College Money and Scholarships Tips

How to Become a Teacher with Minimal Student Debt: A Step-by-Step Affordable Pathway

2026-05-25T17:25:03.230-07:00

The lowest-debt, most financially efficient path to becoming a teacher in the U.S.

The goal is simple: get certified with as little borrowing as possible while still keeping your career options strong.

1) The core strategy (what actually keeps debt low)

There are 4 principles that matter more than anything else:

Start at community college
Transfer to an in-state public university
Avoid out-of-state and private schools unless heavily subsidized
Work part-time or full-time summers the entire way

If you follow only those four, you usually cut total debt by 50–80%.

2) The cheapest degree pathway (step-by-step)

Step 1: Community college (Years 1–2)

Cost: ~$2,000–$4,000 per year (often less with aid)
You complete:
- General education (English, math, science, etc.)
- Intro education courses if available

Why this matters:

Same credits as university basics, but 3–5x cheaper.

Smart move:

Pick an Associate of Arts in Education or Elementary Education if offered.

Step 2: Transfer to an in-state public university (Years 3–4)

Example target: your state university system (Arizona residents often use ASU, NAU, or U of A equivalents)

Cost (after transfer): ~$10,000–$12,000/year tuition
Total with living expenses: ~$20,000–$25,000/year (less if living at home)

Key move:

Choose a school with a well-defined teacher certification program that guarantees student teaching placement.

Step 3: Student teaching semester (usually final semester)

Typically unpaid
Full-time classroom placement
Often prevents full-time work, so plan savings ahead

Step 4: Certification

After graduation:

You apply for state teaching certification
May require exams (Praxis or state equivalents)

Cost: usually $200–$500 total (not a major expense)

3) What your total cost looks like (realistic)

Ultra-low-cost path (commuter + aid + working summers)

Community college: $3,000–$8,000 total
University (2 years): $20,000–$40,000 total
Certification: ~$500
Total: $25,000–$50,000

Typical low-debt student (some housing, part-time work)

Total: $40,000–$70,000

What to avoid (this is where debt explodes)

Private university route → $100K–$200K+
Out-of-state tuition → $120K+ easily
Living on campus all 4 years with loans → adds $20K–$60K

4) How to pay for it without drowning in loans

A) Maximize Pell Grants (if eligible)

Up to ~$7,000/year in free money
Based on income

B) Work strategy (this is critical)

During school:

15–25 hours/week part-time job
Summer full-time work (this matters most)

Summer strategy:

10–12 weeks full-time work
Save aggressively
This alone can cover $5K–$10K/year in expenses

C) Scholarships specifically for education majors

Look for:

State teacher shortage scholarships
University education department grants
“Future teacher” programs
Local district scholarship pipelines

Even $1,000–$3,000/year changes everything.

D) Live like a commuter student if possible

Biggest cost saver in college is housing.

Living at home: saves $10K–$15K/year
Shared housing: next best option

Dorms = convenience, but expensive.

5) Smart major strategy (this impacts both debt AND salary)

Don’t just major in “education” blindly.

Best low-debt + high-demand combinations:

Special Education (highest demand nationwide)
Math education
Science education
ESL (English as a Second Language)

These often:

Qualify for loan forgiveness bonuses
Increase hiring speed
Improve job security

6) Loan strategy (if you still need them)

If you must borrow:

Rule 1:

Never borrow more than your expected first 2–3 years of teacher salary combined

Example:

If starting salary is $45K → cap debt around $30K–$50K if possible

Rule 2:

Use federal loans only (avoid private loans)

Rule 3:

Plan early for PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)

Work in public schools
Make 10 years of payments
Remaining balance forgiven

7) The “ideal low-debt teacher pipeline”

Here’s what it looks like in practice:

High school → dual credit classes if possible
Community college (2 years)
Transfer to in-state university
Education major (high-demand subject)
Work summers + part-time jobs
Graduate with $25K–$50K debt max
Teach in public school + use PSLF if needed

8) Honest reality check

This path works—but only if you treat it like a financial plan, not just a college experience.

The teachers who struggle financially usually:

Borrow too much early
Don’t track living costs
Choose expensive schools for convenience or prestige

The teachers who do well financially:

Keep education cheap
Prioritize certification efficiency
Use loan forgiveness systems strategically

More: The real economics of becoming a teacher in the United States

The real economics of becoming a teacher in the United States

2026-05-25T17:17:35.407-07:00

Teaching Economics Explained

1) How long it takes to become a teacher

Most people follow this path:

Bachelor’s degree in education (or subject + certification): 4 years
Student teaching / certification requirements: usually built into the degree or 1 extra semester
Optional master’s degree (often needed for higher pay later): +1–2 years

Bottom line:

Minimum: ~4 years
Common long-term path for better pay: 4–6 years total education

2) What college actually costs

Costs vary heavily depending on where you go:

Public in-state university

Tuition: ~$9,000–$12,000/year
Total cost (tuition + housing + food + fees): ~$20,000–$28,000/year

Out-of-state public university

Total: ~$35,000–$45,000/year

Private university

Total: ~$50,000–$70,000/year

Realistic total cost for a teaching degree

Low-cost route: ~$40,000–$70,000 total
Typical route: ~$80,000–$120,000 total
Expensive/private route: $150,000+

Most education majors do not realize how fast housing + living costs dominate the bill.

3) Teacher salaries (what you actually earn)

National averages

Starting teacher salary: ~$40,000–$50,000
Average teacher salary: ~$60,000–$70,000
Experienced teachers (15–25 years): ~$75,000–$95,000+

But salary alone is misleading. Cost of living matters more than people think.

4) Highest-paying states vs cost of living reality

Here are some of the highest-paying states for teachers, paired with reality checks:

California

Pay: among the highest in the country (~$75K–$95K avg in many districts)
Reality: extremely high housing costs (especially coastal cities)
Many teachers are “house-poor” without dual income or long commutes

New York

Pay: high statewide average (~$70K–$90K+)
Reality: NYC drives numbers up, but rent is also very high
Upstate NY is cheaper but pays significantly less

Massachusetts

Pay: consistently high (~$70K–$90K+ average)
Reality: high cost of living around Boston area

Washington

Pay: strong (~$65K–$85K+ average)
Reality: Seattle-area housing costs are a major strain

Other strong-pay states:

New Jersey
Connecticut
Maryland

The key truth:

High-paying states often cancel out the salary advantage with rent, taxes, and housing costs.

In many cases, a $65K salary in a cheaper state gives you more real financial freedom than $85K in an expensive metro area.

5) Student loans: what repayment actually looks like

If you borrow, here’s the reality:

Standard repayment (10 years)

$50,000 loan → about $550–$650/month
$80,000 loan → about $900–$1,000/month

That can be brutal on a teacher’s starting salary.

