College Prep for Juniors and Seniors

College planning and career information for 11th & 12th-grade students.

COLLEGE PREP FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS 2024 - 2025 FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS

GETTING STARTED Before you decide what college to attend, explore careers you may want to pursue. This will help you find schools that fit your career interests and goals. Follow these steps: THINK ABOUT YOUR INTERESTS & SKILLS Ask your school counselor about interest or skills assessments offered at your school. Find free online assessments at: • Nebraska.kuder.com • MyNextMove.org • BigFuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers 1

This diagram shows six broad career fields used in career education at most Nebraska schools. Learn more at Nebraska.kuder.com .

2 MATCH YOUR INTERESTS & SKILLS WITH POTENTIAL CAREERS

• Participate in activities that match your career interests such as school clubs, community service, job shadowing, internships, and part-time jobs.

• Get involved in a career academy or coursework if available at your school. • Use Reality Check at EducationQuest.org to determine if your career choice will pay enough to fund your desired lifestyle.

FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE Follow the steps on pages 2-4 to find colleges that fit your interests.

RESEARCH COLLEGES Here’s how to get started: • Talk to admissions representatives. • Use College Profiles at EducationQuest.org to match colleges with your interests. - Another good resource is BigFuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges . • Attend a college fair. • Explore the websites of colleges that interest you.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY COLLEGE? ? College can mean any type of education beyond high school, including:

CAREER SCHOOLS (trade schools)

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (4-year)

COMMUNITY COLLEGES (2-year) Offer certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and programs for those planning to transfer to a four-year school.

Award diplomas and certificates for specific trades. A few offer associate and bachelor’s degrees.

Offer bachelor’s degrees. Many also award master’s and doctoral degrees.

Apprenticeships and the military are also options.

EducationQuest.org

GO ON CAMPUS VISITS This is the most important step you can take to determine if a school is the right fit for you!

• Start visits in the spring of junior year and revisit your top choices in the fall of senior year. • Contact the admissions office at least two weeks in advance to schedule a campus visit. • Visit while school is in session. You won’t get the full campus experience during school breaks, finals week, or summer. • Meet with an admissions representative and financial aid counselor to discuss how to apply and pay for college. • Ask to meet with faculty in your areas of interest. • If you can’t visit a college, check their website for a virtual tour.

NARROW YOUR COLLEGE CHOICES

After you’ve done your research and gone on campus visits, it’s time to compare notes and pick your top college choices. Compare schools based on academic programs, size, location, cost, career preparation, internships, and social climate.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ON A CAMPUS VISIT

ASK THE FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR…

ASK THE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE…

1. What applications are required for scholarships and financial aid, and what are the deadlines? 2. When can I expect a financial aid offer?

1. What are the admission requirements? 2 . What is the deadline to apply for admission? 3 . Does the college offer academic programs that fit my career interests? Can I study abroad? 4. What housing options are available? 5. What percentage of students graduate?

ASK CURRENT STUDENTS…

1. How easy is it to register for classes? 2. Are campus jobs available? 3. What student activities are offered?

FIND MORE QUESTIONS AT EQF.ORG/VISITQUESTIONS

RECOMMENDED COURSES FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION These courses reflect the most rigorous college admission requirements in the state. By taking them, you’ll be better prepared for admission to any college in Nebraska. ENGLISH 4 years of intensive reading and writing MATH 4 years, including algebra, algebra II, and geometry - and one additional course that builds on knowledge of algebra II SOCIAL SCIENCES 3 years, including American and/or world history; one additional course in history, American government, and/or geography; and a third course from any social science discipline NATURAL SCIENCES 3 years, including biology, chemistry, physics, or earth sciences - one course must include laboratory instruction WORLD LANGUAGE 2 - 4 years of the same language DUAL CREDIT & ADVANCED PLACEMENT If you take dual-credit courses in high school you could earn college credit at a lower tuition cost. Advanced Placement courses are another option for earning college credit. Ask your counselor if these courses are available at your school, and if you qualify for a scholarship to cover dual-credit courses.

