Did you know that college costs increase at twice the rate of inflation each year? Students are taking longer to earn their degrees, and student-loan debt is at an all time high. Recent graduates are entering a cycle of debt immediately upon graduation which set them up for lifelong financial challenges.
If you are a recent high school graduate, or the parent or guardian of one, join the Aurora Public Library (APL) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 for How to Reduce College Costs, a program provided by My College Planning Team. Experts will offer guidance, information, and options for finding the right college for your budget and interests. This workshop introduces little-known financial strategies parents and students can use to reduce college costs, improve admissions chances, and increase scholarship opportunities.
For instance, did you know that scoring just two points higher on an ACT or SAT can save you $10,000 in college costs? Retaking these tests, therefore, is a good opportunity to lower college costs. Likewise, financial aid awards can be negotiated and appealed. If you have received better offers from a comparable school, you might try to appeal the lower reward at your favorite option. By approaching financial aid as an alterable process, families can try to adjust a given amount based upon recent developments in their personal expenses or income. The COVID-19 pandemic is an example of a recent event that might impact your finances, and could present an opportunity to reevaluate your financial aid package.
My College Planning Team is a college preparation organization divided into two groups: Educational consultants and a variety of financial aid specialists who collaborate to help match potential students with the right colleges for the best price. With their expertise, students and families can alleviate the stress and confusion of choosing a school and financing education choices. From completing the FAFSA to restructuring your financial aid package, this session will illuminate the many options available to upcoming students. Young people interested in pursuing a college education are encouraged to start thinking about this process early, so this opportunity is perfect for students as young as eighth grade!
I certainly wish I had taken advantage of a program such as this when I was funding my college education! I am still paying for student loan debt years after graduating. College costs can be unnecessarily prohibitive for young people when considering college or advance degrees.”
How to Reduce College Costs is a virtual opportunity to set up yourself and your family for financial stability alongside earning a rewarding education. To tune in to this exclusive informational session, please register on our events page at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/event/4476134. From there, you will receive a link to join the session from home!