Author: Marcia Page

High unemployment rates and recent talk of the possibility of a student loan crisis has many asking the same question: Is a college degree actually worth the amount of debt you incur to study?

And while it’s difficult to put a “price” on a degree, the simple answer is, yes. A college education is no doubt worth the time and money you invest, and so much more. Statistics still show that those with a college degree earn about $1 million more over the course of their careers compared to those with just a high school diploma.

At the same time, students going into college need to be realistic about how much a university education will cost them. They need to also be aware of the strings that come attached with student loans and avoid certain pitfalls that will make their education cost far more than necessary.

Here are a few things for students to consider as they begin to pursue higher education.

1. Shop around for schools. When making a big-ticket purchase (such as a car) most people don’t buy the first one they see. Students should take the same “buyers” approach when deciding on a school and compare what the school has to offer both academically and financially before making a decision. Students should be aware that there are different types of schools with different price tags attached to them. Also, students should recognize that they don’t necessarily need the $50,000 a year private school just to get a good education–there are plenty of public universities that can offer the same opportunities. Staying in-state can provide better tuition rates. Students can further cut education costs by attending a two-year community college immediately after high school and then transferring those credits to a four-year university for their final two years of coursework — they receive the benefit of the four-year degree from the major university, but only have to pay two years worth of higher tuition.

Check back Next week for my tip on is a college education worth the debt pt. 2

Also it is not too late to apply for scholarships. There are many out there, don’t stay behind and take action. Make sure to read the criteria and see if you are eligible.

The following are several scholarships available:

Great Lakes National Scholarship Program

https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/greatlakes/

Dallas School Administrators Association Scholarship

www.dsaa.org

BELIEF Scholarship

www.thebelieffoundation.org

Make sure to check with your counselors or Education is Freedom Advisor for scholarships that you may be eligible for.

EIF, Higher Education Advisors

Also it is not too late to apply for scholarships. There are many out there, don’t stay behind and take action. Make sure to read the criteria and see if you are eligible.

The following are several scholarships available:
Great Lakes National Scholarship Program

https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/greatlakes/

Dallas School Administrators Association Scholarship
www.dsaa.org

BELIEF Scholarship
www.thebelieffoundation.org

Make sure to check with your counselors or Education is Freedom Advisor for scholarships that you may be eligible for.

Janet Gonzales & Joel Cana
EIF, Higher Education Advisors

Estudiantes visiten a su consejero o Education is Freedom consejero para ayudarles a llenar la solicitud. No se queden atrás!

Además, no es demasiado tarde para solicitar becas. Hay muchas por ahí, no se queden atrás y tomen medidas. Asegúrese de leer los criterios y ver si usted es elegible para la beca.

Los siguientes son varias becas disponibles:

Great Lakes National Scholarship Program

https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/greatlakes/

Dallas School Administrators Association Scholarship

www.dsaa.org

BELIEF Scholarship

www.thebelieffoundation.org

Asegúrese de consultar con sus consejeros o el consejero(a) de Education is Freedom para las beca que usted puede ser elegible.

EIF, Higher Education Advisors

Go visit your counselor or Education is Freedom Advisor to help you fill out the FAFSA/TASFA application.

Also it is not too late to apply for scholarships. There are many out there, don’t stay behind and take action. Make sure to read the criteria and see if you are eligible.

The following are several scholarships available:
Great Lakes National Scholarship Program

https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/greatlakes/

Dallas School Administrators Association Scholarship
www.dsaa.org

BELIEF Scholarship
www.thebelieffoundation.org

Make sure to check with your counselors or Education is Freedom Advisor for scholarships that you may be eligible for.

Janet Gonzales & Joel Cana
EIF, Higher Education Advisors

Elegir un colegio puede ser muy involucrado. Uno de los aspectos más importantes de hacer esa elección incluye las finanzas; que es un sujeto que aturde a muchos adolescentes. Hable con su estudiante sobre el costo de colegio y ayúdales a entender qué escuelas son económicas. Dinero para cubrir matrícula, libros, la pensión completa puede ser cubierta de una variedad de opciones: dinero de usted sus padres y guardas, programas de estudio del trabajo y / o ayuda financiera, incluyendo becas, subvenciones y préstamos estudiantiles. También, anime a estudiantes a hacer la investigación a fondo y tomar viajes de colegio para ayudarles a entender el Colegio va el proceso y encontrar un colegio que es un ajuste perfecto para ellos académicamente y socialmente. ¡Nunca es demasiado temprano para comenzar!

