Have you ever compared the tuition cost differences between in-state and out-of-state schools?
Did you gasp out loud when you saw out-of-state costs?
Yep, yep. It’s often thousands of dollars more expensive to go to an out-of-state university compared to an in-state university, and it’s because families don’t pay for these out-of-state institutions through their taxes, so their education costs are not subsidized and they receive higher costs.
It often makes students’ decisions easy. If your child’s comfortable with the idea of going to the flagship university in your state, he might think, “It’s cheaper, it’s close to home. Sign me right up.”
Should you migrate to your in-state university? Well, that depends! Don’t discount your neighboring states — and know a few things before you jump on the local state university bandwagon. Here’s what to know and how to get in-state tuition from out of state.
What is In-State Tuition?
In-state tuition refers to the lower cost of attending a public college or university for students who are residents of the state where the institution is located. This reduced rate is offered because public institutions receive state funding to help cover the cost of educating students who are from that state. To qualify, students usually need to meet specific residency requirements, such as living in the state for a certain period (typically 12 months) before enrollment, or having parents who are state residents.
In-state tuition is generally much more affordable than out-of-state tuition, which is the rate charged to students from outside the state. State governments subsidize In-state tuition, making it more affordable for residents.
What is Out-of-State Tuition?
Out-of-state tuition refers to the higher cost that students pay to attend a public college or university in a state other than the state where they have legal residency. This fee structure applies to students who do not qualify as residents of the state where the institution is located.
Out-of-state residents are considered non-residents and do not qualify for in-state rates. Out-of-state tuition might be two to three times more than in-state rates. This is because non-resident students do not contribute to the state’s tax revenue, which helps subsidize public universities. Some states have agreements, or exchange programs, that offer reduced out-of-state tuition rates to students from neighboring states.
Many students try to qualify for in-state rates or seek financial aid and scholarships to mitigate the costs, which we’ll discuss below.
How to Get In-State Tuition if You Live Out of State
Getting in-state tuition while living out of state can significantly reduce college costs. Here are several strategies your child can consider for how to get in-state tuition out of state.
Establish Residency
Establishing residency is one of the most straightforward ways to get in-state tuition. Residency requirements vary by state and university. Living in the state for a certain amount of time is one common way to establish residency.
Move to the state early: Many states require students to live in the state for at least 12 months before establishing residency. Your child can prove residency with an apartment lease, utility bills or vehicle registration form, for example.
Prove financial independence: Your child can show financial independence to prove they don’t rely on out-of-state parents for support, which can involve having a full-time job, filing state taxes and paying rent or a mortgage in the new state. Your child may need to show employer proof as above or show proof that he pays taxes in that state.
Driver’s license and voter registration: Encourage your child to obtain a state driver’s license, register their vehicle in the state and register to vote. They may also want to consider having other evidence to prove residency, such as utility bills in their name, employment records or state income tax returns.
Be aware of rules: Residency requirements vary by state, so you’ll need to review specific policies at your child’s college. Also ensure your child will meet the residency requirements well before any deadlines, typically at least a year before they intend to start classes.
Tuition Reciprocity Programs
Some states have agreements that allow students from neighboring states to attend school at reduced tuition rates (not always full in-state tuition, but lower than out-of-state rates). Many universities offer regional markets and reciprocity agreements, meaning colleges or universities offer students in different states in-state or reduced tuition for students who live in the same region.
Here are a few tuition reciprocity programs that might be open to your child, depending on where you live:
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): WUE enables students from one of 16 Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states and territories in the Western U.S. to enroll as nonresidents in 160+ participating public colleges and universities.
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP): Applies to several Midwest states, including Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
New England Board of Higher Education (NEHBE) Tuition Break: Tuition Break covers New England states, providing savings for residents of the following six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, and for colleges that participate.
Academic Common Market (ACM): For students in southern states pursuing programs not available in their home state, the ACM allows students in southern states to enroll in out-of-state public universities at in-state tuition rates if the program they are interested in is not offered by their home state. States include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and others. Students must meet residency requirements in their home state and gain acceptance into the qualifying program at the partner institution.
Generally, the process involves checking your eligibility (such as state residency requirements and participating universities), majors eligible, GPA, application and other school requirements. Finally, you’ll apply directly to the school to let them know you’re applying using the tuition reciprocity program.
University-Specific Programs
Some universities offer their own discounted tuition or in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students with certain qualifications, such as meeting merit-based scholarship requirements, athletic scholarships or legacy programs (where alumni children qualify for in-state tuition).
Check into the options available to your child based on your own alumni status! It could be a huge relief to your family, though I will recognize that many students don’t prefer to attend where “mom and dad” went to school! (That’s another topic for a different day.)
Military Service
Many states offer in-state tuition rates to active-duty military members, veterans or their dependents, regardless of where they live. If you’re a military member, check into this.
Attend a Border State School
Some states offer what’s called border-state tuition for residents of neighboring states. For example, Minnesota and Wisconsin have a tuition reciprocity agreement, allowing residents to qualify for in-state rates at public universities across state lines.
Special Circumstances or Exceptions
Some states allow students to take advantage of waivers in certain situations or exceptions. For example, those who have immigrant or refugee status may take advantage of these options, and so might dependent children of state employees or those enrolled in specific majors that benefit your state. The best way to find out about these involves asking the schools your child may be interested in attending. Ask many questions!
Online Programs
Many schools offer online degree programs at in-state rates for all students, regardless of where they live. However, each school and state has specific residency requirements for tuition, so review them carefully. Also, ensure that this is the right option for your child — it’s not the right fit for everyone, particularly if you think your child would thrive at an in-person institution.
Institution-Specific Waivers
Certain colleges and universities might also provide tuition waivers or reduced rates based on specific requirements, such as academic merit. Schools might also have special agreements for students from particular counties or areas of your state.
Our college used to offer an out-of-state scholarship for students who attended an out-of-state college in an effort to boost our out-of-state numbers. Offers like that may be achievement-based or merit-based, depending on differing schools’ requirements. Your best bet is to ask questions if your student’s looking into an out-of-state institution. Email or call an admission counselor at that school for more information.
Undocumented Students
Some colleges and universities may offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. Check into institutions your child is considering if they accept DACA recipients or those in similar situations.
