Higher Education: Don't Assume It's Too Expensive

By: Jacqueline Beach
Submitted: 2009-01-09 13:35:04
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Given up on your dream of earning a college degree because you think you can't find affordable colleges in North Carolina? Don't be too sure! Numerous sources of financial aid for higher education in NC, new technologies, and new educational policies may make higher education more affordable than you think.

Consider the following facts:

Grants (money that typically doesn't have to be paid back) are available from multiple sources including federal and state government programs, business and industry, and private foundations' scholarship funds. Some are needs-based, some are merit-based (based on your previous school grades and accomplishments), and others may have varying criteria (such as a requirement to continue working in the industry or with a specific employer for a period of time).

Loans (money that typically must be paid back with interest) are also available from multiple sources. Loans typically allow you to go to school today and pay the money back after you graduate when your job prospects and finances are improved.

Where can you go to find out about financial aid for higher education in NC? The best place to begin is with the colleges or universities that interest you. Contact their offices of financial aid and explore all of the options that may be available to you. For example, full-time students may apply for aid using the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) program. In addition, almost all accredited colleges and universities have independent sources of financial aid available. For example, alumni or other local supporters may have endowed the school with scholarship funds to be used by incoming students. These scholarships may have special criteria such as age or gender, work experiences, or they may be designed for students interested in specific degree programs such as nursing, teaching, or the ministry. In addition, check with your employer, your church, and other community and civic groups. With some research and legwork, most students will find that they can put together a package of loans and scholarships that will make higher education affordable.

New educational policies and technologies that allow colleges and universities to offer off-campus and other distance learning formats are often less expensive than on-campus programs and may be more flexible for working adults. Campuses are being tasked to extend their reach into new communities and to underserved populations. This is being done through physical extension campuses, such as HMHEC, as well as through online formats. With the proliferation of online technologies, any person with a computer and an Internet provider can access high-quality higher education. The possibilities for finding affordable colleges in North Carolina are expanding exponentially every year.

So, how much does it cost to get a college education? Current educational options and pricing offer a little something for almost everyone. According to the August 2006 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, private 4-year colleges and universities have tuition ranging from $6,000 per year to more than $33,000, with many factors affecting the costs. However, financial aid for higher education in NC may significantly reduce these costs.

Tuition at a majority of public 4-year colleges and universities ranges from $3,000 to $8,999 per year, with about 5% coming in at $9,000 or more. And for those really trying to stretch their educational budgets, community colleges offer 2-year degrees at an average tuition cost of $2,191 per year. In addition, with proper advising and preparation community colleges enable students to transfer to 4-year colleges and universities for their final two years of college.

Each of these options offers high-quality educational opportunities. Faculty and programs from public and private colleges and community colleges must all meet stringent accreditation standards.

HMHEC is a collaborative partnership of affordable colleges in North Carolina, including Appalachian State University, Catawba Valley Community College, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Northwest AHEC (a division of Wake Forest University School of Medicine), UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, Western Carolina University and Winston-Salem State University.  Students can enjoy a variety of educational options and pricing. More than 600 students are currently enrolled in over 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees on evenings, weekends, and online. Most students attend part-time, generally taking two classes per semester.

For more information about how you can find affordable colleges in North Carolina through Hickory Metro Higher Ed Center, visithttp://www.HMHEC.org or call (828) 324-6966.

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Written by Karen Summey

Article source: Expert Articles