Are you a mom who never completed a college degree? If you’re now feeling the urge to get that diploma, your timing couldn’t be better. That’s because there are a lot of bargains out there, plenty of new ways to get degrees, and financing arrangements that make sense for any budget. Here are five things that should be on your to do list if you’re a busy mom who wants to earn a degree without turning your life upside down.
Explore Online Bargains
With the explosion of online learning these days, community and four-year colleges are offering pared down tuition costs for prospective students who opt to do all their coursework via a computer connection. The scene is changing fast, so don’t rely on outdated information. When you’re shopping for schools, speak live with admissions staff members to find out about low-cost options for programs that are offered completely online. It’s possible to earn an accredited undergrad diploma for about half what you’d pay for in-person alternatives.
Know How to Borrow the Smart Way
When you begin to search for private lenders, use a student loan repayment calculator to hone in on exact costs. All you need are three pieces of information: the amount you intend to borrow, the interest rate, and the length of the repayment period, commonly called the term. Plug that data into the calculator and see what your monthly payments will be for varying rates, amounts, and terms. The best part about using a calculator is that you can experiment and come up with an arrangement that fits your budget and personal preferences.
Attend Community College First
One of the oldest ways to minimize educational expenses is to attend a community college before heading to a university or four-year institution. If you go this route, be sure to discuss with counselors which courses will transfer most easily to local and national universities and colleges. Using this method, it’s possible to shave thousands of dollars off the total cost of a diploma.
Consult an Academic or Career Counselor
It worth the small per-hour charge to consult with a professional career counselor who specializes in helping adults choose a smart pathway to graduation. Experienced academic and career advisors can help you deal with specific challenges of being a mother who takes on the challenge of going back to school, or attending for the very first time.
Negotiate to Secure Credit
If you already have some schooling under your belt, work diligently to get credit for every course you took. Not only will this approach save you money, it’ll save you time. Plus, it’s only fair that the math or biology classes you struggled through several years ago get counted toward your new goal. Keep in mind that many schools are willing to negotiate with you. They want new attendees, and you want the credit. So, don’t be wary of phoning an admissions office and giving it your best shot. At worst, you’ll have spent a few minutes on the phone for nothing. At best, you’ll get full credit for every course you’ve already taken.
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