As we all know, college isn’t cheap and if you are the parents of a high school senior, you may be excited for them, but at the same time you may be dreading the choices you will have to make when it comes to selecting a college. There are so many things to consider like the schools location, tuition, room and board costs, and purchasing books for their classes. It can all be extremely overwhelming, but I have a few tips that are just in time for you and your newly christened high school senior as you prepare to make such big choices.

1) Choose wisely. Just because your child wants to get into your state’s top university, doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford it. Let’s face it: a degree is a degree. As long as you didn’t get it from some bogus website and your not planning on running for president, most job markets are just looking for someone who is qualified and who can do the work. Regardless of whether they took night classes at a community college or went to the top university. Which bring me to my next point…

2) Don’t write off community college. Community colleges are really starting to expand their degree offerings and to focus more on hot careers that are readily available in the job market. They are also surprisingly affordable-once you look into a few, don’t be surprised if that is the direction you decide to take.

3) Have your student do lots of research into the career they are interested in. A lot of tuition is wasted because students tend to change their major three or four times before they actually settle on something. This will require them to take extra classes, and may even cost them a couple extra semesters, which in turn cost you more money. By having them do lots of research, you are helping them know whether or not they are making the right choice for their future.

4) Fill out your FAFSA. Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your ticket to any school you want to attend. This form is how you qualify for student loans and PELL grants. Student loans are money you borrow and then you will have to pay back and PELL grants are free money given to you by the government that does not have to pay back. You shouldn’t feel like you have to pay for school on your own. Student loans have reasonable interest rates and do not have to be paid back until your student is through with college.

5) Apply for scholarships. You should encourage your student to apply for all scholarships they think they would qualify. There is so much free money out there, and the only way your student will have a shot at it is if they apply.

6) Encourage them to make the grade. Good grades in high school and college equal more scholarship opportunities and will keep them from having to pay to re-take a class once they get to college.

7) Look for discount books. You can buy discount books online or off-site student bookstores and the books are usually cheaper than purchasing them from the campus bookstore. Just make sure you have the correct title and edition of the book.

These are all great ideas that will truly help you get the most out your student’s college tuition. Don’t be afraid to do lots of research and don’t jump on the first school you come across that meets your criteria. You should be willing to put in the time and look into several schools to ensure that you are getting not just the right school, but the most affordable school.

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