While most people have some financial resources for college from parents, loans or scholarships, students need extra money for food, clothes, gas, insurance, and school supplies. Young adults should keep this in mind when they are nearing the time to pick a college. Here are some ways to make money.
Get a Part Time Job
Hopefully you have already started working long before you are a senior in high school. Most teens find work in restaurants, retail stores, babysitting, grocery stores, camps, amusement parks, golf courses, ski areas, and even in nursing homes.
Once you are actually in college, decide between a work study program or on an off-campus job. If you work on-campus, you will save money on gas, car repairs and car insurance. However, off-campus jobs pay a lot more. On the other hand, some work study programs assist you with your tuition! If you are a Resident Assistant, you might get a free dorm room. Paid internships are another option and look great on your resume.
Hopefully you have already started working long before you are a senior in high school. Most teens find work in restaurants, retail stores, babysitting, grocery stores, camps, amusement parks, golf courses, ski areas, and even in nursing homes.
Once you are actually in college, decide between a work study program or on an off-campus job. If you work on-campus, you will save money on gas, car repairs and car insurance. However, off-campus jobs pay a lot more. On the other hand, some work study programs assist you with your tuition! If you are a Resident Assistant, you might get a free dorm room. Paid internships are another option and look great on your resume.
Saving Your Money
Save part of each paycheck that you earn. You should be able to save a lot if you just become more discerning. Take advantage of this time when you do not have adult bills to pay. You probably live with your parents and get free meals and housing. Save the money that you get on birthdays and on holidays.
Save part of each paycheck that you earn. You should be able to save a lot if you just become more discerning. Take advantage of this time when you do not have adult bills to pay. You probably live with your parents and get free meals and housing. Save the money that you get on birthdays and on holidays.
Save Money on College Costs
Plan Early - You should plan early to get your college costs down.
-Start researching scholarships now.
-Join associations and organizations that offer money to students.
-If your high school offers free college credit classes, take them. High school college programs are usually offered through a local community college and can give you one or two years of credits.
-Consider community college as a beginning to your academic career. County colleges are often less expensive than private schools because they are subsidized by State tax money and can be a jumping stone to a four year university.
Plan Early - You should plan early to get your college costs down.
-Start researching scholarships now.
-Join associations and organizations that offer money to students.
-If your high school offers free college credit classes, take them. High school college programs are usually offered through a local community college and can give you one or two years of credits.
-Consider community college as a beginning to your academic career. County colleges are often less expensive than private schools because they are subsidized by State tax money and can be a jumping stone to a four year university.
-Apply for Financial Aid.
- Ask an admissions officer when you will be advised of the school's financial aid offer.
- Find out whether your financial resources will have any impact on the college's decision to admit you.
- Ask how to qualify for need-based aid, merit-based scholarships and talent-based scholarships.
- Ask about payment options. Many colleges offer tuition payment plans that let you make installment payments for each semester's bill.
- Ask whether the school will lower your financial aid award if you receive other scholarships.
Stick to One Degree - A second way to save on college is to know exactly what degree you want. Students can waste a lot of money on changing degree paths and taking classes that they do not need. Choose a school that has a great program suited to your chosen career. Attend college open houses. Ask about the jobs that can be obtained in the area after completing a degree. Find out how the career services office can help place you into a job.
Choose a Trade - A third way to save money on tuition is to consider a trade or vocational school. A new study has shown that in some fields, a Bachelor’s degree is unnecessary. There are many careers that just require a high school degree and a certification. This is especially true in the fields of healthcare and information technology. Job titles such as Registered Nurse, Medical Biller, Medical Coder, Computer User Support Specialist, Database Administrator, and Programmer pay very well and are in high demand.
Next Steps
If you are concerned about the cost for college, you should plan ahead carefully. Start saving money before you leave high school. Choose a cost effective university or vocational school with the best degree program, apply for financial aid and scholarships, take college classes in high school and secure a good part time job.
If you are concerned about the cost for college, you should plan ahead carefully. Start saving money before you leave high school. Choose a cost effective university or vocational school with the best degree program, apply for financial aid and scholarships, take college classes in high school and secure a good part time job.