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College Basics
How Valuable is a College Degree?
Consider this: a college degree can significantly increase your child’s earning power in the future. In fact, college graduates make 84% more in their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma.
Source: Georgetown University: Center of Education and the Workforce
Fund Fact
Your Child Has Endless Opportunities
With the wide range of colleges and universities, technical and trade schools available today, the possibilities for your child are limitless.
So, whatever their passion ends up being, there is a school that can foster it. And a 529 Plan gives you the flexibility to support their dreams, wherever they may take them.
Higher Education School Types
State College
Provide affordable, accessible education. They offer associate’s degrees and trade certification programs, and most now offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in high demand fields.
State University
Offer a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as top-notch facilities and a more traditional “college experience.”
Technical & Trade (Vocational)
Focus on quickly preparing students to enter the workforce in a skilled trade with non-degree career certificates, industry certifications and advanced technology diplomas.
HIGHER EDUCATION
IN FLORIDA
Exceptional and Affordable
Florida is home to some of the best and most affordable public colleges and universities in the country. As a resident, your child has access to 28 Florida colleges and 12 state universities, as well as hundreds of technical and trade schools right in their backyard, with the added benefit of the cheapest in-state tuition in the nation.
It’s Not All or Nothing When Paying for College
There are many ways to fund your child’s college education. Parent savings is just one slice of a bigger pie. When you tap into the various financial sources available to you, it can go a long way in helping your child graduate with less debt, which gives them a greater head start in life.
Leverage all your resources, such as:
College is More Than a Degree
Attending college is an education in life. Your child will gain maturity from “adulting,” learn valuable life skills, master time management, and navigate a whole new world of experiences and opportunities. So, the value of a college degree goes well beyond a diploma.
College Vocabulary 101
ACT / SAT
Standardized tests taken in high school that are used by many colleges to determine a prospective student’s ability to succeed academically at the school.
Associate’s Degree (AA)
A degree that can be completed in two years, typically from online or state colleges. In Florida, students who earn a two-year AA degree are guaranteed admission into one of the state’s 12 universities to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Common Application
The Common App allows high school seniors to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one online application. It helps gather all supporting materials, including essays. There is a fee to submit to each college that can be waived for low-income students.
FAFSA
This stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing this online form is the first step in applying for financial aid. Most colleges require students who’d like to be considered for financial aid to complete the FAFSA every year.
Semester
The length of a college or university class. Most schools offer a fall semester and a spring semester, with optional summer terms as well.
AP Course
An Advanced Placement (AP) course is a class students can take in high school that could earn them credit toward their college degree. AP classes are more rigorous and scaled on a higher GPA.
Bachelor’s Degree
A 4-year degree, usually in the form of either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, from either a state college or university.
Credit Hour
Each course is assigned a certain number of credit hours, usually corresponding to how often classes occur and how long classes are, as well as the course difficulty. Many classes earn a student 3 to 4 credit hours. To be considered full-time, a student must be taking at least 12 credits per semester.
Financial Aid
Refers to any type of student loan, scholarship or grant your student receives to help pay for college. The Federal Work-Study Program is another form of financial aid. Financial aid can be need-based (based on student and family income and what the family can afford to contribute) or merit-based (based on a student’s GPA, test scores, etc.).
Tuition / Fees
The amount paid to a college to attend classes. Tuition and fees are only part of the overall costs, as students also pay for books and supplies, as well as housing, food and transportation.
Want to learn more?
Get a high-level introduction to the cost of college, how much families actually save, benefits of saving vs. borrowing, and more.
