Keep Moving Forward

by Brittany Cavett
(Jackson, MS U.S.A)

Community College - If anyone would have asked me what college I was going to attend in high school, I would have said, "Mississippi State University!" I just knew I was going to a university. A four year school was my plan of action.


However, when reality set it and the money came into the picture, community college was front and foremost. I never in a million years thought I would attend a community college. I did not even CONSIDER it! In today's tough economy, I really do not understand why more students are not choosing two year schools! It is amazing how things work out.

Going to a community college is hands down the best decision I have ever made! Not only am I staying away from loans but I am saving myself from debt in the future. I will have an Associate's degree, and I will move on to a major university! I would advise anyone to choose a community college! It is worth it.

Read more College Financial Aid Advice from other students and parents who have been through process.


Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice

Thank you Brittany for reminding students how a community college can offer many advantages. Not only can it save you money, but it can help you figure out your major then select the best university to transfer to for your four-year degree. Best of luck to you.



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Lower Your College Bill

by Kristi
(Florida)

I have been in college for a while and could not figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started out pre-med, then I went to get my bachelor degree in physiology to then finally get my bachelors in accounting/business. Now, I am working on my Associate Degree in Nursing.

The biggest advice I can give as far as financial aid is to try and know what you want to do or at least have classes that are transferrable from one degree program to another. In working on my bachelor's in accounting/business, all my science and the math I had to take in my prior degree tries was not sufficient, so I paid more out of pocket because I was running out of financial aid. I took out private student loans, and now I'm still paying them back after paying them for four years plus still have way more to go in paying them back.

I also recommend getting your two year degree first at a community college before jumping right in to a four year college. The reason is community college prices are cheaper than a four-year college. The other problem I am having right now is that I have a bachelor's degree, but am going back for an associate degree in a whole different field. This does not matter.

I cannot get financial aid because of already having a bachelor's degree and even though I am a single mother it still does not matter. So right now, I am looking to pay out of pocket. So the best thing, really, is to know what you want to do when you first start and take advantage of financial aid in that way and get a student job. That does help a lot also. Good luck!

Read more College Financial Aid Tips from other students and parents who have been through process.



Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice

Thank you Kristi for sharing your story. It is difficult sometimes to know what to major in, and classes may not be transferable. Getting an AA degree is a great way to start and explore some career options. Good luck to you in nursing. Be sure to check out some of our scholarship lists including Nursing Scholarships and Single Mother Scholarships.

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Choose Wisely

by Erin Gould
(Newnan, Georgia, United States)

Many students want to go to the college of their favorite sports team or academic program. There is nothing wrong with this desire if you work hard for the scholarships and funds to get there. However, the dream college is not always the best choice financially for yourself or your family. It is important to not only look at the cost of tuition, but also the cost of living, driving, and books.

Before you take out a ton of student loans that will take the rest of your life to pay off, look at your local colleges. You may have the opportunity to take your core courses right down the road, at a place where you will not have to pay room and board. For the first two years of college, the basic courses have to be taken either way. What is the point in getting knee deep in debt when you have other options?

The key to keeping college low cost is to keep your options open. Do not be picky. The school colors or mascot is not reason for you to decide not to attend a school. When you are picky you set yourself up to forever be trapped in debt that was caused by your own selfish decisions.

If you are truly just determined to get to a certain university then you will be willing to work your tail off to get there. For starters, start looking for scholarships early, not last minute. Also, jobs may be hard to find, but even without a job there are people out there who are more than willing to pay for a diligent student to do work not limited to babysitting and yard work. That also requires being wise with your earnings. Don't blow all of your hard earned money on the newest shoes or phone. When you are working towards the goal of college, set the money aside for just that. By the end of high school your savings and scholarship searches will pay off. You will not only get to go to the college of your choice, but you will also be able to be proud because it will be your accomplishment.

Read more College Financial Aid Advice from other students and parents who have been through process.



Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice

Thank you Erin for some good advice to choose wisely for college. Find a way to get an education without going into major debt. Good luck to you.



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