GrowYourRoots.org

🎓 College Research: Finding the Right Fit Without the Debt

Once you’ve determined that college is part of your future career path, it’s time to explore all the options available—and do it wisely. Some careers require only a two-year associate degree, while others call for a four-year bachelor’s or even a graduate degree. If you haven’t yet, please complete the career assessments outlined here.

Whatever your path, the most important thing is this: don’t take on debt. Your education should prepare you for success, not burden you financially. The good news? An affordable and high-quality education is likely closer than you think.

🏫 Types of Colleges to Consider

📍 State Colleges

• Affordable tuition
• Flexible schedules (ideal if you plan to work)
• Open admissions (with a high school diploma or GED)
• Dual enrollment options while still in high school

The quality of education at these colleges has improved dramatically in the recent decades, and you can get a strong start for a fraction of the cost of a university.

🏛️ State Universities

State universities offer broad academic programs and typically come with lower in-state tuition. Many states also offer merit-based or need-based financial aid. However, moving to a new city or living on campus adds cost, so factor this into your planning.

Visit your state’s official university system page for average tuition estimates. In Florida, for example, here’s the latest guide: Cost of Attendance – FL Public Universities (2025–26).

🎓 Private Colleges & Universities

• The school is fully accredited
• It is a non-profit institution
• The financial aid package makes the cost reasonable

Private tuition averages over $55,000 per year before aid, so be sure to use net price calculators (like those on College Board BigFuture) to estimate your real out-of-pocket cost. Please note that there is a great range of costs for private schools. Some are very expensive while others offer pricing similar to public universities.

🔎 Tools for College Research

• College Board BigFuture – Admission data, cost, and net price calculators
  📹 Video: How to use College Board’s BigFuture search tool
• Campus Visit Checklist – Tips for evaluating colleges in person
• Niche – School reviews, data, and rankings
  📹 Video: How to use Niche’s college search filters

📄 Application Strategy

Select around six colleges you’d be excited to attend. Include at least two or three in-state public colleges where your GPA and SAT/ACT scores match or exceed average applicants.

Most applications open August 1st of senior year. Check with your counselor to see what your school uses (e.g. CommonApp, SCOIR, or Naviance).

Admissions Types:

• Early Action – Apply early, non-binding
• Early Decision – Apply early, binding if accepted
• Regular Decision – Standard timeline

Test Prep & Registration:

• SAT – College Board
• ACT – Official Site

💸 Financial Aid & Scholarships

All students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Opens every fall of senior year. Start with the FAFSA Estimator.

• 🎓 Local scholarships – Ask your counselor for leads
• 🌟 State merit programs – In Florida, see Bright Futures
• 🏛️ University scholarships – Example: University of Alabama Awards

🎥 Essential Viewing

📽️ Borrowed Future – This eye-opening documentary from Ramsey Solutions shows the impact of student loan debt and how to avoid it. Watch it here on YouTube.

🌱 Final Thoughts

College can open incredible doors—but it must be approached with purpose, perspective, and a plan. Ask yourself:

• Which school offers the education I need for my career?
• What can I afford without taking on unnecessary debt?

Keep your roots strong by choosing a path that allows you to grow without financial strain. And remember—your school counselor is always here to help guide you through the process.