I Can't Afford College: What to do When You Can't Afford School

There's no college fund for you. Your part-time job isn't going to cut it. Or your full-time job is barely enough for you to get by. It seems that the American idea of "going to college" isn't going to be an option for you, even though you have the ability to succeed.

But are you really sure? When you can't afford to go to a four-year college, are you really considering all your options? Before you resort to undesirable methods that could put you into a bad financial situation, have you thought about community college, also known as junior college? This path, one that may not appear as glamorous as the typical four-year school "college experience" shown in movies and TV, can help get you on the path of college education, if it's your goal to learn.

Before you dismiss this option, you should know that there are some common myths about community college. Take a look at the truth about community college. It could be the way you can afford college after all.

If you’ve heard that “Community College is 13^th grade,” there’s an explanation. As state-funded institutions, community colleges are known for open admittance policies, meaning that there is usually no minimum ACT or SAT score required to get in and sign up for classes. They typically offer:

• Cheap tuition rates and financial aid from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Evening, weekend and online class availability
• The ability to transfer your credits to a four-year school, if you want to complete a Bachelor’s degree
• Co-ops or internships to give you real-world experience
• The freedom to choose your major, just as you would at a four-year school

It is true that the community college experience is different.

• Class sizes are smaller which can mean more attention from instructors.
• There are no dorms, which means tuition funds aren't spent on the upkeep of residence halls.
• The student body is more diverse, with people of all ages and life experiences.
• If there isn’t an extracurricular activity that interests you, you can start one, just as you could at a four-year school.

When considering which school to attend, consider the cost of tuition that you're paying as well as how much you expect to make upon graduation.

According to The Institute of Education Sciences, students in the 2011 - 2012 school year paid an average of $14,300 at public universities.

How important is it to make sure you can manage the cost of attending college?

Slate.com reported in May of 2014 that "...roughly 8.5 percent of college graduates between the ages of 21 and 24 were unemployed...roughly 44 percent of recent graduates meaning those ages 22 to 27 with a B.A. or higher—were in a job that did not technically demand a bachelor’s degree."

Working in such jobs and earning such salaries, can college grads manage their debts and pay for things like rent or a new car? These are questions to be asked.

Before making your final decision on where to attend school, consider the financial commitment you're making and how it will impact your future.

By “real school”, do you mean a four-year college that costs twice as much?

• If your goal is to get a Bachelor’s degree, you can transfer your community college credits to a four-year school. However, it is wise to contact the Admissions office of the four-year school where you’d like to ultimately attend. Ask that university how credits typically transfer from the community college. A small amount of planning can make a big difference in the long run.
• If you’re concerned that a community college won’t challenge you enough, ask if there’s an honors program. Participating in an honors program can place you with others that also want to be academically challenged.