Think the job market for college grads and others is shrinking? It depends on what your training is. If you are going back to school or just starting, here are some college choices to get the most job offers.
Engineering is still hot. In fact, the highest paid college graduates are in the engineering field. Not all engineering grads are the most wanted. Chemical and green energy are biggies. Engineers geared for the future and not the past will remain in high demand. Computer engineering is great.
Computer science degrees are hot. Very hot. Go for information technology, systems analysts and software engineers. You can't go wrong with most anything in the computer science field, including security and databases. Related to computers comes video games.
Video game programmers and creators are a tremendous market. Get degrees or training in animation, game development, even film. Film, games, and computers are rapidly morphing into one big related field.
One career that is recession-free, is the medical field. Colleges will need to keep turning out doctors, nurses, and those in the paramedical field. If you go to college for the medical field, you will have plenty of jobs to choose from.
If you choose the right career and degree, college graduates can have employers waiting at their doors!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Two quick ways to make a college degree cheaper
When it comes to paying for college, the end result is always a college degree. When you put the overall cost into perspective, the dollars can add up. Here are five ways to make a college degree cheaper almost instantly.
1)Take courses at a local junior college. These are almost always city or state JC's. The cost of tuition is very, very small when compared to a four year college. Some students can take the first two complete years there, then transfer, saving them two years of strained college finances. You still get the same student loans and grants. So why not sock that cash away, then be fully funded for the next two years? The perks can also include a local university partnership. Many offer guaranteed admission if a student graduates from a local junior college. If a complete two year program is not for you, there is nothing wrong with taking one or two classes each term there. The cost saving can be significant. Just be sure the classes you take count towards a four year degree and are transferable.
2)Challenge classes with a test. Many colleges and universities allow you to take a test in lieu of taking the class. The few bucks for the test is pennies compared to the tuition and books for a college class. This will make your degree cheaper and quicker! Normally just freshmen or low level classes are testable. But any fewer classes you must take is money in your pocket.
Military service might actually get you college credit for your experience and military technical and trade schools.
The bottom line is that college tuition is going up. The more quick and easy ways you can cut expenses for a degree, the better!
1)Take courses at a local junior college. These are almost always city or state JC's. The cost of tuition is very, very small when compared to a four year college. Some students can take the first two complete years there, then transfer, saving them two years of strained college finances. You still get the same student loans and grants. So why not sock that cash away, then be fully funded for the next two years? The perks can also include a local university partnership. Many offer guaranteed admission if a student graduates from a local junior college. If a complete two year program is not for you, there is nothing wrong with taking one or two classes each term there. The cost saving can be significant. Just be sure the classes you take count towards a four year degree and are transferable.
2)Challenge classes with a test. Many colleges and universities allow you to take a test in lieu of taking the class. The few bucks for the test is pennies compared to the tuition and books for a college class. This will make your degree cheaper and quicker! Normally just freshmen or low level classes are testable. But any fewer classes you must take is money in your pocket.
Military service might actually get you college credit for your experience and military technical and trade schools.
The bottom line is that college tuition is going up. The more quick and easy ways you can cut expenses for a degree, the better!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Back to college savings tips
Don't purchase new school items if what you have on hand is still good. This goes for everything from pencils, backpacks, to clothes. If your clothes are not worn out, remember in college students can have their own identities and don't always need the latest fashions. This is a great tip for saving money for college right of the bat.
If you must shop, shop online. If you browse the stores in person, you will be enticed by all the fancy displays and new items. College students readily give in to buying urges. Shopping online allows you to get exactly what you need.
This is a no-brainer: Buy used textbooks. Of course this means shopping early at the college bookstore or online. You should get enrolled and a book list as soon as possible.
As a college student, you have to set a budget. And stick with it. You want to limit your purchases and save money, not live on the edge. Money you save is cash in your pocket for the future!
