Can you afford to go to College?

A better question: Can you afford NOT to go to college?

Studies consistently show that a college degree can qualify you for better jobs and higher salaries. Few students, however, can pay for their college education outright. Most receive financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work study.

For your best opportunity, you must apply early for financial aid. As a first step, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Then your admissions counselor can help you look into other sources of aid such as scholarships from businesses, clubs, benevolent organizations, and your church.

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Global Perspective

Global communications, technology, and cultural shifts have revolutionized the way corporations—big and small—do business. This new global economy requires leaders with a global education, who have an insider’s understanding of cultures and economies outside of the United States. That’s why it’s important, when choosing a college, to choose one with a strong study abroad program. Whether you spend a semester in Singapore, Mexico, or Austria, living and interacting with another culture will give you a global perspective on the most pressing issues of the day. It will also give you the international experience top employers look for in future employees.

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Serving Time

Do you want to make a difference in this world? Do you want to feed the hungry, fight injustice, and protect the innocent? Then look no further than the student activities board at your future college.

From mission trips to Mexico where you can build homes for poor families to afternoons spent mentoring an underprivileged child; you’ll have ample opportunities in college to serve others. And not only will you help make the world a better place, but you’ll also learn valuable lessons about community, about life, and about yourself—lessons that you can’t always learn in the classroom.

So, when choosing a college, pay a visit to the student center. Read the flyers and posters hung on the walls and bulletin boards there. Ask yourself how you can make a difference. And when you arrive on campus for freshman orientation, don’t hesitate. Get involved. There’s no better time.