Savings Gap for College Parents

Parents are failing to save for their children's university courses, says a survey.

And they are underestimating how much a three years degree course is likely to cost.

Money problems also mean that students are taking term-time jobs, with another survey saying that more than half students are now working.

This is affecting their studies, as over 40% say they have missed lectures because of their jobs.

With students returning for the new university year, a survey suggests that many parents are failing to prepare for the financial pressures ahead.

The survey, from the Abbey National bank, found a third of parents are not yet saving for university costs - which the bank says is now going to be about £22,500.

Unprepared

This figure could be bad news for many parents - as the bank's survey says that a third of families are under the impression that they will only have to pay less than £10,000, with another quarter expecting to pay less than £20,000.

Only a tenth of parents are aware that the full cost is likely to be in excess of £20,000.

These figures apply to students now starting university - and the financial outlook is even tougher for those with young children - with forecasts that by 2020 university expenses will have reached £34,000.

In another survey, from NatWest bank, it appears that the number of students with part-time jobs is increasing - with 53% reporting that they are working, up from 48% last year.

This increase in work reflects the deepening levels of debt - up to an average of over £8,000, with more than a quarter of students owing more than £10,000.

Without working, three-quarters of students say they could not be able to financially survive through university, although 43% said that they had missed lectures because of their jobs.

And the survey found that six out of ten students believed that the current tuition fees system is not fair.

Have a great day and God bless!

Choosing a College with Purpose

Why do people go to college? Is it for the education, experience, career opportunity or to find that special someone, etc.

College has many benefits to college students in search for a great life with a successful career that can be obtained through college.

Is it enough?

I have lived and experienced three colleges so far and all of them had similarites and differences that made them interesting. What do all these different colleges have to offer us though?

College Types

Community College

The community college is an excellent place to start your post-secondary education. You may choose to earn an associate degree or a certificate at a community college then enter the workplace, or you might go on to a bachelor's degree by transferring to a four-year institution.

Reasons for choosing to attend a community college are as varied as individuals. Low tuition, convenient locations, open admissions and comprehensive course offerings are highly persuasive factors in students' personal calculations.

Four-Year College & University

Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in a variety fields of study. Most also offer graduate programs with opportunities to earn a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. The curriculum is usually broader than a two-year school.

Public colleges and universities are subsidized by tax money from the state in which they are located and are generally less expensive than private colleges. However, the low rates are normally available only to residents of the state. Out-of-staters, or non-residents, usually pay higher rates. They also may have limited financial aid funds for students.

Private colleges, on the other hand, are funded through endowments, tuition, and donations. The cost of attending a private college is usually higher 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.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.

Whatever college you choose make sure it is the one for you and the has a purpose for your future.

Have a great day and God bless!