South Florida families planning for college should choose a career path first, then match it to the right level of education and price it before deciding how to pay, according to a practical guide published by the Boca Raton Tribune.
The guide recommends starting in the first years of high school. It points to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, which lists median pay, projected job growth and typical training for hundreds of occupations. Students can also test their interests through job shadowing, internships or volunteer hours at local hospitals and firms in Palm Beach County, with help from school counselors and career academy coordinators.
The guide notes that not every strong career requires a four-year degree. Dental hygiene and radiologic technology often start with a certificate or associate degree, while accounting, teaching and engineering generally require a bachelor’s. Physical therapy, law and psychology typically require graduate school.
Housing, food, books and transportation can cost more than tuition, the guide says. It cites in-state tuition and fees at Florida Atlantic University, which run under $5,000 a year. Families should also run the net price calculator each college is required to post, since it estimates what they would pay after grants and scholarships. The guide advises filing the FAFSA every year.
For any remaining gap, the guide suggests federal student loans in the student’s name first. It also recommends keeping total borrowing for the degree at or below the expected starting salary in the field. If the numbers do not work, the guide suggests changing the route, such as starting at a lower-cost school, attending Palm Beach State College for two years or living at home.