6) How teachers actually manage loans and survive

Option A: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

If you work in public schools:

Make 120 qualifying payments (~10 years)
Remaining federal loans are forgiven
Must use income-driven repayment plan

This is the most important program for teachers

Option B: Income-driven repayment (IDR)

Payments based on income (often $200–$500/month early career)
Loan balance may be forgiven after 20–25 years (depending on plan)

Option C: Aggressive payoff (hard but possible)

Only realistic if:

You minimize debt (community college + state school)
You live cheaply for 3–5 years
You take summer jobs or tutoring

7) The honest financial picture of teaching

Teaching can be:

Stable
Predictable
Pension/retirement friendly
PSLF-friendly

But it is usually:

Not high-income
Sensitive to cost of living
Hard in early years if you carry large debt

8) Straight advice if you’re considering teaching

If you want to do this smartly:

Do this:

Go to the cheapest accredited school you can tolerate
Consider community college → transfer
Apply aggressively for education scholarships
Choose high-demand subjects (math, special education, science)
Plan for PSLF if you’ll be in public schools
Keep lifestyle low in your first 5 years

Avoid this:

$100K+ in loans for a teaching degree
Private universities without strong scholarships
Ignoring cost of living where you’ll actually work
Assuming salary increases will quickly fix debt problems

Bottom line

Teaching is a lifestyle-first career, not a wealth-building career for most people.

It works financially when:

Your education debt is low
You use loan forgiveness programs strategically
You choose locations where salary matches cost of living

If those pieces are not in place, the pressure can build fast.

More: How to Become a Teacher with Minimal Student Debt: A Step-by-Step Affordable Pathway

College Is Coming Fast: What High School Students Need to Know Before They Get There

2026-05-18T16:12:37.662-07:00

A Teacher's Guide for College Bound Students

College Is Coming Fast: What High School Students Need to Know Before They Get There

For many high school students, college feels exciting, intimidating, expensive, confusing—or all of those at once. Some students have dreamed about college for years. Others are unsure if it’s even the right path. No matter where you stand, one thing is true: the decisions you make in high school can shape the opportunities available to you after graduation.

The good news is that you do not need to have your entire life figured out right now. Most adults still don’t. What matters is developing habits, skills, and character that will help you succeed wherever you go.

College Is More Than Classes

Many students think college is simply “high school but harder.” In reality, college is often the first season of life where nobody forces you to stay organized, study, wake up on time, or complete your work. Professors may not remind you about missing assignments. Parents are not always there to keep you on track. Freedom increases—but so does responsibility.

Students who succeed in college are not always the smartest people in the room. Often, they are the students who:

Manage their time well
Ask for help when needed
Stay disciplined
Show up consistently
Learn how to handle failure without quitting

Those habits begin in high school, not college.

Your GPA Matters—But It’s Not Everything

Grades are important. They can affect scholarships, admissions, and opportunities. But colleges and employers also notice things that grades cannot measure:

Leadership
Work ethic
Communication skills
Reliability
Integrity
Ability to work with others

A student with perfect grades but poor character may struggle more than a student with average grades and strong discipline.

If your grades are not where you want them to be, do not assume your future is ruined. Improvement matters. Effort matters. Growth matters. Colleges often look for students who are learning how to overcome challenges.

Learn Financial Wisdom Early

One of the biggest mistakes students make is entering adulthood without understanding money. Student loans, credit cards, housing costs, and daily expenses can create stress very quickly.

Before choosing a college, ask practical questions:

How much will this school cost?
What scholarships are available?
Will this degree help me reach my career goals?
Am I choosing this school for the right reasons?

There is nothing wrong with community college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce first. Success is not determined by the name of a college. It is determined by what you do with your opportunities.

Comparison Will Drain You

In high school, it is easy to compare yourself to classmates getting scholarships, athletic offers, awards, or acceptance letters. Social media makes it worse because people usually post their highlights, not their struggles.

Do not build your future based on someone else’s timeline.

Some students succeed immediately. Others take longer to discover their direction. Both paths can lead to meaningful lives. Focus on growth instead of competition.

Build Skills That Actually Matter

No matter what career you pursue, certain skills will always help you:

Writing clearly
Speaking confidently
Managing time
Solving problems
Working with people
Adapting to change

Technology and careers continue to change rapidly. Students who are willing to learn, improve, and stay teachable will have an advantage almost everywhere.

Failure Is Not the End

Many students enter college believing they must never fail. Then the first difficult class, rejection letter, or bad semester makes them question everything.

Failure is painful, but it can also teach resilience, humility, and perseverance. Some of the most successful people failed repeatedly before finding success.

The key is not avoiding failure entirely. The key is learning how to respond to it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you attend a university, community college, trade school, or take another path, your future is not built in one moment. It is built daily through small decisions, consistent effort, and personal growth.

High school is not just preparation for tests—it is preparation for life.

Start building habits now that your future self will thank you for:

Be dependable
Stay curious
Work hard even when nobody is watching
Learn from mistakes
Treat people well
Keep moving forward

You do not need to have every answer today. But you do need to take the next step seriously.

Can you write that as a complete guide for teachers to share in the format of a guide

A Teacher’s Guide to Preparing High School Students for College and Life After Graduation

Introduction

High school teachers play a bigger role in students’ futures than they often realize. Beyond academics, teachers help shape students’ confidence, discipline, work ethic, communication skills, and readiness for adulthood. For many students, high school is the final stage of structured support before entering college, trade school, the workforce, military service, or other postsecondary paths.

This guide is designed to help teachers encourage, prepare, and equip students who may be considering college while also helping them develop life skills that matter beyond graduation.

Section 1: Helping Students Understand What College Really Is

Many students enter college with unrealistic expectations. Some believe college will automatically guarantee success, while others feel pressured to attend without understanding why.

Teachers can help students see college realistically.

Key Points to Teach Students

College offers opportunities, not guarantees.
Independence increases dramatically after high school.
Success depends heavily on personal responsibility.
Time management and self-discipline matter as much as intelligence.
There are multiple successful paths after high school.

Discussion Questions

Why do you want to attend college?
What careers interest you?
What skills will you need to succeed independently?
What concerns you most about life after graduation?

Teacher Tip

Avoid presenting college as the “only successful option.” Students need honesty, not pressure. Trade schools, certifications, military service, apprenticeships, and workforce opportunities are also valuable paths.

Section 2: Teaching Real-Life Skills Students Actually Need

Many students graduate academically prepared but practically unprepared.

Teachers can intentionally reinforce life skills inside everyday classroom experiences.

Essential Skills Students Need

Time Management

Meeting deadlines
Prioritizing responsibilities
Avoiding procrastination

Communication

Writing professional emails
Speaking respectfully
Participating in discussions

Accountability

Accepting consequences
Owning mistakes
Following through consistently

Problem Solving

Thinking critically
Asking thoughtful questions
Finding solutions independently

Adaptability

Handling change
Recovering from setbacks
Staying flexible under pressure

Practical Classroom Ideas

Require students to send professional emails.
Include collaborative group projects.
Allow opportunities for independent learning.
Teach note-taking and organization systems.
Simulate real-world deadlines and expectations.

Section 3: Helping Students Develop Healthy Study Habits

One of the biggest adjustments students face in college is academic independence.

Habits That Predict Success

Consistent studying instead of cramming
Completing work early
Reading instructions carefully
Seeking help before falling behind
Limiting distractions while studying

Teacher Strategies

Teach Students How to Study

Do not assume students already know effective study methods.

Model:

Active reading
Annotation
Flashcards
Summarizing
Self-quizzing
Time blocking

Normalize Asking for Help

Students often stay silent because they fear embarrassment. Remind them that strong students ask questions.

Teach Persistence

Students need to understand that difficulty does not equal failure.

Section 4: Preparing Students Emotionally for College and Adulthood

Many students feel anxiety about the future but rarely discuss it openly.

Teachers can create an environment where students feel supported while still being challenged.

