Covering the cost of higher education at any facility in this economy will be a challenge for any student that doesn't have strong financial backing. Even students with the best grades and the highest SAT and ACT scores may struggle to find grants and scholarships to cover the bills. Additionally, as the cost of living rises for citizens across the country, many scholarships only cover books and tuition. If you must avoid debt, covering your housing and living costs may still be expensive.
Take A Break After High School
If you can stay at home with your family or have family that will allow you to stay with them in exchange for work around the house, take a break after high school. Yes, it is critically important that you stay focused on school. However, if your financial situation is very tight, you may be able to explore the world outside of college, earn money, and even get paid to learn.
During this year off, you can set goals that will help you focus on your college goals. If there is a specific school you want to attend, get a pennant, poster, or sweatshirt and put it on the wall; you can use it as a vision board to help you stay committed. Find a frugal friend or family member with strong money management skills and ask them to help you set up a budget and live within your means so you can save as much cash as possible.
Study On Your Own
You may not have enjoyed studying in high school. If things came easily to you and you didn't have to study, now is the time to start reading up on the topics that fascinate you. For example, you can start listening to audiobooks as you work, work out, or walk the dog. Instead of trying to focus on a major, read and listen to books on many topics, from politics to history to business.
Make sure you are also studying yourself at this time. What do you love to do when you're on your own? Are you interested in the idea of starting your own business? For example, you may be interested in starting a dog walking or a pet sitting business. Is this because you enjoy
- walking?
- pets in general?
- dogs in particular?
- working for yourself?
Starting a small business can teach you a great deal about yourself and the people around you. You may end up longing to study veterinary science, small business, or physical fitness. Once you find your passion, the work of paying for school will become easier.
Consider A Trade
The jobs you find after high school will likely not be very high paying. However, you may not need 4 years of college to find a job that will provide you with a good income. You may be able to get help attending trade school and learning a skill such as becoming an automotive technician, a medical assistant, or a restaurant manager.
When it comes to asking yourself, "What is a vocational scholarship?", Cobellscholar.org says, "Oftentimes, [these] scholarships focus on a specific trade or career path."
If you receive a vocational scholarship, you will be given funds to complete a particular field of study, rather than taking the time to decide on your major.
Start At A Junior Or Community College
If you know what 4-year school you want to attend, go and talk to admissions about credits that will transfer from a junior college. Many small 2-year schools can feed directly into particular majors at 4-year state universities.
Time at a junior or community college can also help you develop good study habits. If you have ever fallen in with a friend who lacks focus, you know just how easy it is to grow lax about your work attendance, class attendance, and preparation. While you attend a community college, you can save money and choose friends who can help you hold onto your dreams and get there by using strong study skills.
Pay As You Go
If you took time off after high school and have a good job with a strong work history, keep it. Talk to your boss about coming home on breaks to work for them, such as during the winter holiday and summer breaks. Of course, if you can attend school in the same city, ask for some schedule flexibility so you can just keep the job all the time.
As you have the cash, pay for the credits and take another class. Once you choose your major, put the word out that you are interested in applying for scholarships and grants. Look for a work-study job that you can do on campus; many of these jobs allow you time to hit the books while you're on the clock.
Of course, you will need to fill out the FAFSA form and apply for scholarships and grants in your city. The tips above may offer ways to stay in school without having to borrow any more money. If money is a major concern for you, consider trade schools. Not as many people take these routes, oftentimes leaving scholarships unclaimed. Remember to take advantage of any scholarship opportunity available to you, including minority and academic scholarships.
