by Michael Carter, contributing writer College Financial
Aid Guide
If rising tuition costs or personal concerns have made
you consider dropping out of college or "taking a break"
I'd like to encourage you to reconsider.
Don't Let Cost Stand in Your Way
If cost is your primary reason for reducing your college
hours or dropping out completely first pay a visit to
your school's financial aid office. Have you applied
for financial aid using the FAFSA?
Priority deadlines for most colleges is late spring
to early summer. However, most of the time students
can still get some kind of financial aid as long as
you apply before the school term begins.
Another reason for visiting the financial aid office
is there may be other sources of aid available to you
that you are not aware of. Some colleges participate
in state funded financial aid programs and special need
based programs that you may qualify for. Your financial
aid counselor can give you more information about alternative
programs such as these. In addition, the financial aid
office may be aware of local foundation and organization
sponsored scholarships.
In some colleges the financial aid office also handles
scholarships. Other schools run a separate scholarship
office. Either way, make sure you apply for all of the
scholarships offered at your school.
Many local social organizations such as the Lions
Club, Business & Professional Women and Chamber of Commerce
sponsor scholarships. Get out your local phone book
and start calling organizations in your area. You may
be surprised at what type of local scholarships may
be available.
Consider College an Investment in Yourself
According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people
with a bachelor's degree earn over 70 percent more on
average than those with only a high school diploma.
Over a lifetime, this will make a considerable difference
in overall earnings, standard of living and retirement
savings.
The power of a bachelor's degree becomes even more
apparent when seeking employment. Applicants with a
degree are much more likely to be hired for a position
than those without a degree. Specialized study in college
prepares workers for a job field or industry. A general
or liberal arts degree will help workers gain employment
in a wide range of fields. Often the field the degree
is in is not important than just the fact that you have
the degree.
Finally, college is a time to explore your interests,
talents and grow as a person. The experience you gain
working with other students and professors will help
you mature and be ready for not just the job market,
but for deeper life experiences.
