6 answers
Elaxus
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
6 answers
Cindie Horton
Sr. Manager - Data Privacy
29
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Cindie’s Answer
Hi Elaxus.
You ask a very good question for a number of reasons. One, you have to know if you can afford it and two, if the investment--and spending money on education is an investment, meaning you will expect a greater return than if you didn't invest in it--is worth it. The cost of a college education continues to grow year over year and is certainly different from school to school. Costs are different from school to school due to a number of factors including the name of the school (better schools or schools that have a reputation as being a better school can and will charge more) and the breadth of the programs that they offer.
Your first step is to determine what you think you can afford and/or how much you're willing to go into debt to finance your education. After you know this, you can start looking for schools that you might be interested in attending. Keep in mind that some schools desire to have a diverse student body so depending on your background, the school may be willing to give a 'scholarship' or discount to your tuition. If they don't offer, you should ask; all they can do is say no.
Here are some additional ideas to consider....
1. As I mentioned above, any education that you have to pay for after high school is an investment. In other words, the money you spend on education should result in you being more satisfied in life with what you do as a profession than if you didn't spend the money. You get to decide what 'satisfaction' means, but keep in mind that your satisfaction will likely be dampened if you end up with a lot of college debt at the end.
2. You don't have to go to a 4-year college at first. Although your friends may be doing that, just keep in mind, they aren't paying off your loans at the end. Consider doing your first 2 years at a community college. Taking English, math, history, and science courses will be cheaper and probably a bit easier at a community college than at a 4-year college. Get good grades at the 2-year college, and you'll likely have no issue transferring to a 4-year college. Also, consider that your chosen profession may require that you get a masters degree or other higher degree (e.g. law, medicine) and that these costs will come in to play. The cheaper you get your undergraduate degree, the freer you'll feel about any additional education above and beyond the undergraduate degree.
3. You don't have to finish your undergraduate degree in 4 years. You're going to work some 40+ years when you're out of college, so you might just consider working full time now and going to school part time. Your employer may also have a tuition-reimbursement benefit and will be willing to pay for some or all of your school.
4. Think about what it is you want to do when you finish school and how much it will pay. It's easy when you're young and don't have a lot of responsibilities (e.g. kids, a house payment, etc.) to pick a profession that doesn't pay much but you love to do it, but you likely will want to own a house and/or car, get married, and/or have children, or travel. It costs money to engage in these types of activities. So find something you think you wouldn't mind doing for a long time and that has prospects for a good paycheck and growth in income. Most high schools and certainly colleges have career-counseling centers that can help you find a profession you like and that you can make a good income. You can always engage in what you love as a hobby if it doesn't pay well as a profession.
5. Lastly, develop an interest in understanding principles of personal success. Some key principles to consider:
> Get an education and keep learning. Even after you get your degree or degrees, you'll still want to invest time and/or money to improve.
> Get and keep a job. Companies like to hire people who get a job and keep a job for a period of time. It shows consistency, dependability, and determination. It also results in you having money.
> If you want kids, find a good partner--one who will do the same as I just mentioned. If your partner doesn't think and behave at least as similarly as you, think twice about the relationship.
I hope this advice helps you, Elaxus. What an exciting time to be a young person. You have so many options. I wish you much wisdom in your decision-making and much success in all that you put your hand and mind to.
Sincerely,
Cindie
You ask a very good question for a number of reasons. One, you have to know if you can afford it and two, if the investment--and spending money on education is an investment, meaning you will expect a greater return than if you didn't invest in it--is worth it. The cost of a college education continues to grow year over year and is certainly different from school to school. Costs are different from school to school due to a number of factors including the name of the school (better schools or schools that have a reputation as being a better school can and will charge more) and the breadth of the programs that they offer.
Your first step is to determine what you think you can afford and/or how much you're willing to go into debt to finance your education. After you know this, you can start looking for schools that you might be interested in attending. Keep in mind that some schools desire to have a diverse student body so depending on your background, the school may be willing to give a 'scholarship' or discount to your tuition. If they don't offer, you should ask; all they can do is say no.
Here are some additional ideas to consider....
1. As I mentioned above, any education that you have to pay for after high school is an investment. In other words, the money you spend on education should result in you being more satisfied in life with what you do as a profession than if you didn't spend the money. You get to decide what 'satisfaction' means, but keep in mind that your satisfaction will likely be dampened if you end up with a lot of college debt at the end.
2. You don't have to go to a 4-year college at first. Although your friends may be doing that, just keep in mind, they aren't paying off your loans at the end. Consider doing your first 2 years at a community college. Taking English, math, history, and science courses will be cheaper and probably a bit easier at a community college than at a 4-year college. Get good grades at the 2-year college, and you'll likely have no issue transferring to a 4-year college. Also, consider that your chosen profession may require that you get a masters degree or other higher degree (e.g. law, medicine) and that these costs will come in to play. The cheaper you get your undergraduate degree, the freer you'll feel about any additional education above and beyond the undergraduate degree.
