Gotta Be Hungry
Going to college is becoming very costly. Just in the 2021-2022 academic year alone, the average cost for attending a public university is calculated to be around just over $10,000 for in-state, around $27,000 for those who attend out of state, and around $40,000 for a private college and that is just for tuition and fees. Other expenses such as housing, food, and transportation drive the cost way up from the base tuition cost. So all in all the total cost can exceed well over the initial tuition fees. Books average around 850 to 2000 dollars. So the average amount to pay out for going to a public university would actually be around $27,000. A vast majority of students use student loans to help pay for a 4-year. They graduate and often time finds themselves working in a job where they are miserable and are trapped in the paycheck to paycheck life instead of working in a career based on their chosen major. So millions of people go to college to avoid paycheck to paycheck slavery just to graduate and end up working the paycheck to paycheck slavery; they have to pay back those student loans which incur crazy interest rates that can drive the total payments to insane highs. This factor alone is what is causing the enrollment rates to drop off.
However, do not be discouraged as there are ways that are both creative and helpful that you can do as a parent, student, grandparent, or guardian, that can build on your investment into you are your child’s future without having to break the bank. I am going to break down each factor and how you as a student, parent or family member can drastically reduce the cost of pursuing an education.
TOOLS
So just like with most learning, there is the need for tools for taking notes, making dream boards, brainstorming 30-page, and possibly so much more depending on your major. Well, you have a variety of toolsets for such tasks. One major tool that the majority are already familiar with would be the utilization of text editors. When you read or hear the word text editors we often think about Microsoft Office 365 or Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word is great. There are a number of templates preset for you depending on you task you conducting. Whether it is blogging, writing a resume, news article, you have all the tools built into the software. However, Microsoft has changed its cost over time. For the most part, Microsoft Word requires some type of subscription for advanced features. You have the option to purchase a license for basic features. Below is a link for you to get discounts on certain licenses for the Office Suite. Take a look and spread the word:
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100593841-15215152
https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-100593841-15215151
These sites have awesome discounts for the newest Office 365 bundles and Windows 11 OS. Lifetime license included for some of the software in case you would rather stick to the Microsoft programs:
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100593841-15215153
However, if you want to try something else instead of Microsoft Word there is another program that I found developed by MobiSystems, Incorporated. MobiSystems is a company that develops and sells its own version of office products. I myself have downloaded their office suite. Their software is very similar to Microsoft Word. However, you get the simple versions for free, with no subscriptions or license keys. However, if want or need more features then you will have to purchase a license key. The good thing is their license keys are a fraction of the price compared to the Microsoft Office suite.
Check out the software with the link below:
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100593841-14468581
https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100593841-14577991
The software even integrates with Microsoft programs too. So if you have a report that you wrote in Mobi Office Suite but your college or school's library uses Microsoft Word, no problem...because MobiSystem Office document writer recognizes Microsoft Word format. You get the best of both worlds. The software works for all platforms from Mac OS, Android, Windows, etc. Other alternatives to look at versus MS Word are Google Docs, Apache OpenOffice Writer, LibreOffice, Zoho Writer, and WPS Office Writer. I personally like LibreOffice and MobiSystems even though LibreOffice does not have a setting for creating PDFs for the free version, the UI is still nice and clean.
Printers, Scanners, Gadgets oh MY!!
Nothing is complete without a way to print out those essays, reports, project documentation, and other things that are required for your studies. Printers can cost an arm and a leg depending on where and what brand the printer is. Then you have to think about rather get ink or toner-based printers. Toners can cost a pretty great bit of money. Sure they can last for up to a year or more depending on how often a person prints, but the average life span for toner in most cases, however, is about six months for college students. That is due to having to print 30-page essays and compiling reports and so forth. Ink costs a little bit less. Amazon has great prices on Ink and Toner. I often found myself buying ink for my printer during my tenure at university. Let the truth be told my ink actually lasted me for quite some time beyond the six-month mark as per the label, and I often printed over 30-page reports weekly for classes.