26% of states offer in-state tuition to undocumented students
24% offer in-state tuition if the student meets statutory requirements
22% require undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition
4% require undocumented students to pay international student rates
In 11% of states, policies differ by institution, and another 11% of states have no statewide policy on tuition rates for undocumented students. Alabama does not allow undocumented student enrollment by state law.
Of public four-year institutions:
25% of states offer in-state tuition to undocumented students
27% offer in- state tuition if the student meets statutory requirements
25% require undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition
In 10% of states, policies differ by institution, and 6% of states have no statewide policy on tuition rates. Arizona offers undocumented students regional tuition rates, Missouri requires undocumented students to pay international student rates. Alabama, again, does not allow students to enroll by state law.
Some states extend in-state tuition to dependents of state employees or public service workers, such as police officers or teachers, even if they don’t meet other residency criteria.
Native American and Tribal Agreements
Some states have agreements to offer in-state tuition to members of federally recognized Native American tribes, regardless of residency.
Are You Eligible for Reduced Rates?
There are several exceptions to standard in-state tuition rates that may allow students to qualify for reduced rates, even if they don’t meet the usual residency requirements. These exceptions
Financial Benefits of Securing In-State Tuition
One of the best ways to look at an example of an apples-to-apples comparison. Let’s look at out-of-state tuition vs. in-state tuition rates for an education major at Texas A&M University.
First, the out-of-state costs for an education major at Texas A&M University for one semester:
Total estimated cost of attendance with tuition and fees
$30,429
Now, compare that cost with in-state tuition for one semester:
Category
Cost estimate
Room and board
$6,504
Books and supplies
$552
Travel
$1,066
Loan fees
$30
Personal expenses
$1,657
Total estimated cost of attendance with tuition and fees
$15,584.35
You can save a lot of money by attending college in state, so consider all your options. Your child should have excellent reasons for attending an out-of-state institution, particularly if they won’t get great scholarships to attend.
Consider All Your Options
Note: Out-of-state and in-state designations generally do not apply to private colleges, as their tuition rates are typically uniform for all students regardless of residency.
In fact, I always smiled when someone asked, “What’s the out-of-state cost at your school?”
Why? Because I had great news for families. The cost wasn’t any different for out-of-state students because I worked at a liberal arts college.
Liberal arts colleges and private universities charge the same price no matter where you’re from, and here’s why: Unlike public colleges and universities, private institutions don’t get funding from state governments. Therefore, private colleges and universities charge one tuition rate for all students, whether your child resides in the same state as the institution is located or not.
For example, if a liberal arts college is in Florida but your child lives in Minnesota, you’ll pay the same price whether you live in Florida or Minnesota.
Email or call an admission counselor at each college your student’s considering. it’ll make you feel more prepared to make some decisions about the college search, or it’ll at least give you a start in the right direction!
FAQs
Check out a few frequently asked questions that might still be on your mind.
Will FAFSA cover out of state tuition?
Out-of-state students pay higher tuition and fees than in-state students. It’s difficult to predict whether you’ll ultimately pay more. Note that most out-of-state students will have a gap between the cost of tuition and fees and the amount of aid they’ll receive, so ensure you make the right decisions for your family so you’re not swamped by federal student loans or private student loans.
How do people afford to go to college out of state?
If your child really wants to attend a particular college out of state, reach out to the financial aid office to learn more about the full costs. Merit or need-based aid may cover some of the costs.
What are the cons of going to college out of state?
The largest disadvantage of attending an out-of-state college is that the costs are higher than in-state fees. However, some states offer discounts to students in several different ways, which we discuss in the article above.
Most of us have been there: transitioning from high school to college puts us in the grownup league. This is the point where many things change, and we begin to think more maturely. One of the many things we begin to consider is a roof over our heads.
Things aren’t as simple as that; you shouldn’t dismiss the idea instantly. This guide will outline the options for students who want to buy a home while enrolled in college or university.
Should You Buy a Home as a Student?
Buying a house or an apartment is a big commitment, so the first question you should ask yourself is whether you should consider buying a property.
Even though this step has some pros and cons, the advantages outweigh the negative sides, so most people will say to go for it. Living under your roof means you won’t pay for a dorm room or rent, which can get costly, depending on the location.
This means you’ll need to account for mortgage payments, utility bills, and any other recurring costs. Additionally, using a moving cost calculator can help you estimate the expenses associated with relocating to your new home, so you can budget effectively.
The monthly payments will be higher, so a roommate can be a good idea. Having one means you can partially cover the payment and be more comfortable with your finances. Once you finish college, you can continue renting it and have an additional monthly income.
Committing to a home mortgage is recommended if you stay in the area. While that is true, moving to another state or country doesn’t mean you cannot keep the property. You can always sign a contract with an agency and let it deal with rent and maintenance. The best part is that you’ll continue getting monthly income.
How to Buy a Home as a Student
One of the main reasons students are hesitant about buying homes is generally instability. They work part-time or underpaid jobs, which often discourages them from considering a permanent roof over their heads. Even though this may make things difficult, it’s not entirely impossible.
Mortgage Loan
Most of the properties in the US are purchased by taking out a mortgage, and it won’t be too different if you’re a student. Getting a loan and paying for it for several decades with interest is a good way to get your home now without thinking too much about saving enough to pay it at once.
Many mortgage companies are offering different kinds of loan programs each with various conditions. The result is some flexibility in choosing based on the interest rate or the down payment percentage.
Speaking of down payments, saving enough money can be a bit of a struggle as a student. Careful budgeting may help, but in a worst-case scenario, you can always check some of the assistance programs or go for a loan with no down payment.
Get a Co-signer
As a student, your credit score may not be ideal for getting a loan, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get your new home. If you feel like you can afford the monthly payment but were denied the mortgage, your other option is a co-signer.
The idea behind this is simple: the person in question would be one with a better credit score than yours who can vouch for you. It’s a way of telling the lender you can make full payments on time. A co-signer is often someone very close to you, like a parent, sibling, or partner. The main reason is that they’ll take on the payment responsibility if you fail to do so.
Since the co-signer vouches for you, lenders will approve your mortgage, and you’ll be ready to purchase your new home. As long as you pay on time, everything will be fine. If you fail to do so, that responsibility falls on the so-signer, and they’ll need to continue making the payments instead of you. Keep in mind that this can hurt their credit score as well.
