EDUCATION
SPECIAL SECTION:
are required to work directly at a hospital for clinical rotations.
They can choose a focus area in pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology,
and others.
9. Engineering
This category encompasses a myriad of focus
areas ranging from chemical and biomedical, to
civil, industrial, and aerospace—just to name a few.
Engineering majors are in high demand and related
jobs rank among the highest paying in the U.S. Applying science
to real-life problems makes this an appealing career area.
10. Biology
Studying biology means studying the world
around us. From plants to animals to humans,
and the environments in which they live,
biology majors can find themselves in the
genetics or biotechnology industry, going on to medical school,
or becoming an environmentalist, to name a few.
START SAVING FOR COLLEGE WHEN YOUR
KIDS ARE BORN
5. Economics
If the quote “There’s no such thing as a free
lunch” resonates, a major in economics might
be a good option. It is heavily focused on a
combination of critical thinking and math and
lays the groundwork for graduate studies in law, public policy,
or international studies. Positions include actuary, lawyer,
financial analyst and international business consultant.
6. Construction Management
Buildings are constantly being constructed
everywhere you look. A construction
management professional ensures that projects
are completed on time and on budget, and jobs
can vary from commercial to residential buildings. A major in
this field requires studying engineering and architecture,
followed by hands-on construction experience.
7. Psychology
A psychology major can expect to focus on human
behavior, learning, emotion, mental disorders and
personality. This degree can help graduates land jobs
as therapists, counselors, or even teachers or lawyers,
with continued education.
8. Nursing
Nurses are in high demand since it takes a special
person to do what nurses do. Nursing majors
typically take science and liberal arts courses, then
There is no time better to start saving for college than when
your child is born, or even earlier! There are many options
available for parents who want to get a jump-start on saving for
college, and some plans even allow for savings to be used at the
child’s discretion (for education or something else) when they
reach a certain age.
Parents wishing to save specifically for education purposes
can open a 529 college savings plan. The name comes from
Section 529 of the IRS tax code, which encourages saving for
future educational purposes through a tax-advantaged plan.
In Pennsylvania, there are two options available: the PA 529
Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or the PA 529 Investment Plan
(IP). Each plan requires a certain amount of money down (as
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.
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WEST MIFFLIN
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