The Hidden Costs of College

1. Identify the Real Cost of Attendance. Many families make the mistake of stopping at the tuition figure when considering whether a school is affordable. By federal law, schools are obligated to provide prospective students with an overall "cost of attendance" or COA. However, many schools low-ball these numbers and others only reveal this estimate when asked, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Remember to factor in additional expenses, such as student activity fees, lab fees, health clinic fees, gym fees and technology fees. There's also room and board, textbooks and school supplies, health insurance and transportation expenses that may apply.

The location of the school also plays a big role in the amount you'll need to shell out over the course of a year -- or a college career.To get an idea of a school's COA, check out the federal government's College Opportunities Online Locator. Of course, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, simply call the school's admissions office and ask.

2. Avoid Wasting Your Money. There are a number of traps that can cause college students and their families to lose money. The most poignant: college dropouts. Only one in five students enrolled in two-year institutions graduate within three years.

Meanwhile, only two out of five students at four-year schools get their degrees within six years, according to a recent survey by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Today, some states like Tennessee are seeing college dropout rates as high as 55 percent. Out of every 100 college freshmen in the state, only 45 will have a degree by age 26.There's rising evidence that economic stress is an influencing motivator of college dropouts. According to the Gates survey, 71 percent of college dropouts cited job as a factor.

In addition, 60 percent of college dropouts were getting no financial aid from their parents or relatives. Failed courses are another common financial setback. Experts like Kevin Carey, policy director at the Education Sector in Washington, believe colleges in general aren’t effectively getting students to graduate, as noted in a recent Time magazine article. Harvard tops the charts as the school with the highest graduation rate (98 percent). However, Carey emphasizes that the student is just as accountable as the school. Bottom line: Attend college if you're financially and emotionally ready for it and can recognize the value in the investment.

3. Ways to Raise Extra Funds. Fortunately, there are ways to combat rising education costs. You can start by tackling financial aid and scholarship applications, and knowing about tuition-related tax breaks, to name a few. Take a look at U.S. News & World Report's 10 Steps to Raise $15K or More for College Now for more information.

Also check out SmartMoney's 10 Things Financial Aid Offices Won’t Say to get on an edge on the competition for aid and scholarships. Indeed, there are secrets to landing a more desirable financial aid package. Hint: Families should submit their financial information as soon as they can after Jan. 1, preceding the student's freshman year, to maximize their opportunities. So what are you waiting for?
By Renee DeFranco

FAFSA 2010!

FAFSA 2010 was a great success many students on our campus completed and submited their FAFSA! Our FAFSA month culminated with a community event on Jan 27th! Thanks to all that participated! We are still available to assists those who still need to complete their FAFSA!

Mr. Zombro answer Galia & her Dad's questions!

Counselor Sampley assists Steven & his family complete his FAFSA!

FAFSA Wednesday!!

Hey Hey! Today is the day! FAFSA WEDNESDAY!

Stop by the College & Career Center between 12 - 6 to get help with your FAFSA.

South Sound College Fair!

Hey Juniors, Sophmores & Freshman!

Get info about post high school possiblities at the South Sound College Fair January 30, 2010 10 ~ 2! It will be held at the UW ~ Tacoma Campus 1900 Commerce St. Tacoma Wa. The following schools will be there:
Art Institute, Bates Technical College, Brandman University, Central Washingon University, City University, Clover Park technical, Eastern Washington, The Evergreen State College, FIDM, Northwest University, Olympic College, Pacific Lutheran University, Pierce College, Saint Martins University, South Puget Sound Community College, Tacoma Community College, University of Puget Sound, UW ~ Bothell, UW ~ Seattle, UW ~ Tacoma, Washington State University, Western Washington University......more are being added as you read this!

Martin Luther King Day Activities!

There are few activities that you can participate in and they don't cost a thing! Please see below:

MLK Celebration Rally & March

Monday, January 18, 2010 11:00 am - : am
Rally at 11am
March to the Federal Building at 12pm
Short rally at the Federal Building
Refreshments at Garfield 1:45pm
All events are FREE!

Center House at Seattle Center on Monday, Jan. 18, 12 noon - 5 p.m.
To celebrate the dream of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. promote the principles of peace, unity and equality; provide opportunity for all citizens of Seattle to remember the dream and vision of MLK; and honor the citizens who are energizing the MLK dream in their communities.