Consider All the Angles Before You Buy
Many students dismiss the idea of a home mortgage due to existing student loans. While having an existing loan may complicate things a bit, it won’t make it impossible to buy a home.
When applying for a mortgage, the first thing that lenders evaluate is your debt-to-income ratio or DTI. This gives them an idea of how much you make and the debt you’re currently in. Some have a fixed number and don’t approve applications below that, while others are more flexible. If your DTI isn’t as ideal as you want it to be, you can try to aim for flexible lenders.
On the other hand, if you’re not in a rush, you can start working on improving your score and apply for the loan again once the numbers are up.
Nothing beats the rewarding experience of getting that degree after years of hard work. However, the uncertainty of what comes after can also be nerve-wracking. As fresh graduates step into the world of adulthood, it’s important to have the best resources to navigate life, and one way to do that is by managing finances wisely.
Money management isn’t always a walk in the park, especially for fresh graduates. In the U.S., 51% of college graduates during the 2021-2022 period finished their studies with an average of $29,4000 in student loan debt, according to a CNN report. Saving up can be difficult when you start your 20s dealing with debt, but luckily, several resources like e-books can help you familiarize yourself with the nitty-gritty of finances and saving. If you’re looking for tips for getting on top of your finances, here’s a fresh graduate’s guide to the best e-book resources for money management.
Why E-Books, and Where Can You Find Them?
According to a National Institutes of Health study, students tend to prefer e-books because they’re accessible, convenient and can be downloaded and carried around. A Computers and Education study also mentioned that the interactive features of e-books, such as annotation functions, can enhance the reading experience.
While e-books are available on a variety of platforms, fresh grads on a budget will want to focus on just one to save both time and money. You can find a wide range of resources in Everand’s finance and money management category, such as Jesse Mecham’s “You Need a Budget” and Benjamin Graham’s “The Intelligent Investor” if you want to be financially wise.
These e-books are accessible through a reasonably-priced monthly subscription that’s often less than the cost of one physical book. Convenient and affordable options like these can make it easier to practice proper money management.
You can also find resources on OverDrive, where you can browse through your local library’s e-book catalog to learn the best insights on how to make the best money-saving decisions. Having easy access to helpful financial information can help kickstart a fresh graduate’s journey to managing and saving money in the long run. That said, here are some of the best e-books that can help college graduates learn about effective financial management strategies.
E-Books on Money Management for Fresh Graduates
Let’s take a look at a list of the best e-books on money management for anyone just graduating.
“The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke” by Suze Orman
In our previous article on “Financial Planning Tips,” we mentioned Suze Orman’s classic work “The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous, and Broke” as a key source that can help you invest in financial education.
This New York Times bestselling title mentions some of the harshest financial realities that young people may encounter. It provides a realistic financial guide for how to properly manage money, deal with debts, and save for the future. It’s a perfect read for fresh college graduates looking to prepare for future financial challenges as they build their careers or future from scratch.
“Why Didn’t They Teach Me This In School?” by Cary Siegel
If you’re looking for an e-book that has more than enough information on managing money, then Cary Siegel’s “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?” has you covered. The e-book contains 99 useful financial principles and advice that can help fresh college graduates improve their financial decisions so they can be debt-free and save enough money for the future.
As the title suggests, these money management tips are not typically taught in schools yet remain relevant in navigating the first few years of adulthood, so it might be best to give it a try. After all, it wasn’t recommended by Forbes, LifeHacker, and eBay as one of the best graduation gifts for college students for nothing.
“The Simple Path to Wealth” by J.L. Collins
Investing for the future need not be complicated, and that’s exactly what J.L. Collins’ “The Simple Path to Wealth” tries to say. More than an e-book, it can serve as a bible that provides simple yet crucial advice to achieve financial success based on Collins’ experiences.
These tips include saving 50% of your income, staying away from debt, and investing in index funds. The e-book also stays true to its title since it’s short and easy to read, but packed with loads of advice that fresh graduates can follow as they begin building their journey toward financial independence.
“Broke Millennial Takes on Investing” by Erin Lowry
Young people’s financial literacy rates are below 50% worldwide, according to a World Economic Forum report. This highlights the need for improved financial information, and Erin Lowry’s “Broke Millennial Takes” might do the trick.
The e-book provides basic yet hands-on details on investing, including some terminologies that might confuse fresh graduates who are looking to invest or save up money. It teaches young adults how to buy and sell stocks, when’s the best time to invest, and tips on managing student loan debt. This is a great read to help young adults get started on the basic steps of investing.
“Your Money or Your Life” by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin
Reading Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin’s work, “Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence” can still provide fresh graduates with useful insights despite being first published more than two decades ago.
The classic work mentions helpful tips to manage your money properly, such as creating and following strict financial habits. The nine tips outlined in the e-book can guide fresh college grads to achieving financial independence in the long run by learning how to avoid debts and not getting too carried away with overspending whenever pay slips come in.
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi
Ramit Sethi’s “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” is a good read for young adults looking to pay off their student loan debts and learn the fundamentals of investing. Sethi provides real-world critical advice so readers can become successful in banking, budgeting, investing, and saving.
The e-book has strategies on how to invest properly without paying a financial advisor, as well as tips on buying a house and other big purchases that fresh college grads may be thinking of in the future. This is perfect for fresh graduates who are in their wealth accumulation phase and want to be wise in their financial decisions so they can enjoy financial freedom.
The real world can be overwhelming for fresh graduates, especially with looming financial responsibilities on the horizon. Reading these e-books can help young adults make responsible financial decisions to help them manage and save enough money for the future.
Here’s one of the most important questions you can ask: When to start visiting colleges?
You may have no earthly idea when you should start. Should you get a jump start freshman year in high school? Is that crazy? Too early? Or should you wait till junior year? Is that too late?
I think junior year is the best time to visit campuses, but I also like to see visits throughout high school, not just trying to cram it all in junior year! I spent 12 years in college admission and I also trained our admission tour guides, so I saw many families zip in and out during the spring.
Let’s walk through the timing of college visits, its importance, the ideal time of year to go on a college visit and a whole host of other things to consider.
