Are you really prepared for college?
AHH! Finally, you have made it to the 12th grade, and you are on the verge of graduating high school and getting ready for college. What an exciting but confusing time for most people because there are so many decisions to make. Soon the school counselors, administrators, family members, friends and associates will begin to ask you the college questions: what would be your major? Where do you want to go to college? However, very few people are asking the right questions like how expensive is that college you are interested in? Are you going to receive financial aid? Or did you apply for any grants or scholarships?
College Loan Debt
As a millennial the biggest debt my generation faces are student loan debt which has really been a thorn in our sides. I always wanted to give a few pointers to people who are thinking about college because I did not have anyone to help me when I was in high school. In fact, I had people that ridiculed me and were sending me off to make decisions that would increase my college loan debt. I decided to go to a community college in the beginning and my Associates degree was paid for through financial aid. I was able to save a lot of money because of this and if I could re-live my college years, I would have continued to a state public college for my Bachelors.
Scholarships/Grants
Scholarships and grants are so underused, and few people have the time to research and apply for them, but they can make a difference. All counselors in high schools should be helping students find and apply for grants to help them pay for college. Also, attending a community college or a state school is a smart decision because both schools are less expensive than private schools. Financial aid may also be available on both the federal and state level, so fill out all the applications early. If you can take advanced classes at the community college or at the high school before graduation, then be smart and take them. Many people look down on community colleges, but the first two years of college are all general studies and electives. Why pay $50,000 for general classes?
Do your Research!
Research! Research Research! I cannot stress this enough because if you do not then you may regret it. Look at the tuition rate for all the colleges you are interested in and if you know your major look at the outlook of the jobs. What is the entry level pay for the jobs you may be interested in. Also, look at companies you may want to work for and find out if they offer tuition reimbursement or pay for your college.
Hey! Have you heard about Trade schools?
Another alternative that people think is beneath a college degree is trade school. There are trades that pay very well, with less debt than college and the programs are not as lengthy as most college programs. You can also pay for college out of pocket if you do not qualify for any scholarships, grants, or financial aid. There are programs and even free state school tuition to help reduce or eliminate college loan debt for students.
Get advice from experts
A lot of this information just seems like common sense to me now but as a first-generation college student and an immigrant I was clueless. I had family members who never stepped foot in a college try to give me advice, but I am happy I made the decision to attend a community college. I was the only person responsible for that big college debt. Take advantage of all your resources, ask questions, use the internet to find answers and stay out of the college loan debt.
Do you have a lot of student loan debt? Or were you able to pay it off? If you did give us tips on how you were able to pay your loans off?
Remember this is JUST MY OPINION.