TAKE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS Some colleges will require an entrance exam for admission and/or scholarship consideration. You will take the ACT in the spring of your junior year. You may want to take the SAT as well. Retake the exam(s) in the summer and fall as some colleges will use your best score for scholarship and admission decisions. You also have the option of retaking a single subject of the ACT. • Visit actstudent.org and collegeboard.org for sample questions, test dates, registration, and fees. • Find Nebraska-based ACT test-prep resources at eqf.org/TestPrep . If you attend a community college, you may be required to take the Accuplacer or Companion placement tests. APPLY FOR ADMISSION Be aware of deadlines and apply to your top three or four colleges in the fall of your senior year. Most will require: • An application and fee. • Official high school transcripts, including: - Your grade point average and/or class rank. - Completed high school coursework. • ACT/SAT test scores. If your school conducts an Apply2College event, you will get help with completing applications. CREATE A STUDENT PORTAL Once you’re accepted for admission, the college will instruct you to create an online student account/portal for communications about financial aid, admissions, or other college-related matters.

EducationQuest.org

NEBRASKA COLLEGE COSTS

This chart shows 2024-25 costs to attend a college in Nebraska. Colleges use these amounts (Cost of Education) and your FAFSA results to award financial aid.

SCHOOL AND LOCATION

UNDERGRAD ENROLLMENT

TUITION & FEES

BOOKS & SUPPLIES

HOUSING & FOOD PERSONAL & TRANSPORTATION

ON- CAMPUS

WITH PARENTS

4-YEAR PUBLIC Chadron State College - Chadron

2,197 8,290 650 9,984 6,304 3,840 2,912

Peru State College - Peru

1,500 8,640 960 10,464 1,600 3,232 3,232

University of Nebraska - Kearney

4,224 8,490 790 12,198 6,194 5,686 5,686

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

18,959 10,434 1,100 14,120 6,826 3,000 3,000

University of Nebraska - Omaha

12,197 9,535 1,226 12,130 3,826 4,032 4,032

University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha* 900

(Programs and costs vary, contact the college for more information)

Wayne State College - Wayne*

3,213 8,215 1,536 10,142 2,476 3,798 3,798

4-YEAR PRIVATE Bellevue University - Bellevue*

9,000 12,623 1,800 10,683 4,000 5,184 4,000

Bryan College of Health Sciences - Lincoln

610 20,640 1,200 N/A 5,139 N/A 6,588

Clarkson College - Omaha

727 19,530 814 7,864 2,892 2,932 2,932

College of Saint Mary - Omaha

542 24,510 912 9,084 4,526 4,536 5,332

Concordia University - Seward*

1,276 40,500 1,070 10,850 7,875 2,865 2,075

Creighton University - Omaha*

2,731 48,856 2,500 13,652 4,500 750 750

Crown College - Omaha

** 31,410 **

Doane University - Crete*

1,190 41,985 1,082 12,178 3,914 3,592 3,700

Hastings College - Hastings

957 37,770 1,030 12,050 7,860 4,310 4,310

Midland University - Fremont

1,333 42,050 1,020 11,172 2,058 4,436 2,378

Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha

972 20,434 1,300 10,690 3,988 5,792 5,792

Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln

1,531 43,722 1,000 12,232 3,000 3,500 3,500

Summit Christian College - Gering

40 8,020 300 4,000 2,032 1,376 1,152

Union Adventist University - Lincoln

619 29,334 1,600 8,460 6,000 5,000 5,000

York University - York

425 23,000

9,500 **

SCHOOL AND LOCATION

UNDERGRAD ENROLLMENT

TUITION & FEES

BOOKS & SUPPLIES

HOUSING & FOOD PERSONAL & TRANSPORTATION

ON- CAMPUS

WITH PARENTS

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Central Community College - Columbus

