College Prep for Juniors and Seniors

COLLEGE PREP FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS

2022 - 2023

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. You can also use the free Career Cruising assessment at an EducationQuest location. You’ll find free online assessments at: • NebraskaCareerConnections.org • 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 NebraskaCareerConnections.org .

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 potential career choice will provide the future lifestyle you desire.

FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE

RESEARCH COLLEGES Start by asking your school counselor for college-search advice and resources. Here are other things you can do: • 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 in your area. • Explore the websites of colleges that interest you. 1 Follow the steps on pages 2-4 to find colleges that fit your interests.

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

CAREER SCHOOLS (trade schools) Award diplomas and certificates for specific trades. A few offer associate and bachelor’s degrees.

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (4-year) Offer bachelor’s degrees. Many also award master’s and doctoral degrees.

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

Apprenticeships and the military are also options.

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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 your visits in the spring of your junior year and revisit your top choices in the fall of your 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. Is the campus diverse? Where are the majority of students from? 6. What percentage of students graduate? Are most students getting jobs or going to grad school?

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 EDUCATIONQUEST.ORG

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 geogra- phy; 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’ll take the ACT in the spring of your junior year, and 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 EducationQuest.org . 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’ll get help with your applications during the school day. 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.

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NEBRASKA COLLEGE COSTS

This chart shows 2022-23 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

ROOM & BOARD

PERSONAL & TRANSPORTATION

OFF- CAMPUS

ON- CAMPUS

OFF- CAMPUS

WITH PARENTS

4-YEAR PUBLIC Chadron State College - Chadron

2,132 7,834 1,200 8,064 8,064 5,536 4,384 4,384 2,816

Peru State College - Peru

1,283 7,920 960 9,600 9,600 1,536 3,014 3,014 3,014

Purdue University Global - Lincoln

366 12,252 **

N/A 4,959 2,133 N/A 2,190 1,470

University of Nebraska - Kearney

4,427 7,984 750 11,390 11,390 5,348 4,724 4,724 4,724

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

19,552 9,854 1,200 12,430 12,430 6,200 3,516 3,516 3,516

University of Nebraska - Omaha

12,603 8,883 1,120 10,642 11,608 3,474 3,770 3,770 3,770

University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha*

937

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

Wayne State College - Wayne*

3,766 7,786 1,390 8,870 8,870 2,172 2,116 2,116 2,116

4-YEAR PRIVATE Bellevue University - Bellevue*

6,536 10,570 1,834 15,021 15,021 10,638 5,184 5,184 5,184

Bryan College of Health Sciences - Lincoln

688 19,410 1,200 N/A 8,676 4,347 N/A 4,374 4,374

Clarkson College - Omaha

595 18,960 814 7,284 9,260 3,932 1,728 1,728 1,728

College of Saint Mary - Omaha

660 22,450 960 8,240 11,632 3,720 3,516 4,640 3,950

Concordia University - Seward*

1,190 37,600 1,000 10,050 10,050 6,910 2,440 2,440 1,700

Creighton University - Omaha*

4,472 45,638 1,200 11,830 11,830 2,500 2,800 2,800 2,800

Crown College - Omaha

14,615 **

Doane University - Crete*

812 39,290 1,000 10,900 10,900 3,350 3,250 3,250 3,350

Hastings College - Hastings

928 34,580 100 11,190 10,190 4,740 4,042 4,042 4,042

Midland University - Fremont

1,329 38,300 1,020 10,066 **

3,604 13,670 4,905

Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha

1,034 19,160 1,000 10,080 12,780 3,970 5,346 6,662 6,662

Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln*

1,706 39,988 1,000 11,374 11,374 3,000 3,500 3,500 3,500

Summit Christian College - Gering

6,800 300 6,800 14,664 2,032 1,376 4,000 1,152

Union College - Lincoln

607 27,170 1,600 7,750 12,000 6,000 4,200 4,200 4,200

York University - York

456 20,650 300 9,250 9,250 **

2,400 2,400 **

SCHOOL AND LOCATION

UNDERGRAD ENROLLMENT

TUITION & FEES

BOOKS & SUPPLIES

ROOM & BOARD

PERSONAL & TRANSPORTATION

OFF- CAMPUS

ON- CAMPUS

OFF- CAMPUS

WITH PARENTS

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Central Community College - Columbus

