Being the first person in my family to venture into the realm of higher education was a bewildering experience. Without any familial guidance or role models to lean on, I embarked on this journey with a sense of trepidation and determination. The absence of personal connections who had successfully navigated the complexities of college left me feeling adrift, but it also fueled my resolve to carve out my own path and redefine the possibilities for future generations.

In high school, I dedicated myself to unraveling the intricacies of financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Each application represented a beacon of hope, a chance to secure the resources necessary to pursue my dreams. Through meticulous research and unwavering perseverance, I successfully obtained a full-ride scholarship to the university of my choice, covering not only tuition but also housing expenses. This achievement not only alleviated the financial burden on my family but also underscored the power of resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming formidable obstacles on the journey to higher education.

College! It’s a place where you can learn amazing things, make new friends, and figure out what you want to be when you grow up. But sometimes, all you can think about is the money. College can be expensive, and that’s okay to feel worried about. Imagine saving up all your pennies in a piggy bank, only to find out it’s not quite enough for that new bike you wanted. That’s kind of how college costs can feel sometimes. But just like with the bike, there are ways to make your college dreams come true, even if money feels tight.

Here’s where higher education resources come in!

I did immense research going into the college process. I learned about different learning programs and the difference between state and private universities.  Attending workshops specifically about financial aid helped me understand grants, loans, and scholarships. With this help, I was able to secure my spot in a university with multiple grants and scholarships.

There is a scholarship for everything, and you don’t need to be an athlete or the smartest person. There have been scholarships just for being left-handed! All you need to do is be able to find these scholarships that best fit who you are.

This article is here to help you understand the financial challenges of higher education and show you all the cool resources available to help you reach your goals. Let’s dive in!

This article is here to help you understand the financial challenges of higher education and show you all the cool resources available to help you reach your goals. Let’s dive in!

Why is College Expensive?

Think about all the things a college needs to run. There are teachers, buildings, libraries, fancy science labs, and even people to cook all that yummy cafeteria food! All these things cost money, and that cost gets shared by the students who attend. On top of that, colleges need to keep up with the latest technology and research, which can be expensive too.

Facing the Financial Mountain

So, how do we climb this mountain of college costs? There are actually many paths you can take! Let’s explore some of the awesome resources available:

• Scholarships and Grants: Imagine free money for college! Scholarships and grants are gifts of money that don’t have to be paid back. They can be based on your grades, your hobbies, your background, or even your volunteer work. Start researching scholarships early in high school – the more you apply for, the better chance you have of winning some!
• Financial Aid: This is like a helping hand from the government. They look at your family’s income and offer loans (money you borrow and pay back later) and grants (free money!) to help cover the cost of college. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step – don’t be scared, there’s help available online and at your school counselor’s office!
• Work-Study: This program lets you earn money while you learn! Colleges will help you find a part-time job on campus that fits your schedule. You can use the money you earn to pay for books, school supplies, or even save it for later.
• Talk to Your Family: College can be a family adventure! Talk to your parents or guardians about your dream school and how you can work together to make it happen. Maybe they can help you save or brainstorm ways to earn extra money.

In State and Out of State Tuition

Once you go into this process, you will start to see that there is a major difference when it comes to tuition from instate and out of state. As someone who went to school in-state I can tell you I saved thousands of dollars and was awarded with more grants and scholarships because I decided to stay where I came from. 

Rutgers University was the school I went to from the years 2018-2022. Tuition from someone who is from New Jersey costs around $13,674 while if you were from out of state it is around $32,436 dollars. That is over double the amount of in-state tuition and this is a public university. Private universities are much higher than Rutgers University.

This is something also to go over in your higher education research, especially if you are trying fund it on your own.  

Remember, You Are Not Alone!

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone! Many students face financial challenges when it comes to college. There are tons of resources available to help you navigate the process and find the best fit for your wallet and your dreams. Talk to your school counselor, research online scholarships, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With some planning and resourcefulness, you can definitely reach your college goals!

Conclusion

College can be an amazing experience that opens doors to exciting careers and new adventures. Don’t let financial worries hold you back. By exploring all the resources available and planning ahead, you can climb that mountain of college costs and reach the summit of your dreams! Now, go forth and conquer higher education!