How to Fund Your College Experience
The explosion of college cost has made it increasingly difficult to afford a higher education in the 21st century. Those who do attend college and make it through are overwhelmed with massive amounts of debts that will probably not be repaid back in a lifetime, at least not all of it. The amount of college debt in the United States is growing beyond imagination.
Nevertheless, higher education is a vital necessity if you want to have a decent career and lead a quality lifestyle. Usually, in funding college, students usually apply for financial aid. If they qualify for funding they often choose from a combination of federal loans, grants and work study. However, these financial resources still may not be enough to support an entire four year college program.
Things to Consider
However, a student may consider other alternatives, including scholarships, which must be earned via superior academic achievement and grades.
Other sources of funding could include family, rich friends, organizations and private businesses or trending entrepreneurship opportunities which can be done part time. Many college friends of mine, as well as me, have engaged in temporary money making opportunities.
Take advantage of quick money opportunity that comes your way, as long as they are legit and can add value to college experience, especially the financial part.
Positives
Having sufficient funding to support your college experience is a godsend because it means that you don’t’ have to be distracted worrying about where the money is going to come from. You are free to focus whole heartily on achieving academic excellence, then graduating and getting into your career.
Negatives
However, when you have to worry about meeting financial deadlines, such as tuition, housing, meal plans, or material resources such as books, your focus cannot be supreme. Your emotions will be turn between your need to study and you obligation to your financial obligations.
Funding your college experience in today’s economy is a challenge, especially if you are not rich. Most students leave college drowning in thousands of dollars of loan debt, with no guarantee of repaying half of the amount they owe.
Consideration of Alternatives
Before going to college, examine whether or not you are willing to spend years paying back loans. I don’t’ say this to discourage you from attending college. The experience is vitally necessary in the 21st century.
The question you must ask yourself is do you want to attend a four year college or attend a less expensive trade school. Choosing a trade such as electrician, plumber or construction worker may not have the four year stamp, but these careers can be quite lucrative, rivaling careers in business management and accounting.