Importance of College Visits
You know college visits are important, but what might be trickier is what you’re looking for. In my opinion, you’re looking for two important things:
Campus atmosphere: How does your student feel when he or she is on campus? Comfortable? Stressed? Challenged? While it sounds nebulous, a “feeling” can help guide your child to the right choice for them. The campus atmosphere, understanding campus life, and getting a feel for the friendliness of people counts for a lot in making a final decision.
Information about the campus: Aside from “feelings,” you’ll also scope out facts about the campus itself: student-to-faculty ratio, required courses, programs and majors (like considering the pros and cons of being a financial advisor by investing smart or becoming a teacher due to your love of kindergarteners), research opportunities, housing, dining, safety, facilities, costs, location, admission requirements and more.
When should you start visiting colleges? The time of year you visit and the timing of your visit can affect those two things.
Ideal Year in School to Start Visiting Colleges
Let’s go through the pros and cons of visiting colleges throughout high school. There are pros and cons to visiting colleges throughout each year of high school, and it’s important to recognize the benefits of visiting colleges freshman through senior year!
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of visiting colleges in the early stages of high school for your student.
Pros: You can help your child get early exposure to college and can start envisioning what the process will look like.
Cons: Your child might change their interests and goals over the next three years, so any interest in the initial colleges and universities might fade away. Your child may also not be mature enough to understand the benefits of visiting colleges at an early age, but that depends on the individual. It’s a good idea to consider whether your child can handle college visits this early in high school.
Junior Year
Junior year is the optimal time to visit colleges if you’re asking, “College visits when to start?” because students have more defined interests and goals. However, there are some pros and cons:
Pros: Juniors typically have defined goals and interests at this point in high school and can usually articulate some ideas of what they might want in a college and also what they might enjoy doing for a career. Visiting during junior year also gives them plenty of time to visit colleges, because they can do it over the summer and during senior year as well.
Cons: Juniors are usually busy this year in high school, so it might be a challenge to find a time to visit. They might also have a limited perspective on majors at this point (or change their minds often!). Some students may also feel early pressure to make decisions about where they want to attend college, which is unnecessary at this stage.
Senior Year
Senior year offers final opportunities to visit before applying to colleges. You can usually take advantage of specific events for accepted students, which can also help with finalizing decisions if necessary.
Pros: The largest benefit of visiting colleges during senior year is that your child is the closest they’ll ever be to knowing their major interests. That makes visits worth the wait, because they’ll be more zoned in and clued into what they want.
Cons: The major downside is that there is so much going on during senior year, between college applications, homework, senior year activities, athletics — the list goes on. Squeezing in college visits may seem next to impossible.
Ideal Time of Year to Visit Colleges
Some families overlook time of year when trying to figure out when is a good time to start visiting colleges. If they have an open day in January, they say, “Let’s go!” But trust me, visiting a college during a snowstorm will color your student’s experience forever. I remember a student from Florida visiting when the temps were in the negative digits on our campus — he never came back. (But then again, it gave him an idea of what it would look like to live on campus during the winter months, so we weren’t hiding anything from him!)
At any rate, it’s still a good idea to look at the weather for a few specific reasons.
Spring and summer visits invite warmer weather and more flexible schedules, but the downside is that there are fewer students on campus, so you miss out on typical academic year activities, such as more robust classes or events on campus. So, the pros and cons:
Pros: Warmer, flexible
Cons: Fewer events and students
Fall Visits
There’s nothing better than crunching through the leaves on a crisp, blue-sky day in October — especially on a gorgeous college campus.
College campuses bustle with students in the fall and offer a realistic view of academic and social life. The downside is that it’s a busy application season and it can be tougher to balance school and other commitments when you visit then. Here are the pros and cons in a nutshell:
Pros: Lively campus, realistic view of academic and social life
Cons: Busy season; might get more personalized experience in the summer
Winter Visits
Things slow down during the winter months on campuses, but you’re also risking the potential for running into bad weather and experiencing limited outdoor activities, such as football games. Do you like to ice skate through your college visit? (Ha!)
Pros: Quieter; can see what the campus is really like during a potentially chilly time
Cons: Potential for bad weather
Ideal Day of the Week to Visit Colleges
Fridays and Mondays are the most popular days to visit campuses, for good reason — they butt up to the weekend. Fridays are the all-around most popular day to visit campuses because you might tap into a day off of school here and there. When I worked in admission, Fridays in the fall were crazy. The admission counselors and tour guides hopped from one student meeting to the next, hardly able to stop for lunch!
If you can visit during the middle of the week, you might benefit from more personalized attention on an individual campus visit, more so than you would on a Friday!
Ideal Time of Day to Visit Colleges
What’s the best time of day to visit college campuses? During a lazy afternoon or a busy morning?
Let’s take a look, but first of all, it’s important to understand that many visits last longer than just an hour or an hour and a half. Many might span the full morning and part of the afternoon, depending on what you choose to do while on campus. If you’re doing a tour, meeting with the admission office and financial aid office and eating lunch on campus, your student’s visit will span the morning and early afternoon.
However, if you have just a few things planned, let’s look at which is the most beneficial.
Morning Visits
If you arrive bright and early, you have the benefit of attending morning classes and observing the campus energy in the morning. Many colleges and universities tend to slow down in the afternoon as students finish up their classes for the day, so you can see how the campus “wakes up.”
Pros: Launch right into the hustle and bustle; can observe campus energy
Cons: Can be a busy time to visit campus
Afternoon Visits
Slower and more leisurely afternoons on some campuses might be exactly what the doctor ordered, particularly if your child is more nervous about the college search. If they need to be eased into the college search process, you may want to take advantage of meeting faculty and students and exploring extracurricular activities in a calmer setting. It seems like afternoons on campus are the juxtaposition of crazy mornings.
Pros: Often seem calmer
Cons: Things may be wrapping up for the day
Evening Visits
One of the most important things to note about evening visits is that colleges don’t schedule visits in the evening. However, you can spend the night on campus, and you can schedule that with an admission office.
Pros: Can experience the dorm life and social activities
Cons: Cannot book traditional college visits (unless you arrange to spend the night with someone on campus to check out the residence halls and student life
You’ve probably noticed that there are a few teensy problems with trying to fit college visits in, and that almost always has to do with your already jam-packed schedule — yours and your child’s.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors standing in your way.
