Many teenagers dream of going to college. For some, cost can be a barrier. If you want to study, there are ways to make further education more accessible. In this informative article, we’ll outline steps you can take to lower costs and make college more affordable.
Research scholarships
The first task to cross off your list if you’re thinking about applying for a college course and you’re worried about fees is to research scholarships. You can find out more about scholarships from individual colleges, as well as initiatives such as the Unicaf Scholarship Programme, which involves a network of partners across different countries. If you meet the criteria, take the time to read the information and make sure you understand what you have to do to apply. You may need to submit documents, answer questions and attend interviews. Scholarships are often designed to help students who would otherwise struggle to cover course fees. They can provide financial assistance and the opportunity to study at prestigious universities and colleges around the world. There are several different types of scholarships available covering a diverse range of skills and talents. If you think you might have what it takes, spend some time researching online and contact college offices to gather more information or get answers to questions.
Learn more about loans
Studies suggest that around 70% of college students in the US have education debts on completion of their bachelor’s degree. It is very common for students to borrow money to pay fees and cover living costs while they study. Before you apply for a student loan, it’s hugely beneficial to learn more about borrowing and compare loans. In many cases, loans are approved for students based on their needs and interest charges are waived during the study period. If you borrow money under these terms, you won’t have to start paying back your loan until you finish your studies. You can use your loan to pay tuition fees or to help with accommodation costs, bills, buying books and getting around.
It’s important to understand the terms of your loan agreement before you submit your loan application. If you’re not sure which borrowing option is best for you, seek advice. Speaking to an adviser can help you to decide which loan is best and it will also provide clarity if you have queries or concerns.
Study online
Studying online has become increasingly popular in the last decade. While many students want to go to college and enjoy the experience of studying on campus, there are benefits to online courses. If you choose to do a degree online, you can save money on accommodation and living costs and eliminate the need to travel to get to classes. You can also enjoy more flexibility when managing your schedule, which will enable you to work while you study. You could get a casual job or work part-time, for example. There is a vast array of online courses available today. If you are considering taking this route, it’s wise to research courses, check accreditations and make sure you understand what qualifications you will earn when you complete your studies. It’s also beneficial to read about different courses and modules and learn more about assessments and timeframes.
Work while you study
Surveys indicate that up to 70% of college students work while they study. Getting a job is a brilliant way to earn money while you’re at college and it can also help you to meet new people and prepare for the world of work. There are multiple options for college students. You could look into jobs on campus, pick up casual work, such as driving or working at a cafe or a bar, or do seasonal work during breaks between semesters, for example. Check online job listings and vacancies on internal college networks, ask for recommendations from friends who already have jobs and consider signing up for email updates from recruiters. If you have a casual job, you can increase or decrease your hours depending on your workload. During the holidays, for example, you can do more work to boost your earnings so that you can work less during the semester and in the run-up to exams. It is also beneficial to explore opportunities that could help you to find the job you want after college. Gaining experience can be incredibly valuable. It’s worth looking for adverts and contacting employers to see if there are paid internships or entry-level roles available.
Reducing living costs
Life as a student can be expensive, but there are often ways to lower costs and make your dollars stretch further. Simple things like buying second-hand books and using libraries can save you a substantial amount of money over the course of your degree program. It’s also helpful to share lifts with friends, cycle or walk to college and make use of savings for students on public transport to reduce travel expenses. Search for the best deals on smartphone contracts, compare prices when buying clothes and household items and try to plan a weekly menu in advance to lower grocery bills. If you buy lunch and a coffee on campus every day, this will soon add up. Prepare lunches to take with you the evening before. This will save you time and money. If you’re sharing accommodation with friends, compare rental prices and shop around for the best offers on TV, broadband and utilities. Set a household budget and monitor spending. Once you know how much you have in the pot for the month, you can set limits, which will help to prevent overspending.
Going to college can be expensive. If you’re worried about how you are going to afford your studies, there are ways to reduce costs and make further education more accessible. Research scholarships, see if you meet the criteria and consider applying if you think you have what it takes. Learn about student loans and financial assistance and explore different avenues. If you want to work while you study, for example, you could do a degree online. It’s also beneficial to search for jobs if you’re going to college and to look for ways to save once you start your course.