Common Student Fears

Fear of failure
Fear of disappointing others
Financial concerns
Social anxiety
Uncertainty about career choices

Important Messages Students Need to Hear

Nobody has everything figured out at 18.
Failure does not define a person.
Growth often comes through struggle.
Comparing yourself to others is unhealthy.
Success takes time.

Teacher Reminder

Encouragement matters more than teachers sometimes realize. A simple conversation or moment of belief can permanently impact a student’s confidence.

Section 5: Helping Students Understand Financial Reality

Students often hear about “following their dreams” without hearing enough about financial responsibility.

Important Financial Topics

Student loans
Scholarships
Budgeting
Credit cards
Cost of living
Career earning potential

Questions Students Should Consider

How much debt am I willing to take on?
Is this degree connected to my goals?
What alternatives are available?
Can I begin at a community college?

Classroom Activity Idea

Have students research:

Tuition costs
Average salaries in careers of interest
Scholarship opportunities
Housing and living expenses

This helps students connect dreams with practical planning.

Section 6: Encouraging Character and Integrity

Academic success without character creates long-term problems.

Students need consistent reminders that integrity matters in every environment.

Character Traits That Matter

Honesty
Reliability
Respect
Humility
Perseverance
Self-control

Ways Teachers Can Reinforce Character

Hold students accountable fairly
Recognize effort, not just achievement
Address disrespect consistently
Encourage resilience after mistakes
Model professionalism personally

Students often remember who teachers were far longer than what teachers taught.

Section 7: Helping Students Handle Failure

Many students struggle emotionally when they encounter setbacks because they have never learned how to process failure constructively.

Teach Students That:

Failure is part of growth.
One bad grade does not define intelligence.
Rejection is normal.
Resilience is a learned skill.

Helpful Teacher Responses

Instead of:

“You’re better than this.”

Try:

“What can you learn from this?”
“What’s your next step?”
“How can you improve moving forward?”

This shifts students from shame toward growth.

Section 8: Encouraging Purpose Over Pressure

Students today often feel enormous pressure to have their entire future planned immediately.

Teachers can help students focus less on perfection and more on direction.

Encourage Students To:

Explore interests
Stay teachable
Develop discipline
Build healthy habits
Pursue growth consistently

Most successful adults did not have everything figured out in high school. Students need permission to grow gradually while still taking responsibility seriously.

Final Thoughts for Teachers

Teachers are not just preparing students for graduation—they are preparing them for adulthood.

Students may forget lessons, assignments, and lectures, but they often remember:

Teachers who believed in them
Teachers who challenged them
Teachers who treated them with dignity
Teachers who prepared them honestly for real life

Education is not only about helping students earn a diploma. It is about helping young people become capable, resilient, thoughtful adults.

The impact of that work reaches far beyond the classroom.

Feeling Stuck While Supposed to Be “Free”: The Reality of College Life Today

2025-12-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

Feeling Stuck While Supposed to Be “Free.”

The Reality of College Life Today

College is often marketed as a time of freedom, discovery, and limitless possibility. For many students, however, the lived experience feels far more complicated. Beneath the surface of campus life—classes, social events, and future plans—many students carry a quiet sense of pressure, uncertainty, and emotional fatigue. The contradiction is striking: being surrounded by opportunity while feeling internally constrained.

One of the biggest challenges college students face today is the pressure to constantly perform. Grades are no longer just grades; they feel like indicators of worth, intelligence, and future security. A single exam can seem like it determines whether years of effort were meaningful or wasted. This pressure is intensified by competitive environments where comparison is unavoidable. Even students who are doing well academically may feel like they are falling behind when they measure themselves against peers who appear more confident, more productive, or more successful.

Social expectations add another layer of stress. College is often portrayed as a place where friendships come easily and everyone finds their community. In reality, many students struggle with loneliness, social anxiety, or the fear of not fitting in. Social media amplifies these feelings by presenting curated versions of campus life that rarely reflect the full truth. Watching others appear connected and fulfilled can make isolation feel like personal failure rather than a common human experience.

Uncertainty about the future also weighs heavily on students. Questions about majors, careers, financial stability, and personal identity often remain unanswered, even as graduation approaches. Many students feel pressure to have everything figured out early, despite limited life experience. This can create a persistent background anxiety, where the future feels both urgent and unclear. Instead of motivating growth, this uncertainty can lead to paralysis, burnout, or self-doubt.

Mental and emotional health challenges are increasingly common among college students, yet many still feel reluctant to acknowledge them openly. There is often an unspoken expectation to manage stress independently and appear capable at all times. Admitting struggle can feel like weakness, especially in environments that reward productivity and resilience. As a result, many students push themselves beyond healthy limits, mistaking exhaustion for dedication.

What often goes unrecognized is that feeling overwhelmed does not mean something is wrong with you. College places students in a unique developmental stage where identity, responsibility, and independence collide all at once. Learning how to manage time, relationships, finances, and personal well-being simultaneously is difficult, even for highly capable individuals. Struggle in this season is not a sign of failure, but evidence of growth under pressure.

Finding meaning during college requires more than academic success. Students who thrive tend to develop a sense of purpose that extends beyond grades or resumes. This might come from relationships, creative pursuits, service, or personal values that guide decisions. When life is anchored to something deeper than performance, setbacks become more manageable and uncertainty less overwhelming.

College is not just about preparing for a career; it is about learning how to live. That includes learning how to rest without guilt, how to ask for help without shame, and how to measure success in ways that reflect personal growth rather than external validation. The students who emerge strongest are often not those who never struggled, but those who learned how to navigate difficulty with honesty and self-awareness.

For students who feel stuck, tired, or unsure, the truth is simple but important: you are not behind, broken, or failing. You are in the middle of a demanding season that is shaping who you are becoming. Growth is rarely comfortable, clarity is rarely immediate, and confidence often follows persistence rather than precedes it. College is not a test of perfection, but a process of becoming—and that process is still unfolding.

Making College Affordable: Practical Strategies for Lowering Higher Education Costs

2025-11-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

Making College Cheaper

Making college education more affordable is a priority for students and families who want quality learning without overwhelming debt. While rising tuition costs can feel discouraging, there are practical steps that individuals, institutions, and communities can take to ease the financial burden. Here are ten ways to help make college education cheaper and more accessible to all.

First, students can begin their higher-education journey at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution. Community colleges typically offer significantly lower tuition, and many have articulation agreements that make transferring credits seamless. This route can cut the cost of a bachelor's degree dramatically without sacrificing educational quality. Second, dual-enrollment programs in high school allow students to earn college credits early. When schools and states support these programs, students graduate with fewer credits left to pay for, shortening both time and cost in college.

Third, increasing access to need-based financial aid and ensuring students complete the FAFSA can unlock grants and scholarships that reduce or eliminate tuition costs. Many students miss out simply because they are unaware of the resources available. Fourth, colleges can expand work-study programs and paid internships, allowing students to earn money while gaining valuable experience instead of taking on debt. Fifth, encouraging the use of open educational resources can dramatically lower textbook and material expenses. Rather than paying hundreds per semester for required books, students benefit when institutions support free or low-cost digital alternatives.

Sixth, universities can adopt tuition caps or freeze tuition for students from the time they enroll. Predictable costs help students plan and protect them from sudden tuition increases. Seventh, accelerating degree paths—such as three-year bachelor’s programs or credit for prior learning—shortens the time students spend in school and reduces living and tuition expenses. Eighth, federal and state policymakers can support tuition-free or reduced-tuition public college initiatives, particularly for low- and middle-income students. When governments invest in education, the return in workforce readiness and community development is substantial.