4,253 3,300 1,500 7,820 7,500 3,200 2,050 2,700 2,700

Central Community College - Grand Island* 4,261 3,300 1,500 N/A 7,500 3,200 N/A 2,700 2,700

Central Community College - Hastings

3,699 3,300 1,500 7,820 7,500 3,200 2,050 2,700 2,700

Little Priest Tribal College - Winnebago*

171 5,400 1,000 6,990 6,990 6,990 3,234 3,234 3,234

Metropolitan Community College - Omaha*

3,420 1,500 N/A 7,500 3,840 N/A 2,250 2,250

13,709

Mid-Plains Community College - McCook* 1,498 3,480 1,600 7,010 7,010 2,000 2,330 2,330 2,330 Mid-Plains Community College - North Platte 2,128 3,480 1,600 7,010 7,010 2,000 2,330 2,330 2,330 Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture - Curtis 239 5,586 836 8,856 6,500 2,508 3,826 5,078 4,136 Nebraska Indian Community College - Macy* 212 5,100 ** N/A 9,194 ** N/A 10,173 ** Northeast Community College - Norfolk* 5,345 3,840 1,394 9,340 7,927 2,839 1,449 2,398 2,348 Southeast Community College - Beatrice 1,070 3,510 1,649 8,512 9,464 4,732 2,000 2,000 2,000 Southeast Community College - Lincoln* 6,924 3,510 1,649 N/A 9,464 4,732 N/A 2,000 2,000 Southeast Community College - Milford 1,308 3,510 1,649 8,512 9,464 4,732 2,000 2,000 2,000 Western Nebraska Community College - Scottsbluff* 2,512 3,720 1,500 7,364 7,364 2,874 3,477 3,477 3,477

PRIVATE CAREER

Capitol Beauty School - Omaha

144 17,245 2,850 N/A 11,610 3,474 N/A 8,136 4,401

CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology - Omaha

14,280 1,300 N/A 11,902 7,530 N/A 2,030 2,030

College of Hair Design - Lincoln

129 19,000 2,971 N/A 5,976 1,326 N/A 5,934 2,652

Davines Professional Academy of Beauty and Business - Lincoln

18,750 1,300 N/A **

N/A **

Joseph's College :: Cosmetology - Lincoln*

17,100 2,200 N/A 5,982 1,650 N/A 3,972 3,240

Mary Lanning Healthcare School of Radiologic Technology - Hastings

9,616 950 10,500 10,500 **

8,500 8,500 **

Myotherapy Institute Inc - Lincoln

16,800 **

N/A **

National American University - Bellevue

130

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

Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology - Scottsbluff

4,660 1,570 N/A 11,000 2,283 N/A 5,988 5,988

Universal College of Healing Arts - Omaha

17,134 600 N/A 6,600 3,500 N/A 3,300 3,300

Xenon Academy - Omaha*

100

2,247 N/A 15,996 4,944 N/A 7,284 4,788

17,750

* 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.

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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.

SET UP A STUDENT AID ACCOUNT To begin the process of applying for

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

financial aid, you and a parent must each create an account at studentaid.gov . This is the site you will use to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for and track student loans.

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’ll 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, research them carefully if a fee is involved. 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 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 on or after October 1 of your senior year. • The colleges you list on the application will use your FAFSA information to award financial aid. Submit the form before the colleges’ FAFSA priority date to get the best financial aid package. • After you submit your FAFSA, expect a Student Aid Report (SAR) via an email link. It indicates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and if further action is required. Renew the FAFSA every year you’re in college. • Visit EducationQuest.org to find a FAFSA Checklist and other tools to help you complete the application. BE PREPARED FOR VERIFICATION Watch 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 package until you provide required documents.

