X

College & Career Training in Alaska

With the occurrence of the Summer Solstice on June 20, 2021, we are officially in the summer season.  As you take in the Alaska midnight sun and all the Last Frontier has to offer, remember to plan financially for the fall season.

Whether you are a recent high school or college graduate, or a returning college/training student, this is the time to get prepared for a successful year. Don’t get me wrong, enjoying your summer break is necessary, but consider the following information to save you money:

  • After you register for classes, learn about add/drop and withdrawal deadlines for the semester.  Understand policies about making changes to your schedule and how dropping or withdrawing can affect your financial aid. At many schools once you pass the add/drop period you are obligated to pay the tuition fee whether you show up for the class or not.
  • Understand your financial aid award, and student loan interest rates, requirements, and terms.  The school's financial aid office on campus is a great resource. You can also find useful information with the Money $marts Video series.
  • Learn about and plan to take advantage of resources offered by your school like academic advisors, career centers, writing centers, tutors, health and wellness centers and more.
  • Save some of your earnings from summer employment if you worked. It will really come in handy in the fall.  You may also want to consider looking for part-time jobs on campus now. For help preparing your resume create an account at AKCIS.org and go to the Employment tab.
  • Maintain a budget. Keeping a record of all expenditures will keep you on top of your extracurricular spending especially when you get to college.

If you recently graduated from college, have you considered lowering your student loan payments by refinancing?  Now might be the right time. Take a fresh look at your student loan interest rates. You may be able to lower your monthly payments and reduce the overall costs of your loans. For Alaska residents, one option is the Alaska Refinancing Loan, which allows borrowers to roll federal, state, and private loans from any lender into one fixed-rate loan. As with all big decisions, applicants should always consider the pros and cons of refinancing. Learn more about the Alaska Education Loan Refinancing Program.

Have fun this summer and make the most of it. You deserve it!

About the Author

Christina Campbell

Christina Campbell

ACPE: College & Career Specialist

Christina Campbell is a College & Career Specialist with the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. She has a BS in Journalism and Communications from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Broadcast Meteorology Certification in Geosciences from Mississippi State University. Christina was on the original implementation team that brought College Goal Sunday to Alaska in 2005. 

Related

Pathways to Registered Apprenticeship – Pathways to Success

Pathways to Registered Apprenticeship – Pathways to Success

If you’ve heard and read about apprenticeships, you may have gotten hooked and feel that it could ...

Read More >
Virtual Admission Counselors, Tours, and Orientations, what are they all about?

Virtual Admission Counselors, Tours, and Orientations, what are they all about?

For students who haven’t decided on where to pursue their education next, it may be a bit challengi...

Read More >
Where Do We Go From Here?

Where Do We Go From Here?

Next steps and options for PK-8 students as we prepare for the next school year

Read More >
6 People to Know on Campus

6 People to Know on Campus

Adapting to college life can be challenging. To make the best of your experience rely on the “go-to...

Read More >
Strengthening Employability Skills in 2020

Strengthening Employability Skills in 2020

Chances are you are doing things differently now than you did at the beginning of 2020. You may hav...

Read More >
AKCIS Tools for Adult Learners

AKCIS Tools for Adult Learners

Are you looking to move from a job to a career?  Maybe you are looking for a promotion, or you’re l...

Read More >