Most students must work their way through college. Because of this, the average time it now takes to get
a 4 year degree has jumped to 8.8 years.
Some types of work, part-time or otherwise, may be in your best interest if the job is related to the
major that you are studying for in college. Many future employers will be interested in what practical experience you
have had that relates to the job they may offer you.
If you qualify for work study programs in college, try to work in the department of your chosen major or
at least in an allied field. Check with the college student services to find out about internships in your field
(they may pay you or they may be a volunteer position that will go very well on your resume).
One way to cut the cost of attending college is to cut the number of classes that you have to take. If you
have done AP classes in high school, that will help. There are also CLEP tests that will help you gain credits without having
to take classes. It is best to do the National CLEP tests, however, to make sure that they are transferable.
Department scholarships are often missed because students usually think only of academic or sports scholarships.
Very often these department scholarships go unused.
