| The Obama administration has made an effort to | | | | candidates can increase their chances of landing a job |
| encourage more individuals to earn a college degree. | | | | after graduation by applying for internships, which can |
| With more student loan options available, more | | | | give them the hands-on experience many employers |
| students will be going to college who would not | | | | seek. |
| otherwise be able to obtain higher education, either | | | | However, student loan recipients should keep their |
| campus-based or online. However, borrowers should | | | | finances in mind when looking for a part-time job or |
| be aware of the obligations they will face after | | | | internship. If they receive an offer for an unpaid |
| graduation. | | | | position, they may want to see if they can earn |
| President Obama's education plan is considered to be | | | | college credit that could enable them to graduate |
| the biggest change in college financial aid since the | | | | early and avoid additional loans. While paid internships |
| Montgomery GI Bill. It will make higher education | | | | are ideal, they can be difficult to find, so students |
| available to more than eight million Americans. The | | | | may want to search for a balance between jobs that |
| president's plan includes a tax credit for the families | | | | can improve their careers and those that could help |
| of college students, more money for federal Pell | | | | them lessen their debt. |
| grants, a simplified financial aid application, and an | | | | Students who choose to enroll in online courses may |
| investment in training courses and classes offered by | | | | be able to do both, as they will be able to complete |
| community colleges. | | | | their coursework on their own time. Furthermore, |
| Although the recession has led many lenders to work | | | | students who complete a college degree over the |
| with borrowers to lower their payments or postpone | | | | Internet may be able to save money on additional |
| their bills, college students should not rely on the | | | | expenses. |
| leniency of financial institutions. In turn, they may | | | | Online college often works out to be less expensive |
| want to consider their options for repayment while | | | | than on campus college. Students do not have to pay |
| they are earning their degree. | | | | for on campus living expenses or dining programs. |
| Most degree candidates enroll in campus-based and | | | | Also, there are no fees for building and grounds |
| online schools in attempt to launch lucrative careers | | | | maintenance, extra curricular activities or special |
| and increase their earning potential. As a result, these | | | | events. Since online students can attend class from |
| students should keep their goals in mind throughout | | | | anywhere, there are no commuting costs. |
| the duration of their college career. Degree | | | | |