Why attend College? Level of Education Ave. Yearly Income for People 18yrs. or OlderSome High School $16,000High School Graduate $25,000Bachelor’s Degree $49,000

Education Earnings (in millions of dollars)Professional Degree $4.4Doctorate $3.4Master's Degree $2.5 Bachelor's Degree $2.1Associate Degree $1.6High School Diploma $1.2Less than High School Diploma $1.0Earnings for full-time, year-round workers by educational attainment for work-life of approximately 40 years.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

)

What should you consider when choosing a college?

Your Academic Program Good Academic Reputation Distinguished Faculty Campus Size and Enrollment

When should I begin planning? Start in the Inquiring about pre-College courses in the 8th & 9th Graders:Start and plan on maintaining a list of your activities, awards, community service, and other unique educational experiences throughout high school.

10th Graders: Inquire about taking the ACT PLAN,ACT Explore, ACT Aspire or practice test for the ACT and the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

These tests are important practice tests which will prepare you for the ACT and the SAT.

Juniors & SeniorsAttend College FairsConsider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer school program or working as a volunteerTake the ACT or the SATComplete Applications:

Admission & Housing ApplicationsScholarship Applications

FAFSA Have your high school send your transcript to

colleges

Step 1 - Be a Pain!   Let everyone know that

you're going to college and need their help.

4 ACTIVE Steps to Preparing for College

Steps 2 - Push Yourself!    Working a little harder

today will make getting into college even easier.

4 ACTIVE Steps to Preparing for College

Step 3 - Find the Right Fit!    Find out what kind of

school is the best match for you and your career goals.

4 ACTIVE Steps to Preparing for College

Step 4 - Put Your Hands on Some Cash! 

  If you think you can't afford college, think again. There's lots of aid out there.

4 ACTIVE Steps to Preparing for College

College is NOT FreeDirect Costs•TUITION•ROOM & BOARD•FEESIndirect Costs•BOOKS•TRANSPORTATION•MISCELLANEOUShttp://www.collegecost.ed.gov

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Complete FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.govRequest PIN www.pin.ed.gov

Submit FAFSA online

Previous year income information

2014-2015 FAFAS requires 2013 tax

information.

FACTS ABOUT FINANCIAL AIDCost of attendance (COA) tuition, books,

living expensesMINUS(-)

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) =

Need

Types of AidFederal Aid Programs are based on financial need. They are the largest single source of financial aid for college.State Aid Programs—Most states support various aid programs (both need-based and merit). Generally, eligibility for state need-based programs follows the federal guidelines.

Types of AidGrants & Scholarships—Awards based on merit or merit plus need. They don't have to be repaid.Loans—Funds loaned through a lending institution or college. Interest rates vary by program. For federal loans, qualifying students—based on need—will not have to pay interest while in school.Military Programs—helps pay for college.Work-study Programs—Jobs that allow students to earn money toward their education while they are enrolled in school.

APPLY FOR Scholarships &

Grants

Apply Early Apply Often

Loan Programs

PROS vs. Cons.

Borrow Responsibly!

Texas B-On-Time (BOT) Loan Program

The Texas B-On-Time Loan program is a zero-interest loan

.

Texas BOT Loan Program 4-year public and private institutions:

$3,850/semester ($7,700/year)2-year public and private junior colleges:

$1,320/semester ($2,640/year)Public technical colleges:

$2,200/semester ($4,400/year).

Borrow Responsibly

Dallas County Community CollegesRising Star Program

• Rising Star provides academic support services and up to $4,000 for tuition and books throughout your education in the DCCCD.

• Student can attend part-time or full-time

• Student can earn a degree, certificate or complete core courses and transfer.

*Must be in the top 40% of the graduating class or possess at least a “B” average

Thank You for Your Participation!

“Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” John Dewey

Jarlene DeCayDean of Student Success

jdecay@dcccd.edu

•