El envío de un hijo/hija a la Universidad puede ser fácil con el adecuado apoyo y orientación. Si usted se siente dominado por el proceso entero, en primer lugar mantener el rumbo con su apoyo, primero se queda el curso con su apoyo, pero busca la ayuda de las personas que están bien informadas sobre el proceso. Hable con familiares y amigos que han atendido el colegio, o establecer una reunión con consejero de enseñanza superior EIF de su estudiante o orientador escolar.

He proporcionado unas consejos aquí, tan ahora, ¿cómo ayudará usted a su hijo/ hija con el proceso de educación superior? ¡Si tiene sugerencias adicionales para compartir, déjame oír de usted en Facebook o Twitter!

EIF, Senior Higher Education Advisor

Making a college choice can be very involved. One of the most important aspects of making that choice includes finances; which is a subject that bewilders many teenagers. Talk to your student about the cost of college and help them understand which schools are affordable.  Money to cover tuition, books, room and board can be covered with a variety of options: money from you their parents and guardians, work-study programs and / or financial aid including scholarships, grants and student loans.   Also, encourage students to do in-depth research and take college trips to help them understand the college going process and to find a college that is a perfect fit for them academically and socially. It’s never too early to start!

Sending a child off to college can be easy with the right support and guidance. If you feel overwhelmed by the whole process, first stay the course with your support, but seek help from people that are knowledgeable about the process. Talk to family and friends that have been to college, or set up a meeting with your student’s EIF higher education advisor or school guidance counselor.

I have provided a few tips here, so now, how will you help your child with the higher education process?  If you have additional tips to share, let me hear back from you on Facebook or Twitter!

Talk soon,

EIF, Senior Higher Education Advisor

Making a college choice can be very involved. One of the most important aspects of making that choice includes finances; which is a subject that bewilders many teenagers. Talk to your student about the cost of college and help them understand which schools are affordable. Money to cover tuition, books, room and board can be covered with a variety of options: money from you their parents and guardians, work-study programs and / or financial aid including scholarships, grants and student loans. Also, encourage students to do in-depth research and take college trips to help them understand the college going process and to find a college that is a perfect fit for them academically and socially. It’s never too early to start!

Sending a child off to college can be easy with the right support and guidance. If you feel overwhelmed by the whole process, first stay the course with your support, but seek help from people that are knowledgeable about the process. Talk to family and friends that have been to college, or set up a meeting with your student’s EIF higher education advisor or school guidance counselor.

I have provided a few tips here, so now, how will you help your child with the higher education process? If you have additional tips to share, let me hear back from you on Facebook or Twitter!

Materiales necesarios para completar la FAFSA:
- Formulario 2011 IRS 1040 (Padre y Estudiante)
- 2011 Forma W2 (Padre y Estudiante)
- Los documentos financieros relacionados con los activos, los beneficios y ahorros
- Su FAFSA número PIN (Padre y Estudiante)
- Tarjetas de Seguro Social
Los productos que necesita para completar TASFA:
- Formulario 2011 IRS 1040 (Padre y Estudiante)
- 2011 Forma W2 (Padre y Estudiante)

¿Confundido? ¿Necesitas ayuda? Para obtener mas información, incluyendo lugares y fechas vaya a:  here.

Education is Freedom, Dallas, Texas

Materials needed in order to complete the FAFSA:

-          2011 IRS 1040 Form (Parent and Student)

-          2011 W2 Form (Parent and Student)

-          Any financial documents related to Assets, Benefits and Savings

-          Your FAFSA Pin Number (Parent and Student)

-          Social Security Cards

Items needed in order to complete TASFA:

-          Parents’ 2011 IRS 1040 Form

-          2011 W2 Form

Confused? Need assistance? Visit the Education is Freedom website and get more information about the financial aid process here.

Best regards,

Education is Freedom, Dallas, TX