Chapter 14 Researching Careers 299
There are many Web sites that provide information to help you gain
access to college. Many sites offer guidance for every stage of the planning
process starting with exploring careers in grade school through applying
for college. Because there are so many Web sites, you will need to determine
which sites offer the best information for your particular situation.
• You can start by searching the Internet for resources offered in
your state. Search using the term “college access” plus the name of
your state to get started. If you have already been thinking about a
specific college, make sure you check the school’s official Web site to
learn about admission requirements and to find out what financial
help might be available to you. The U.S. Department of Education
has a Web site that provides information about the benefits of more
education, steps to continuing your education, and ways to manage
the cost of your education. Visit www.college.gov to learn more about
going to college—why to go, what to do, and how to pay.
• The College Board Web site offers an assortment of college planning
tools including information about finding a college, applying to
college, and paying for college. Visit www.collegeboard.org and click
on the link for students. One of the tools you will find is a financial
calculator to help project the cost of an education.
• The National College Access Program Directory provides
information about college access programs across the country.
Visit www.collegeaccess.org/accessprogramdirectory and search for
programs that might meet your individual needs.
If you haven’t already done so, talk to your family, friends, and your
guidance counselor today for information to begin planning for college.
Funding Your Education
As you are making decisions on your schooling, you will need to
create a financial plan for paying for your education. Whether you attend
a trade school, community college, or university, someone has to pay the
cost of your education. Funds to pay for college come from a variety of
sources. Each student’s financial situation is different. You will need to figure
out which sources are available to you and which ones fit your needs.
Some families can afford to pay for college with current income or
savings. If your parents or other family members are able and willing
to pay for a college education for you, by all means take advantage of
their generosity. You can thank them by studying hard and earning your
degree. You may be fortunate enough to have a family who established a
529 plan for you to fund your college education. A 529 plan is a savings
plan for education operated by a state or educational institution. These
plans are tax-advantage savings plans and encourage families to set aside
college funds for their children. These funds may be used for qualified
colleges across the nation. Each state now has at least one 529 plan available.
Plans vary from state to state because every state sets up its own plan.
There are restrictions on how this money can be used, so make sure you