One topic that most students, especially seniors, are very familiar with is the expensive cost of college. Unfortunately the price seems to be going up every year with no end in sight, making it more and more difficult for prospective college students to afford. Fortunately there are many tools available to students now to help them tackle these rising costs.

One of the counselors here at East, Mrs. Hemmett, says “your basic private scholarship is probably between $2,500 and $5,000” which can help with tuition rates, especially for in-state colleges. Students can go into the counseling center at any time to see some available scholarships to apply for. There are also many other tools available to students, like Education Quest, that can help directly with planning how to pay for college (there is an Education Quest representative at East every Wednesday). Mrs. Hemmett also recommends that students “always apply for FAFSA” (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) because you never know what amount of financial aid you may qualify for. Also always apply for every scholarship possible because any extra money can help.

Another option that is becoming much more common is transfer programs through community college. Many community colleges “are now banking on students applying to their transfer programs”, and even discounting some tuition occasionally for transfer program students. This transfer program allows students to take some general college credits at a community college price for 2 years, and then transfer to a traditional 4-year university to complete their degree. The one warning that Mrs. Hemmett gives is to check, double check, and triple check that the credits completed at a community college will be recognized by your 4-year university. For example, some engineering degrees will not accept all credits at a community college.

Although the cost of college is rapidly increasing, there are many viable options to help afford a higher cost. Although students are faced with higher tuition rates, there are now many more opportunities to receive money through scholarships and grants. The major advice to take out of this is take advantage of every opportunity that may help with the cost of college. For more about the rising cost of college and ways to afford it, check out the next print edition of the oracle!