4,168 3,360 1,500 8,760 3,096 2,242 2,942

Central Community College - Grand Island*

6,284 3,360 1,500 N/A 3,096 N/A 2,942

Central Community College - Hastings

3,818 3,360 1,500 8,760 3,096 2,242 2,942

Little Priest Tribal College - Winnebago*

291 5,400 2,406 8,000 8,000 1,828 1,828

Metropolitan Community College - Omaha*

3,375 1,500 N/A 3,337 N/A 1,650

13,709

Mid-Plains Community College - McCook* 1,528 3,600 1,600 8,180 3,000 3,622 3,622 Mid-Plains Community College - North Platte 2,125 3,600 1,600 8,180 3,000 3,622 3,622 Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture - Curtis 250 5,220 748 9,156 2,664 3,934 3,934 Nebraska Indian Community College - Macy* 368 5,100 ** N/A ** N/A ** Northeast Community College - Norfolk* 5,595 3,840 1,144 9,897 3,050 1,457 2,458 Southeast Community College - Beatrice 1,042 3,690 1,000 11,820 8,362 3,992 2,782 Southeast Community College - Lincoln* 6,816 3,690 1,000 11,820 8,362 3,992 2,782 Southeast Community College - Milford 1,486 3,690 1,000 11,820 8,362 3,992 2,782 Western Nebraska Community College - Scottsbluff* 820 3,840 1,500 9,340 3,672 2,725 3,765

PRIVATE CAREER

Capitol Beauty School - Omaha

130 21,850 **

N/A 1,550 N/A 431

CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology - Omaha

25 8,914 800 N/A 3,602 N/A 2,777

College of Hair Design - Lincoln

135 19,200 3,072 N/A 3,720 N/A 2,724

Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics- Lincoln

13 19,900 2,500 N/A **

N/A **

Joseph's College :: Cosmetology - Lincoln*

105 18,800 2,420 N/A 1,248 N/A 2,778

Mary Lanning Healthcare School of Radiologic Technology - Hastings Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology - Scottsbluff

20 7,575 1,600 11,000 ** 5,988 **

11 4,760 1,570 N/A 3,300 N/A 5,980

Universal College of Healing Arts - Omaha

24 12,282 400 N/A **

N/A **

Xenon, A Stephanie Moss Academy - Omaha* 155 18,850 3,432 N/A 6,448 N/A 10,673

* Indicates main campus. For additional locations, see https://eqf.org/campus_locations . ** No information provided by the college. This data is meant to inform and does not intend to create any type of college ranking or favoritism.

EducationQuest.org

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

Now that you know how to find the right college and how much college will cost, it’s time to figure out how to pay for it. We’ll walk you through the steps to apply for scholarships and financial aid.

CREATE AN FSA ID To begin the process of applying for financial aid, you and a parent must each create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov . Your account must be verified before you can complete the FAFSA. This can take 3-5 days, so be sure to apply early.

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Follow these tips for scholarship success: • Research potential awards by using free scholarship search resources, including your

school counselor, the college you plan to attend, ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org , and other free internet-based scholarship searches. • Complete an Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org so you will have a list of your activities, honors, and awards handy when completing applications. • Create a list of scholarships you’re eligible to apply for. Tackle the most difficult applications first. Pay attention to deadlines; if you miss one, your application will not be considered. • Request letters of recommendation from adults who know you well. Give them plenty of notice, a deadline, information about the scholarship, and a copy of your Activities Resume .

If you receive offers for scholarship services that involve a fee, research them carefully. How do you know if the offer is questionable? Watch for this type of language: • “You’ve been selected.” • “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.” • “May I have your credit card number?” SCHOLARSHIP SERVICES WARNING!

Ask your school counselor or EducationQuest about free resources that are available.

SCHOLARSHIPS These are awarded by private donors or your college. Some are based on financial need while others are based on criteria such as academics, leadership, athletics, or talents. GRANTS* These are not repaid and are awarded to students who show financial need. They include: • Pell Grant. • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). • Nebraska State Opportunity Grant. • College-based grants. WORK-STUDY* Based on financial need, this is money you earn from a college-based job to help pay for school expenses. STUDENT LOANS* This is money you borrow and must repay after you’re done with college. Loans are also available for parents. See page 10 for details. TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

COMPLETE THE FAFSA The FAFSA is your application for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Complete the form at studentaid.gov in the fall of your senior year and every year you’re in college. • Visit eqf.org/FAFSAtools to find a FAFSA Checklist and other tools to help you complete the application. • The colleges you list on the application will use your FAFSA information to offer financial aid. Submit the form before the colleges’ FAFSA priority date to get the best financial aid offers. • Expect a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) via email or your StudentAid.gov account. It indicates your Student Aid Index (SAI) and if further action is required. BE PREPARED FOR VERIFICATION Monitor your student portal and email closely as the college(s) might request verification of your FAFSA information. The college(s) will not process your financial aid until you provide the required documents.

*These types of financial aid are based on FAFSA results.

