05-30-2013, 05:15 PM
ALL of this is great advice!!
First, I would seriously say that this IS the cheapest way to earn college credit there is. Literally. So, even though it "feels" expensive, know that a single class at your state university will cost you somewhere around $800. One class. Plus books, and fees. Once you really understand what college costs, you can start to get a feeling for how valuable exam options are. Rebel's info is good, and what he means is that your local community college might let you enroll in 6 credits per semester and receive a Pell. So, in that case, you get a "refund" above the cost of tuition. The refund is cash, and you can use that for exams. If your community college costs $100 per credit, a 6 credit semester is $600. A Pell (divided in half for 2 semesters) is about $2500 per semester, which gives you the difference in cash. So, enrolling locally could "earn" you $1-2 thousand dollars per semester. *there are requirements, but for know, just understand the idea of it* Pell grants are gifts- you don't pay them back. Also, no matter how great the temptation, don't take out a student loan!! You may need it later.
Second, find a jar and call it your "CLEP FUND." Do extra shifts at work, sell stuff on craigslist/ebay, mow a lawn, babysit, etc. Great cash jobs are banquet waiters/waitress - I never worked a party that paid less than $100 cash in one 4 hour shift!! Put your extra $ in your jar and every time you get $100, go take an exam. Pay as you go. You don't need debt for this aspect of your education.
Between your library and the internet, you don't need to pay for anything study-related. There were times I used IC subscription, and times when it wasn't in the budget. But, don't let money stand in your way. You can do this- start today!!
P.S. Everytime you skip the latte or beer, shove $3 in your jar!
First, I would seriously say that this IS the cheapest way to earn college credit there is. Literally. So, even though it "feels" expensive, know that a single class at your state university will cost you somewhere around $800. One class. Plus books, and fees. Once you really understand what college costs, you can start to get a feeling for how valuable exam options are. Rebel's info is good, and what he means is that your local community college might let you enroll in 6 credits per semester and receive a Pell. So, in that case, you get a "refund" above the cost of tuition. The refund is cash, and you can use that for exams. If your community college costs $100 per credit, a 6 credit semester is $600. A Pell (divided in half for 2 semesters) is about $2500 per semester, which gives you the difference in cash. So, enrolling locally could "earn" you $1-2 thousand dollars per semester. *there are requirements, but for know, just understand the idea of it* Pell grants are gifts- you don't pay them back. Also, no matter how great the temptation, don't take out a student loan!! You may need it later.
Second, find a jar and call it your "CLEP FUND." Do extra shifts at work, sell stuff on craigslist/ebay, mow a lawn, babysit, etc. Great cash jobs are banquet waiters/waitress - I never worked a party that paid less than $100 cash in one 4 hour shift!! Put your extra $ in your jar and every time you get $100, go take an exam. Pay as you go. You don't need debt for this aspect of your education.
Between your library and the internet, you don't need to pay for anything study-related. There were times I used IC subscription, and times when it wasn't in the budget. But, don't let money stand in your way. You can do this- start today!!
P.S. Everytime you skip the latte or beer, shove $3 in your jar!
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