Making College More Affordable

Image source

It is estimated that by 2020, almost two-thirds of all jobs in the U.S. will require at least a college diploma. This means that, if you want to get your dream job  and make your way in the world, you will need to attend college.

Unfortunately, it is also the case that the average cost of attending college each year is $28,000 with top colleges demanding significantly more! So, what’s a girl to do? The good news is that there have never been more ways to save on the cost of college.

If you’re keen to get a college education and start the career you’ve always dreamed of, but you don’t want to spend the rest of your life paying off student loans, check out these simple ways of making college more affordable:
​

Distance Learning

Image source

Thanks to widespread internet access and the affordability of computer equipment, more and more colleges are offering distance learning courses in a range of subjects. These courses will enable you to get a college diploma at a fraction of the price, and they tend to be very flexible, so it is easy to work a job and study at the same time. However, they do come at a cost – you won’t get the full college experience of living in a dorm, spending time on campus, and this is something that many young people value.
​

Scholarships

Image source

If you are a good student who works hard and excels at one or more subjects, there is a decent chance that you could be awarded a scholarship. The internet has made it easier than ever before to search for and identify scholarships that you could be eligible for, and it makes sense to spend some time applying.

When applying for scholarships, be sure to carefully read the criteria and take your time writing essays or completing projects asked of you by the people offering the money. This way, you will increase your chances of success and avoid disappointment.

Scholarships are by no means guaranteed, but if you work hard, keep applying and try your best, there is every chance you could be awarded a sum that will make a dent in the costs of studying.
​

Get a Job

Image source

Ideally, if you are planning to get a college diploma when you graduate, you should get a job as soon as possible, and instead of frittering it away on new clothes and endless dates, you should save a much money as possible towards your college education. Ask your parents to help you find the best savings account or investment offers for your money, and you will have a nest egg to help you through your college days.

Of course, you should also try to get a job when you start attending college. Most colleges offer a wide range of on-campus jobs, which if you can get one, tend to fit around studies very well and pay enough to keep you from being a starving student.

Although the cost of college may seem daunting, it is an experience you will never forget and, in many cases, your key to a better life. Don’t miss the opportunity through fear of the financial implications!

---

​by Iconic Chica Contributors