AI is decimate white-collar work. Is blue-collar work a safer bet?
As students discuss university costs, trade schools offer a path to financial independence without all debt.
Students looking for a dream university usually consider a number of factors. It is a powerful academic program with major and vibrant campus life with attractive amenities, international students and internship opportunities.
But one factor that will ultimately focus is the cost of the university.
Today, more than 40 million Americans have combined federal students’ debts to more than $1.6 trillion. To avoid joining that group, students working at the university should consider several strategies that will help them control costs in the long term.
Consider schools in the state
Students must apply to at least one public in-state university. Here, price tuition is usually the most affordable. Tuition fees at Rutgers University, for example – New Brunswick in this past grade was $17,929 for New Jersey residents. It was $19,632 at the University of New Jersey (TCNJ) and $19,000 at the University of New Jersey (NJIT). Although rooms and boards add a cost, most New Jersey students live within commute distances from at least one of New Jersey’s 11 public four-year universities.
Make a plan
Students need to spend time in high school to identify areas they want to pursue in college. Starting a university “undecided” is never a good idea, as there is no guarantee that there will be seats available in the program once students identify their favorite major. Even if a student is able to register, courses already filmed may not count towards the courses required for the major. Therefore, graduation can be delayed beyond a semester, significantly increasing the cost of obtaining a degree.
I’ll start working to offset the costs
To earn money during college, students need to offset their debts or at least cover part of their living expenses. Often there are companies nearby the many universities that offer tuition refunds, such as Chipotle, McDonald’s, UPS, AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Walmart.
Find free money
Students must spend time seeking and applying for available scholarships. A good place to start is Discove.com, offering a scholarship search database that includes 4 million scholarships worth over $22 billion.
Focus on performance
Students need to work hard to have the highest GPA and SAT score that they can earn. It is typical for universities to award scholarships based on these criteria. Those that receive scholarships in the first year will usually be renewed for the next three years. Therefore, the $15,000 award will ultimately offer a $60,000 scholarship. Therefore, focusing on GPA and SAT scores is the easiest way for students to minimize student debt.
By paying attention to university costs before enrolling, students can avoid a debilitating debt future.
Susan Araimo is the founder and director of CollegeBound Review, which offers PSAT/SAT® Preparation and private universities advice from Ivy League-educated instructors. Visit collegeboundreview.com or call 908-369-5362.