Ninth, students can minimize housing and living expenses by considering more affordable options such as living at home, splitting off-campus housing with roommates, or attending schools in lower-cost areas. Living costs often exceed tuition, so strategic choices here can make a major difference. Finally, financial literacy education for families and students can reduce unnecessary borrowing and encourage smarter budget decisions. Understanding loans, budgeting, and long-term financial consequences empowers students to navigate their education more responsibly.

Lowering the cost of college is not about finding one perfect solution—it requires combining multiple strategies and partnerships between schools, families, governments, and communities. When opportunities are broadened and smart planning is prioritized, higher education becomes more attainable, unlocking potential for countless future students.

How to Study Effectively

2016-09-02T10:53:00.005-07:00

Studying is something all college students should be doing and doing well. But many students don't. If this is you, and you wish to change that, here are some good study tips. There are some classes you cannot fake. You have to actually learn and remember things.

Every day you should set aside some study time. If everyday is not an option, or you really don't need it daily, then do a weekly schedule. You MUST have regularly scheduled study time if you plan on studying best. Before a big exam, schedule longer sessions. Be determined to follow your study schedule. Make it a habit. Movies and fun can wait, not studying.

Some students like to listen to music or watch TV while studying. Not a good idea. But if you must, at least clear yourself from other distractions. Turn off your cellphone or put it in a place you can't get to it easily. Declutter your study area. All that should be there is study aids and books. You also need a schedule within your study time. Set a timer for 20 minutes or so. That way, you can take a break, stretch, clear your mind, go to the bathroom. You have to take these breaks, or your study time will not go well.

Study groups are not that great, actually. The more people you have, the less you can focus on your needs. Pairing up with another student or two is probably best. Have each of you come up with study questions and answers and go over them. You want to pair up with other students who are of the same mindset as you. Don't think you are going to help someone who is a goof-off.

Don't cram. Don't study at the last minute. Don't be a student who is nervously rifling notes at their seat even as the test is being passed out. It will not do you any good. Be prepared before you get there. Get a GOOD night sleep. Eat light and healthy. Bring whatever you need for the exam--pencils, pens, blue book, etc.

College Students and Sleep

2016-08-31T16:40:00.005-07:00

We would guess that many college students do not get enough sleep. And this might be one reason to do poorly in classes. Remember, you are in college to study, learn, and graduate to a good future. You can sleep all you want AFTER graduation.

You need a plan of attack for sleep. This starts with your daily plan. You need a routine. Each day is probably different, but your bedtime should be the same. Make it a habit to do a daily schedule, and pencil in bedtime. This also means that the time you get up should also be planned, and regular. Going to bed and getting up at the same times will eventually ensure a good night's sleep.

Don't study, read anything important, exercise, or do something that can stimulate you roughly 2 hours before sleep. This again means getting and keeping a schedule.

Eating might be a another problem. You cannot expect to get a great night's sleep if you eat large snacks or meals just before laying down. Forget the coffee and sugar drinks as well. Wind down with some gentle tea or something. Sleeping is all about relaxing, even your stomach.

Don't go to sleep with the TV going, radio, or earphones. if you can, turn your phone off, and don't check it if you wake in the middle of the night. Computer screens should be off. If this is impossible, invest in a cheap blindfold.

With a little planning, sleep can go a long way!

College Debit Cards

2014-02-16T07:21:00.004-08:00

Many colleges are making financial aid available on a college provided debit card. The money may be more conveniently available to students. Many students are taking them up on this offer and using their financial aid right from the debit card. But did you know there are reasons to not do this?

College students need every dime of financial aid. Some debit cards provided by the college may charge you a fee if you actually use it as a debit card. You should be able to use it as a credit or check card, then there should be no fee. If you cannot do this, you should not be getting your financial aid on a debit card.

Did you know that the colleges are probably getting a bounty for each student they get a debit card to? The colleges do not actually run the cards. Private banks do. You are then dealing with a private bank.

You can avoid fees as well if you just withdraw cash to use from ATMs run by that bank. The problem is, there may not be these ATMs readily available to you at any given time. So if you need quick cash, you pay a fee to get it. That's not fair to college students.

You are better off getting the financial aid in a check that you deposit in your own account and use it the most prudent way.

But, be aware that even if you do the debit card, you still have the option of getting a check or deposited right in your own bank account.

Of course your bank might have fees as well, but those would be fees you are already paying and know about.

Before you jump at the convenience of financial aid on a debit card, look at how much it may cost you. It could be a few dollars, or add up to hundreds over your college stay.

Getting into college with bad grades

2013-11-20T17:59:00.003-08:00

How can you possibly get into college if you have bad grades? Does that sound like you? Don't panic, there are plenty of options. Grades are indeed one of the factors that are looked at, but you can get around it.

The best way is actually to delay college. Okay, not actually a delay in college, but a delay in applying to the college of your dreams. Go to a two year community college first, rack up good grades, then transfer. Your high school record will almost be a moot point. Some four year universities in the same area have a guaranteed acceptance agreement with some of the junior colleges. Doing some college at a community college helps lower the cost as well.

Another way to get around bad grades, is to just be open about them. In your college admission essay, admit the bad grades. Don't make excuses, but convince them you are a good risk.

Apply to as many colleges as you can and increase the odds that someone will admit you.

Get people who know you to write stellar letters of recommendation. These should include teachers, counselors, employers, even a pastor. The slant should be with your ambition overcoming your grades.

Most high school students start applying in their junior year. If your grades are bad, the chances are slim that you will be chosen. So, go ahead and strive to do A+ work as a senior, then apply. Sure, you might have to take a college that is not at the top of your list, but at least you're in.

So there you have it. Some ways of getting into college with bad grades.

College Students: Choosing a credit card

2013-11-17T08:54:00.003-08:00

College students as a group are always looking for money. Getting a credit card may seem like it's the same as getting money. It's not. However, credit cards are not bad, and certainly not for college students if used wisely. And chosen wisely. Here are some tips to choosing the right card.

First and foremost, for any credit card, is the interest rate. Nothing else really matters, as this is the bottom line as to what using it will cost you. Many companies offer several options. College students normally do not need rewards, so choosing the lowest interest rate is a must. You should pay the credit card off in a timely manner. Since many college students cannot pay a large bill off at once, not being charged a substantial amount for interest is a plus if the need arises to maintain a balance.

In conjunction with the interest rate are the fees you may be charged. Many will entice you with an easy way of getting a credit card, but then slapping you with a huge upfront yearly fee. Do not get a credit card with an annual fee. Thee are plenty that are free. No reason to pay for the privilege of using a credit card.

Last but not least, is the credit limit. This is where college students need to be careful. Having a smaller credit limit will limit your ability (and temptation) to get deep in debt. If you can't pay off a balance in 3 to 4 months, try and not get it up that high. Graduating with student loan debt is bad enough. If you do have a high limit, relative to your income, try and keep the balance at between 25 and 30 percent of the card's limit.

There's nothing wrong with college students having and using credit cards. The danger is in what it will cost you now and in the future. Building your credit now is very important.

Establishing credit and keeping it stellar is the goal of every college graduate. No matter where you are in life, your credit score will affect lots of what you do. From buying a house, to maybe getting a job. Recently they are getting businesses to remove the credit check from new hires. But this may effect a background check if you are trying to get a job where your credit and personal finances matter. There are a lot of myths as far as credit cards and raising your credit score. Beware, especially college students. Don't make mistakes on your credit rating.