EducationQuest.org

EXPECT A FINANCIAL AID OFFER The colleges listed on your FAFSA will notify you of the types and amounts of financial aid they’re offering. You will only receive offers from colleges that accepted you for admission. Accept or decline the financial aid offer by the deadline.

Colleges use this “financial need” formula to calculate how much to award in financial aid:

COST OF EDUCATION (tuition, fees, books, living expenses) – STUDENT AID INDEX (your FAFSA results) = YOUR FINANCIAL NEED

Colleges will award as much of the “financial need” amount as possible. This could be a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.

FINANCIAL AID FORMULA EXAMPLES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FOUR-YEAR PUBLIC

FOUR-YEAR PRIVATE

Tuition & fees

$3,600

$8,700

$33,000

Books & supplies

1,500

1,100

Housing & Food

8,800

11,500

10,500

+ Personal & transportation

2,800

3,700

3,900

= Cost of Education

$16,700

$25,000

$48,500

- Student Aid Index*

-11,000

= Financial Need

$5,700

$14,000

$37,500

* Student Aid Index (for one year) is based on a family of four, one in college, $85,000 income.

TYPES OF FEDERAL LOANS Direct Subsidized Loan A loan in which the government pays interest while the borrower is attending college. You qualify for this loan based on financial need. Direct Unsubsidized Loan A loan in which the borrower is responsible for all accrued interest, even while attending college. Direct PLUS Loan A loan that allows parents of a dependent student to borrow up to the cost of education minus other types of financial aid.

FEDERAL LOAN COMPARISON Colleges determine the types and amount of loans to be awarded. Depending on your financial need, you may receive a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans. To learn more, visit StudentAid.gov .

Loan Type

Direct Loan for Students Subsidized and Unsubsidized

Direct PLUS Loan for Parents

Combined annual subsidized and unsubsidized loan limits:

Loan Limits

Your parent can borrow up to the “Cost of Education” minus other financial aid you receive.

Dependent students Freshmen - $5,500 Sophomores - $6,500

Independent students* Freshmen - $9,500 Sophomores - $10,500

Credit approval is required.

Juniors - $7,500 Seniors - $7,500 Undergrad loan limit is $31,000.

Juniors - $12,500 Seniors - $12,500 Undergrad loan limit is $57,500.

6.533% – undergrad unsubsidized and subsidized Effective 7/1/24 (subject to change annually)

Interest Rate

9.083% effective 7/1/24 (subject to change annually)

In-school Interest Payments

Subsidized – paid by government Unsubsidized – paid by student

Paid by parent

Fees

1.06% of amount borrowed

4.25% of amount borrowed

Loan payments (principal and interest) begin 60 days after loan is fully disbursed.

Repayment

Loan payments (principal and interest) begin 6 months after you graduate or drop below half-time status.

*You are an independent student if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Age 24 by December 31 of the school year. • Married. • In graduate school at the beginning of the school year. • Providing more than half of the support for dependents living with you. • A veteran.

• On active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training. • In foster care or ward of court after turning 13. • An orphan. • Emancipated minor or in legal guardianship. • U naccompanied homeless youth or at risk of being a homeless youth.

EducationQuest.org

In Nebraska, graduates from public and private nonprofit four-year colleges average $35,000 in student loan debt.* Student loans can be a good resource as long as you borrow wisely. Here are some tips that may help: • Make sure the college you plan to attend is a good fit. Transferring to a different school can add additional years of college and loan debt. • Compare the estimated starting salary of your future career to your estimated college debt to ensure you can afford future loan payments. Find a “debt/salary wizard” calculator at mappingyourfuture.org/paying/debtwizard/ . • When you receive your financial aid offer, accept only the amount in student loans needed to help pay for tuition, fees, books, housing, and food. • Work while you go to college and use the money you earn to pay personal expenses. • Keep track of your federal student loan debt at studentaid.gov so you’re not surprised when it’s time to graduate. HOW TO MANAGE STUDENT LOAN DEBT

*Source: lendingtree.com

ESTIMATED LOAN PAYMENTS OVER 10 YEARS

Direct Loan for students

PLUS Loan for parents

6.533% interest

9.083% interest

Amount Borrowed

Monthly Payment Amount

$3,500 $5,500 $8,000 $12,000 $13,500 $19,000 $23,000 $27,000 $31,000

$50* $63 $91

$50* $70

Check out the Student Loan Simulator at StudentAid.gov/loan-simulator

$102 $153 $172 $242 $292 $343 $394

$136 $154 $216 $262 $307 $353

*Minimum loan payment, will take less than 10 years to repay the loan.