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.

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

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

The colleges use this “financial need” formula to calculate how much to award you in financial aid:

COST OF EDUCATION (tuition, fees, books, living expenses) – EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (your FAFSA results) = YOUR FINANCIAL NEED

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

Here are examples of the financial need calculation based on the type of college you attend.

FINANCIAL AID FORMULA EXAMPLES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FOUR-YEAR PUBLIC

FOUR-YEAR PRIVATE

Tuition & fees

$3,500

$8,300

$32,000

Books & supplies

1,500

1,100

Room & board

8,000

10,100

10,000

+ Personal & transportation

2,800

3,700

= Cost of Education

$15,800

$23,200

$46,800

- Expected Family Contribution*

-11,000

= Financial Need

$4,800

$12,200

$35,800

* Expected Family Contribution (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 .

What loans can I borrow?

Direct Loan for Students Subsidized and Unsubsidized

Direct PLUS Loan for Parents

Combined annual subsidized and unsubsidized loan limits:

How much can I borrow?

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.

4.99% – undergrad unsubsidized and subsidized Effective 7/1/22 (subject to change annually)

Who pays the interest while I’m in school? What is the interest rate?

7.54% effective 7/1/22 (subject to change annually)

Subsidized – paid by government Unsubsidized – paid by student

Paid by parent

Are there fees?

Yes, 1.06% of amount borrowed

Yes, 4.25% of amount borrowed Loan payments (principal and interest) begin 60 days after loan is fully disbursed.

When do I begin 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 • Unaccompanied homeless youth or at risk of being a homeless youth

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In Nebraska, graduates from public and private nonprofit four-year colleges average $27,000 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 award notification, accept only the amount in student loans needed to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. • 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: https://ticas.org/interactive-map/

ESTIMATED LOAN PAYMENTS OVER 10 YEARS

Direct Loan for students

PLUS Loan for parents

4.99% interest

7.54% interest

Make sure you can afford student loan payments by comparing the estimated starting salary of your future career to your estimated college debt.

Amount Borrowed

Monthly Payment Amount

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

$50* $58 $85 $127 $144 $202 $244 $287 $329

$50* $66 $95 $143 $160 $226 $274 $321 $359

Check out the Student Aid Loan Simulator at StudentAid.gov .

*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 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.

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

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 award packages.

CHECK YOUR STUDENT PORTAL AND EMAIL OFTEN The college will provide important instructions and deadlines via your online student account.

SUBMIT YOUR CAMPUS HOUSING FEE AND DEPOSIT Do this before the deadline for a better chance of securing your preferred housing option.

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’ll apply at studentaid.gov . Your college will provide instructions.

STAY ON TRACK • Use our College Timeline.

• Sign up for the Countdown2College emails. • Find both at EducationQuest.org .

FIND FREE TOOLS AT EDUCATIONQUEST.ORG

connects you to Activities Resume, College Profiles, College Timeline , Reality Check , & ScholarshipQuest.

RESOURCES Activities Resume ™ tracks your extracurricular activities, honors, and awards. College Funding Estimator ™ estimates your FAFSA results. College Profiles ™ has information about colleges in Nebraska and nationwide. College Timeline walks you through college planning steps. Countdown2College provides monthly college planning tips. FAFSA Checklist helps you prepare for the FAFSA. FAFSA Tools provides resources to help you complete the FAFSA. Reality Check looks at your future desired lifestyle. ScholarshipQuest ™ contains more than 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships. Spanish Resources provide materials and information in Spanish.

UPCOMING EVENTS keep you on track for college.

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

Videos guide you through the financial aid process.

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 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.

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

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