Academic Schedule
Your child’s school likely gives them a few excused absences for college visits (the standard is usually three days) but they likely can’t just pick up and leave whenever they want. Therefore, it’s important to consider the optimal time to go during the school year. Consider utilizing school holidays for visits, unless, of course, the college has that time off as well.
Time visits around exams and project deadlines, in-season sports and other types of challenges that might get in your way.
College Calendars
What do colleges and universities have on the docket? Align visits with college open house events and visit when students are on campus for a realistic experience. Visiting when students are on winter break can lead to a lackluster experience, because college campuses look so… dead… during winter breaks.
Personal Factors
Is your child actually ready to visit campuses? A student questioning his ability to turn in every single assignment on time might not be mentally ready to consider colleges. Or a student worried about what it might look like to live off campus might not be emotionally prepared to consider college yet.
Again, the family schedule also plays a role. If you’re super busy with work or only have two personal days off during an academic year, you may really have to plan on how to make college visits work.
How to Plan When to Go for the Ideal College Visit Experience
Whether you’re concerned about organizing your college experience around your activities, the high school calendar or even the weather, you can do a lot to ensure you maximize your experience. Here’s how.
Step 1: Decide your optimal year.
Will you visit early or late? Spring of junior year or summer before senior year? The best advice is to visit when your child has a clear idea of their interests and potential major. Here’s a great plan, in a few steps:
Spring semester junior year is the optimal time to visit because students typically have a clearer idea of their interests and future plans.
Students can use the summer before senior year to do additional visits to narrow down choices before applications.
Students can do a final visit senior year before application deadlines.
Seniors can also attend admitted student days to make a final decision about which college to attend.
Is it okay to wait until senior year to visit colleges?
In short, yes. If your child has no clue about their major or what they’d like to do in the future, opting for fall or the summer before senior year visits may make sense. However, it’s important to consider when applications are due, so this process is likely ideal for schools with rolling admissions only. It might not make sense to attempt waiting till senior year to apply to schools with early applications, like MIT.
Step 2: Decide your visit period.
Decide the best times of year and specific dates when colleges are in session. Try to work around fall and spring breaks because you won’t get a full experience of the college campus when students aren’t there. Also, try to avoid midterms and finals. You may not know when those will occur, but a quick call to the admission office can give you an idea.
Next, look at your child’s school calendar for potential visit dates. Check into school holidays and weekends. Don’t forget to check the weather!
Finally, look at your family schedule. Where are soccer games and volleyball games interfering with the general schedule? What can you miss? Where can you absolutely not take work off?
Step 3: Decide the time of day that works best.
Naturally, the time of day you plan to visit depends a lot on your travel logistics. If you get to a college late at night, the most logical step is to schedule your visit for the next morning. If you must drive two hours to get there, your best bet might be to arrive at 10 a.m. to give yourself time to drive.
Whatever the case, add flexibility to your schedule and always consider the possibility that you may visit a campus again!
When is the Best Time to Start Visiting Colleges?
When is the right time to start visiting colleges? It’s a time that aligns with your schedule, your child’s year in school and even aligns to the time of day that works best. It’s important to carefully plan, and try to do it early.
Need help creating a visit schedule? College Money Tips can help you do that! Email [email protected] for assistance scheduling a comprehensive visit schedule for your student and family.
FAQs
Still have FAQs about when to start doing college visits? Let’s tackle ’em.
What age should you start doing college tours?
I love this question because it’s such an important question when considering when to start making college visits. So many families feel in the dark. They don’t want to feel left behind and they also don’t want to start early. You can start doing college tours at any age, but the ideal timeline is to get started during junior year.
Is sophomore year too early to visit colleges?
Absolutely not. If you have a child who is gung-ho about college visits, start them! It’s fun to take advantage of the excitement with younger students, but remember that it’s possible that they might forget the details of individual colleges by the time they’re seniors.
How early is too early to look at colleges?
I remember working with students in junior high on group visits, and I thought that was too early when considering when to start doing college visits. They honestly didn’t grasp the finer details of what college was about, such as having a “minor” and how classes worked. However, if you have a junior high student and a high schooler and they’re interested, by all means, allow them to tag along on your older child’s visits!
Everyone in this world wants to become financially stable—the sooner, the better. Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula for becoming financially stable. Even Google can’t help everyone become rich fast.
Spending less than you earn and saving as much money as possible might help to a certain extent. But in a world where the cost of living keeps increasing, saving more money than you spend may seem impossible.
The right degree, however, can offer a pathway to stability and prosperity within a reasonable number of years after graduating. Here, we’ll discuss three degrees — an MBA, nursing and computer science degrees — that can pave your way to financial stability.
Whether you’re a parent looking to change your educational situation or want to pass on some advice to your high schooler, let’s dive in!
Key Takeaway
An MBA, nursing and computer science degree all offer financial stability through increased earning potential, job security, career advancement opportunities, access to benefits, networking and personal development. These degrees can equip you with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
What is Financial Stability?
What does it mean when we talk about “financial stability,” exactly? Sounds like one of those terms a stuffy old bank manager would talk to you about, doesn’t it?
The financial stability meaning refers to having control over your financial situation and can handle unexpected events or emergencies when they come up, meaning you don’t experience significant hardship or disruption to your standard of living.
Financial stability means you may be able to:
Navigate financial challenges like job loss or medical emergencies.
Avoid excessive debt burdens that lead to an inability to meet financial obligations.
Cover essential expenses with emergency savings.
Stay afloat with consistent financial support.
Create and stick to a budget.
Make informed investment decisions and plan for retirement.
How a Degree Can Help You Achieve Financial Stability
Choosing the right degree can help you achieve financial stability, and that’s obvious, right? After all, the more education you have under your belt, the more you’ll earn.
However, a degree can help you achieve more financial stability in other ways, including:
Higher earning potential: It’s not just about how much you’ll make out of the gate. Individuals with higher levels of education tend to earn more over their lifetimes compared to those with lower levels of education. You’re also facing far higher career advancement job opportunities.
Job security: You’re less likely to face unemployment or underemployment with the right degree, especially during economic downturns.
Access to benefits and perks: Some employers offer additional benefits and perks — retirement plans, health insurance, tuition reimbursement and bonuses. These “extras” can bolster your financial well-being.
Networking opportunities: You can network! Being part of a network of peers, professors and professional alumni from your college or university helps tremendously, and is one of the fringe benefits of financial stability. In a way, you’ll always have someone who can “catch” you if you fall. If you lose a job, why not just dip into your network?
