Choosing Schools Archives - Student Debt Diaries

When You Should Consider Community College

November 8, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Community colleges are affordable higher education institutions that usually offer two-year degrees and credentials in a variety of vocational programs. Some community colleges offer four-year degrees, and certain community colleges may permit students to complete courses to earn credentials at other institutions. In any event, community colleges are usually an affordable option since credits typically cost a fraction of the price at a community college than at a traditional university. Although community colleges may not… Continue Reading When You Should Consider Community College

Graduate College on Time

October 11, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Most college students complete their undergraduate studies in four years. There are a few accelerated programs, and some dual-degree programs that might require more time, but most students will spend four years in college. Oftentimes, people need to spend more time attending college, either because of a health issue, personal interests, family responsibilities, or other factors. Although some circumstances are out of a college student’s control, students should graduate college on time if at all… Continue Reading Graduate College on Time

When You Should Attend a For-Profit College

October 4, 2021October 10, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Most colleges in the United States are non-profit institutions that receive tax benefits in exchange for providing public benefits. Nevertheless, numerous for-profit schools operate in this country, and millions of students attend such institutions. There has been some negative press about for-profit colleges and allegations that some of these institutions mislead students and commit other wrongs. However, there are a few instances when you should attend a for-profit college in the right circumstances. Non-Traditional Schedules… Continue Reading When You Should Attend a For-Profit College

Higher Tuition Costs May be Worth It

July 5, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

As discussed in several prior articles on this website, tuition costs at many colleges and universities are astonishingly high. Indeed, tuition costs have been increasing more than the cost of inflation for decades, and as a result, the tuition and fees for a year of college or graduate school may be more than an individual earns in a year. However, higher tuition costs may be worth it in certain circumstances because schools may use tuition… Continue Reading Higher Tuition Costs May be Worth It

Applying to Schools During Competitive Times

June 21, 2021June 26, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

As many applicants to undergraduate and graduate school programs understand from firsthand experience, some admission cycles are more competitive than others. People may wish to ride out hard economic times in academia, and the increase in applications can make it more difficult to be admitted to programs and be awarded financial aid. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic consequences the pandemic has created, many people have applied to college and graduate school, and… Continue Reading Applying to Schools During Competitive Times

Attending School for a Challenge

June 7, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

I recently had a number of conversations with one of my friends who was thinking about attending law school about a decade after he graduated from college. This friend makes a great living in his current career, but he felt that his job was easy and that he was not getting too much mental stimulation with the work he performed on a daily basis. As such, this friend decided to apply to law school, not… Continue Reading Attending School for a Challenge

Income-Share Agreements Can Help Pay for School

May 24, 2021May 24, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

The student loan landscape has not changed much over the past decade. Individuals who do not have financial resources to pay for school outright typically must borrow loans from government or private sources to cover educational expenses and then must pay back this debt. However, income-share agreements can help pay for school and are a novel new way to structure education financing. As such, more schools should consider this unique way of paying for college… Continue Reading Income-Share Agreements Can Help Pay for School

Minimizing the Impact of Transferring Schools

May 17, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

This website has previously discussed how transferring schools can impact your educational costs and student debt burden. Indeed, some schools offer financial aid to transfer students, and the cost of attending a new school may be significantly less than attending the school which a student originally attended. In addition, a new school may have a lower cost of living, which can impact your bottom line. Even though transferring schools can be a major life decision,… Continue Reading Minimizing the Impact of Transferring Schools

Grad School Is More Important Than College

April 19, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Some students know they will enroll in graduate school even before they enter college. This may be because individuals wish to enter certain fields that require a graduate school education or because they have an academic interest that they wish to pursue beyond college. In any case, grad school is more important than college in many instances, and individuals may wish to lower their undergraduate student debt to prepare for borrowing for graduate school. In… Continue Reading Grad School Is More Important Than College

Students Should Have Fun in College

April 12, 2021 Jordan RothmanChoosing Schools

Students Should Have More Fun in College

Student loans can make it more difficult to have fun in college. Individuals with student debt may not have the resources needed to take trips in college or spend money on other things that can make the undergraduate experience more fun. In addition, student loans can cause a substantial amount of stress, which can put a damper on the college experience. However, students should have fun in college for a variety of reasons even if… Continue Reading Students Should Have Fun in College