Ever wonder why the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA seems SO HIGH? It’s because for many people, it is SO HIGH, perhaps unaffordable!
According to a recent article published by the College Investor, parents are expected to contribute up to 47% of their net income to the cost of college every year! While this does not mean that parents are expected to spend literally every penny of all 47% of what they make each year, make no mistake: parents and students must be prepared to bear the brunt of financing college.
While there is no escaping the fact that a college education in the United States is expensive, there are steps parents and students can take in order to make college more affordable.
10 Action Steps Students and Parents can Take to Help Make College More Affordable
- Work hard in high school: higher grades may equate to increased merit scholarship opportunities
- Get the highest score possible on the ACT or SAT: higher scores may equate to increased merit scholarship opportunities
- Research and consider a variety of colleges: there are MANY great ones!
- Apply to public and private universities
- Consider community college for 2 years
- Be an informed consumer
- Do not equate price with quality
- Take the emotion out of the process
- Consult with a professional College Admissions Counselor
- Know what students are actually paying for college by setting up a free account with TuitionFit.
For more information on how to help make college affordable and any other information on all things related to the college application process, please reach out at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
6 Comments
Jan 21, 2021, 10:14:25 AM
Kathy Griswold Fine - You might be interested in this:
https://www.fineeducationalsolutions.com/blog/being-proactive-during-a-pandemic-so-that-you-can-still-reach-your-college-goals
Jan 21, 2021, 10:09:46 AM
Kathy Griswold Fine - I know... my daughter was scheduled to move into her dorm at Queens in August. Instead she put all of her dorm room supplies in our basement and is taking online classes at CPCC :(
Hang in there!
Jan 21, 2021, 10:08:16 AM
Kathy Griswold Fine - I know this year has been SO DISAPPOINTING for students. My own daughter's freshman year at college was completely upended, and she is stuck at home for the year taking online classes. With that said, yes, I am very confident that school will return to what it was. I know it isn't easy, but try to stay positive, focused, and optimistic. Take care of yourself - physically, socially and emotionally - and remember, this too shall pass.
On a final note, I heard that teachers will have access to the vaccine by the end of the month.
Jan 21, 2021, 9:24:01 AM
Hadley Smith - Hadley is a Freshman at Myers Park HS. Never been to an on-campus class. Do you think there will ever be public school on-campus classes?
Jan 21, 2021, 9:17:55 AM
Cheryl Smith - Mom of 14 year old Freshman daughter.
Jan 21, 2021, 9:17:28 AM
Tom Smith - We have a 14 year old Freshman at Myers Park HS. Her, like you, has been stuck in our house on Kenmore (2137 Kenmore) for almost a year now. :o(