Education
beyond high school is a big investment of time, money,
and effort. You’ll need to figure out how to pay for your
education. The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety
of student financial aid programs, which this publication
describes.
You’ll also need to carefully evaluate the schools you’re
considering. Just because a school participates in our
federal student aid programs doesn’t mean we’ve endorsed
the quality of education the school offers. We don’t approve
a school’s curricula, policies, or administrative practices,
except as they relate to how the school operates the federal
student aid programs.
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Note:
When we refer to “school” in this publication,
we mean a two- or four-year public or private
educational institution, or a career or trade
school.
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What
questions should I ask a school?
Some basic questions you should ask when considering
a college or career school are
- Does the school offer the courses and type of program
I want?
- Do I meet the admissions requirements?
- Does the school offer a high-quality education?
- Does the school offer services I need and activities
I'm interested in?
- What are job placement rates for students who have
recently graduated?
Most of this information is covered in a school's catalog
or in its introductory brochures. Also, check the reference
section of your local library.
You can find a lot of information on the Internet; many
colleges and career schools have Web sites. If you know
someone who attends or attended a school you’re considering,
ask that person his or her opinion of the school. For
specific suggestions on what to find out at the schools
you’re considering, click here.
You’re paying for a high-quality education. Make sure
you get it.
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