Agree completely on use community college to knock out gen eds (or better still AP/IB credit from high school). For major courses, it is more hit or miss.
Also agree on state school or states with reciprocity. Would add that if you need more school after your undergrad, choice of school matters WAY less because it's your terminal school that you cite as your alma mater. Harvard for undergrad ->University of Wyoming for grad school makes you sound like a failure. But you can definitely go Univ WY -> Harvard. Plus for a science PhD, Harvard pays you, not the other way around.
Some (not all) universities have employee discounts-- they let you take a class or two for free each year.
100% agree that if you need grad school that is what is important.
Also can't believe I forgot about AP/college credits you can acheive in HS. I went to college with a semester and 1/2 of credits under my belt from AP and the local state college HS courses (same exact idea as AP, but only recognized at the in state school)
1. Most state schools are not cheap nowadays (even if they are the cheapest option in your state, still not cheap!)
2. Federal loans are limited only if your parents have low enough income.
3. It's silly to become an RA just for the money imo, only do it if you truly want to
4. If you consolidate or refi student loans, you don't lose low rates. Your rates lower, that's the point of refinancing. While I agree you shouldn't refinance federal loans, refinancing private loans are a no-brainer.
I agree with going to community college first, that's a huge money saver.
1) Most state schools are cheaper than private. Many state schools have incentives for in-state students (which would transfer to sister schools). My home state gives a 50% tuition discount if finish in top 10% of HS and 100% for instance.
2) correct
3) I was an RA - it is a great per hr rate if you do it right.
4) When you refi, you pay the offered rate. Rates are up right now. You can't refi to a 2.75% rate right now. If you have a 2.75% rate don't consolidate.
If you are going to take a student loan, you need to run a NPV of the opportunity cost to make sure its worth it. If you try all the things above & your opportunity cost is negative, you don't go to college or find a better major. Everything listed will help tilt things in your favor.
Agree completely on use community college to knock out gen eds (or better still AP/IB credit from high school). For major courses, it is more hit or miss.
Also agree on state school or states with reciprocity. Would add that if you need more school after your undergrad, choice of school matters WAY less because it's your terminal school that you cite as your alma mater. Harvard for undergrad ->University of Wyoming for grad school makes you sound like a failure. But you can definitely go Univ WY -> Harvard. Plus for a science PhD, Harvard pays you, not the other way around.
Some (not all) universities have employee discounts-- they let you take a class or two for free each year.
Good additions.
100% agree that if you need grad school that is what is important.
Also can't believe I forgot about AP/college credits you can acheive in HS. I went to college with a semester and 1/2 of credits under my belt from AP and the local state college HS courses (same exact idea as AP, but only recognized at the in state school)
I'm going to add it now
Student loans aren't this simple...
1. Most state schools are not cheap nowadays (even if they are the cheapest option in your state, still not cheap!)
2. Federal loans are limited only if your parents have low enough income.
3. It's silly to become an RA just for the money imo, only do it if you truly want to
4. If you consolidate or refi student loans, you don't lose low rates. Your rates lower, that's the point of refinancing. While I agree you shouldn't refinance federal loans, refinancing private loans are a no-brainer.
I agree with going to community college first, that's a huge money saver.
It is that simple.
1) Most state schools are cheaper than private. Many state schools have incentives for in-state students (which would transfer to sister schools). My home state gives a 50% tuition discount if finish in top 10% of HS and 100% for instance.
2) correct
3) I was an RA - it is a great per hr rate if you do it right.
4) When you refi, you pay the offered rate. Rates are up right now. You can't refi to a 2.75% rate right now. If you have a 2.75% rate don't consolidate.
If you are going to take a student loan, you need to run a NPV of the opportunity cost to make sure its worth it. If you try all the things above & your opportunity cost is negative, you don't go to college or find a better major. Everything listed will help tilt things in your favor.
https://effsigive.substack.com/p/measuring-the-value-of-college-part-ce2
If you spend 4-8 years 'finding yourself' at your 'dream' school because 'college is expensive anyway', not sorry to say you reap what you sow.