BGCA’s Senior Director of YD Programs & Innovation Erica Warren is back on the ClubX Blog, this time with Pam Yuen, BGCA’s Director of Government Relations- Policy, with ways to support teens who are thinking about their next steps.
College costs and student loans have been at the center of a national conversation for a few years now, and attitudes toward college have shifted dramatically over the last 20 years, with negative press having many youth (and their caregivers) thinking college may not be the right move. This podcast explores why young Americans are choosing college less often than prior generations. As Teens look to Club staff to help them weigh the pros and cons, it helps to have some sound advice to guide a young person in the right direction for them. This post highlights six things to consider when talking with teens about post-secondary options.
College STILL pays, for the most part.
Even though college costs have risen 25% in the past decade, college still pays off in the long term for most graduates. On average, college graduates make a median salary of over $64,000, while non-graduates average less than $39,000 per year. Unemployment rates also differ, with college graduates experiencing unemployment at lower rates than those with college degrees. At the end of the day, even at the lower ends of the income scale, a college degree provides some financial security and breaking down barriers to access higher education – whether that is federal or state based financial aid or private loans – is vital. That said, with a median salary of $64,000, not every college degree will pay off.
Watch the total cost for most majors.
The cost of a bachelor’s degree varies widely depending on your home state and the school you choose to attend. Although most schools offer bachelor’s degrees at a single rate, evidence suggests that young people should be wary of a degree that costs more than $25,000 (about $3,125 per semester). While having a degree offers some economic protection, paying too much for certain majors can prevent a young person from feeling the benefit of a higher income when they have to repay student loans. Young people can apply for scholarships, obtain gifts from friends, and leverage work-study to lower the amount a young person borrows, but total cost should be a factor when considering schools and programs and should weigh that cost against average entry-level salary, lifetime earnings, and job prospects in their chosen career field before making a decision.
How likely are they to finish?
A young person’s readiness and enthusiasm for going to college matter even more than ever. The reality is that about 40% of young people who enroll in college do not finish, and unfortunately, failing to complete a degree puts them at a disadvantage economically. Not only do those who do not finish do not get the economic bump of having a degree, they also leave with college debt. It is important to talk to young people about this reality and to be honest about the consequences of not finishing. This is not to say that you should tell a young person they aren’t ready! Rather, young people should be aware of the consequences of not finishing so they can make the best choice for themselves, whether starting at a smaller school or pursuing a trade. Also, that they can go to college later in life.
There are lots of alternatives.
Depending on what the young person wants to do for a career, taking on the cost of a 4-year degree may not be necessary. Many community colleges offer associate degrees for well-paying jobs like radiology, computer programming, and dental hygiene, which can fetch a salary of $70,000 or more annually. If getting a 4-year degree is important to the young person or their family, it may be cost-effective to enroll in a community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year school. Transfers between community colleges and public colleges in the same state will ensure that the credits transfer but speaking to an enrollment specialist at the community college in advance is important. A young person who has lower than a 3.0 GPA or who will be required to take remedial courses in college may want to consider enrolling in a community college to take the remedial courses and to show potential four-year colleges their ability to bounce back academically.
Gap years are becoming more popular.
Taking a gap year to pursue a lucrative internship, work and save money, or participate in programs like City Year has become more popular. Let’s face it: Some young people do not know what they want to do when they graduate high school. A gap year can serve as a period of self-discovery so that when they pursue a post-secondary credential, they are more certain about why they are pursuing a degree and potentially on a more stable financial footing when they begin. While earning a credential they never use isn’t the worst thing in the world (See above College Still Pays), waiting a year to figure out the best path can save some heartache and money.
Even if they are undecided, fill out the FAFSA.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the best way to connect to federal, state, school, and private scholarships and grant opportunities, which can significantly reduce the cost of post-secondary options. If the young person you are working with is undecided about their path, filling out the FAFSA early can help them understand how much their top choices will cost them. Should you or your teens need additional support completing the FAFSA, please feel free to reach out to advocacy@bgca.org with questions.
Deciding to go to college and selecting the right school and major are big decisions in a teen’s life. Youth Development Professionals can serve as important information sources and guidance for teens and their caregivers. Club staff! As you continue to work with teens throughout this journey, BGCA’s Government Relations team would like to learn more about how you’re supporting FAFSA completion. You can also check out Diplomas 2 Degrees to help youth identify and attain the education that will put their dreams within reach. Also check out ClubX Blog posts Fall Checklists for College-Bound Teens and The Spring Semester Guide to Helping Youth Prepare for College.
How do support teens as they make decisions about their next steps? We want to hear! Comment below, on the BGCA Youth Development Facebook page, or email ClubXBlog@bgca.org.
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