1. Types of Colleges

2. Community & Junior Colleges
Generally 2-year Associate Degree programs
Can usually transfer to 4-year college
Offer specialized job training
Often affordable
Prepare students to enter the workforce
Generally easy to get in

3. 4-Year College & Universities
Offer Bachelor Degrees
Many offer Graduate Programs for master’s, doctorate & professional degrees
Curriculum is more broad
Public or private
Public -- subsidized by tax money from state so generally less expensive than private colleges
Private -- funded through endowments, tuition, and donations, so usually higher cost than a public university.
But don't rule private school out only because of cost! Private colleges often offer financial aid options that make their cost feasible

4. Vocational Training Schools
Privately owned and operated schools that offer a wide variety of training options, such as computer technology, cosmetology, mechanical repair, court reporting, paralegal services, office administration, and medical assistance.
Take from five to 12 months to as much as three years to complete.
Vocational training schools usually have open admissions, which means they will admit all students interested in attending.

5. Average Annual Earnings By Education

6. How to Pay for College

7. Scholarships
Free money — Scholarships and grants are known as gift aid because they do not require repayment.
Institutional scholarships
Private Sector Scholarships — Private foundations, companies, and service groups (e.g. Chambers of Commerce, Rotary and Lions Clubs, and many corporations and businesses) also award scholarships.
Who is eligible for scholarships?
There are scholarships for all kinds of students. Many scholarships are merit based, meaning a student's academic achievement determines their eligibility for the scholarship and how much is awarded.

8. Grants
Free $$$$
Based on financial need, interests, academic success, or interests

9. Borrow – college is an investment
Recent studies show a person that earns a bachelor's degree will earn over a million dollars more over the course of his or her working life than a person who only attains a high school diploma.
Not free $$$, must pay back

10. How do I get a Student Loan
Must fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information that you and your parents provide on this form serves as the basis for determining your eligibility for federal student aid, and for state and institutional aid programs.
Remember! — You have to pay back all the education loans you borrow