Funder’s Name - University of Nebraska–Lincoln



There are many reasons for an individual not to attend college, mainly finances. It is up to you to determine if it’s worth your time and money to earn a degree. The college experience offers individuals a wide variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities. There are thousands of colleges with courses and activities that offer an educational experience that will open doors to the careers and benefits of life as a college graduate. The University of North Texas is proud to add to this reputation. Assessing the Benefits of Attending College College is not for everyone. Yet, there is so much that college provides students and the opportunities for higher education in America are immense. Few college-bound students consider that the life of a college graduate is improved on virtually all measures of success. College graduates earn more money, vote more often, and remain married longer than their non-college-educated peers. College is an unparalleled opportunity to explore one's possibilities and aspirations. It is a time to learn and grow intellectually, spiritually and socially. Affording CollegePeople give many reasons for not going to school, but the high cost of tuition is often the most common reason people don't attend college. However, college graduates earn significantly more than high school graduates, usually more than it takes to pay off college loans. You must have an estimated amount of costs for college before you can really assess the need for money. Tuition and fees will be a huge portion of college costs, but they are not the only ones. Tuition and fees can be found on the UNT website at unt.edu. After tuition and fees, you need to understand all of the other costs that are associated with classes, such as lab fees, materials, and supplies. The most important expense when it comes to classes is books, which can easily range from $300 to $700 for one semester. BudgetingWhen it comes to being independent from your parents, it all starts with money. Your parents can help you from time to time, but for the most part you are on your own. So make yourself a budget and stick to it! Having a budget will put your mind at ease about your finances and allow you to take control of your money instead of letting it take control of you. Be sure to figure in all of your income and expenses, and be honest with yourself. It doesn't work to have a budget that is unrealistic for your lifestyle or leaves out expenses that you really have.SavingLearn how to economize. College life can be expensive, but it also offers many opportunities for saving money. Start out by searching for coupons (local newspapers are a good place to start). Also, buy your textbooks used, borrow books or check them out at the library if possible. Turn economizing into a personal challenge and see how much money you can save each semester. Take advantage of the free and cheap activities on and around campus. Universities are famous for having excellent entertainment at a low, low price. Instead of going out to a movie or a professional show, go see your school's theater or music department performances. Also, joining a club, group or organization insures you will always have something to do and someone to do it with--even if it's stuffing envelopes or playing a game of flag football. Credit Cards and Debt ManagementWhen it comes to credit cards, NEVER spend more than you can pay back. If you can’t afford to pay your credit card bill at the end of the month, then you are at risk of abusing debt. If for any reason you can’t pay off your credit card bill at the end of the month, put it away until you can. One of the greatest dangers is compounding your debt, piling more debt on top of more debt, and compounding interest. Also, never use it for impulse purchases. Purchases with credit cards should be planned in advance and premeditated, unless it is an unavoidable emergency. The convenience of credit cards is what causes so many people to lose control and receive the shock of their lives when they get their statements at the end of the month. You should only use your credit card in emergencies. If you are the type that absolutely cannot control your credit card spending but need to carry one in case of an emergency, such as your car breaking down, it may be wiser to keep it locked up in your car. By not having your credit card on you when you’re walking through the mall you are much less likely to use it. FAFSAThe first step to apply for financial aid is filling out the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). You can research the application and procedure at their website fafsa.. Once your application is processed by the government and the university, financial aid will send you an awards package with any aid that you have been offered. Grants and scholarships should always be your first option because they do not have to be repaid. If you are still in need for funding, loans are the next option. Many students rely on federal government loans to finance their education. These loans have low interest rates and do not require credit checks or collateral. Student loans also provide a variety of deferment options and extended repayment terms. Student loans include the Federal Stafford and Federal Perkins Loans. These loans can be a good source of funding; however, have set amounts of debt in mind before accepting loans. Understand what you would be willing to graduate with and spend almost 10 years paying off.Success in CollegeTo be successful in college you must prepare, plan and persevere. You prepare by planning out your coursework with your academic advisor. You plan by making sure that you are aware of the time table of the college admission process with regard to standardized testing, application for admission and financial aid and getting the information you need about the colleges that meet all your requirements. You persevere by taking the most challenging courses for which you are qualified and applying yourself to the successful completion of those courses. These are the things that will become the avocations of a lifetime. Many students see the college admission process as one of unrelenting drudgery relieved only by the terror of opening the decision envelopes. It should not be that way. As you approach this phase of your life it is more helpful to think of it as a time for taking stock of who you are, what your priorities are, where you want to go, and how to get there. The college experience is what you make of it.College is an incredible time of discovery, adventure, and learning. Be determined that you will succeed, stay focused on your goals and the path will become clear to you.Note: This paper was written by representatives at the University of North Texas Student Money Management Center and is being used by permission of the University of North Texas Student Money Management Center.Source: ................
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