Entrepreneurship: If you want to start your own business or pursue entrepreneurship, a degree can help you get there. You may be able to multiply your success and financial stability as an entrepreneur.
Does a degree guarantee financial stability?
No. Plus, it’s important to consider factors like the cost of education, student loan debt (taking on tons of need-based student aid can affect you negatively) and job market trends when making decisions. However, pursuing the right degree for your situation, needs and personality will give you a better chance of success than never pursuing it at all.
Degrees to Consider for Financial Stability
The three degrees are likely ones you’ve already heard of. Why not consider a Master of Business Administration, nursing or computer science? Let’s take a look at each, as well as the potential salary you might earn in each field.
Degree 1: Master of Business Administration
Many executives believe that attending business school has contributed to their career success. Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) will contribute to yours.
An MBA serves as a gateway to management roles and business leadership positions, which pay higher salaries than non-management jobs. Poets and Quants discloses that the average salary for MBA graduates in 2022, as reported by 17 business schools, was $147,648.
If you want to work in a management or business-related field, consider enrolling in an MBA program. This degree will equip you with a deep understanding of business principles and management practices. You will study a wide range of subjects in depth, including marketing, operations, finance and strategic management.
MBA graduates possess strong leadership and decision-making skills, which make them valuable assets in both entrepreneurial and corporate settings. Many business schools even offer online MBA programs, which makes them suitable for working individuals. Opt for them if you cannot afford to enroll in a traditional in-class program.
Degree 2: Nursing
Health care is the fastest-growing industry. It is predicted to create about 45% of all the projected job gains between 2022 and 2032.
Health care workers — surgeons, physicians and registered nurses — are always in demand. However, of all health care workers, registered nurses (RNs) are in the most demand. That is because the U.S. will experience a shortage of RNs in the upcoming years. Why not pursue a degree in nursing and fill the positions of new or retiring nurses?
A career in nursing is not only fulfilling, but also offers financial stability. With a nursing degree, you can earn between $62,253 and $140,275.
As a nursing student, you will be exposed to a diverse range of subjects, from the principles of nursing practice, patient care, and communication skills to responding to urgent situations. You can pursue your career as an RN in a variety of settings—clinics, hospitals, schools, and community settings.
There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse. Some earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), whereas others opt for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Nowadays, many universities are offering an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). These programs are designed for people with bachelor’s degrees in another discipline.
If you plan to switch your nursing career, go for the ABSN program. Quite a few nursing schools offer online accelerated nursing programs. Consider enrolling yourself in an online program if you’re a working individual. One significant benefit of online ABSN is flexibility. You can learn at your own pace and schedule without attending the traditional classroom every day.
Finding the right program, however, can be daunting. As per Online ABSN Programs, accreditation, student support and clinical placement assistance are three criteria that you must consider to narrow your options. Go for an online ABSN program only when a university is CCNE-accredited, offers advisors or counselors and assists with placements.
Degree 3: Computer Science
The demand for computer science is high in today’s digital world. If you are tech-savvy, you must definitely pursue a degree in computer science. This degree will equip you with a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. Your knowledge will prepare you for diverse roles.
A degree in computer science opens doors to an array of career opportunities in fields like cybersecurity, data analysis, software engineering and artificial intelligence. These fields, as the world embraces everything digital, are booming and will continue to in the future.
For example, the median pay for a cybersecurity analyst is $112,000 per year. Their average additional cash compensation is $13,097. The average base salary of a data scientist, on the other hand, is $103,500 per year.
Choose the Right Degree for You
The degree you pursue will have a significant impact on your financial stability as well as long-term success. So, should you go for one of these if you know in your heart that they’re not right for you?
No. If you can’t stand the sight of blood or bodily fluids, you shouldn’t choose nursing just because you’ll earn a decent salary. Think through your talents, skills and natural tendencies so you can choose your options wisely.
Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare or technology, there are plenty of degree options that can lead to financial stability and a rewarding career. Considering your passion, interests and long-term goals will help you choose a degree that aligns with your passions as well as position you for financial success.
FAQs
Let’s look at a few frequently asked questions you may still wonder about with regard to pursuing financial stability.
What should you do to reach financial stability?
There are endless possibilities for reaching financial stability, including creating a budget, building an emergency fund, paying off high-interest debt, investing in your retirement, diversifying income sources, maintaining insurance coverage, educating yourself on personal finance (including reading books!), setting financial goals and seeking professional advice when needed. Finally, the most important one of all: Practice disciplined spending and live within your means.
Do you need a college degree to be financially stable?
You can attain financial stability in various ways — college isn’t your only option. You can also pursue vocational training, skilled trades, entrepreneurship and other routes to achieve stability. Higher education can enhance opportunities, but it’s not the sole determinant of financial success.
What degree makes the most money?
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field degrees typically bring home the most bacon, particularly in engineering, computer science and certain branches of medicine. Specific disciplines such as petroleum engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and medical specialties like orthopedics or anesthesiology often command higher salaries due to high demand and specialized skills. However, other factors come into the mix, including experience, location, industry and individual career trajectory.
You head into the school gymnasium, where you see tables and tables of smiling admission counselors. You’re there with your teen, who looks overwhelmed.
You know she’s thinking it too: “Where do we start? What should we ask? Do these admission counselors just tell people about the school they work for? Do admissions representatives make decisions? What the heck does that admission counselor do all day?”
If you wonder about any of these things, read on.
Key Takeaway
A college admissions counselor is your child’s resource, providing school information, aiding in visit scheduling, assisting with applications, explaining financial aid, and equipping you to make a college decision. They guide you through the college search journey, offering invaluable support along the way.
What is an Admissions Counselor?
An admissions counselor works in colleges, universities or other postsecondary schools. Their primary responsibility is to assist prospective students with the admissions process.
Admissions counselors play a pivotal role in recruiting and enrolling students by providing information about academic programs, application procedures, financial aid options, campus life and other relevant aspects of the institution. They also typically offer the following:
Relationships: If your child applies to a “reach” school, an admission counselor might have some sway with an admission committee. You want someone to go to bat for your child when you might need a little extra push, and a relationship with your admission counselor might be able to do that.
