Like a lot of people throughout the world, I listened to Barack Obama's Inauguration speech yesterday. A theme that echoed throughout the recent political campaign did come through - change. For most people, this probably hits home from an economic perspective. There is a recession in the United States and many people think that it will last for quite a while. Some people seem to be in a state of panic, while others are in a state of fear. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
How then does this apply to the college selection process? Recently, I have spoken to a few parents and prospective students who have expressed a concern about their ability to afford college. Here is some advice: DO NOT go to a college just because it is cheaper than others. Too many people make the huge mistake of doing this and years later, they do not have a job anywhere near what they envisioned or they don't have one at all.
Don't forget that college is an investment - in both time and money for your future. And much like any investment, there are risks involved. Yes, YOU CAN select the wrong college. This happens far too often. In a recession, it is even more important to not make this mistake. You have to select the right college and the right degree program. At the University of New Haven, we offer many recession proof majors. In fact, CNN recently ran a list of recession-proof majors and we offer 9 of the top 10 - and that doesn't even count our unique programs that other schools simply do not offer.
We have forensic science, nutrition & dietetics, hotel & restaurant management, and fire science to go along with our unique approaches to fairly common degrees in areas like criminal justice, communication, and computer science. People are really discovering the value of a UNH education during times like these. If you were buying a stock and UNH is a stock, now is the time to buy.
We will receive more than 10,000 applications for admission this year. Just three years ago, this number was under 4,000. More and more of our graduates continue to gain employment in their fields of study. This is what you invest for. Honestly, how many people really want to work in a field they hate? Not many set out to do this. Well, there are colleges where this may be you only option for you - if at all. Don't make the wrong choice! Your future depends on it.
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In addition to receiving financial assistance in the form of grants, there are loan options - and some good ones as well. Here are some helpful links that you should investigate before making your decision (if finances are a primary concern):
Student Loan Options at University of New Haven
Here are some useful links to assist you in finding financing for the fall semester:
- Find a Federal Student Loan -- Always try these loans first!
- Find a Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) -- Loans for Parents or Graduate Students
- Compare Private Student Loans -- search and find the best student loan for you!
Today's Featured Private Loan Provider
