by Chey

Created on: June 13, 2007

Only a certain percentage of teenagers actual persevere through high school, and an even smaller percentage go on to lead the next generation of innovators and college graduates. So, it seems it's fairly difficult to get a head start on life when you only just graduated from high school.

Quite a few students feel pressured to go to college, and though it is a fairly secure choice, college is definitely not for everyone, despite what parents might pressure their children into. It's usually a good idea to try college out, unless you know for sure you wouldn't fit into higher education. There are suggestions I have to offer for both sets of students though that will make the road to success all the easier.

COLLEGE: for those on a higher education path

Start college out at a community college or a junior college close to home, or within the area you would like to live. As a teenager, or someone in your early twenties, it's easier to merge into college life through a smaller venue like a community college, and it is much easier on your finances. At a local college you will not be required to pay nearly as many fees as a university students, you won't be required to live in the dorms at any point, and the dollars/credit ratio is much more affordable.

On average an education at a university, most commonly a state university will cost between $200 and $600 a credit for in-state/in-country students (take into consideration that a degree usually consists of 100-140 credit hours). If the student comes from out of state or out of country the credit charges will always be much higher, usually averaging at three times the in-state tuition.

A community college may only set a student back $30-$50 dollars/credit, and most students will finish an AA (associates degree of arts) within two years. Once a student finishes their first two years at community college, they can usually be admitted to a university at junior standing, at which point they will be eligible for more financial aid, and they will only pay university tuition for two years. Given, the move to university usually means the student will have to move from home, the extra time at home without as many bills will allow them to slide into financial freedom more readily, and with a head start.

Always remember it isn't essential to go straight into college, these days the ratio of non-traditional to traditional students is growing to an equality. The year or two a teenager may talk off from school may be wise to stabilize their

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