Advice: College and university admission counselors (unlike a school counselor) can’t set your child’s high school class schedule. Still, we can tell you what our institution might view more favorably if you aren’t sure which class (or classes) your student should take in high school.
Honesty: We’ll also be honest with you if you’re not the caliber of student who would succeed at the college or university we work for, which can save you a lot of time. We might not do general college application counseling, but we can tell you precisely what you need to apply to our institution.
If your child starts at a community college or didn’t make the right college choice coming out of high school (which is okay!), they will work with a transfer admission counselor when considering starting at a new school.
A transfer admission counselor is a specialized type of admissions counselor specifically focusing on assisting students transferring from one college or university to another. These counselors work with students transitioning from a two-year community college, another four-year institution, or any other educational setting to a new academic environment.
The primary responsibilities of transfer admission counselors are similar to those of traditional admissions counselors but with a focus on transfer students’ unique needs and concerns.
Some of their key responsibilities include:
Assessment of transfer credits: Transfer admission counselors evaluate transfer students’ transcripts to determine which credits will be accepted by the new institution and how they will apply toward the student’s degree program.
Providing information and guidance: They offer guidance to transfer students regarding the application process, deadlines, required documentation and any specific requirements for transfer applicants.
Assistance with academic planning: Transfer admission counselors help students understand how their previous coursework aligns with the requirements of the new institution and assist them in planning their academic trajectory to ensure a smooth transition.
Address concerns and questions: They address any concerns or questions transfer students may have about the transfer process, academic programs, campus life, housing and financial aid.
Transfer credit policies: They inform students about the institution’s transfer credit policies, including any limitations on the number of credits that can be transferred and the criteria for accepting transfer credits.
Facilitating connections: Transfer admission counselors often serve as a point of contact between transfer students and various departments, such as academic advisors, financial aid offices and faculty members.
The transfer admission process and timeline are different at every college. Talk with the transfer counselor at your child’s potential new college to learn about the transfer timeline. If your child comes from a different four-year institution, talk to the transfer counselor to see what steps they need to take to go through the transfer admission process.
The documents needed as a transfer student may differ from those that first-year students need, which is why talking to a transfer admission counselor is key! Scholarships available for transfer students are often different from those offered to first-year students, so you can speak with a transfer counselor about that, too!
Understanding the Responsibilities of Admissions Counselors
So, let’s dive in to understand exactly what admissions counselors do.
Interviewing Prospective Students
When prospective students come to campus, an admissions counselor will typically be on hand to meet with them. Each part of the country is divided into territories, meaning that each student gets “placed” with an admissions counselor. When your child comes to campus, you’ll sit down with an admissions counselor to discuss all the opportunities, admission requirements, campus life and more.
Many admission counselors are campus-based, so you’ll see them when you visit campus. Others are regionally based, meaning they live where they are recruiting students.
Admission counselors like working with people, plain and simple. The relationships we can build with students (and families) we work with make our jobs fun and rewarding.
Sometimes, high schools encourage (or require) prospective students to have an interview as part of their application or for scholarships.
Admission counselors who do this have an idea of what they are looking for out of this interview, and your child may receive the information they need to review ahead of time, such as if something on an application stands out (either good or bad).
I’ve said it before and will repeat it: Use the relationship you can forge with an admission counselor.
Evaluating Recruitment Techniques and Data
Counselors follow the directives of the college or university to recruit their next class, and we ask questions like:
What was missing in our last class?
Did we enroll too many students into a certain program (if the college admits by program) or not enough students from a specific geographic area?
All these factors determine who the college will admit to the next year’s class (and maybe more pronounced at selective schools).
Your child needs to let us know what you bring to the table that we don’t already have.
Making Admission Decisions
Different schools use different methods to determine admission decisions. Sometimes, it’s strictly a numbers game: if your student meets certain criteria, you’re in! Other schools view students holistically, which means they look not only at grades (and possibly test scores) but also at essays or personal statements, letters of recommendation, etc.
Admission counselors are real people reading your application. We have emotions and experiences that we come in with, and a good essay or letter of recommendation can make a difference when reading an application!
Don’t think the admission counselor is looking for a reason to deny your child; they’re looking for reasons to admit your child. Does your child’s application have grammatical errors or inconsistencies?
Does your child have a GPA rigor on the transcript that the college is looking for? These are the things that stand out to admission representatives. Admission counselors who read applications read many (and sometimes don’t have time to pore over them), so you want to ensure that your child stands out for good reasons, not bad ones.
Recruiting Students
Those of us in the admission counseling role work with prospective students and want to find students who will “find their fit” at the college or university we work for. It doesn’t serve anyone to admit students who won’t be successful and ultimately leave for whatever reason.
Building a relationship with a student can show us more than simply reading an application, and it can be helpful for a student to see what life might be like at that college!
Do you need a bit of hand-holding and can’t get someone on the phone to answer a question? That might indicate what being a student there is like, and it might not be what you need to be successful.
How Admissions Counselors Work with Students During the Year
Different seasons in the year bring various responsibilities for admission counselors each year. If the school you’re looking at works on rolling admissions (reviewing applications as they come in) the timelines might be slightly different, but for the most part, the role of an admission counselor is seasonal.
Spring
During the spring, admission counselors ensure that high school seniors have all the tools they need to make a college decision. Talking through financial aid awards, ensuring their housing forms are in, setting up campus visits, and working admitted student events occur now.
Most colleges have a May 1 decision date, so everything works up to that.
In addition, we college admission counselors are switching to working with current juniors, traveling to high schools and spring college fairs to get information for the next class so that they can start figuring out their campus visits and narrowing down the list of colleges they are considering.
Summer
Summer is the most restful time in a college admissions counselor’s year. We will help tie up loose ends with the incoming class and maybe help with summer orientation and registration, but we’re also looking back at our incoming class to see if there are any trends and what could (or should) be changed process-wise for the coming year.
Fall
Ready, set, GO! Fall is go time!
High school visits, fairs and pushing applications from interested students are highest on the list of priorities. Many of us will spend more days on the road than in our offices during the fall. We get out and talk to your child and their school counselor to get as much information as possible about you — my favorite part of my job.
Colleges and universities on rolling admissions will also release decisions after an application is reviewed, so your admission counselor will be reaching out to let you know what your next steps are after receiving your decision!
