Thinking of Dropping Out of College?

If rising tuition costs or personal concerns have made you consider dropping out of college or "taking a break" I'd like to encourage you to reconsider.

Don't Let Cost Stand in Your Way

If cost is your primary reason for reducing your college hours or dropping out completely first pay a visit to your school's financial aid office. Have you applied for financial aid using the FAFSA? Priority deadlines for most colleges is late spring to early summer. However, most of the time students can still get some kind of financial aid as long as you apply before the school term begins.

Another reason for visiting the financial aid office is there may be other sources of aid available to you that you are not aware of. Some colleges participate in state funded financial aid programs and special need based programs that you may qualify for. Your financial aid counselor can give you more information about alternative programs such as these. In addition, the financial aid office may be aware of local foundation and organization sponsored scholarships.

In some colleges the financial aid office also handles scholarships. Other schools run a separate scholarship office. Either way, make sure you apply for all of the scholarships offered at your school.

Many local social organizations such as the Lions Club, Business & Professional Women and Chamber of Commerce sponsor scholarships. Get out your local phone book and start calling organizations in your area. You may be surprised at what type of local scholarships may be available.

Consider College an Investment in Yourself

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a bachelor's degree earn over 70 percent more on average than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, this will make a considerable difference in overall earnings, standard of living and retirement savings.

The power of a bachelor's degree becomes even more apparent when seeking employment. Applicants with a degree are much more likely to be hired for a position than those without a degree. Specialized study in college prepares workers for a job field or industry. A general or liberal arts degree will help workers gain employment in a wide range of fields. Often your college major is not as important as just the fact that you have the degree.

Finally, college is a time to explore your interests, talents and grow as a person. The experience you gain working with other students and professors will help you mature and be ready for not just the job market, but for deeper life experiences.

Michael Carter is a contributor at College Financial Aid Guide, an online informational resource for educational funding, scholarships and student loans.

---

Who Should Earn an Online Associate Degree?

An online associate degree is a two-year general studies degree... Read More

College Is Way More Than Higher Education

The first day of college begins with hopes and dreams... Read More

Why Students Turn To Custom Writing Services

Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts,... Read More

How To Improve Your Study Habits and Remember Better

If you're a student attending classes, you have probably experienced... Read More

Commercialisation of Higher Education in South Africa

Introduction and Literature ReviewSouth African education policies place priority on... Read More

Write Your Way Into University ? The Personal Statement

The Get Into Uni personal statement writing guide contains systematic... Read More

Balancing College Life and Academics

1. Control Your Schedule; Don't Let Your Schedule Control YouOrganization... Read More

Online College Programs ? How to Apply

The first step to getting your online degree is to... Read More

Limperts Academy of Design Opens Interior Design Education / US and Canada

You may be bursting at the seams with natural talent,... Read More

Mind-Body Secrets for College Success - Six Key Secrets

Embrace the secrets of the body-mind connection and tap into... Read More

Surviving School

Well, I finally finished my 1st semester of college and... Read More

The Oxford Student - Official Student Newspaper

Academics from Oxford University have mathematically proven long held suspicions... Read More

College Roommates: Threes A Crowd

It's hard enough sharing a dorm room the size of... Read More

Acing the SAT Exam

Don't cheat. This goes without saying for 999 out of... Read More

How Parents Can Help Allieviate The Stress of Getting Into College

Getting into college is a stressful experience for most high... Read More

What to Look for When Choosing an Online Degree Program

Choosing an online education program should be exciting and fun.... Read More

Getting Into College No Longer A Numbers Game!

Sending your kids to college has never been more difficult... Read More

Exam Guides One: 5 Great Tips To Improve Your Strategy

In order to do well on a exam, you must... Read More

Student Moans and the Quarterlife Crisis

It's that time of year again when global issues take... Read More

Physical Therapy Schools

Physical Therapy Schools administer course instruction to potential physical therapists.... Read More

Education - Let The Learning Begin!

You've probably heard it since you were little, 'get a... Read More

Consolidate Student Loans and Shop Online

If you run a home business, you know that budgets... Read More

Quality Schools

After presenting these ideas at the NAREN (National At-Risk Education... Read More

Student Loans ? Ensuring a Brighter Future Ahead

Higher education in the university gives students a chance to... Read More

College Study Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Here are some benefits to studying for your college classes... Read More

The All-Important College Application

H.G. Wells once said, "Human history becomes more and more... Read More

Researching the Pros and Cons of Getting Your Degree Online

Are you considering getting your bachelor's or master's or other... Read More

Distance Learning: Balancing Your Education and Busy Lifestyle

Distance Learning is a priority for most who have already... Read More

How to Survive with As

Attend ClassGo to class, every class, every time. It is... Read More

The Key to Online College Classes - Have It Your Way

Never before has online education been more esteemed than today.... Read More

Reducing the Administrative Burden for Further Education Colleges

The introduction of the Government's Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in... Read More

Revolt of the Scholars

Scindex's Instant Publishing Service is about empowerment. The price of... Read More

Academia Fraud and Brain Washing Cartels

Many have a tough time listening to the scientists debate... Read More