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Do's and Don't of getting smarter

On this page, there is a TON of information. Everything from FAFSA facts to Regional and National Accreditation. Within this page is all information that every student should read before making one of the biggest decisions, to date, of their lives. 

For those of you that know me (Erika), know that I am addicted to education and learning. At...years old, I am in college once again, and LOVING it! As Dr. Seuss said "The more that you read, the more things that you will know. The more that you know, the more places you will go". So I charge you with reading this short blippet of information so that you will know, and grow and go!

I have listed the links below in order of general importance. After much research, I have decided that if you are already at this point in your planning of higher education, you have already decided what field of study you are most interested in. With that being said, we will begin with types of accreditation.

Here is a link to the three types of accreditation.  
www.onlinecollegedegrees.net/accreditation-types.html


I generally never use Wikipedia as a source, but after researching the citations, I believe that the information provided in my next link is true and factual. Once you open this link, click "United States" for a full list of all accreditations. This information is helpful in choosing a college or trade school as some schools claim to be accredited, but they are not well known or vetted for accuracy. 

Here is a link to all recognized accreditation in the US. 
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recognized_higher_education_accreditation_organizations

Now that you know "what you want to be when you grow up", and are well-versed on accreditation, we should take a look at schools. This list is primarily for Universities and Colleges in Indiana, but for those of you who are looking into trade schools, I have a section JUST FOR YOU right below this one!  Also, those of you that are looking into 100% online college degrees, because you are wanting to join the workforce as well as complete your higher education, I have a section JUST FOR YOU TOO! 

Here is a link to all the accredited colleges and universities in the state of Indiana.
www.collegedegree.com/states/indiana-colleges

Here is a link to Indiana's trade and career schools. 
www.trade-schools.net/locations/indiana-schools-directory.asp

Now, for those of you who are more drawn to completely online colleges and universities, I have a link for you too! This is a great option for those students that have a want or need to join the workforce as well as complete their education. This option, in my personal opinion, is only for the fully dedicated student. Working full-time and going to school full-time is pretty hard and can get pretty stressful. I tell you this to prepare, not scare! I have the upmost confidence in all of you to "git 'er done"! 

Here is a list of currently accredited online colleges and universities.
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/online-colleges/indiana/

One thing that I like to mention is that cost is ALWAYS a factor in choosing a school to attend. Below I have linked a pretty cool site that gives an overall look at the cost to attend each of the listed schools, each year. Check it out! You may be surprised how inexpensive you #1 choice may be! 

Here is the link to school cost.
www.collegetuitioncompare.com/compare/tables/?state=IN

Now that you have found a school that you are interested in, and know that it is accredited, lets look at cost. The fist thing every student should do is apply for federal financial aid. This is call the FAFSA. But before we go filling out forms willy-nilly, lets take a look at what federal loans and grants actually look like. Please note that when filling out your FAFSA, it will ask what schools you would like them to send your award information to. List every school you applied to, even if you have not heard back from them regarding acceptance! 

Here is a link to Loan and Grant Facts Sheets.
studentaid.ed.gov/sa/resources/loan-grant-fact-sheets

​
Now that you know what you'll be getting, lets take a look at all the other information you need to know about FAFSA.

Here is a link to everything you need to know about the FAFSA itself. 
www.collegeraptor.com/paying-for-college/articles/financial-aid/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-fafsa-before-october-1st/

And here is a link to fill out your FAFSA.
studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

As always, this list/page/information/links will be ever-evolving. If you have more questions or just want to chat about this information, I am always here for you! I wish each and every one of you the very best in furthering your education and being the change you want to see in the world!

Always,
Erika
Teen Services Manager ~ Albion


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