GEARING UP helping your middle school student prepare for college and career

College and Career Planning by the Numbers

goal This is the motto of Oregon GEAR UP which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. The GEAR UP program in Oregon is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, run through the Oregon University System, and supports middle and high schools across the state to encourage students to pursue higher education and prepare them to succeed. As a parent or family member, you and your middle school student can begin planning for the future today. COLLEGE. It’s not a dream, it’s a plan.

startling statistics Only 46.5% of Oregon’s high school graduates go directly to college, which ranks second-to-last for all states. 80% of the jobs in Oregon that pay over $50,000/year will require a Bachelor’s degree or higher. NCHEMS Information Center (2008 data) Oregon Employment Department (2009 data)

important reasons to go to college More money! Greater job security Career satisfaction There are LOTS of reasons to go to college, but these are some of the most important.

important reasons to go to college Information and statistics provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), the General Social Survey (GSS) and CollegeBoard.

important reasons to go to college Information and statistics provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), the General Social Survey (GSS) and CollegeBoard.

important reasons to go to college Information and statistics provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009), the General Social Survey (GSS) and CollegeBoard.

types of higher education TypeDegree# YearsExamples Technical or Vocational Diploma or certificate1-2Oregon Culinary School, Oregon School of Massage Community College Associate’s Degree (may also have certificate programs) 2Chemeketa CC, Central Oregon CC Public 4-Year College Bachelor’s Degree (often also have Graduate and Professional degrees) 4Oregon State University, Southern Oregon University Private 4-Year College Bachelor’s Degree (occasionally Graduate and Professional degrees) 4Willamette University, Linfield College

ways to pay for higher education College Savings Plans Loans Grants Work Study Scholarships College can be expensive, but there are multiple ways of paying for college (or getting it for free!)

ways to pay for higher education Types of Savings Plans 529 College Savings Plan Coverdell Education Savings Account Savings bonds Stocks and mutual fund accounts College Savings Plans: The first step in paying for college. Talk to local banks or credit unions about setting up an account. All of these plans should gain interest tax-free – so that by saving now, your student will have more money for college later. Other family members and your student can contribute, too! Save this amount each week: In 5 years with 5% interest, you’ll have: In 5 years with 8% interest you’ll have: $5$1,475$1,595 $10$2,950$3,185 $20$5,895$6,370 $50$14,725$15,650

ways to pay for higher education Need-Based AidWhat is it?Need to be paid back? LoansBorrowed money to help pay for college. Yes GrantsMoney from the federal government or the college. No Work StudyPart-time jobs, often on campus, to help pay for college. No Merit-Based AidWhat is it?Need to be paid back? ScholarshipsGiven for good grades, community service, athletic ability or unique personal qualities. No Financial Aid: Money to help pay for college.

ways to pay for higher education Let’s see how a student might use financial aid and college savings to help pay for college. First: How much is the “sticker price” of college? The cost of college includes tuition, fees, books, living expenses, and tuition. Average annual cost for Oregon colleges: Type of InstitutionTuition & Fees Other Costs Annual Total 2 Year Community Colleges$3,710$11,014$14,724 4 Year Public Universities$7,217$13,050$20,627 4 Year Private Universities$27,158$11,822$38,980 Source: Oregon Student Assistance Commission,

ways to pay for higher education Mt. Hood Community College Western Oregon University University of Portland Annual “sticker price”$11,179$20,236$46,545 Financial Aid Grants$3,087$3,784$19,758 Scholarships$2,000$3,100$10,700 Work-Study$0$1,465$1,000 Loans$2,690$3,259$3,319 Total Financial Aid-$7,777-$11,608-$34,777 Actual family cost$3,402$8,628$11,768 Second: What does it really cost? Average financial aid packages by college Source: CollegeBoard College Search

career paths to explore Help your student explore his/her interests, related careers, and the kind of education he or she will need. Careers can be grouped into six categories: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Systems Arts, Information, and Communications Business, Finance, and Management Health Sciences Human Resources, Education and Social Services Industrial and Engineering Systems Adapted from Oregon Career Information System.

career paths to explore Adapted from Oregon Career Information System. Arts, Communication and Information Student interest: Art, drawing, or design Career option: Graphic designer Education needed: Associate’s degree or higher Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Student interest: Nature, science Career option: Hydrologist Education needed: Bachelor’s degree or higher

career paths to explore Adapted from Oregon Career Information System. Business, Finance and Management Student interest: Computers, math Career option: Computer and Information Systems Manager Education needed: Bachelor’s degree or higher Health Sciences Student interest: Sports, animals, helping people Career option: Dental hygienist Education needed: Associate’s degree or higher

career paths to explore Adapted from Oregon Career Information System. Human Resources, Education, and Social Services Student interest: Helping others, listening, persuading Career option: Psychologist Education needed: Graduate degree Industrial and Engineering Systems Student interest: Solving problems, doing experiments Career option: Aerospace engineering technician Education needed: Associate’s degree or higher

ways to help your middle school student Talk to your student. Ask questions and start conversations about homework, classes, high school, college, and careers.

ways to help your middle school student Set a routine for homework. Set specific times aside for students to complete homework. Good grades are the most important factor in getting accepted to college.

ways to help your middle school student Encourage your student to get involved. Sports, music, community service, or school clubs are all good ways for your student to stay engaged and explore interests.

ways to help your middle school student Talk to the school. Teachers, counselors, administrators and staff can help navigate the transition process to high school and preparing for college.

ways to help your middle school student Visit a college campus. Join a school field trip or visit a community college or university with your student. Schools offer free tours with current college students.

ways to help your middle school student Talk to a bank. Start a college savings plan that both you and your student can contribute to each month.

ways to help your middle school student Keep it up! Continue learning with your student about the steps to get into college. There are resources available online, at school, and at colleges to help you through the entire process.

For more information about college and career planning, call, or visit the school counselor: Name Phone Helpful websites include: Knowhow2go.org College.gov Mychildsfuture.org More information