Pro tip: Is writing not one of your strengths, or have you struggled, and your GPA isn’t the best? Talk to the admission counselor to see what elements are the most important in an application.
Winter
Winter is review and scholarship time. For admission counselors who review applications, we will spend much of our time in the winter reading applications and working with students to go through their next steps.
Some schools hold scholarship events in the winter months so that you can have a complete financial aid award (and understand it) before deciding where your child will land the following fall.
How Admissions Counselors Work with High Schoolers
Your interactions with admission counselors will change throughout your child’s high school career as much as the schools they consider may change. What they want as a high school freshman will differ from what they prefer as a senior!
Here’s a rough overview of what you can expect from an admission counselor throughout high school.
Freshmen and Sophomores in High School
As students are likely just starting to think about “what comes after high school” as freshmen and sophomores, they will probably have limited contact with an admission counselor.
If you want to get out and visit colleges, do it! The more exposure you get, the less confusing this process will be later.
You should expect follow-up from an admission counselor, but most communication will come from you, not the admission counselor.
Juniors in High School
Juniors receive more communication from colleges and their admission counselors. We want juniors to think more seriously about “what comes next.”
You can expect admission counselors to encourage you to visit colleges, and you’ll find that many schools offer visit days specifically for juniors.
Seniors in High School
As your child approaches their senior year in high school, you’re likely navigating the maze of college applications and decisions together. It’s a pivotal time, and I want to assure you that admission counselors are here to support both you and your senior throughout this process.
First and foremost, admission counselors are your partners in ensuring your child’s smooth transition to college. They serve as invaluable resources in providing information about various colleges, universities and programs. From admission requirements to application deadlines, they help demystify the college landscape.
Whether it’s discussing campus culture, program offerings or extracurricular opportunities, admission counselors help your senior find the best fit.
Moreover, admission counselors provide hands-on assistance with the application process itself. From deciphering application requirements to crafting compelling essays, they offer invaluable support every step of the way. They help your child put their best foot forward in presenting themselves to colleges and universities.
Financial considerations are also part of the equation, and admission counselors are well-versed in navigating the complexities of financial aid and scholarships. They provide guidance on available options and assist your family in exploring avenues to make college more affordable.
As standardized testing often plays a role in college admissions, admission counselors offer resources and strategies to help your child excel on exams like the SAT and ACT. They ensure your child feels confident and prepared when test day arrives.
Throughout the entire process, admission counselors serve as advocates for your child. They offer unwavering support, address any concerns or questions, and help your child overcome obstacles along the way.
As your child transitions from high school to college, admission counselors continue to offer assistance. They provide information on orientation programs, housing options and academic advising services, ensuring a smooth transition into college life.
Building Relationships with Admissions Counselors
Please use admission counselors as the resource that we are. We don’t visit high schools and college fairs just to hand out brochures. We want to know more about your child. The more we know, the better we can help guide them through this process.
If you don’t need anything, that’s okay! If you do, it’s good to know you can always contact your admission counselor for help.
Do Admissions Counselors Make Decisions Regarding Admission?
Sometimes, yes! This is why your child should develop that relationship with admission counselors, especially if they’re looking at a school that might just be out of your child’s target academic range.
If we have any pull with the admission process, we will certainly go to bat for your child (if we know them).
The Role of Admissions Counselors Beyond Acceptance
In my position, I don’t stop reaching out once your child has been admitted. I’ll ensure that you stay on top of scholarship and financial aid deadlines, complete those next steps on time, and then help you ensure you have exactly what you need to make your college decision.
The bulk of an admission counselor’s role involves working with prospective students, but it isn’t like a door is closed and students on campus never head into the admission office again. Developing a relationship with your admission counselor can lead to a job in the admission office when you enroll at a college or help you find your footing once you get to campus.
Navigating Special Circumstances
The college admission process can be confusing, especially for first-generation college students. I’m here to help navigate you through the process and help whenever I can.
The same goes for students needing accommodations to help level the playing field. Working with your admission counselor can be to your student’s advantage, as we can connect you to current students who were in similar circumstances not long before you. Plus, we’re generally more helpful than a Google search.
Tips for Parents in Supporting Their High School Students
I often say that the college search journey is like a road trip where students are the drivers.
Are you (as the parent) sitting in the back reading, only looking up occasionally, or are you giving turn-by-turn directions (and occasionally grabbing the wheel in fear)?
Most parents I work with are somewhere in the middle. Whatever your road trip style, you should feel like you can also build a relationship with your admission counselor. Reach out when you have questions because, in the end, we both want what’s best for your family. Think of us as your GPS. You can get turn-by-turn instructions interrupting the music from the minute you leave your block, or you can just use us when things are less familiar.
Common Misconceptions About Admissions Counselors
We admission counselors don’t usually have the final say about whether a student attends our college or university.
We enjoy working with families and know that not every student we work with will choose to attend our school … and that’s okay! Our main objective is to develop a relationship with the students we work with so that even if your child doesn’t choose our school, you’ll have an experience that you’ll want to tell your friends and family about when it becomes their turn to go through the admissions process.
More than an Application Collector
From the first meeting at a college fair or high school visit to greeting you on move-in day, we, as college admission counselors, are your guide and advocate. We’re there for you when you have questions, including parent questions!
My teenagers tell me I’m good at asking “mom questions,” and I get that what parents want to know is often quite different from what students think to ask. Asking questions can only help you and your student come to a college decision that is right for you… and you don’t have to stop asking questions just because your student has paid their enrollment deposit.
If this has brought up more questions for you or if you’ve had a good experience with a college admission counselor, please share that in the comments section. So many people don’t know how to utilize a college admission counselor, so please let us know how you worked with yours!
Choosing a college or university to apply to should be a fun process! If you can take advantage of attending a college fair (or several), you should! This is a great time to meet with admission representatives and ask questions. What questions should you ask admissions counselors at college fairs? Here’s our list.
Don’t treat an admission counselor as a stranger. We want to help you through this process! It’s not about selling you a college or university (although yes, that’s part of it), but it’s about selling you the right college or university for your child.
Written by Jen DiSessa, senior assistant director of admission at Central College. I worked with Jen professionally during my time there. She’s amazing!
Contact College Money Tips at [email protected] if you have questions about the college search process and achieving a debt-free degree.
How to Get In-State Tuition if You Live Out of State
