little as $15) and both plans can be used at most post-secondary
schools, including colleges, universities, technical and
professional schools, or even elementary or secondary public,
private, or religious schools. Another benefit is that neither of
these plans is limited to in-state tuition.
The biggest difference between the two plans is the way your
money is invested and how it’s managed. The GSP allows you
to choose the type of school or tuition level to save toward,
then the PA Treasury manages your investments from there.
The benefit is that your savings continues to grow with tuition
inflation. The IP gives you more freedom to invest your savings
into a variety of 17 different investment options, but your
money is more fluid, allowing you to lose or gain depending on
market conditions.
There are several other options available when starting to
save for a minor, including educational savings account (ES),
Uniform Transfer/Gift to Minors Act, custodial accounts, or
simply putting money under your mattress. No matter what
route you choose, it’s never too early to start saving.
you can start to work, but you’re sure to need some physical
strength to take on this job.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – After obtaining an
associate degree, sonographers go on to prep patients for
procedures, review and process images for physicians,
and administer ultrasounds. You’ll also be responsible for
operating imaging equipment.
• Elevator Installer – A career with high earning potential,
elevator installers repair and maintain elevators, escalators,
moving walkways, and lifts. A high school diploma and
apprenticeship is required for this role, so if you’re good with
power tools, this job might be a lift up for you.
TRADE SCHOOLS
Over the past 30 years, the cost to attend a four-year college
has increased by 213 percent, leaving many college graduates
searching for ways to repay their student loans. Some high
school seniors are looking to avoid the hefty price tag of a four-
year degree and instead opting to attend a trade or technical
school. Trade school enrollment continues to increase since the
early 2000s, but a steep decline in vocational education in the
1980s and ‘90s led to a shortage of blue-collar workers across
the nation. Trying to gain back skilled workers has led to an
increase in wages, enticing students and parents alike to see past
the old stigma of choosing a trade school over college. Here are
a few of the best trades or vocations available.
• Air Traffic Controller – With a few years of intense training
and a certification by the FAA, air traffic controllers are
highly sought after. Individuals must have the ability to
concentrate, organize flight plans, inspect radio equipment,
and are required to be constantly vigilant to successfully
execute their job duties.
• Radiation Therapist – An associate degree is required to
land a job as a radiation therapist, along with a licensure to
practice. If you’re interested in caring for other people, this
job requires administering radiation for cancer treatments.
• Dental Hygienist – Smile! Your career could be in making
teeth brighter. Dental hygienists work to clean teeth, take
x-rays, and educate patients on oral health. They are also
ranked among the most satisfied workers. You’ll need an
associate degree to pursue this career.
• Electrician – Training to become an electrician takes about
as long as it takes to get a bachelor’s degree and a license,
but this job training pays for itself along the way. If reading
blueprints and installing or repairing wires and other
electrical components interests you, this career might be
electrifying.
• Plumber – You’ll need your high school diploma and an
apprenticeship to become a plumber. Once you are licensed,
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TYPES OF COLLEGE LOANS
Getting into college is one of the most exciting times of a
student’s life and is the first step in shaping his/her career. Many
colleges and universities offer a myriad of grants or scholarships
to assist with paying for post-secondary school, but often these
are not enough. Student loans provide financial assistance for
students to cover the costs associated with attending a college
or career school, including tuition, supplies, books, and living
expenses. There are several types of loans available including
need-based, non-need-based, state, and private.
Need-based loans are provided to students who are unable to
pay the amount needed to cover all costs to attend college. Need
is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA), which can be completed online, as the name suggests,
for free! Need-based loans are available as a Federal Perkins
Loan, awarded to students with the highest need, or a Federal
Direct Subsidized Loan, provided interest-free while in college.
If FAFSA determines that a student is ineligible for a need-
based loan, non-need-based loan options are available as a
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan or Federal Direct PLUS
Loan. Unsubsidized loans allow the borrower to add interest
to the total amount borrowed after graduation, but beware, as
this leads to owing even more money when it comes time to
start paying off the loan. Direct PLUS Loans provide graduate
students or parents the opportunity to borrow the total cost of
attending college, minus other financial aid received.
Unlike the loans mentioned above that are sponsored by
the federal government, state and private loans are sponsored
by banks, colleges, foundations, and state agencies. The U.S.