Program Highlights

12:00 p.m. Welcome by Debrena Jackson-Gandy, Emcee

12:05 p.m. Performance by the Chinese Arts & Music Association Youth Orchestra

12:25 p.m. Performance by Evergreen Glee Club

12:40 p.m. National Anthem led by Evergreen Glee Club

12:45 p.m. Black National Anthem performed by the EriAm Sisters

12:50 p.m. Dramatic Reading of Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech, by Marcel Davis

1:10 p.m. Vocal performance by EriAm Sisters

1:20 p.m. Welcome by Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams &Introduction of Mayor Mike McGinn

1:30 p.m. Presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Awards led byEvan Fowler, 2009 Peace Award NomineePresentation of the MLK Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Awards led by Mariko Lockhart, Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative

1:45 p.m. Multicultural dance performance by Kentridge Multi-Cultural Club/Kentridge High School

2:00 p.m. Legacy of Leadership Student Discussion Panel led by Eddie Moore, Jr.

2:30 p.m. Spoken word and Hip Hop by Power of Hope

2:45 p.m. Performance by MusicianCorps, part of Seattle/Arts Corps

3:00 p.m. Revolutionary Forum - performances presented by theCentral District Forum for Arts & Ideas:Classical guitar and dance duet, Sean Hopps and Diana Garcia-Snyder A cappella women's ensemble, Sankofa Sings Spoken word by Roberto Ascalon, Ela Barton, Yonnas Getahun

3:45 p.m. Northwest Tap Connection

4:00 p.m. Total Experience Gospel ChoirThe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration is presented by Seattle Center Productions in partnership with the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative and Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas. For more information on this and other Seattle Center events and activities, visit seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

When it rains it pours.....scholarship list #7

Scholarship 2009-2010
List #7
NOTE: The scholarships listed are intended for SENIORS ONLY; HOWEVER, sometimes a scholarship will be listed for students in other classes – they will be noted as such. Remember that all colleges have specific scholarships, so be sure to check with the financial Aid Office at the college of your choice. If you want information on these scholarships, see Mrs. Fichamba in the Career Center.


1) UWAB Scholarship
Seniors, plan to attend UW Seattle, 3.5 GPA
Amount: one year full tuition
Deadline: March 31, 2010
More Info: stop by the College & Career Center for an application or online at www.washington.edu/alumni/meet/groups/uwab/scholarships.html

2) Robert J. Handy (PEMCO foundation Scholarship) & WSSR – Foundation Scholarship
Senior
Amount: up to $1500
Deadline: March 9, 2010
More Info: visit www.wssra.org (username student password 2010)

3) Jessie Corner Dollars for Scholars
Senior
Amount: varies
Deadline: March 16, 2010
More Info: Stop by the College & Career Center

4) Outstanding Student Merit Award (MOSC)
Senior, must be a dependent of active duty or retired Air Force personnel residing in the local area
Amount: varies
Deadline: March 1, 2010
More Info: stop by the College & Career Center for an application

Schoalrship list!

Scholarship 2009-2010
List #6
NOTE: The scholarships listed are intended for SENIORS ONLY; HOWEVER, sometimes a scholarship will be listed for students in other classes – they will be noted as such. Remember that all colleges have specific scholarships, so be sure to check with the financial Aid Office at the college of your choice. If you want information on these scholarships, see Mrs. Fichamba in the Career Center.


1) Washington State PTA
Seniors, financial need, leadership, academic performance
Amount: up to $2000
Deadline: March 1, 2010
More Info: stop by the College & Career Center for an application or www.wastatepta.org/programs/scholarship/index.html

2) BECU Foundation Scholarship
Senior, 3.0 GPA, member of BECU
Amount: $2500
Deadline: March 31, 2010
More Info: visit www.becu.org/schoalrship

3) WASA/PEMCO 21st Century Educator Scholarship
Senior, 3.0 GPA, plans to major in education
Amount: $4000
Deadline: March 15, 2010
More Info: Stop by the College & Career Center

4) Ken Watson TransEd Scholarship
Senior, planning to pursue a degree auto body collision, automotive technology, aviation maintenance, commercial driver training, computing technology, computer aided drafting and design, diesel and heavy equipment, engineering technology, network administration, network technology, Web media and Technology
Amount: One year tuition
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2010
More Info: this scholarship is provided through South Seattle Community College Foundation. Stop by the College & Career Center for an application.