by Ty Carson
(Bay City, Michigan, United States)
In my experience with Financial Aid, there are five things that I would recommend a student do while at college. Those five things are go to a community college first, work at the college, join groups if possible, avoid buying things at the bookstore, and create great relationships with your teachers.
by Kenneth Buckner
(Knoxville TN USA)
This is why it is better to go to a community college for at least one to two years instead of going to a university to start out with. First the tuition is a lot lower than a university the fees and costs of books are so much lower and the lines are not that bad. The community college I graduated from was nice and the people their helped you a lot with any aid you did not get through the government.
Next I would say is the class size is so different in most of my classes had about twelve to fifteen people in each class and the teacher would talk to each one of us when we raised our hands or depending on the teacher just start talking out loud during a lecture. It was not a place to get weeded out of or thrown to the dogs like the first two years at a university usually are.
Some people would disagree with me about the fact a community college is better to start out with because I would get told that the class work and teacher are not of the same level as what it is in a university but that is not always true. Most of my teachers had a Masters in the field they were teaching in. Just like university it depends on where you go and what type of teachers that you have. For the rest of the fees like boarding, food, and other various things a community college allows you to have some extra money to live on till you can get into a better and cheaper place and also get used to the area you are living in. Most student like this feature about community colleges.
Read more College Tuition Tips from other students and parents who have been through process.
When I graduated high school, the only thing on my mind was leaving home and going to college. My friends and I scored big with finding a reasonably priced condo. We were on our own. Well, only I was on my own. All my friends had a paid ride through college. I had to 100% support myself.
I don't qualify for FAFSA because of my parents, but they are raising 4 children. They are both state workers, one a teacher, and they have not had raises due to the economy in the past 5 years. At first I was envious of my friends. They had lots of time to hang out with friends and enjoy their new independence.
My envy began to lessen has I began learning lessons from my situation. Many of my friends dropped out, received poor grades, or moved back home during their first year. I am the only one remaining of our initial group to leave from college together. I had to mature into a man quickly. No one paved the road for me. I am ready for life's challenges because I have to work hard for my goal to complete college without lots of loans. I completed my first two years at the community college under the university plan. This was affordable. I work about 30 hours a week and take up to 17 credit hours. This has not been easy, but it was critical for me to learn how to manage my time, be dedicated to my future and not only focus on the present.
I am now moving into the University. I have joined the US Air Force ROTC. Although this is added responsibility, it is one that I am committed to. I was accepted into a field training program that allows me to earn some money in the summer that I can apply to school, but the real gift will be my future of serving my country and assisting people in the health profession.
I will continue to work, but I seek scholarships to assist so I don't have to exit college with a large monthly payment on the salary of the military. I know I will have to take out some loans, but I have tried to hold out as long as possible. I have learned how important it was to find a community college that has a partnership with the local university. I began at the community college with a university advisor. I was a university student paying community college prices. This plan has allowed me to finish 2 years debt free. Now I focus on the next two years. From a boy to a man, it is amazing how 2 independent years can change a life.
Read more College Financial Aid Tips from other students and parents who have been through process.
Scholarships for 2023 - It is never too early or too late to work on your scholarship searches. If you are part of the high school class of 2023, you should work on your scholarship and college search now. See our list of Scholarships for High School Seniors
FAFSA - The official 2023 - 2024 FAFSA is now available. See information about FAFSA.
Scholarship Lists An overview of the different types of Scholarship Money for College.
Grants Learn more about grants, the other free money for college.
Need Tuition Help? Reduce the cost of tuition with these college Tuition Assistance Programs.
Tax Credit Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
College Savings Plans Save money for college with these College Savings Plans.
Need a Student Loan? Yes, you qualify for these college Student Loans.
Scholarships for High School Students