Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Paying for College


KTMS Radio Commentary


Many families would like their children to attend college, but are concerned about the costs.

While paying for college can be a challenge, it is important to know that there are financial aid opportunities for everyone.

The factors that influence the cost of a basic college education are the type of school (public, private, or out-of-state), the time it takes your child to finish (the longer he or she stays, the more it will cost), and the location. 

Location affects the cost of housing, food, and transportation. 

Federal and state governments both offer help, along with private sources and foundations like the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation.

Your high school is the best single source of information about aid.

Here are tips that help reduce college costs:

•  Reduce the number of classes needed at college by taking Advanced Placement classes or courses at a community college.

•  Enroll in a community college and then transfer to a four-year school.

•  Take part in a Tech Prep program that is formally linked to a college.

•  Take advantage of federal programs like the HOPE Scholarship tax credit.

Remember the guiding principle:  Where there is a will, there really is a way.