1127 – Paying for College
Chris: Which colleges are you applying to?
Marcella: None. I can’t afford to go to college. Even if I lived at home, tuition, fees, and books are just too expensive.
Chris: You could apply for financial aid.
Marcella: I don’t want to get a bunch of loans and be in debt for the next 10 to 20 years. It’s not worth it.
Chris: Loans aren’t so bad, especially ones that are federally subsidized. Apart from that, you could get need-based grants or work-study. Put all of that together and college can be affordable.
Marcella: I don’t want to go into debt of any kind.
Chris: You could go to a community college and transfer to a four-year university after two years. Community college tuition is much lower.
Marcella: But who has the time? I have to work full-time to pay my bills.
Chris: Then think about a program that has a service commitment.
Marcella: What do you mean?
Chris: There are teaching, military, or community service programs that will forgive or pay off your loans if you work for the organization for a few years after graduating.
Marcella: And be an indentured servant? No, thank you!
Chris: Okay, but most good jobs nowadays require a college degree.
Marcella: Not if you really have talent
Chris: Talent?
Marcella: Yeah, haven’t you seen me mime? That’s my ticket to a great career.
Chris: I’m happy to hear you have such a practical plan mapped out for your future.