You do not need to carry a balance to keep a good credit rating. Agencies look at how much you have used in regard to how much overall credit you have. The higher the ratio, the more it will lower your credit score. Payoff anything you can.

The next myth is an add-on to the above. People seem to think that by just making payments on time, it will raise your score. It's true that NOT paying will lower it, but just making the minimum payment each month does not do much. In fact, it keeps your balance ratio high. (See above.)

When applying for some sort of credit, you might inquire as to what credit score will be used. There are many different rating agencies and scores, and depending on the credit, a different one may be used. Be sure to know what your credit score is on the one that will be used.

If you have old balances that are late, even in arrears, it will not help to pay them off in a lump sump sum. The negative mark is already there and won't be removed until the set amount of time has passed. It is true, however, that you cna make a note on your record that says you paid it off. This may help in a manual review of your credit.

Your income does not have anything to do with your credit rating. This may seem strange, but it is absolutely true. A high income can have just a low of credit score as low income, and the opposite is true as well. Lower income people may have a higher rating. It all depends on YOUR credit record. It is true, that loan and credit officers will look at your income to see if you will be able to pay the credit balance off.

Don't think that a department store credit card will do anything major either. In fact, it may have the opposite effect. Department stores and companies generally give a lower credit limit. People have a tendency to max this out. This will actually lower your score, as the balance is high to the total. Department stores are an easier way of getting credit and establishing it, but to make it work you need to have a low balance in relation to the limit.

College Scholarship Tips

2013-03-22T14:39:00.004-07:00

Can you go to college for free? Well, there are a lot of people that do. They get scholarships and grants that pay for cost of going to college. Can you be one of these lucky few? Yes you can. Thousands of college students each year get literally millions of dollars in scholarships to pay for college. You cannot get a scholarship without applying, so here are some tips.

First thing to do is maybe an internet search. Narrow the search down for college students like you. Never pay for any scholarship search. There is no need. A lot of unscrupulous people take money and do nothing. There really is nothing that a paid college scholarship search can do for you that you cannot do free.

You can find scholarships for students who have a hobby or passion for something. Also, local businesses give out lots of scholarships to local kids each year. Your high school counselor is another good place to start. They will have info and probably even forms to fill out to apply.

There are a lot of small scholarships available, but don't sell yourself short. There are many huge scholarships. KFC gave out a $20,000 one recently.

You want your application to stand out above the others. That means making it unique. You may want to read it out loud to friends and family to see what they think. You want it to be exciting, not boring. It's not a school report or assignment.

That leads to the next scholarship tip. You cannot apply effectively to dozens. You must narrow it down to a handful and do a GREAT job applying. Or, if you are feeling well of yourself, you can apply for more. But remember that each scholarship is unique and requires a unique application and description of yourself.

Merit Award Scholarships are for academic achievement and not on any other financial criteria. Like need. That means they are open to potentially every student.

Right now, more and more states are switching a lot of their financial aid to merit awards. 27 states now do it, and 13 are giving more than 50% of their awards as merit.

In Georgia, because of financial problems with their scholarship program, they raised the bar. The academic requirement is now higher. Georgia's Hope Program is one of the largest merit awards program in the country.

This could mean other states follow. So what's the real change? Instead of awarding college money based on need, it is now trending to award it on merit. Meaning that maybe, and that's a big maybe, less needy students will get money.

Many other states are starting to look at how they give out grant money. Some are giving over 50% based on achievement. Remember, the financial aid money is not growing, and might even be reduced.

To some it makes sense to award college scholarships based on merit or achievement, rather than on income. It rewards those who work hard, and might raise the standards of those starting and completing college. We might have a better prepared work force.

Achievement comes in various parts, like ACT or SAT scores, and grades.

Of course states are trying to keep some aid there specifically for low income students.

The bottom line, is study study study. You'll be a better student for it, and, it might put money in your pocket!

The best places to look for scholarships are right in front of you.

The high school counseling office will have information on virtually every real scholarship that is available to you, and whether you have a good chance of qualifying. If you are shopping for college money, stop there first! It's free!

Your parents probably have jobs and work for companies that give out scholarships to employees and their children. Get your parents to check this out. Many of these are automatically awarded if you enroll in college. A few dollars does not hurt your college budget bottom line.

The college you enroll in has many in-house scholarships. Ask the financial aid office for details.

Sometimes you do need to do a little research. But researching college scholarships is free. Stop by your local library to see if they have books on the shelf that deal with college scholarship searches.

There is nothing wrong with spending a couple of dollars on scholarship books. They are fairly cheap, and it may help in finding some scholarships you may not know of. But remember, this is a very little cost compared to some paid scholarship searches. Don't fall into a trap of paying out big money for almost nothing. There is nothing a college scholarship search is going to find that you can't find yourself for free.

Don't forget that the college you apply will have their own scholarships and grants. Don't rule out a school because it is expensive. Many of those real expensive schools give out the fattest financial aid!

For-Profit Vocational Schools

2013-03-03T17:36:00.001-08:00

Because of the economy, a lot of people are thinking about going back to college. Even young people are thinking twice about career paths. Because of this, going to a for-profit vocational or trade school may sound like a good idea. However, before you spend money on one of these educational institutions, you need to be aware of some things.
First and foremost, you want to get a job after finishing the school. Do some research. Ask some potential employers what they think of the school and training. Admission personnel and salespeople may be pumping up the school with empty promises. No matter whether you get a job or not, if you get a student loan, you will have to pay it back. Look into the job market for your chosen vocation.
What will you get as proof of finishing? Will it be a degree or a diploma? It can make a big difference in your employment prospects and options. Again, ask places where you might apply later what they think.
Again, the most important aspect of a for-profit college, is to get a job. You must evaluate the job market. Are there jobs near you? Will you have to relocate? Is anybody actually hiring?
You may need to get a state or special license to complete the requirements and get a job. Does the college prepare you for it? Can you sit for the license exam after graduating? What are their pass fail rates? Does it cost extra? How often are the tests given?
Above all, you certainly want it accredited. If they offer a degree, make sure it is accredited by the agency that accredits your local colleges and universities. Once again, it will make a difference if you want to use the credits in the future, or even be eligible to sit for a state or national exam.
Before spending a lot of money, do your research on any for-profit college or vocational school you wish to attend. You might also check the local junior colleges. They probably have similar programs at a fraction of the cost and will be accredited. However, the classes may be quite full and you will be on a waiting list.

Get more out of your financial aid award

2013-01-25T06:58:00.001-08:00

If you will be paying for college using financial aid, now is the time to begin. In fact, most college students rely on financial aid. College tuition and expenses are rising, so you need to be able to get the most you can from your financial award package. Virtually every college gives out a financial aid package based on your FAFSA, so it is important to fill that out correctly. Here are some tips for maximizing your financial aid.

File your FAFSA early. You can start filling it out online January 1st. Quite a few colleges have deadlines, many as early as February. There is a limited amount of money that colleges have to give out. First come, first served is common. If you have not filed your income tax, or your parents, you can still fill out the FAFSA and use estimates. Bottom line, file your FAFSA early!

Even if you don't have a clue as to if or what you will qualify, fill your FAFSA out anyway. There is other money aid from colleges available, as well as federal student loans, that require a FAFSA to be filled out.

