College Financial Aid Myths

Do you think college is expensive? It is! Do you think you can't afford it? You probably can! There are many myths and half-truths when it comes to going to college. It is true that college is not right for everyone and their situation. But if you really want to go to college, chances are, you can!

Here are a few financial aid myths.

My parents are just too rich. Totally false! There are financial aid programs from every college for everyone. It is true that some pay more, but the reality is, colleges work with you no matter how well off you might seem.

There's no money for financial aid anymore. Really false! It is true that some colleges and universities have cut the overall funds, but they have raised others! And the federal government has upped Pell Grants and student loans! Plus, you get a bigger tax deduction! There is money for financial aid!

Did you know that most financial aid comes from the government? Don't believe the hype of those scholarship searches who claim they will get you plenty.

I did not get good grades, so I can't get any award. Not true! Most financial aid is based on need, not grades. Yes, there are some merit scholarships, but the majority of money awarded is awarded on need!

I have to work, so I can't go to college. Actually, you are in a better situation! You have some income! Colleges are adding more weekend and night classes just for you! And you can still qualify for student loans and other financial aid awards!

I have to settle for a state college or university because private ones are just too expensive for my family. Nothing could be further from the truth! Overall, maybe, private institutions cost more, but guess what? They also have more money to give away! Many large private universities actually get everybody who is admitted the money to attend, one way or another!

I need to live at home and go to a local college. Except for moving expenses, your cost of living in a dorm will probably cost less than what your parents would shell out for you being at home. Don't forget those tax credits! They can still claim you! There is not much difference in staying at home and living in the dorm. Most parents just don't realize how much money you cost to have around the house!

Did you know that your parent's house is not included when figuring out financial aid?

Are you aware that colleges will take your financial situation into account when determining your financial aid award? You can explain any financial situations and hardships that you would like them to know about.

Be careful. Your friends and family will tell you different things. Talk to your high school counselor and the financial aid officer at the college. They have the real scoop!

If you really want to go to college, there is no need for you to sit on the sidelines! It takes you filling out applications and talking to the right people!

College majors for the future

If you are wondering what to major in, you need to look at what industries or companies will be hiring, and what skills will be needed. Here is a quick look at future jobs for college graduates.

Computer science will still be in high demand, but...
Computer science majors will be in demand. But the future for these jobs lies in security. If you are getting a degree in computer science or computer engineering, get some experience in online security and risk management. Also, financial jobs will also rise, so computer science majors with a little finance can enhance their resumes. Social sites will continue to grow and companies will expand their presence as well. A computer science major should look at those possibilities as well. Marketing will is a skill that computer science majors will need as well. Also in demand will be designing and maintaining web based applications.

Green Jobs
Engineers who can specialize in green and alternative energy will be in demand. This includes wind and solar. Green construction jobs will also grow. Getting the skills to design, build, run, and maintain green projects will be in very high demand.

Medical field still growing and hot
Physical therapists will continue to grow in demand. The emerging field of risk and case management will be huge. If you become a registered nurse and have minors or certificates in those fields, you will be in high demand. Cost and risk containment will be a high priority for hospitals. Another slant is computerized records. Having computer and nursing skills will be much needed.

Financial jobs still exist
Even with the downturn, financial jobs will be in demand. But not all. Risk management is now the new buzz word. Avoiding scams will be high priority. Lessening financial risks is an emerging field as well. Getting a degree in finance or business, and knowing how to manage assets wisely is a big plus.

Careers that have lost jobs in the recession

College students need to think about careers and job prospects. The list below gives careers that have lost the most positions in the current recession. It does not mean they are bad career choices, just that you need to look at the overall job picture when deciding on a college major or career choice.

Here's a look at the jobs that have lost positions:

1. Architects

2. Carpenters

3. Production and assembly workers

4. Pilots

5. Computer software engineers

6. Mechanical engineer

7. Construction workers

8. Bank tellers

9. Accounting and similar jobs.


It is not a great time to be graduating from college, but maybe the programs are a little less impacted as well. It never hurts to get a college degree, but you need to decide if your major is in demand, or will you do some serious job hunting.


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Choose a college major wisely

College students normally have their majors in their heads before starting college. However, many make the mistake of picking something they really know nothing about, or a major that a relative told them to take. Here are some tips to help you decide on a college major.

Don't pick a major just because someone else wants you to. You will have to live the major the rest of your life. Do something you want to do.

Get to know everything there is to know about your major.
-Know the requirements.
-Find out your job prospects.
-Talk to someone in the major and someone who has completed it.

Do you really like a particular major, but find the classes may not be for you? Find out if there is an alternate route or another major that is close. There are many careers that many majors would get you to.

Watch your grades. If you are not getting A's and B's in your major classes, you seriously need to think about switching majors.

You don't have to lock yourself into a major soon. Yes, some colleges require you to declare a major around the first year of college, but you can switch. Talk to a counselor as to how you can change majors.

When choosing a major, you must factor in all facets. These include your happiness, your monetary prospects, and whether you have what it takes to complete it.

Expensive college dorms may not be worth it

Dorm rooms can add quite a bit to the cost of college. Many times, especially at public colleges and universities, the cost of a dorm can be more than tuition. Costs can be as much as $10,000 a year, with about one third of that being the cost of the meal plan.

There ways of saving on the cost. When choosing a college, price may be on the top of your list. The difference between what some colleges charge for dorm rooms can be quite dramatic. Shop around and find colleges that offer cheap dorms. If you are set on attending one college, check the different prices of dorm options. Sharing a dorm room is much cheaper than a private one. You are not going to spend that much time oin your dorm, and most colleges allow you to pick compatible roommates.

Remember that colleges with cheap dorms also will have the least amenities. Most will offer internet and wi-fi, but not air conditioning.

Some colleges allow you to even share with more than one extra person, lowering the cost of dorm again.

If your college has the option, investigate how much of a discount you can get for campus work.

Meal plans are another cost. Getting the cheapest available plan, or even no plan, may be an option for many students who will not be eating cafeteria food much. However, some schools do insist on a meal plan. Also, many colleges will offer a bundle of dorm and meal plan for less if bought separately.

If you want the most expensive dorm room, you should look into nearby housing and see if it is cheaper to live off campus. Especially if you can get roommates to share the costs.

Remember that just because a dorm room is cheap, does not mean the tuition will be cheap as well. You need to look at the total cost, room, board, plus tuition to get an overall feel as to how expensive your chosen college is.

New Blog for College Students and Paying for College

Welcome to Your Guide to Paying for College

Navigating the cost of higher education can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and information, you can create a clear, manageable path to achieving your academic dreams. Whether you're preparing to attend college or already enrolled, this website is here to help you explore a variety of options to fund your education.

From scholarships and grants to loans and part-time work opportunities, we’ll break down the strategies and resources available to you. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and actionable steps to make college more affordable and reduce financial stress, so you can focus on what matters most: your education and future.

Let’s start your journey to paying for college with confidence and ease!