Smart Ways To Pay For College

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wit lake’ serie! Con ty ‘ale pexiQedloeedll nue nd VIL apfiye on ve auct na is nd! cade Bach) ‘and Beri si a.‘A a fal we scout os ie'y nes, this fi iN cielloy a A delle eles ani nike was Aale ‘on 7 ori ny ty panes . ol aI teSS anesS te OF EDUCATION ” Smart WaysTo Pay For College Scholarship 101 Many college scholarships require applicants to have completed community service, to have (NAPSA)—Experts say invest- ing in a college education is a smart idea—even as tuition costs continueto rise. A study from The College Board showed that in one year, participated in extracurricular activities and more, throughout high school. So it’s smart for parents and kids to start thinking the average full-time worker in the U.S. with a college degree earned 62 percent more than a full-time worker holding only a high school diploma. And while tuition rates have risen consistently over the years—The Col- about scholarships before their senior year. Also, there are a number of scholarships directly linked to a lege Board reports that the aver- age four-year private institution now costs more than $26,000 a year to attend—there are a number of programs to help students cut those costs. For instance, there is more than $168 billion in financial aid available to students, as well as a host of scholarships. The key is to learn which pro- grams a student may qualify for and how to apply. Here’s a closer look: SSGT Peter C. Milinkovic, USMC, was the recipient of this year’s Michael P. Murphy scholarship award. turn his hobby into an educational experience. with a topical essay, grade tran- It’s also wise to put money aside scripts for recent high school or college academic work, letters of recommendation, evidence of extracurricular activities and community involvement, and a small application fee. The MOPHalso presents the Saluting Scholarship The Military Order of the Pur- Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Program provides financial assis- leader of a U.S. Navy SEAL Team who waskilled in action during a ple Heart (MOPH) Scholarship tance for college expenses through a competitive selection process. It’s available to MOPH members, their spouses, widows and lineal descendants and spouses, and widows and lineal descendants of veterans killed in action or who died of wounds. The annual program requires submitting an application along student’s particular interest. If, for example, a child has a particular love of music, there may be a U.S. Navy SEAL Memorial Scholarship Award. Lt. Murphy was the scholarship available to help him Smart Savings to help cover tuition costs whenever possible. Many states offer 529 col- lege savings plans, some of which allow you to save pretax money to be used for specific educational costs. The plans often offer an auto- matic payroll deduction option, helping to make savingeasier. Free Resources Remember to speak with guidance counselors, college counselors, financial aid officers and other higher-education experts covert counterterrorism combat operation in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded library and Internet also offer established a scholarship founda- financial aid. A little homework opportunities at the Web site www.purpleheart.org. 354-2140. the Medal of Honor and his family tion in his name. You can learn more about both scholarship about paying for college. The information on scholarships and can go a long way. For more information, visit www.purpleheart.org or call (703)