Be sure and fill the form out correctly and completely. Any errors or blanks will cause delays. All lines need to be filled out, even with zeros. If you fill it out online, the process should guide you on every line that must be filled in. Filling it out online is much easier anyway.

A college student is expected to contribute to their education. Your bank accounts and your parent's, will be counted. If you have money in a savings account, you might want to transfer it to a 529 savings plan. If you have a lot of money saved, use it all in your freshman year. That way, your future financial aid award will not be affected. Your parents can put money into an IRA or 401(k) that won't be counted as well.

One thing about your FAFSA to remember. Be sure and not lie or fudge figures. If you are found out, you could be declared ineligible for any financial aid. Be open and honest.

A little know aspect of getting more financial aid is to tell your college of your financial situation if it matters. You can talk to the financial aid officer, or write a letter, stating financial hardships that you and your family are going through. This could get you more aid. Also, if you get different financial aid awards from different colleges, you can use that as leverage for the school you want. Ask them if they will match a better offer. If the college wants you, they may do that.

Financial aid is not just grants and loans. You may need to work in the work-study program. The school also might give scholarships to eligible students who maintain good grades.

The bottom line is to get your FAFSA in now!

Ways to Save Money in College

2012-09-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

The cost of a four year degree keeps going up. It's getting to be very expensive to go to college and many families are feeling the pinch. There are a few ways to save money on college expenses and make getting that degree a little more affordable.

If you are still in high school, start thinking about college now. Many junior colleges allow you to take college classes while in high school. Some are even taught on high school campuses. Take some classes before you graduate. If you are up to the challenge, take AP classes and pass the AP exams. This will give you college credit. Any classes you take will make the overall cost of a degree cheaper.

In fact, virtually all college degrees require the same first two years of general education requirements. Taking these classes at a local community college can save big bucks. Then transfer. You will only have roughly two years of four year college expenses. Staying at home, going to a JC, can be one of the biggest ways to save money on college. Resist the urge to get a federal student loan while at a junior college. Try and pay cash. Your loan will be much bigger than the expenses if you are living at home. Save the debt for the four year college or university.

Speaking of staying at home, are you attending college close to you? No reason to spend money on a dorm or apartment. Staying at home cuts that expense down to what your parents are already paying--your room and board now.

What is your plan? Do you have a major picked out? You need to pick one soon. Taking classes that you don't need is a waste of time and money. Choose a degree wisely, and stick with it. If not, you probably will spend longer than four years getting a degree because you need different classes. Take only the classes you need. You can also be a dual-major, using the some of the same classes for each degree.

If you live on campus, get the cheapest meal plan first. This will allow you to test the food to see if you like, and more importantly, will actually eat it. No reason to get a meal plan that you will not use.

Sometimes an off-campus apartment is cheaper than a dorm and meal plan. Check this option out.

Yes, college is expensive. Checking out ways to save now is a good idea. Also, it is very important to graduate without a staggering amount of student loan debt.

How teachers and schools can prepare students for college

2012-08-21T13:09:00.003-07:00

Not all students will go to college. Not all students must go to college. College is an option like anything else. The problem is, schools and teachers seem bent on preparing all students for college, but most of these ideas are off base. Here are some real world tips for preparing students for college.

The work is not necessarily harder in college. We do students a disservice when saying it is. Kind of scares them into a false reality. Some classes and subjects may be easier in college than high school. Many general requirement classes will be filled with hundreds of students doing mostly busy work. Not exactly hard. Time consuming, but not hard. In fact, the biggest thing teachers and schools can do to prepare students for college, is for them to actually know what the present college experience is like.

College students must meet deadlines. Do you have deadlines? Or are you lenient? This is a good rule for all students, not just college bound. The real world has real, hard hitting deadlines. If you miss them, you suffer. Don't pay your taxes on time and see what happens. Show up to work late. You suffer. College students may actually fail classes by not meeting deadlines. Certainly they must register and have all forms in by certain dates. Give your students consequences for turning in late work. College professors consider college students adult enough and are not very lenient.

Technology only goes so far. High school students grow up today using spell checkers, texting, and calculators. While that's fine, colleges are still pretty old fashioned. Introductory college writing will require proper sentence structure and grammar. And spell checkers don't do much for wrong words spelled right. Calculators? They probably will not help you in many math classes. These skills are good for the real world as well. People who can function in all circumstances will thrive. Don't be lenient on worked turned in that is garbage and is done in a lazy way.

Note taking may have become a lost art. But college, as stated above, is still old fashioned. You must be able to take good notes and be able to study with them later. If your students are not taking notes, they may falter. Taking notes also helps students pay attention to what is being taught. A good skill for the job market as well.

Schools should demand that teachers and students meet standards. Many four year colleges have canceled their remedial classes because there are just too many students needing them. They can't cope. Many students find they can't pass entrance exams and must take a class at a junior college. In California, for example, the high school exit exam tests to just about the 10th grade. Do you think 10th grade level is good to start college? It's not. 10th grade level should not even be accepted in the job market.

Advanced Placement and Honors classes have their place, but they give a false sense of "college readiness" or "intelligence." AP classes are taught to pass the AP exam. Why? Because if one does not pass the exam, taking the class is now a moot point. Too many schools are stuffing their campus with these classes. They don't do much good. They prepare to pass a high school class, but not get you college ready. Parents should have their students get straight A's in a regular college-bound curriculum, and not be snookered into Honors classes.

Teachers, incorporate more logic and critical thinking into your classes. That's what college campuses are craving right now. Critical thinking students. Do you make your students think on a daily basis? Or they just doing mindless tasks?

How college students can save on rent

2012-08-14T15:14:00.001-07:00

For many college students, the dorm is not an option, or they just don't want to live on campus in a cramped dorm room with a bunch of other students in the same room and building. But renting can be very expensive compared to the dorm. Here are some ways of saving money on rent.

The best way to save money is to not get the first apartment you see. You need to shop around and see what's out there. Getting the best price may take some leg work, but even $50 less a month is almost $500 for the school year.

It may seem counter to what college students should do, but signing a lease may get you a few dollars off the rent. A longer lease generally comes with better terms. The downside is that during summer, you will need to find someone to take over the payments, or live there yourself. Every college has a summer term and there are students who need rooms just for the summer.

Speaking of renting rooms, that's another way to make rent cheaper. Rent a spare room. It could either be to another college student, or maybe a tourist in town. The latest thing is renting rooms to tourists as the cost of hotels continues to skyrocket. This is better than the dorm, in that you can pick and choose a roommate.

Consider your location. Rooms near a college may be more expensive than just a few more miles away. Supply and demand is in play here. You will be competing with other college students looking for rentals. The further away you can live, the cheaper the rent. Maybe. You have to weigh the distance with price.

A good deal is rents that include anything free. If you can scoop up a place that tosses in free trash, water, wi-fi, maybe even other utilities, that could be quite a savings right there. Everyone needs water and wi-fi. If you spend money on a gym membership, having a free one at your apartment complex can save some dough as well.

Career Jobs That do not Require a College Degree

2012-06-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

The health care industry seems to just keep growing. People will always need healthcare, and as the baby boomers age, demand will only increase. Yes, doctors and nurses will be needed, but the top healthcare jobs that are growing do no require a degree. Or, in some cases, only require a two-year degree. If the healthcare field is something you would like to get into, but do not want to spend years in college, here are three such positions.

