Nancy Etz Shares 10 Tips for Paying for College as an Older Student
Paying for college as an older student is no easy task. You will need to plan, and you’ll also want to take advantage of any scholarships or financial aid that you can find. This article provides six tips that will help pay for your degree even if you’re a little bit older than a traditional college freshman!
Benefits of attending a Community College
Going to a community college is often the best choice for older students because it allows them to enter their degree program faster. This way, you can get your general education requirements out of the way first.
If you are unsure what type of college or university will suit you, attending a community college is also an excellent option. You can get your general education classes done at a lower cost, and you may even discover that certain colleges are not a good fit for your needs.
Paying for College can take some Time
There are many ways to pay for your college education, including loans and grants. The best way is often a combination of several different methods to don’t have one huge bill at the end! Some people choose to work full-time while attending school, or they may go back part-time.
In addition, you should take advantage of any scholarships or grants that you can find so that your education doesn’t have to cost as much. Remember, even a few hundred dollars in scholarship money can make a big difference in the overall price!
Explore Scholarships and Grants
Start applying to scholarships early, even if you aren’t sure that you’ll be able to go. This is helpful because the earlier your name gets out there for these awards, the more likely it will be that people think of you when giving money away. Apply to every scholarship possible, even if they don’t seem very prestigious. The Nancy Etz scholarship is a great one to apply for.
Start Saving for your Education
If you want to attend college but cannot afford it, consider starting a savings account dedicated to funding it. Some students use the money from their first few paychecks after graduation and put them in this fund. You can also ask family members or friends for money if you want to wait until graduation.
Get an Education Loan
If you don’t have the money to pay for your degree, consider getting a student loan. This will get your name out there and show schools that you’re serious about going back to school! It’s also important not to get too much in debt before deciding what type of repayment option is best for you.
Apply for Work-study Programs
A work-study program can be a great way to help pay for your tuition. Even if you don’t get the job, your name will still appear on school lists of students looking for opportunities. This is helpful because it shows that you are willing to do what it takes to go back into education!
Consider going Part-time
If you are older, consider getting your degree at a slower pace. This way, you can still get the education you want without putting too much stress on yourself financially or in terms of time! It’s also important to remember that many employers prefer hiring students who have just graduated from college instead of those with years of experience.
Stay connected with Alumni Networks
Your older age is an advantage when it comes to networking. You have likely been working for several years at this point in your life, and you can use that experience to help other students! You can also build relationships with people going through the same thing as you, so they feel less alone throughout the process.
Be sure to stay connected with alumni networks so you can gain access to things like internships. This will help you get your foot in the door at all of the best companies!
Establish a budget Early
If you go back into education, it’s important to establish a budget early on. This will help ensure that you have enough money left each month for your degree program to succeed!
You’ll also want to create a realistic schedule so you can stay organized with everything from schoolwork and volunteer opportunities, all the way to finding a part-time job. If you do this, it will be easier for your degree program to go successfully!
Consider an Online Degree Program
Not everyone is comfortable with going back into education. For those who are apprehensive, consider doing an online degree program. This way, you can get a college education without having to go back on campus!
It’s also important not to give up if your first choice school doesn’t work out for some reason or another. You can always apply to other schools, and you may find more options available than you originally thought.
College is a life-changing experience, and it’s not just for the young. If you’re an older student looking to pursue your dreams, take some time to read our 10 tips on paying for college as an older student so that you can make the most of this opportunity!