In this topic, we cover:
- How the cost of your school can have major financial implications.
- Trade-offs between working while in school and education debt.
- How to find more information about specific financial aid strategies not covered by this program.
Anyone can apply for a student loan, but creating a strategy for paying for school is the best way to make sure you are getting the most for your money. What should you consider when developing your aid strategy?
School Choice
First, your choice of school can have major financial implications. Depending on the aid package you're offered, some schools could have you graduating with little if any debt. Others could present you with a bill for $50,000 or more per year! Remaining flexible with school choices is a great way to minimize debt.
But keep in mind that sometimes schools with higher published tuition may be more affordable than inexpensive schools - after you receive your aid package. Don't let the published cost of a school worry you too much. Many students end up paying substantially less than the sticker price after completing the aid process. According to the College Board, the average student pays less than half of the published cost.
Schools are now required to have a "net cost calculator" on their financial aid websites. You can use the calculator to get a personalized estimate of what you may be asked to pay.
Working While in School
Working during school is one of the best ways to minimize debt, but some students feel that a job distracts them from making the best grades possible – an important consideration. Studies have also demonstrated that working more than 20 hours per week can reduce academic performance. On the other hand, working fewer than 10 hours per week can actually have a positive effect on academic achievement.
Determining the right balance of work, study, and debt is not always an easy decision, but it's a choice that can also be adjusted over time.
Accounting Strategies
There are a number of accounting strategies that can be used for maximizing financial aid. Examples could include spending down assets by paying off debt, saving in a parent's name rather than students', or maximizing the number of students in college at any one time (including parents who go back to school at the same time as their kids).
We do not cover such strategies here, but for those with at least one or two years before college, there are books such as Paying for College Without Going Broke that cover basic financial planning strategies.
One important point to remember is that even the best aid strategy is useless if the student does not succeed in school. For example, working too many hours trying to minimize debt may cause grades to suffer. Some students even leave school before graduation, a truly worst-case scenario in which education loans must be repaid without the increased earning power of a degree. College can be a life-changing experience in a very positive way if completed successfully and with a debt level that's not a burden.