OTHER WAYS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

NEST 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN By investing in this plan, your parents can set aside money for your college education and get a Nebraska state income tax deduction. Find details at nest529.com . COLLEGE PAYMENT PLANS Some schools offer a monthly payment plan. Ask your college about finance charges. THE MILITARY All military branches offer education assistance, including the G.I. Bill, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment. Talk to a recruiter for details. PRIVATE LOANS These student loans are not funded by the federal government. Talk to the college financial aid office to determine if a private loan might be an option to help fund your education.

HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT LOAN A line of credit that allows you to borrow money as you need it. NEBRASKA AGENCIES Certain Nebraska agencies provide education assistance for those who qualify. Examples include:

• Nebraska VR. • Nebraska Department of Labor. • ResCare Workforce Service. • Central Plains Center for Services.

AMERICORPS Provides a stipend and educational award in exchange for community service. To learn more, visit serve.nebraska.gov or americorps.gov . GAP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Financial aid for low-income students enrolled in community college programs that do not lead to a degree.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAX BENEFITS

LIFETIME LEARNING CREDIT Students must be enrolled for at least one academic period beginning in the tax year. This credit is also allowed for courses toward a degree, educational credential, or for classes taken to improve job skills.

AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY CREDIT Students must be enrolled in college at least half-time for one period of the tax year and be pursuing an undergraduate degree.

See irs.gov or talk to your tax advisor for details.

EducationQuest.org

Follow these steps to ensure a successful transition to college. FINAL STEPS

SUBMIT YOUR CAMPUS HOUSING FEE AND DEPOSIT Do this before the deadline for a better chance of securing your preferred housing. REGISTER FOR NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Orientation will help you jump-start college by meeting other new students, talking with an academic adviser, and registering for classes. APPLY FOR A STUDENT LOAN, ONLY IF NECESSARY You will apply at studentaid.gov . Your college will provide instructions. MAKE YOUR FINAL COLLEGE SELECTION Select a school that offers your major, is the right distance from home, and fits your family’s budget. Notify the other schools of your decision and decline their financial aid offers. CHECK YOUR STUDENT PORTAL AND EMAIL OFTEN The college will provide important instructions and deadlines via your online student account.

STAY ON TRACK • Use our College Timeline. • Sign up for the Countdown to College emails. • Find both at EducationQuest.org .

FIND FREE TOOLS AT EDUCATIONQUEST.ORG

Activities Resume ™

Track your extracurricular activities, honors, and awards.

College Profiles ™

Information about colleges in Nebraska and across the country.

Reality Check

Look at your future desired lifestyle.

ScholarshipQuest ™

View more than 2,000 Nebraska- based scholarships.

UPCOMING EVENTS Keep you on track for college.

BLOGS Provide advice to help you succeed in high school and college.

EducationQuest.org

EDUCATIONQUEST CAN HELP YOU START YOUR JOURNEY TO COLLEGE. We’re a nonprofit organization that provides FREE services and programs for Nebraska students and families including: • College-prep information and tools at EducationQuest.org. • One-on-one help at college planning offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Scottsbluff. • Outreach services for community agency clients. • Statewide efforts such as college fairs, financial aid programs, and the Apply2College campaign. • Look2College, KnowHow2GO, and Exploring College programs for younger students. We also provide need-based scholarships for students referred by colleges or community agencies and award College Access Grants to Nebraska high schools.

FOR FREE HELP WITH COLLEGE PLANNING, CONTACT THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU.

OMAHA Rockbrook Village

LINCOLN 1300 O St. 402.475.5222

KEARNEY 2706 Second Ave. 308.234.6310

SCOTTSBLUFF 1601 E 27th St. 308.708.7199

11031 Elm St. 402.391.4033

Materials and resources are available in Spanish. Materiales y recursos disponibles en español.

EducationQuest.org

Written approval is required for any use of EducationQuest’s trademarked name and logo. Visit educationquest.org/legal for details.

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