If you live in the college dorm, wait to see what your roommate has. No reason to buy items for a dorm room when your roommate might already have them. If you need something else, ask them to share the cost for items that the dorm room needs. This is ideal for TVs, lamps, chairs, rugs, etc.
As far as school items like pens, pencils, and paper, it is always wise to stock up early when the prices are cheap. College students should buy items in bulk packages. Don't buy one pencil, buy a pack of ten. Similar for paper and pens. You will use them, so why not stock up and save?
Look for sales. Every store has sales at the start of the school year. This can happen early, and may not run later. Savvy college students always shop during sales.
Get your student discount! If you have a college ID, many stores offer discounts for students. Take advantage of them!
If you must shop, shop online. If you browse the stores in person, you will be enticed by all the fancy displays and new items. College students readily give in to buying urges. Shopping online allows you to get exactly what you need.
This is a no-brainer: Buy used textbooks. Of course this means shopping early at the college bookstore or online. You should get enrolled and a book list as soon as possible.
As a college student, you have to set a budget. And stick with it. You want to limit your purchases and save money, not live on the edge. Money you save is cash in your pocket for the future!
If you live in the college dorm, wait to see what your roommate has. No reason to buy items for a dorm room when your roommate might already have them. If you need something else, ask them to share the cost for items that the dorm room needs. This is ideal for TVs, lamps, chairs, rugs, etc.
As far as school items like pens, pencils, and paper, it is always wise to stock up early when the prices are cheap. College students should buy items in bulk packages. Don't buy one pencil, buy a pack of ten. Similar for paper and pens. You will use them, so why not stock up and save?
Look for sales. Every store has sales at the start of the school year. This can happen early, and may not run later. Savvy college students always shop during sales.
Get your student discount! If you have a college ID, many stores offer discounts for students. Take advantage of them!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Ways to cut college costs
Going to college is expensive. Here are just a few more tips on cutting the cost of going to college.
Get good grades. Most colleges offer some type of merit award for good grades. If you maintain the required GPA, make sure you apply.
And keep getting those good grades! Not only does if give you a little more money, it also keeps you from repeating a class. One of the easiest ways to cut the overall cost of college is to graduate on time or early. Take as many classes as you can.
If you are a top notch student and colleges want you, you will get a better financial aid package. More money goes to the top students. So, if you are way down on the list, you will not get much. If money is tight, go to a school where you get in early.
Want to immediately cut the cost of college? Live at home. You probably live near a four year college or university that is within easy driving or commuting distance. Dorms cost thousands of dollars a year. Your parents will be paying no more than what they are now for you to room and board.
However, some private colleges and universities offer better financial aid packages than public. If they want you, they will offer more. It may actually be less out of pocket expenses to go to a private college that is a long distance away.
Get good grades. Most colleges offer some type of merit award for good grades. If you maintain the required GPA, make sure you apply.
And keep getting those good grades! Not only does if give you a little more money, it also keeps you from repeating a class. One of the easiest ways to cut the overall cost of college is to graduate on time or early. Take as many classes as you can.
If you are a top notch student and colleges want you, you will get a better financial aid package. More money goes to the top students. So, if you are way down on the list, you will not get much. If money is tight, go to a school where you get in early.
Want to immediately cut the cost of college? Live at home. You probably live near a four year college or university that is within easy driving or commuting distance. Dorms cost thousands of dollars a year. Your parents will be paying no more than what they are now for you to room and board.
However, some private colleges and universities offer better financial aid packages than public. If they want you, they will offer more. It may actually be less out of pocket expenses to go to a private college that is a long distance away.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Going back to school is a good option in a bad economy
Many people are out of work, laid off, furloughed, or just working part time. The economy does not seem to be getting better soon. Did you know that going back to college is a good idea and investment?
Adults who have Bachelors degrees already should think about graduate school. You can borrow up to about $20,000 to pay for grad school. There are other loans available as well. >Graduate school admission and financial aid.
