Paying for college (really worried)...?

Well, the thing is that I'm a Junior in HS and am currently looking for a college. I found two that I really like and they have low in-state tuition, which is good. It's just that when my sis went to college out of state she couldn't go back her second year because she couldn't afford it (we have to pay ourselves). So what can I do to get a lot of financial aid and scholarships? I have a decently high GPA and am in a nursing class at my school, which I hope will look good on my application.
But is there anyone out there that paid for college themselves? What did you do to manage it? I want to get a bachelors at least (4.5 years) or a masters (6 years). I don't think I'll be able to get any loans, seeing as my sister wasn't able to.

Any ideas? Serious replies only please.

Going to college was one of the best things I've ever done with my life. Besides learning valuable skills, study habits and general advanced knowledge, having a degree shows future employers that you are able to stick with something and complete the goals you have in life. Congratulations on your decision to go to college! Paying for college can seem daunting, but thousands of people have done it. It's good that you're planning for this now, rather than waiting till the summer before you start classes in the fall. I was able to complete my education without taking out loans, and though it was really hard, it was worth it after I graduated.

You have several options to explore right now. Talk now to the financial aid/scholarship departments at both of the colleges you are thinking about attending. Lots of colleges have scholarship opportunities for their students, and its sometimes surprising how easy it is to get a scholarship. You will probably be expected to write several essays, fill out tons of paperwork and/or be expected to major in a certain degree. The college I went to even had scholarships for some of the students based on who their ancestors were... You never know what you'll qualify for. Because you're looking into this now, you'll have some time to complete any prerequisites, if necessary, and get to know how the grant program works at your school.
Second, take (and ace!) the SAT and ACT exams. Start now by buying some books to prepare for these tests. A lot of colleges will give students full or partial tuition breaks based on their high scores for the SAT or ACT exams in an effort to "lure" higher achieving students to their schools. Aside from helping you get IN to the college, a good score can get you national scholarships/recognition, even if your HS grades aren't 100% stellar. Your diversified classes in HS now will additionally help you in this area.
Also, plan on having a part time job from now until you graduate from college. Even if you're only making $200 a month right now, put most of it in savings and don't think about it. Having a few years of work experience now will help you land a higher paying job once you start college, which can seriously help with living expenses. If you already know what you'd like to major in, visit that department on campus and ask around for jobs with various professors. Not only do on campus jobs tend to pay a tiny bit more, the professors are also a LOT more flexible to plan your schedule around attending classes. If you can work three two-hour shifts per day, rather than one four-hour shift, those two hours can really add up at the end of the week.
Another thing to think about is NOT having a summer job. Sounds counter-productive... Taking off a Fall or Winter semester will usually give you 4 months where you can work off-campus (and live cheaply at home, if necessary) full time and make some extra cash. Tons of college students go home for the summer term and home cities capatalize on the extra, cheaper labor during these times. When the students go back to school in the Fall, part of their labor force is lost and better paying jobs may become available again. Also, colleges loose at least half, if not more, of their student body during the summer. In an effort to keep you there, classes are usually cheaper from May-August, which will help keept tuition costs down.

Finally, even though your sister didn't qualify for loans, if you're comfortable with the idea of having student debt, still apply for them through the Federal Student Aid program (FAFSA). They may only grant partial tuition, but when you're a poor college student, every little bit may help. Not applying merely means you are 100% guaranteed to not get any money.

Hope this helps! Good luck and happy learning!

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College isn't the best choice for most folks. Unless you want to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer, it might not be worth it.

ask for some tuition on the school u want to go ask if they have financial aid or whateva and u can sign up for help they will help u trust me i know i hadto do things like that for project in my high school *sights* fresman anyways we had to look for financial aid and help for ppl who couldnt afford to pay for college they will help u all u have to do is call that school and ask thm..!

You could join the military and they pay for ur collage. My cousen did it with the Navy and now he makes some good money. Good luck with ur collage.

Maintaining a good GPA is very important. Another option is to attend 2 years at a community college and then transfer to a 4 year college. This way it will be cheaper and will give you time to work (and save) and study at the same time.