Ink and toner link:
You may also need a laptop too as well. Depending on what you use that laptop for you may have to spend a bit more for the workload; For instance, if you are into the game design field you may need to utilize a lot of 3D programs such as Maya, Unreal, and Unity, etc. Among other things, you may also need keyboards, mice, thumb drives, and a lot more. All of which can cost a hefty budget that will add to your cost of going to school. However, I have a few links for you that offer great discounts to purchase a lot of the items mentioned. Take a look below:
https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100593841-15227844 That link is $10 dollars off for any item purchased over $29.
Hekka is sort of like another country's version of Home Depot or another electronics store. The only difference is they sell items that we cannot normally get here in the USA. Such as Xiaomi phones and gadgets. They also sell drones and handheld devices too. Below are other links for various things. Just click on them and have fun shopping.
Here are some other links from this company as well:
https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100593841-15227828
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100593841-15230665
https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100593841-15235334
https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100593841-15227834
Books
Books are the most important object to have for students of all levels rather it is for college or elementary school. Books can be very costly depending on the status of the book. Means rather the book is brand new or used and rather or not the professor wants the student to get a brand new copy, used, or any at all. Really even before you think of applying to a big university or college you more than likely will be required to take the SAT test. The higher the score the better the college that you can get into correct? Well good news for you newbies, there are study guides that with time and a little effort will make your time taking the SAT test a breeze.
SAT test preps: https://amzn.to/384NKeU
That link from Amazon will take you to the gold mine of study material. They even have study guides for the ASVAB if you plan on going the military route (more on this later); on top of that, the prices of these books are fairly reasonable. The books are brand new and up to date as well.
These are the top sellers on Amazon:
So if you are on your game and ready to get that study session on head start and are willing to put in the work these links are here for you. Now if you are already in a university or junior college and want other options for finding your books then I have just the scratch to get rid of that ich. A lot of your core courses will be biology and math depending on what you are majoring in. Nursing and med students more than likely will benefit from Anatomy books. Check out the links below: https://amzn.to/37ojcnX
A few notable mentioned sites: Chegg, Barnes and Noble, Textbook.com, Better World Books, and more.
Scholarships and Alternatives Scholarships
There are various scholarships that can help you obtain extra money in your pursuit of knowledge. They range from a number of sources and companies out there. They offer a vast amount of funding ranging from $1000 to even higher.
Check out this list of no essay scholarships:
Scholarships360: Deadline September 30, 2022. Just create an account and follow the instructions to apply. The amount is $1000
Nitro College Scholarship: deadline is May 31, 2022, so get on this fast. The amount is $2000.
“No Essay” College Scholarship: deadline also May 31, 2022, College and High school students may apply.
SmarterCollege: only available to high school seniors, college students, and those planning to attend grad school at some point. The amount is $1000. The deadline is May 31, also so get on this one really fast.
For bigger amounts:
BigFuture Scholarships: this one is open to US high school juniors. Must have a copy of GPA, test scores, and proof of citizenship. Amount: 40,000 Deadline is May 31, 2022,
CollegeXpress Scholarship: open to HS freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors. The amount is a healthy $10000. The deadline is May 1, 2023.
There is more to look at at this link: Https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/no-essay-scholarships
For top paying scholarships: Https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/
I myself plan on applying to some of these for my grad school studies. The more you fill out the greater the chance you have of getting a couple of grand for the 4 to 7-year grind depending on what you plan to major in. Speaking of which there are scholarships for those attending HBCUs, women, minorities, and more.