Graduate school can help you get more marketable skills and experience to secure a higher paying job. That's a given. But one more thing it can do during a bad economy, is put of a job search until times are better.
You have a win-win situation. You don't have to look for a job, and you are getting more skills for when you do!
Teaching is almost recession-proof. Yes, there are teacher layoffs all over, but there are still plenty of jobs for the right teacher. Math and science teachers are always high in demand. Chances are less to be laid off if you teach one of these subjects. Special Education is another high demand teacher. Normally, there are more jobs for these teachers than there are teachers. Again, this makes for less chances of being laid off. Because of the budget cuts, they are increasing class size in K-3. That means, those grades will have fewer jobs, more chance to be laid off.
The bigger the state and district, the more need there is for teachers.
Don't think you have time for school? Going to school online is a great time saver. Also, online classes are usually cheaper.
Adults who have Bachelors degrees already should think about graduate school. You can borrow up to about $20,000 to pay for grad school. There are other loans available as well. >Graduate school admission and financial aid.
Graduate school can help you get more marketable skills and experience to secure a higher paying job. That's a given. But one more thing it can do during a bad economy, is put of a job search until times are better.
You have a win-win situation. You don't have to look for a job, and you are getting more skills for when you do!
Teaching is almost recession-proof. Yes, there are teacher layoffs all over, but there are still plenty of jobs for the right teacher. Math and science teachers are always high in demand. Chances are less to be laid off if you teach one of these subjects. Special Education is another high demand teacher. Normally, there are more jobs for these teachers than there are teachers. Again, this makes for less chances of being laid off. Because of the budget cuts, they are increasing class size in K-3. That means, those grades will have fewer jobs, more chance to be laid off.
The bigger the state and district, the more need there is for teachers.
Don't think you have time for school? Going to school online is a great time saver. Also, online classes are usually cheaper.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The hidden costs of college can make college very expensive
When college students think college expenses, they usually think tuition. Then maybe room and board. And they think that's it. Unfortunately, many students get whacked with fees and expenses that they did not think about. Or even know about. When calculating the true cost of college, you have got to factor in the "hidden" costs of college.
Textbooks: Of all the expenses of college, this one can jump up and bit you. Hard. If you take a full time schedule, math, science classes, chances are very good that you will pay over $100 for a textbook. Four classes it is not uncommon to spend $300 each term on textbooks. Maybe more. That alone could add $600-$1000 a year to the cost of college.
Fees: Many colleges charge a fee for all sorts of things. Health, student activities, lab fees, and materials fees. These are only a few. While some are known up front, you may not realize that lab class has an extra cost.
Transportation: Do you own a car and will be using it at college? You will need to pay for a parking pass. This could be as high as $40 a month. And you still have to pay for car insurance. Do you live off campus? How much is bus fare?
Food and drinks: You may think that you have a meal plan and that solves the food problem. Not really. Many times the cafeteria will be closed, or you will find yourself off campus and hungry. Purchasing extra food and drinks can add up fast. How many times do you think you will be eating fast food off campus? Or even on campus? If your meal plan is on a prepaid card, you need to watch how much you use it. If there is one expense you can't eliminate, it's food and drink.
The Dorm: You may think the dorm is done. But a dorm room is a sterile environment until you customize it. You will probably need a lot of personal items, like towels, sheets, pillows, and accessories to make it livable. Not to mention personal items like soap, shampoo, deodorant, make up, and more.
Remember, if you have never lived on your own, you have no idea how expensive it can be to maintain your lifestyle. So before heading off to college in the fall, factor in the hidden costs of college.
Textbooks: Of all the expenses of college, this one can jump up and bit you. Hard. If you take a full time schedule, math, science classes, chances are very good that you will pay over $100 for a textbook. Four classes it is not uncommon to spend $300 each term on textbooks. Maybe more. That alone could add $600-$1000 a year to the cost of college.
Fees: Many colleges charge a fee for all sorts of things. Health, student activities, lab fees, and materials fees. These are only a few. While some are known up front, you may not realize that lab class has an extra cost.
