the information you're requesting.
Went to North Carolina 2 yrs, didnt miss but 1 party in North Carolina. Best 2 yrs in my life. Was kicked out.
Graduated at St Josephs University. Awesome school. So never quit. Saved $$ going to evening school and day classes and weekend classes.
Daughter saved $$$ of money attending online College at Drexel University.
California has great in state schools that can save you money. I would suggest speaking with your H.S. guidance counselor. Also, if you have some schools of choice you can set up a meeting with college advisors that will provide you the information you're requesting.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Mayra, as you are aware, advanced education is expensive. It is good that you are looking into how to finance your education now so that you can avoid costly mistakes as you do so. The more focused you are and the more you know what education and skills you need to acquire to be successful in your desired field, the fewer pitfalls you will have on the way. If you are unsure about a career path, you might start at a community college until you know what career you want to pursue. Financing your education will require planning, creativity, and patience. You might need to work to pay your way. I used my summer breaks to work full time so that I could save up to pay for tuition and books. And, during the school year, I usually had a part-time job to cover my monthly living expenses. You also might start learning a skill now, preferably one related to your desired field, that will allow you to work at a better wage. Learning a skill related to your field will open up opportunities for paid internships during your summer breaks. Plus, you would have the added benefit of gaining experience in your field of study. All the best with your educational pursuits.