Haley: Thanks Lauren. You might be years away from college. But you probably have heard how expensive it is. Your parents might already be thinking about how they can cover the cost. But there are things you can do to help, too – as Felipe reports.
Felipe (Voice Over): College. It’s called "higher education." And it seems the cost is getting "higher" all the time! According to the College Board, tuition went up six percent for the 2006-2007 school year. And the upward trend is expected to continue. So it’s never too early to think about how the bill will be paid!
Robert Weinerman: Well if you know you want to go to college, I think you should start thinking about it now.
Felipe (Voice Over): Robert Weinerman used to handle financial aid at MIT, one of the nation’s leading universities. Now he writes about the subject – and counsels families through College Coach. He says – don’t let the tuition discourage you.
Robert Weinerman: There’s lots of financial aid out there and very few people will pay the prices that the colleges publish.
Felipe: I guess it’s like buying a car. There’s the official sticker price...but most people end up paying less.
Felipe (Voice Over): But even if you do pay less...it’s still a lot. That’s where financial aid comes in. It can come from the college itself, the government – and from private organizations.
As you probably know, scholarships are given to kids with top grades...or athletic abilities.
Student 1: I am hoping for a scholarship to play in college.
Student 2: Um, I am planning to go to college and I’m hoping to get some sort of academic scholarship when I go...
Student 3: ...If I try hard enough and get all A’s and stuff which I hope to get then I’ll be able to go to get a scholarship and go to college and get a 4-year degree.
Student 4: I’ve had like, a 4.0 average and I’m kinda looking to that to get a scholarship and stuff.
Felipe (Voice Over): But you don’t have to be an Einstein or MVP. There are extracurricular activities anyone could do to put you in the "spotlight" for a scholarship. And the sooner you start, the better.
Robert Weinerman: If you knew in 9th grade that working with the elderly or working with animals would allow you to be a good candidate for a scholarship, you could choose your community service that way.
Felipe (Voice Over): So do some research online about organizations that offer grants and scholarships. That can help you decide how to spend your time. Of course, the most important thing you can do – is do well in school! Here’s encouraging news from the College Board. Almost two-thirds of all full-time college students receive aid. Remember, whatever you pay for college...it will be a good investment for your future. I’m Felipe for Teen Kids News.