Transportation: Do you own a car and will be using it at college? You will need to pay for a parking pass. This could be as high as $40 a month. And you still have to pay for car insurance. Do you live off campus? How much is bus fare?
Food and drinks: You may think that you have a meal plan and that solves the food problem. Not really. Many times the cafeteria will be closed, or you will find yourself off campus and hungry. Purchasing extra food and drinks can add up fast. How many times do you think you will be eating fast food off campus? Or even on campus? If your meal plan is on a prepaid card, you need to watch how much you use it. If there is one expense you can't eliminate, it's food and drink.
The Dorm: You may think the dorm is done. But a dorm room is a sterile environment until you customize it. You will probably need a lot of personal items, like towels, sheets, pillows, and accessories to make it livable. Not to mention personal items like soap, shampoo, deodorant, make up, and more.
Remember, if you have never lived on your own, you have no idea how expensive it can be to maintain your lifestyle. So before heading off to college in the fall, factor in the hidden costs of college.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
After high school, is a college degree needed?
Graduating high school and going off to college is on the minds of millions of students as graduation nears. A good many will start college and not finish. Some will get a bachelor's degree, and not use it. The question is, do you really need a bachelor's degree to get a good paying job?
Getting a college degree is expensive. Most students will graduate with a load of student debt. Not a good way to start off life. You need to think hard if your college degree will pay off. Just having a college degree does not mean a high paying job.
Consider these facts.
Half of the students starting college will not finish in 6 years or less. That means lot's of debt, no degree.
The majority of jobs that are growing do not require a college degree, or at not a bachelor's degree.
Accounting is a growing field that does indeed need a bachelor's degree. So does the job of a college professor. If that's not for you, think of the following.
Registered nursing is growing fast. You can become a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree, or even a 2 year degree. You could also go a step down to a licensed vocational nurse.
If even that's a lot of schooling for you, home health aides are also growing. Not much schooling is needed.
The service sector also is growing. Like department and other retail clerks. No college whatsoever. And you can go up the ladder.
Public schools do not really like to push vocational programs. For some reason, they push college. The fact is, most students will not finish college or need it. Schools need to do a better job of encouraging vocational trades.
If you go to college for 4 years, whether you graduate or not, you have spent a small fortune. If this does not get you anywhere, you now are 4 years older and out of the job loop.
If you choose to start college and are in a degree program where jobs are low paying and or scarce, you need to rethink your future plans.
Keep in mind that deciding to not go to college is against the current grain. It will be up to you to convince people that it is a wise choice. Do your research.
Getting a college degree is expensive. Most students will graduate with a load of student debt. Not a good way to start off life. You need to think hard if your college degree will pay off. Just having a college degree does not mean a high paying job.
Consider these facts.
Half of the students starting college will not finish in 6 years or less. That means lot's of debt, no degree.
The majority of jobs that are growing do not require a college degree, or at not a bachelor's degree.
Accounting is a growing field that does indeed need a bachelor's degree. So does the job of a college professor. If that's not for you, think of the following.
Registered nursing is growing fast. You can become a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree, or even a 2 year degree. You could also go a step down to a licensed vocational nurse.
If even that's a lot of schooling for you, home health aides are also growing. Not much schooling is needed.
The service sector also is growing. Like department and other retail clerks. No college whatsoever. And you can go up the ladder.
Public schools do not really like to push vocational programs. For some reason, they push college. The fact is, most students will not finish college or need it. Schools need to do a better job of encouraging vocational trades.
If you go to college for 4 years, whether you graduate or not, you have spent a small fortune. If this does not get you anywhere, you now are 4 years older and out of the job loop.
If you choose to start college and are in a degree program where jobs are low paying and or scarce, you need to rethink your future plans.
Keep in mind that deciding to not go to college is against the current grain. It will be up to you to convince people that it is a wise choice. Do your research.
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