There are several ways a student can avoid a large sum of debt once they graduate school, if they properly plan before they go to college. One way students can avoid large amounts of debts during and after continuing their education is by is by going to community college. Community college allows these students to earn up to an associate’s degree, most times taking the same classes they would take at a 4- year institution, for a fraction of the cost. Community colleges also allow the student to make up their own schedule at their own rate, so they can plan their school schedule around their job(s). Not only will these students be saving money per credit by not going immediately to a 4- year institution, but they can also work and put money aside, to better plan their financial situation once they transfer. In addition by saving money per credit, a community college can benefit the student by allowing them to live at home with family or friends, thus saving money on room and board. Another way a student can reduce debt is by consolidating their credit card and student loan debts into one single loan at a smaller interest rate. Rather than paying two, three, four, or more lenders per month, they can sum all of their debts into one single loan and pay that loan at a lower interest rate each month. Lower interest rate means lower monthly payments, which will allow the student, once s/he graduates, a better opportunity to put aside money to adventually get a place of their own, buy a new car, pay the debts off faster- whatever the case may be! A third way a student can try to eliminate as much debt as possible is to have their employer pay or reimburse their tuition. Today, more companies are offering tuition reimbursement or payment of tuition as part of a package to work for their company. That means that they will pay for the bulk, if not all, of their education if they want to finish earning a bachelor, master, or doctorate degree. A fourth way to reduce or eliminate debt is to apply for scholarships. There are ten of thousands of scholarships in this country based on academic merit, extracurricular activities, school, financial needs, race, creed, location, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and the list goes on. There is always a way to reduce debt after completing college. All it takes is thorough planning before their journey begins.
Another problem plaguing college student today is lack of finances. Not every student can rely on family, due to their own financial situations, and most are forced to get jobs while they are in school. Not every student properly plans their finances before they go away to school. Others that do plan find themselves in a rut. Some young adults did not know that their school had scholarships, others are in financial need but do not meet the requirements for Financial Aid through FAFSA. Whatever the case may be, most students who go to college must find a way to get some sort of income.
There are several things a student can do earn money. First and foremost, as stated earlier, they can save money by going to community college. It has been proven to be cost effective per credit and enables students to get a job, thus building capital and their resume. Secondly, students can get a part time job or two at the college they are at. It is local, a lot of times they can work between classes, and most jobs are not laborious, so students can complete some of their school work or studying while they are working. A third way of earning money is to become Resident Advisor, or RA, for their dorm hall. Students who become resident advisors get partial or full room and board paid for by the college in exchange for managing the dorms. Usually students become resident advisors after the fall semester at college begins, so most colleges either reimburse or credit their student accounts with the money they put out for room and board. This allows the student to either have cash or have a partial payment for the next semester ready. Whether the student gets a job or becomes an RA, balancing their time between schoolwork, their job, and enjoying college life can sometimes be overwhelming. That is where the basic principals of time- management come into play.
Only recently did high school and private schools start to teach children time- management and study skills. A lot of students find school, college life, and a job too much at times to handle. Some of these students get burnt out and make drastic choices, such as dropping or failing out of college, turning to drastic measures to make money (i.e. stealing, selling drugs, prostitution), or even suicide. There are many different ways that students can get a handle of all they have to do and still make time for themselves.
One basic tool that every student should invest in is a palm organizer. An organizer allows the student to make a note of all the things they have to do. Palm organizers also allow the student to remind them ahead of time, before the appointment or deadline, of what needs to be done or where they need to go. Some organizers can be costly, but are worth their investment. Another way they can manage their time is by studying a little bit every night, rather than cramming information last minute. Many kids who cram at the last minute do not retain or comprehend as much information as the student who studies and analyzes the same information. Also, the way a student takes notes. Usually the student who has thorough notes and who can analyze homework in a more efficient manner does better on test and examinations than the student who sleeps during class and never does homework. If those students who slack off make better time- management decisions and focus on all of their tasks as hand, rather than not doing anything at all, they might be able to function better at college. College is the time to learn these important time- management skills because they prepare the student for long road of life ahead of them.
Many college students have many different avenues to achieve their goal- continuing their education. Some of these students, for one reason or another, usually wouldn’t be able to attend. If planned properly, these students can make the best out of their education. Once these college students learn some simple ways to solve some of their problems, including managing student loan and credit card debts, lack of finances, and time- management difficulties, it will make their time during and after college rewarding and educational. That is what college is all about.