One of these is a health information technician and medical records. Many public community and career colleges offer these classes. You will probably need to earn a certificate, or go for a full two year degree in information technology in healthcare. If you would like a medical career, but do not necessarily like interacting with patients, this is the ideal job. You must be a person who is very organized and can keep track of details.
If you do like working with patients, consider becoming a medical assistant. Some of these jobs are like super secretaries. They can help run doctors offices from the front desk. You will be doing some paper work, like scheduling appointments. Getting the medical history of a patient is also withing your scope of practice. Some even do medical tasks, like vital signs and injections. Every medical office will have different requirements. A certificate in medical assisting from a career or community college is probably a must. You can earn a two year degree as well.
One of the biggest growing medical fields is in massage and physical therapy. More people are looking at alternative medical treatments and massage therapy is booming. Opportunities are opening up all over. You have to be good with your hands and work very well interacting with people. A massage therapists will probably need a certificate. Physical therapists, which are more involved in the medical field, will probably want to go for a bachelor's degree, but it is not required to be licensed. Check with your state on what it takes to become a licensed physical therapist.
>Looking for scholarships? Check out our free college scholarship search.
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Degrees with guaranteed jobs

2012-05-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

If you are graduating college, you know the job hunt will be tough. But if you are just starting college and are wondering where the jobs are, look no further. There are a few degrees that will give you a guaranteed job after graduating. In fact, you probably will be sought out and offered more than one job. However, these degrees are math and science oriented. Before you take out huge amounts of student loans, choose your college degree wisely. Get a degree in pharmacology, and you'll have labs trying to hire you. Coming up with new drugs and lab tests for various diseases will always be growing. Healthcare is still a rising field and pharmacology majors will be at the forefront of the future. The world needs new and improved drugs for combating disease all the time. Energy majors are also in high demand. No doubt that energy needs of the world will grow. Green energy is still a pipe dream. Fossil fuels will still be around for centuries. Geophysics majors will have multiple offers. Big energy companies cannot even get enough grads from the United States to fill their growing positions. In fact, if you want to live abroad, global energy companies have locations all over. Yes, both of those college majors above are heavily involved in research. So, it only makes sense that another field, the universe, is also looking for scientists for research. We don't even know a fraction of the universe. Astrophysics or planetary science majors will have plenty of research jobs to peruse through. If your thing is math, then becoming an actuary is right up your alley. Guaranteed job for sure. Insurance companies hire actuaries to research risks for all types of things. A degree in actuarial science is one hot degree. There you have it. College majors that will get you not only a guaranteed job, but a high paying one. And those jobs are high in job satisfaction. Choose your college major wisely! >>Find a job after graduating. >>Job interview tips.

Graduate college with little or no debt

2012-05-06T17:19:00.001-07:00

Before you go to college and get loaded up with a mountain of student loan debt, think it over. Be smart about how you finance your education, and, choose your college and major wisely. Student loans can add up quickly. If you can't get a high paying job to make the payments, you will be in a bind. Even if you can make the payments, you will need years to pay off the student loans. Avoiding student loans may sound impossible, but it is doable. College should enhance you life, not ruin it with debt.

The first thing you can do to make college debt manageable, is to choose your major wisely. A major that will not get you a high paying job is not worth borrowing thousands of dollars to finance it. If you are stuck on your current low-paying major, you should finance college in a different way. Read on for more tips. If you have a major that can guarantee a high paying job, and is in demand, you can quickly pay off your student loans. Does your future job justify getting $100,000 in debt?

Choose your college wisely. The cost of attendance is different between schools, and can be quite staggering. Most often, a public college or university is much cheaper than a private one. Even with recent tuition increases. Some private colleges do give out more money, so be sure and do research. In the end, it does not really matter where you graduate if your degree is in demand. You don't have to start out at a four year college. Going to a local junior college will make the first two years of college much cheaper in relation to the years elsewhere. Remember, your four year degree will still say it came from the four year college. Many junior colleges near four year schools have agreements about guaranteed admission from one to the other. This can really make your first two years of school almost debt free to begin with.

Get a job and keep working. Yes, it's tough to go to college and work. But it will pay off in the end. Traditional colleges are very expensive to attend. Most colleges and universities are offering class that are non-traditional, or at later hours. You can take classes online, after work, and on weekends. Did you know that many freshmen do not finish in four years? There is no rule that says you have to. Colleges have programs and degrees geared for working people.

We all know the lure and excitement about attending college. The dorms, the fun, the friends. But we forget the debt. Don't get suckered into ruining your future. Graduate debt-free and you can party the rest of your life!

Student Loans and Bankruptcy

2012-03-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

This economy has led more people to consider bankruptcy. You can eliminate most debts, including credit cards. But you cannot get rid of a student loan.

It may sound odd, but a private bank that loans you money with a credit card will have the credit card debt discharged at bankruptcy. But a private student loan from this same bank cannot be done away with. Beware of this fact if you get private student loans. These are the same rules as the Federal student loans.

Since all direct loans are handled by the federal government, when you borrow the money, you owe the taxpayers this money. It's essentially who you borrowed it from. Taxpayer debts are hardly ever discharged. Student loans are no exception. You cannot get a student loan discharged. You will owe the money basically forever, or until you pay it off.

Private student loans were not originally in this agreement passed by congress in 1976. Before this time, all student loans were eligible to be discharged at bankruptcy. In 1984, private student loans were also added.

Private student loans are really one of the most expensive loans you can get, as far as college debt goes. Avoid private student loans. Even though you cannot discharge a federal student loan, you have many more options as far as paying it back goes. You can get deferments, as well as get student loans forgiven for various public services.

The best thing is to really not get any loans for college. Borrow the least. And above all, only go for Federal student loans.

These rules were set up so that people could not just sign up for college, then declare bankruptcy to get out of paying the loan back. Also, it makes starting college a serious decision. Make it wisely.

>>Your Financial Aid Award Explained.

>>Job interview tips.

>>Buy American Forum

Financial Aid Letters

2012-03-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Look close at your financial award letter that spells out what you will get as far as a financial aid award.

Many times, the letter will not give the whole picture as to the cost of a college education at that school.

The biggest shock comes to students when they read their expected contribution. At first glance, it looks like an award. But in reality, it is the amount that is expected to come from you and your family. Many times this number will make it look like all your expenses are covered, when in reality you must make up quite a difference.

The best thing on this financial aid letter will be free money that does not have to be paid back. Like grants and scholarships. The more of these, the better.

Student loans can be a killer in the future. All loans need to be repaid. Federal student loans are cheaper than private ones. If you get private loans, beware of this fact. The less loans, the better. Many students do not think about payback. They only look at the upfront cash.

The bottom line is the cost of attendance at this college. Many colleges do not give this figure, leaving you what may be a huge out of pocket expense. This figure includes all fees that are normally paid by undergrads. From lab fees, to dorm and food, and all fees in between. You may need to rethink attending a college that is really more expensive than one you can afford. Sometimes it's the opposite. An expensive college can actually give more financial aid, making it cheaper.

Once you get your letter, you may contact the financial aid office for more explanations, and certainly ask for more aid if possible. If you are applying to more than one school, and are accepted to many, use the letters as leverage to get a better award. Many times colleges will "find" money for students they want.

>>Tips for More Financial Aid

>>Financial Aid Secrets

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What to do if you are short on financial aid

2012-01-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

So you've applied to college, been accepted, and gotten a look at your financial aid package. You do the math and realize you are short of paying for everything. What are you going to do?