Military Route
Another alternative would be to join the military. Now I know what you may be thinking...you probably have heard the rumors about them brainwashing you in basic, or how hard basic training is or how the military is secretly an organization to enslave young people to do the government bidding for low pay, and for females, you probably are frightened by the issues with sexual harassment and the such; I can tell you the brainwashing rumors are a lie and yes there are crazy people in all walks of society in every major field from college, military, and even the law enforcement are compromised. You cannot let this deter you from being great. Do not let crazy people take your opportunity to live a life of happiness and be debt-free. The military can give you more skills than a lot of colleges and universities, and on top of that, it is hands-on. Now there are two paths: Enlisted or Officer. The Enlisted are more like your tech school vocational type skills. This includes subjects like IT, nursing assistant, electrical engineering apprentice, etc. The officer is more like career-based fields such as Computer Scientist, Astronaut, Pilot, Head Nurse, Doctor, etc. Officers typically are those with a Bachelor of some sort and are devoted to going the career route. Either way, you will gain a foothold beyond your peers. You will be in positions with great clout within a year of enlisting. I am talking about positions such as management. Positions that even working on the civilian side would take you 15 to 20 years to reach. Still not sold? Well, guess what? The military also has ways for you to pay for college or grad school even. Below is a list of links to help you understand more or wish to get more information:
Reserves:
The Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard all have reserve units. Space Force is maybe getting a part-time option. Then there is National Guard and Air National Guard. Which are national guard units. Reserves are where you go once a month to meet and conduct your job. However, you are not full-time and have to rely on a second job to make ends meet. This is perfect for those seeking to go to college or university. You have the extra funds from the reserve portion to pay for school. You will not have to worry about getting as many Loans as you would if you were to go off straight to university. There are also programs within the Reserves that help you pay for the school alongside you working.
For more information check out these links below:
United States Navy Recruiting | Navy.com Marines | United States Marine Corps (Marines | United States Marine Corps) U.S. Air Force(U.S. Air Force) Find Your Career in the U.S. Army | goarmy.com Home | Air National Guard (goang.com) Army National Guard - Get Started United States Coast Guard (uscg.mil) U.S. Space Force - Semper Supra (U.S. Space Force - Semper Supra))
All of these links will take you to get more information if you wish to go this route. U.S. Space Force is a new branch. They are aggressively looking for people and they are offering mad crazy bonuses to those interested.
The links from the books store and Amazon in this blog will take you to books to help you prepare for the ASVAB.
This is a more thorough link that will lead you to the source:
https://amzn.to/37DqN1U
*The AFOQT is also found in this link. That is the officer's test for those interested in becoming an Air Force or Space Force officer. Academy students also have to take this test as well.
I will post the direct link here: https://amzn.to/39hLErZ
Now for those who still want the college route, but have issues getting money...and the military also seems like something you would want to do at some point..worry not. I got you covered too. There are a couple of military academies that offer top-notch hands-on education, as well as scholarships that will help you with room and board and so forth if you already are in a college or got your eye on a university but have no way to obtain the funds.
Check out the links below for more information:
ROTC Scholarships | goarmy.com Scholarships | U.S. Army Cadet Command College Locator | U.S. Air Force ROTC (afrotc.com) Graduate Programs | Life After ROTC | U.S. Air Force ROTC (afrotc.com) Undergraduate College Opportunities in the Navy | Navy.com
Military Academies
Home • United States Air Force Academy (usafa.edu) https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php the United States Coast Guard Academy (uscga.edu) the United States Merchant Marine Academy (usmma.edu) United States Military Academy West Point
Direct Commissioning
There are also direct commissioning programs for those who are about to or already have their degrees in certain fields:
Commissioning into the Military with a Previously Earned Degree (studentcaffe.com)
That link will take you to where you can get started and how to find a recruiter to talk more about the programs. There are other ways to get money if the military does not seem like something you would fit with.
Volunteer Your Time
There is Peace Corps, Ameri Corps, etc Here is a link to help you look for more programs like Peace Corps, and Ameri Corps:
Best Peace Corps Alternatives & Programs Like Americorps (volunteerhq.org)
Well as you can see there are a lot of ways to pay for school besides the use of loans that will only increase your debt once you graduate with that degree. The goal of college is to help achieve a better future, more financial freedoms, and overall happiness. Yet today that dream is no longer available to meaning due to the rising cost of education and the rising risk of borrowing that money to go to that university or junior college...or even a trade school. The message I want to leave to young people is that nothing easy comes free. There is some work that has to be done to achieve your dreams. You can take the easy path now, but you will regret it later and you will find that the payout is far less than what you originally thought it, and be. So I challenge you all, and I am not just talking about those graduating high school, I am talking about those who are about to graduate college and those adults who have not even started yet. Do something with your life meaningful. The government and no one else owe you anything; if you want something you have to go out and get it yourself.
Good luck, God speed, and live long, die well.
“I can do all Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” Philippians 4:13
Sources: How Much Does College Cost? | CollegeData
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