With the nation's average tuition, room and board at four-year private colleges and universities topping over $36,000 - nearly double from 1990 - parents and students are concerned about how to afford higher education(a). Whether a first year college freshman, or a senior moving on to graduate school, there are many ways to ease the financial burden without burning a hole in your pocketbook, according to FastWeb, the Internet's leading scholarship search engine and site within the Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST) network.
CHICAGO (BusinessWire EON) August 20, 2007 --
With the nation’s average tuition, room and
board at four-year private colleges and universities topping over
$36,000 – nearly double from 1990 –
parents and students are concerned about how to afford higher education(a).
Whether a first year college freshman, or a senior moving on to graduate
school, there are many ways to ease the financial burden without burning
a hole in your pocketbook, according to FastWeb,
the Internet’s leading scholarship
search engine and site within the Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:
MNST) network.
“The majority of students, both new entrants
and those currently enrolled, are completely overwhelmed by the cost of
school, not to mention their parents’ concerns
about how to fund it,” says Amanda Joyner,
Vice President and General Manager of FastWeb.
“Between scholarships, financial aid, federal
loans and grants, work study programs and even ROTC, there are endless
possibilities for assistance that students can pursue. The key is to
stay focused and continue the search throughout the entire college
experience.”
To avoid “penny pinching”
while furthering their education, students should consider these tips:
Scholarships for
Upperclassman – Winning a scholarship
as a freshman is beneficial, but what about the next three years? There
are a number of new opportunities available to sophomores, juniors and
even seniors, so the search should not stop once college begins.
Additionally, some scholarships are renewable and can be extended beyond
the initial year – in some cases, for an
entire college career.
Part-Time and Work Study Positions –
Most work-study jobs are located on campus and offer convenient
hours and locations, giving students the flexibility they need while
allowing them to learn about a new field or develop workplace skills,
according to MonsterTRAK,
the student division of Monster®. Part-time
jobs also give students an opportunity to earn extra money and "sample"
the working world; however Joyner reiterates the importance of remaining
focused and disciplined. “Schedule early
classes, and then study in between in a quiet environment and at a high
level of intensity. This strategy is one way to balance the demands of
school and coursework, while earning some extra money.”
Explore Federal and Private Loans –
The Federal Stafford Loan is the most popular loan for new,
undergraduate students. Payments are deferred until six months after
graduation, and borrowers have up to 10 years to repay it. If students
are ineligible to receive federal loans, a private or alternative loan
can often help cover remaining education expenses. More information on
student loans can be found at www.finaid.org.
Enroll in ROTC – Students who enroll
in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), a college-based,
officer
commissioning program that focuses on leadership development,
problem solving, strategic planning, and professional ethics, are
eligible for generous scholarships – both as
incoming freshman and throughout their college career –
that are available in one, two, three and four-year lengths. Cadets may
be entitled to money, books and a monthly non-taxed stipend, and there
is no military commitment during the first year. More information about
the benefits of joining ROTC is available at Making It Count's "The
Path to Leadership," a free, 45-minute seminar at high schools
nationwide. Details can be found at: http://www.makingitcount.com/pr/fw1_082007.asp.
Look to Your Employer For More than Just a Paycheck –
With a little discipline, it is possible to handle the demands of
school while earning some extra money. Many students do not realize,
however, that their employer may be able to provide more than just a
weekly paycheck. Several organizations offer scholarships to its
employees. Speaking with a supervisor or reviewing the company's website
will help determine if any opportunities are available.
For more advice and guidance to ease the burden of funding higher
education, visit http://www.makingitcount.com/pr/fw2_082007.asp
to learn more about “Making
College Financial Planning Count,” a free
program presented by Monster in conjunction with Bank of America.
"Proper planning and an understanding of how the education financing
process works can help students and their parents enjoy the excitement
associated with embarking on a college career," said Joyner.
(a)U.S. Census Bureau’s
“Upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United
States: 2008”
About FastWeb
FastWeb supports a
national community of students, parents, educators, and scholarship
providers by helping students realize their dreams of higher education.
Best known for its vast college scholarship search engine, FastWeb
also aids students with a match to relevant colleges, part-time jobs and
internships based on that students’ profile
detail. More than 15,000 high schools and 3,500 colleges throughout the
U.S. send students and their parents to FastWeb
to obtain value from its college financial planning resources. For more
information visit FastWeb
at www.fastweb.com.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of Monster®,
the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade,
strives to bring people together to advance their lives. With a local
presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster
works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at
all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers
globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers
vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a
member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100. To learn more about
Monster’s industry-leading products and
services, visit www.monster.com.
More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.
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Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
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uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s
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acquisitions, competition, and the other risks discussed in Monster
Worldwide’s Form 10-K and other filings made
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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