4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello
Many many students debate whether the cost of university or even community college is worth it. I believe a good education is INVALUABLE.
BUT, maybe it is more a about timing. Some students are ideal in a gap year situation. Take some time to travel if you can afford to. OR Take some time to work a bit after high school(secondary). Earn and save money. You may appreciate the opportunity of schooling more when you are really passionate about getting OUT of that particular job. ALSO -- Keep in mind that their employers out their that will PAY for students to attend college. https://myscholly.com/50-companies-with-amazing-tuition-reimbursement-programs/
You may also be eligible for grants - not loans.
PELL - https://ncassist.cfnc.org/ncassistInfo/pell-grant-eligibility
I would not give the opportunity for an education, but certainly look at options that assist in paying for it! And do it in your own time -- you will appreciate it much more! Good Luck
CHECK OUT https://myscholly.com/50-companies-with-amazing-tuition-reimbursement-programs/
Pell Grant - https://ncassist.cfnc.org/ncassistInfo/pell-grant-eligibility
Many many students debate whether the cost of university or even community college is worth it. I believe a good education is INVALUABLE.
BUT, maybe it is more a about timing. Some students are ideal in a gap year situation. Take some time to travel if you can afford to. OR Take some time to work a bit after high school(secondary). Earn and save money. You may appreciate the opportunity of schooling more when you are really passionate about getting OUT of that particular job. ALSO -- Keep in mind that their employers out their that will PAY for students to attend college. https://myscholly.com/50-companies-with-amazing-tuition-reimbursement-programs/
You may also be eligible for grants - not loans.
PELL - https://ncassist.cfnc.org/ncassistInfo/pell-grant-eligibility
I would not give the opportunity for an education, but certainly look at options that assist in paying for it! And do it in your own time -- you will appreciate it much more! Good Luck
Karen recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Su,
I think that, in large part, the job market values a college degree of some kind. There are certainly meaningful career options that do not require a college degree (see link below for some examples) but whether to try to do that depends on what your career goals are. I acknowledge that there is a significant financial burden to attending a college or university, but there are many ways to make it more affordable (scholarships, grants, work-study, completing core requirements at a community college, applying for federal aid through FAFSA).
The key here is to approach this decision thoughtfully by backwards planning. Consider what careers interest you and do some research to find out whether college or other technical training is required. If college is required, then try to identify what major(s) will help you obtain your career aspirations and try to determine the most affordable way to complete the requirements. If not, then there may be some other training required to qualify you.
Keep in mind that just because a career interests you right now does not necessarily mean that it will in the future. The simple fact of the matter is that your interests will change as you get older. My advice is always to build as much flexibility as possible into your career capital. Make yourself marketable to different employers and different professions. Is college required to do that? It may or may not be - it depends on what fields interest you.
I know this is somewhat of a broad answer but I hope it helps nonetheless. Feel free to reach out if you have any other thoughts or questions. Good luck!
https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshow/25-best-jobs-that-dont-require-a-college-degree
I think that, in large part, the job market values a college degree of some kind. There are certainly meaningful career options that do not require a college degree (see link below for some examples) but whether to try to do that depends on what your career goals are. I acknowledge that there is a significant financial burden to attending a college or university, but there are many ways to make it more affordable (scholarships, grants, work-study, completing core requirements at a community college, applying for federal aid through FAFSA).
The key here is to approach this decision thoughtfully by backwards planning. Consider what careers interest you and do some research to find out whether college or other technical training is required. If college is required, then try to identify what major(s) will help you obtain your career aspirations and try to determine the most affordable way to complete the requirements. If not, then there may be some other training required to qualify you.
Keep in mind that just because a career interests you right now does not necessarily mean that it will in the future. The simple fact of the matter is that your interests will change as you get older. My advice is always to build as much flexibility as possible into your career capital. Make yourself marketable to different employers and different professions. Is college required to do that? It may or may not be - it depends on what fields interest you.
I know this is somewhat of a broad answer but I hope it helps nonetheless. Feel free to reach out if you have any other thoughts or questions. Good luck!
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Updated
George’s Answer
Questions to answer your question...
WHY are you considering University education??? The "Why?" is CRITICAL!!!! If there's not a direct path to a career that requires that education DO NOT GO! If you're not sure what you want to do, explore. Take different classes. Job shadow in different job sectors.
WHAT is your plan??? IF you are on that path, you should be excelling in High School academics. Get serious about your studies. In many places, you can earn Community College credits while in High School. Then, go to a Community College. This path is less expensive, by far. Allows for more part-time work, smaller class sizes, closer to home saving room & board, away from negative influences at university..... Then, transfer to an IN-STATE University to finish a Bachelor degree.
WHERE will the funding come from??? You should become best friends with your High School Counselor starting in your Junior year. They will train you on all things education funding... starting with the FAFSA form you must fill out for financial assistance in the fall of your Senior year. Work hard and apply for every scholarship you might qualify for. Do everything you can to AVOID STUDENT LOANS if at all possible. If necessary, keep borrowing as low as possible.
Saving is NEVER a bad idea, even if the money is later used for education. You and your parents, grandparents, etc.. should be considering saving in a 529 Education Investment account. Contributions invested in many different places in Mutual Funds grow TAX-FREE and can be used for almost any education expense.
****Work on your writing skills. Your question is poorly written. (being honest, not meant to be hurtful). College will require a lot of research, reading, and writing, math, science, .. all that "stuff".
WHY are you considering University education??? The "Why?" is CRITICAL!!!! If there's not a direct path to a career that requires that education DO NOT GO! If you're not sure what you want to do, explore. Take different classes. Job shadow in different job sectors.
WHAT is your plan??? IF you are on that path, you should be excelling in High School academics. Get serious about your studies. In many places, you can earn Community College credits while in High School. Then, go to a Community College. This path is less expensive, by far. Allows for more part-time work, smaller class sizes, closer to home saving room & board, away from negative influences at university..... Then, transfer to an IN-STATE University to finish a Bachelor degree.
WHERE will the funding come from??? You should become best friends with your High School Counselor starting in your Junior year. They will train you on all things education funding... starting with the FAFSA form you must fill out for financial assistance in the fall of your Senior year. Work hard and apply for every scholarship you might qualify for. Do everything you can to AVOID STUDENT LOANS if at all possible. If necessary, keep borrowing as low as possible.
Saving is NEVER a bad idea, even if the money is later used for education. You and your parents, grandparents, etc.. should be considering saving in a 529 Education Investment account. Contributions invested in many different places in Mutual Funds grow TAX-FREE and can be used for almost any education expense.
****Work on your writing skills. Your question is poorly written. (being honest, not meant to be hurtful). College will require a lot of research, reading, and writing, math, science, .. all that "stuff".
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Su,
It depends on your plans after graduation, your major, your degree. If you are passionate about a major and you know you can be successful in it after graduation then I would suggest you choose a good university to study that major & I would also suggest you find the best university for that major. If that ends up being too much on your budget then you can attend a community college or a less expensive college and continue your path there.
It depends on your plans after graduation, your major, your degree. If you are passionate about a major and you know you can be successful in it after graduation then I would suggest you choose a good university to study that major & I would also suggest you find the best university for that major. If that ends up being too much on your budget then you can attend a community college or a less expensive college and continue your path there.