Help Wanted: Cost-Effective College Degree

The rising cost of tuition at higher education institutions has many teens questioning their intentions for continuing their education beyond high school. Although the economy is recovering from a recession, some still question the value of a college degree. Despite the understandable worries, a college education is not only worthwhile, it may even be required for gainful employment. Many industries that traditionally hired workers fresh out of high school are now seeking bachelor’s degrees for even the most basic of positions. Despite customarily low wages, file clerks, receptionists and assistants now are expected to invest in higher education.

The college degree is the new high school diploma. This news may be disheartening to those who wonder how they can afford college or training beyond high school. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. For some, student loans are the answer to such predicaments. However, it may not be worth tens of thousands of dollars in loan debt just to be a junior secretary. With persistence and motivation, though, higher education is possible for many students who are willing to plan ahead and investigate their options.

Research is necessary for finding alternative methods to pay for college. These include funds from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, scholarships and grants. You might be able to find financing through government sponsored grants and scholarships, possibly from your community, or even from your high school. And it would be wise for you to find a program that is not only compatible with your interests, but also will not leave you in too great a debt. The advantage of scholarships, fellowships and grants is that these often do not need to be repaid. It is necessary, though, to be sure you understand the requirements involved to be sure you can meet them.

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) is a great source of financial aid for teens. KHEAA’s Kentucky Education Excellence Scholarship (KEES) is available to any student enrolled in high school in Kentucky. Many teens do not realize that, by getting good grades in high school, they become eligible for KEES money for their college education. Students who maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and an ACT score of 15 or higher are eligible for KEES. And, the better your grades, the more you can earn toward college. Realizing this early on could provide incentive to work harder and achieve a higher GPA.

 

READERS, what do you think?

Why do you think bachelor’s degrees may now be the minimum requirement for finding a job with a livable wage?

References:

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. (n.d.) Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship. https://www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/kees?main=1.

Rampell, C. (2013, February 19). It Takes a B.A. to Find a Job as a File Clerk. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/business/college-degree-required-by-increasing-number-of-companies.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130220&_r=1&.