You worked your butt off through high school. You studied for every test, turned in every extra credit assignment, and even got yourself an online tutor. So, you deserve to go to the college of your dreams. The only problem: College isn't cheap.
Maybe your family can't afford to help you pay for your dream school. And maybe you're looking at the cost of college, thinking about the loans you'll have to repay, and wondering if it's worth it. Let us assure you, it is.
According to the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, people in their 20s who have a bachelor's degree earn 47% more than people who only have a high school degree. During their lifetime, people with a bachelor's degree earn 73% more. And college grads are 3.5 times less likely to live in poverty.
So, if you want to set yourself up for a more comfortable future, the best decision you can make is to attend college — even if that means taking out student loans. And the first type of loan you should apply for is a federal student loan. Federal student loans have a lower interest rate than private student loans. And you don't need to start repaying federal loans until six months after you graduate, which gives you time to find a job.
To qualify for student loans, you'll need to apply by filling out the FAFSA.