Well, you can ask the financial aid office for another look, maybe a better offer. Click here for tips on getting more financial aid.

After that, there are a few things the college student can do to make the bottom line look better.

First thing is to be first in line. Apply early. Colleges have a more limited supply of funds to give out and may run out if you delay.

Think about changing schools, if it's not too late. Many colleges are offering out of state students money as an incentive to come to their college. Some large private colleges actually have more money to give out. So even though the cost is higher, it will be cheaper for you in the long run.

Don't overlook the scholarship search. It may take some of your time, but working on finding scholarships in this economy is worth it. And there are many scholarships that go overlooked. You can do a free college scholarship search here, or learn ways of finding scholarships here.

Colleges have what they call merit scholarships to current students who have high GPAs. So, pump up your studying and get good grades.

And the easiest way to make up a shortage of college money. Spend less. This means everything from transportation, to books, and dorms to food. Read 30 ways to cut college costs.

The bottom line, is that your bottom line may look deep, but with a little extra work, you can make up for a college cash crunch.

College Degrees that get jobs

2011-10-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

With unemployment still high, many people are looking at all options for jobs. Going back to college can be a great idea, and a ticket to a high paying, in demand career. Here are a few college degrees that are sought after and can lead to a quick, decent paying job.

The medical field is still growing, and growing rapidly. You don't need to be a nurse or doctor to get into this field. A quick two year degree in medical assisting can get you work in a doctors office or related business. Medical assistants perform various clinical tasks, and some clerical. These positions will continue to grow as the medical field expands and gets more technical.

A law degree takes years. But most law offices need legal groundwork. This is done mostly by paralegals. Becoming a paralegal is as short as a two year degree. Any law office utilizes these trained professionals, from public district attorneys, to private law firms. Law research is what they do, and your degree will make you an expert at it. Some firms have internships as well to gain experience.

The computer world is still perhaps the fastest growing segment. You will probably need a bachelor's degree in information technology, or computer science. If you already have a year or two of college under your belt, think about a computer science degree. Anything from information technology to information systems and security is in high demand. It is a tough degree to complete, but has some of the best starting salaries around.

Anything business related is always hot. And a bad economy fuels the need for more. An MBA is not required. A bachelors degree in business will suffice as a starting point. Starting pay and demand is quite high in relation to other degrees. Switching to business after starting college is not hard. Yes, it could even lead you to get an MBA and be well ahead of the pack of job seekers.

If college is an option, no reason to just pick any degree. The degrees above will almost lead to guaranteed jobs. And high paying ones at that!

>>Average teachers salary.

>>Become a teacher.

>>Can you afford to go to college?

College students can save money by not buying these things

2011-08-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Let's face it. College is expensive. Most college students squeak by on a meager budget. One thing they realize is that tuition is not the only cost. Other things can add up. Many students don't even realize how expensive other things can be. So here are a few items that college students should try and not buy. Every penny saved is a penny back in your pocket.

Leave the car at home. Better yet. Sell it and pocket the cash. The college fees for parking are probably going to cost $50 a month. Or more. And your car will mostly sit. You still have to pay insurance, and car insurance for college students is not cheap. You will be tempted to take trips on the weekend, further costing you money. No doubt a car will end up costing most college students a couple of hundred dollars a month. If you insist on driving in college, here are some lower car insurance tips.

College students do not need the latest fashions. You're going to spend the majority of your time on campus. Buy some used clothes and forget the name brands. Nobody in college will notice anyway. Every student will have unique way of dressing. If you buy new, buy from the cheaper store and skip the brand names.

Textbooks are a huge expense. So, how about trying NOT to buy them. You can rent them from various places now. Many e-readers have textbook versions for a fraction of the cost. But, the best way is to avoid buying them at all. How? Well, show up to class before you buy books. See if the ones on the list are really necessary. If not, and you can still pass the class, don't buy them. Your college library will have copies of all needed books. Most of these cannot be checked out, so copies remain in the library. Get to the library during off hours, and chances are nobody will be using them. You can also check out used book stores to see if an older version works just as well. These would be very cheap. Meet people in the class who have a textbook, and study with them. Here are more tips on saving on textbooks.

College students do not need a lot of notebooks and paper anymore. Most things that used to be passed out, like a syllabus, are now online. You might even do homework online. Maybe you can take notes with your computer. Wait until the first few classes to start and find out exactly how much paper and notebooks you need. Don't wast money on school supplies.

>>Tips for more financial aid.

Car insurance: Students can get better rates.

2011-08-02T09:51:00.001-07:00

College students feel the need to drive a car, but a car and expenses that you can incur, like insurance, can break a college budget. The best thing a college student can do is to not have a car. But, many times that's a solution that is not heeded. There are things one can do to lower their auto insurance rates.

Check your current auto policy for any extras that are charged for. Like roadside assistance, towing, and other things that are not really part of the insurance for your car. Drop these and your payments should be lower.

College students may be eligible for good grade discounts. Check with your insurance company and make sure you are getting all discounts, including good driver.

Increasing your deductible can really take a chunk out of your car insurance costs. Try and go for the biggest deductible that you can get. You can probably save hundreds of dollars a year on this alone.

Only pay for the coverage you need. Many insurance companies offer different levels of coverage. Anywhere from minimum coverage, to maybe a gold standard. The top package will include many things, but the cost goes up accordingly. These things can include rental cars, deductible waivers, pick up and drop off, and many other things. The lowest coverage will be the cheapest. Just be sure that what the lowest coverage is will satisfy the state in which you will be attending college accepts.

You have probably seen the many auto insurance commercials about how switching will save you money. It's true in some cases. If you are unhappy with your insurance rates, shop the big companies and see who has the best deal. You may be able to actually save some serious money.

New technology is allowing insurance companies to monitor your driving habits. If you are comfortable with this, you could get a discount.

The bottom line is to make driving a car in college cheap. Get the most discounts you can to save as much money as you can.

Many prospective college students are now considering where to go to school in the Fall. While cars are not really needed in college, many students want them. In addition, many students will be driving cross-country to their new college homes, thus having a car while in college. A student that has a car has an extra expense. This expense can break your budget. You may want to consider your college choices if you do have a car and money is tight. Some states charge more on average than others. Do some research to find where rates are cheaper.

One of the biggest expenses college students can have is a car. Gas, upkeep, and car insurance can add up. If you insist on having a car while in college, beware of what auto insurance companies can do. Don't take the first policy offered by someone who is an agent or even the company. They are trying to sell you the best car insurance policy for them, not you. Ask for a cheaper rate or how you can lower the auto insurance they are offering Talk to more than one agent as well. If they know you are comparing policies, they will offer cheaper ones up front. If you are under 25, forget a really cheap policy. No matter what, car insurance companies do like under 25 age drivers. Car insurance companies are checking your credit history now. Bad credit may get you a higher policy or even none. If you currently have insurance, it can pay to shop around. But many auto insurance companies will not cancel your present coverage, even after you get a new one from a different company. In fact, they may even bill you for the premiums and report you as being past due to a credit agency. We know that sounds crazy, but it does happen. Don't cancel your policy until you have a new one. A lapse in coverage may make you uninsurable to the next company. Auto insurance companies have a policy cancellation form. Use it. Make sure your new policy starts at exactly the same time your current policy is canceled.