• Plumber – Not only responsible for installing appliances and unclogging toilets and drains , plumbers often install and repair gas supply lines as well . It ’ s critical to understand the flow of these systems and to problem-solve and troubleshoot when issues arise within them .
• 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 !
• Landscape Designer – If you enjoy the outdoors and gardening , look into the work of landscape designers . These professionals offer plans for designing outdoor spaces in residential and commercial settings that consider environmental challenges , features that are meant to be emphasized , and overall aesthetics .
• Respiratory Therapist – Respiratory therapists work with patients who have breathing difficulties , and may aid in emergency situations such as drowning , heart attack , or shock . They assess patients ’ respiratory needs and make sure they ’ re receiving proper care and treatment .
• 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 .
• Ultrasonographer – After obtaining an associate degree , ultrasonographers go on to administer ultrasound imaging for patients , review and process images for physicians , and operate and maintain imaging equipment .
TYPES OF EDUCATIONAL LOANS
Getting accepted into a college or university is one of the most exciting times of a student ’ s life and is the first step in shaping a variety of careers . Many institutions offer grants or scholarships to assist with the cost of postsecondary education , but often these are not enough . Student loans provide financial assistance for students to cover the fees associated with attending a college or career school , including tuition , supplies , books , and living expenses .
There are several types of loans available including needbased , non-need-based , state , and private .
Need-based loans are offered to students who are unable to pay the amount needed to cover all costs to attend college . The need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ), which can be completed online at no cost . Need-based loans are available as a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan , provided interest-free while in college .
If the 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 may continually accrue interest , leading 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 . Department of Education manages all college loans available by state and requires students to be in-state residents or enrolled in a college in that state . Private loans are an option for borrowers but come with terms and conditions that may not be as favorable as federal loans . Private loans also require a cosigner who is responsible for repaying the money if the student fails to do so .
MANAGING DEBT AFTER COLLEGE
Student loan debt continues to increase and has become a burden on both graduates and the U . S . economy . There are a variety of loan repayment options for students . Here are some tips on how to approach repayment :
• Figure out what you ’ ll owe and start to save early . Creating a budget early will allow you to build a solid foundation for repayment after graduation . Setting aside money each month toward future savings for repayment will set you up for success come graduation day .
• Understand your repayment options . There are several different options available to start paying off student loans based on the type of loan you received . Common federal loan plans include standard , graduated , extended , or income based .
◉ Standard plans specify payments in fixed amounts to ensure that loans are paid off in 10-30 years ( these payments are often very high for new graduates ).
◉ Graduated plans have payments that start out lower and increase every two years , also ensuring that loans are paid off within 10-30 years ( based on loan ). This plan assumes you ’ ll continue to make more money as you continue your career path , so additional money is allotted to repayment as you go .
◉ Extended plan payments may be made in a fixed amount or a graduated amount and ensure payment in full within 25 years .
◉ Income-based plans take 10-15 percent of your discretionary income and are recalculated each year . Once you are married , your spouse ’ s income will also be considered if filing jointly on tax returns . Any outstanding balance on the loan will be forgiven after 20-25 years .
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