Getting Into The College of Your Choice
Determining which Admissions tests to take are made easier with information from the College Board, SAT and ACT. Fee waivers and special accommodations are available from both testing organizations and are worth checking out through SAT and ACT.
The Cost of Attending
Cost is almost always a concern for students and parents alike.
You might think that you can't go to college because you or your parents
can't afford it. Given the importance of college education today,
it is more accurate to say that you cannot afford NOT to go. With careful
planning and hard work, it is possible to overcome the money problem. Consider
this:
- College may not cost as much as you think. Most of Arizona's schools are affordable and Arizona's state university and community college tuition rates are among the most reasonable in the nation, even after recent tuition increases.
- There is plenty of financial help available. Every year nationwide, more than 7 million students receive over $60 billion in financial aid. You don't have to be a straight A student or a star athlete to qualify.
- College is a good investment that pays for itself before too long. College graduates earn, on average, almost twice the income of those who do not attend college.
The Arizona Board of Regents establishes the tuition rates at Arizona's three state-sponsored universities. In 2005-2006, annual tuition and mandatory fees paid by all in-state students for an academic year (fall and spring semesters) totaled approximately $4,400. However, books, supplies, meals, housing, transportation and entertainment expenses brought the total to approximately $15,000 at NAU, $16,000 at ASU, and $16,500 at U of A. The costs of attending college can vary widely, from approximately $8,000 to $22,000 per year. Attending a community college tends to be much more affordable, especially if a student lives at home. Community college tuition and fees are normally much lower than university costs, averaging just over $1,500 last year.