3. You don't have to finish your undergraduate degree in 4 years. You're going to work some 40+ years when you're out of college, so you might just consider working full time now and going to school part time. Your employer may also have a tuition-reimbursement benefit and will be willing to pay for some or all of your school.
4. Think about what it is you want to do when you finish school and how much it will pay. It's easy when you're young and don't have a lot of responsibilities (e.g. kids, a house payment, etc.) to pick a profession that doesn't pay much but you love to do it, but you likely will want to own a house and/or car, get married, and/or have children, or travel. It costs money to engage in these types of activities. So find something you think you wouldn't mind doing for a long time and that has prospects for a good paycheck and growth in income. Most high schools and certainly colleges have career-counseling centers that can help you find a profession you like and that you can make a good income. You can always engage in what you love as a hobby if it doesn't pay well as a profession.
5. Lastly, develop an interest in understanding principles of personal success. Some key principles to consider:
> Get an education and keep learning. Even after you get your degree or degrees, you'll still want to invest time and/or money to improve.
> Get and keep a job. Companies like to hire people who get a job and keep a job for a period of time. It shows consistency, dependability, and determination. It also results in you having money.
> If you want kids, find a good partner--one who will do the same as I just mentioned. If your partner doesn't think and behave at least as similarly as you, think twice about the relationship.
I hope this advice helps you, Elaxus. What an exciting time to be a young person. You have so many options. I wish you much wisdom in your decision-making and much success in all that you put your hand and mind to.
Sincerely,
Cindie
Cara Maisel
Senior Analyst - Asset Management
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cara’s Answer
Hi Elaxus,
Great question! Tuition varies depending on many factors. Are you going to a state school? Private college? Community college? There are many different programs for tuition assistance, such as need based aid (based on your family's income) and academic scholarships. There are academic scholarships from a college you go to or external organizations (i.e. Posse). Many states have a program where you enroll for the first 2 years in a community college and then are guaranteed acceptance into a state school (as long as you do well). Community college is typically less expensive and it's a great way to save money. Ask your school counselor about what options might work best for you!
Great question! Tuition varies depending on many factors. Are you going to a state school? Private college? Community college? There are many different programs for tuition assistance, such as need based aid (based on your family's income) and academic scholarships. There are academic scholarships from a college you go to or external organizations (i.e. Posse). Many states have a program where you enroll for the first 2 years in a community college and then are guaranteed acceptance into a state school (as long as you do well). Community college is typically less expensive and it's a great way to save money. Ask your school counselor about what options might work best for you!
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'd start talking to Financial Aid folks at Colleges that you're interested in to see what options are available to you. Explore two years of Community College before going to a 4 year University.
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Elaxus! College tuition can definitely change, so a community college is much cheaper than a traditional 4 year university. I have had close friends who completed cc first because a larger university was too expensive for their budget. Universities do change as well, in-state public universities are cheaper than Ivy League or Private institutions. I think when you are looking at colleges make sure you look into the financial aid options as well because although a university may seem to appeal to you, you also want to be aware of the debt you may be in. Another factor to consider is distance, if a college you are considering is close to you, then you can commute and will not dorm but if you are considering out of state, tuition changes for being an out of state resident. If it is father in-state institution, then you may also have to dorm and that will add on as well. Make sure to speak with a financial adviser at the college and in your high school there are also FAFSA nights where financial education is given to students to be more aware of their options and tuition costs.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Elaxus:
Paying for college is expensive, and I'm sure many families have felt the pinch of rising tuition costs over time. College tuition prices are a lot higher today compared to when I was in school. For instance, the average cost for tuition and fees among public and private National Universities – schools that are often research-oriented and offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees – has risen significantly since 2000, according to U.S. News data. Those increases aren't limited to these universities; costs at other four-year institutions and community colleges have also grown. Here's a great article that explains college tuition and the difference between tuition and fees. Best of luck to you!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COLLEGE TUITION • https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-college-tuition-costs
Paying for college is expensive, and I'm sure many families have felt the pinch of rising tuition costs over time. College tuition prices are a lot higher today compared to when I was in school. For instance, the average cost for tuition and fees among public and private National Universities – schools that are often research-oriented and offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees – has risen significantly since 2000, according to U.S. News data. Those increases aren't limited to these universities; costs at other four-year institutions and community colleges have also grown. Here's a great article that explains college tuition and the difference between tuition and fees. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Susan Hester-Ramsay
Communications
4
Answers
Pearl River, New York
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Tuition varies from school to school and by personal circumstances. Please do NOT be defeated by high tuition prices because you may be eligible for grants which unlike loans, you do not need to pay back. Generally, state schools and public schools are less expensive. However private schools may offer more grants. This means you may actually pay less for a private school. Always remember, tuition is the base. You will need to consider room and board (a place to live and eat) along with book and technology fees which can add up quickly. Good luck