How to Be a Debt Free College Student Englewood CO

Steps

1. Apply for every scholarship that you are eligible for. Never think that you are not going to win. If the guidelines say that you are eligible, then apply.
2. # Open a bank account. Save $100-200 dollars per month from the age of 14 on. This adds up to $4,800-9,600 by the time you turn 18.
3. Plan carefully what career field you want to be trained in and start looking at colleges early. One of the best ways to save money while paying for college is to find an inexpensive community college to begin your studies. You can transfer to another school (or schools) after the first two years when the general education part of your degree is completed. This can save you thousands of dollars in tuition each year. The average cost of a community college per year is $2,272 compared with $5,836 for a four-year college, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.
4. Work during the summers and after school to save for college.
5. Set definite savings goals and stick to them. Saving now (when you have 10 to 15 years of possible earnings on your investments) means you can have more to spend when you're in college.
6. Plan to work while you're in college. Working while in school has been shown to help with grades, as long as the hours worked don't exceed about 20 per week. Think about what part time work you enjoy doing and learn the skills now to do it. Typing, word processing, office skills, waiting tables, caring for children (in a babysitting or child care mode) all can help pay for expenses while you're in college.
7. Live simply. While in college try to eat inexpensively and not eat out too much. Remember that fast food restaurants are not cheaper than the grocery store and look after your health by eating well.
8. Don't have parties; go to parties. Keep them simple. A pot luck with friends can be just as fun or more fun than eating at a noisy, crowded restaurant.

Tips

• Community colleges also offer short-term training(six months to a year) in in-demand fields that can help you get a higher paying job while working your way through college. Earn a certificate in a field such as health care, computers or chemical lab technician along with your two-year degree before you go on to your university.
• Apply for scholarships. Don't assume you won't qualify. Most colleges offer a variety of scholarships based on various criteria which may include academics, financial need or program of study.
• Ask about other sources of financial assistance. Many colleges have programs or grants to help students who are the first in their families to attend college, low-income, students with disabilities or dislocated workers.

Warnings

• If you take out student loans to pay for college, avoid taking out the maximum amount available. You could end up making $100 per month payments after graduation for every $10,000 you take out in loans.

Sources and Citations

• Sallie Mae Be Debt Smart Resources Resources and tips on planning for college, credit and debt management in school and loan repayment after graduation.
• some examples of short term training certificates that can lead to higher paying jobs while you work your way through school, from Edmonds Community College

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