NRCC News

Community College Awareness Month: Top 5 Most Expensive Mistakes Students Make in Pursuing A Degree

Apr 25 2017

This is an archived article!

This article was published on Apr 25 2017 and was archived on Apr 26 2018. The information below may be outdated or inaccurate.

1. Not starting at one of Virginia's Community Colleges: Tuition and fees at New River Community College are 1/3 less than Virginia's public four-year universities. Students who first complete their community college associate degree save as much as $45,000 on the cost of earning a bachelor's degree when they transfer to one of Virginia's public four-year colleges and universities. https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/financing-college

2. Not Applying for Financial Aid Early: Although students can submit their FAFSA forms anytime between Oct. 1 and June 30, it is best to file early because financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis! Contact NRCC's admissions or financial aid office for more info.http://www.nr.edu/fa/http://www.nr.edu/admissions/

3. Not Pursuing Scholarship Funds: In addition to federal financial aid, students may also be eligible for a host of college scholarships that will lower the cost of college. Talk to your guidance counselor, NRCC admissions/financial aid office, employer, or any professional and social organizations to which you belong to see what college money is available.http://www.nr.edu/foundation/scholarship.php

4. Not Taking Advantage of Transfer Grant Funds: Through Virginia's College Transfer Grant Program (CTG), qualifying students who complete their associate degree at NRCC and then transfer to a participating Virginia four-year college or university may receive up to $3,000 annually to help defray costs!https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/transferGrant

5. Borrowing Too Much Money: Unlike financial aid or scholarships, student loans must be repaid, with interest! Why not earn an associate degree at NRCC, then transfer to a four-year school to pursue a bachelor's degree? You'll save thousands, and along the way, financial aid and scholarship money can help you avoid taking on unnecessary debt.https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/paying-for-college