Graduating from high school and then going off to college is a large step for many students, especially in regard to academics and maturity level. A student (and parents) should really assess if the student is ready to attend a four-year university with all the academic and social demands. If not, community college is a great option. Or perhaps the student is ready to attend a four-year college, but simply cannot afford the cost. In this case, community college is also a great choice.

Community college used to have a stigma attached. But the stigma is quickly going away because students and parents are realizing what a financial steal community college is. For example, the average annual cost of tuition, room and board and fees at a public university as of 2009 is $14,333 (College Board). The average cost of a private college is $34,132 (College Board). The average annual cost of tuition and fees for 2008 for a community college is $4,552 (U.S. News & World Report). The savings are astronomical.

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The life of the non-traditional vs. traditional college student is intricately weaved on one common goal: achieving a college degree. While traditional students are less focused on this goal and more focused on the college experience, the non-traditional students balance work, family, and career.


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Student aid policy experts have argued for years that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is too long and too complicated. The FAFSA form is a source of confusion and frustration for many families. The policy experts have proven that the current process of applying for financial aid is itself a problem that prevents millions of students from applying for student financial aid and ultimately graduating with a college degree.


Download First Steps Toward Simplifying the FAFSA

As you've probably discovered by now, there are more organizations, clubs, and activities on campus than you can possibly experience. At many schools, there is an on-campus organization, or at least a presence, for every conceivable activity, hobby, and interest.


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No matter how much we educate ourselves about mental health issues and no matter how much we work on our communication skills, our children are still likely to hit the occasional trouble spot during their college years. Life is like that. When this happens, how will they respond? How will you respond?

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Are you permanently disabled? Do you have outstanding student loans? If so, you may be eligible to have your student loans forgiven. This may help you avoid having to declare bankruptcy in order to have your student loans dismissed, which is an option for those who are totally disabled.

Download Getting Student Loans Forgiven

Your son and daughter have worked hard the past for years in high school. They have taken the PSAT exams, Act and SAT exams to qualify for a college or maybe a university. They have maintained a certain grade point average. They have written essays for scholarships, applied for federal grants, had several award ceremonies for extracurricular activities.

Download A Checklist for Students Going Away To College

Upon arriving at college a few weeks ago, my roommate turned out to be a no-show. I was excited at first, having an entire suite to myself. But after a few days, I began getting homesick and lonely, because I couldn't just walk out into the living room and my parents and cats be waiting on me. Most of my friends live in a dorm on the other side of campus, so I tried to figure out what I could do to alleviate this problem.

Download Reasons to go for the International Roommate at College

First, get a perspective

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Many adult learners have a year or two of college under their belts, or may have 50 or 60 credit hours completed at two or three different schools they attended over the years. Non-traditional students considering a return to college can use those past credits and transfer them into degree completion programs at schools like the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Western Governors University and Kent State University. Learn how to turn work experience, life experience, and your older college transcripts into the basis for a bachelor's degree.

Download Degree Completion Programs for Online Bachelor Degrees - Non-Traditional Options