Top Three Things to Consider Before Spending Money on College
The top three things to consider before spending any money on college. For the most part, these considerations come down to affordability, guidance, and commitment. On one hand, the college experience is a combination of discovery, involvement, and connection with new people, subject matter experts, and activities that model the real world. On the other hand, it is a lonely place full of frustration, confusion mixed with financial, academic, and personal pressures for those that wrongly enroll. All incoming college students should consider the following before enrolling in college.
AFFORDABILITY
Despite the rising costs of going to college, it may be the right decision to attend a more expensive school. Nevertheless, this will depend on certain factors that go into college affordability. For instance, one of the biggest factors is the estimated average salary for a job with the degree that you are seeking. Meanwhile, it is equally important to consider the number of years and cost to attend college. Coupled with, how long and the amount for your college debt payback. Use a college affordability tool to see if the college and degree you are seeking are affordable.
GUIDANCE
Certainly, taking into consideration the financial implications of going to college is valuable. Just as valuable are the considerations around making sure you are on the best career pathway for you as an individual. To showcase that, “students need professional guidance on the economic outcomes of college and career pathways before they make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.” Indeed, some of this guidance will revolve around many of the things that you are thinking or feeling now. However, the best guidance will look at things like 16 worst-paying college majors and the salary a single person needs to live comfortably in 25 major US Cities.
COMMITMENT
By and large, going to college is a commitment. If you are at the least bit unsure about going to college, then it may be best to either take a reduced course load or sit out the next semester. In addition, you may elect to attend a local community college and/or live at home. There are tips to smooth the transition of attending college that range from getting enough sleep to finding other interests. All things considered; college is a commitment. Be able to look at yourself in the mirror with commitment and respond to the question, “why am I going to college?”
