High School Students

Why Should You File the FAFSA?

jpow — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 19:38:09 +0000

Why Should You File the FAFSA? jpow Fri, 10/21/2022 - 15:38

A college education is one of the first big investments most young adults make in their professional careers. And with all the talk surrounding student debt looming, it’s important to ensure that you choose a school that offers an education that fits into your budget and pays off in the long run — thankfully, our students graduate with the second-lowest amount of student loan debt and the second-highest average starting salary among 15 Michigan public universities.

Along your application process, you’re probably constantly reminded to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly referred to as the FAFSA. And though you might be experiencing application fatigue, this is an important one.

The FAFSA is an essential step in understanding how to make college affordable for you. Not only will you learn how much federal aid you qualify for, you’ll also discover scholarship opportunities and unique aid programs developed specifically by your colleges of choice. As a Dearborn Wolverine, filing the FAFSA can unlock a host of opportunities for financial support. Learn more about three of them here:

Go Blue Guarantee
For years, University of Michigan has demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence at an affordable rate for high-achieving students in need through the Go Blue Guarantee. Now, 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students are eligible, too! The Go Blue Guarantee promises free tuition for standout students from low-income households. First step? Complete the FAFSA to determine your financial need.

Scholarships
51��Ƶ-Dearborn offers a range of scholarships, whether you’re a first-year student, transferring from another university or a graduate student pursuing your master’s degree. While most scholarships provide financial support to high-achieving students based on merit, many at our university still require you to file the FAFSA.

Work-Study
Securing employment on campus is a great way to earn money while earning your degree. It’s also a failsafe way to get to know university systems and meet fellow students whose interests align with your own. You guessed it — you’ll need to complete the FAFSA to determine whether you demonstrate the financial need to qualify for a federal Work Study program.

Learn more about the various types of aid available at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn. And when you’re ready, file your FAFSA to determine what you’re eligible for!

Financial Aid

High School Students

Understanding College Admissions

Fri, 10/21/2022 - 19:38

Learn just how affordable it can be to earn your college degree

Financial aid advisors are available for both in-person and remote appointments to help you determine the financial aid opportunities that you may qualify for.

51��Ƶ-Dearborn Admissions Blog

What’s the Value of a College Degree?

jpow — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:34:36 +0000

What’s the Value of a College Degree? jpow Thu, 09/01/2022 - 15:34

Here are great examples why earning a college degree does make a difference.

Unemployment & Pay by Educational Attainment, 2021, Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov

Pursue a career

Whether it's business, education, engineering, or science, a college education provides the foundation for you to pursue your passion in life. Education allows you to focus on a career pathway, not just getting the next job.

Stand out

Only 31.7% of Michigan's workforce has attained a bachelor's degree and only 12.5% a master's degree. (2021 American Fact Finder, U.S.Census, factfinder.census.gov)

Earn more money

College graduates earn more money and have more financial stability on average than high school graduates. (Education Pays, The College Board, 2019, collegeboard.com)

Education for life

Knowledge is freedom, which lights the path to a bright future.

Preparation for leadership roles

Success in college requires preparation: learn to express your views, listen to others, and develop your communication skills.

Make a difference

The knowledge, understanding, experience, and friendships gained at college will prepare you to make the difference in the world: michigandifferencemakers.com.

Live healthier and longer

The more education one has, the healthier the lifestyle and longer the life span (Education Pays, The College Board, 2019, collegeboard.org).

Academics

High School Students

Thu, 09/01/2022 - 19:34

Gaining a college education is the best investment you can make for a successful future.

51��Ƶ-Dearborn Admissions Blog

How to Earn College Credit in High School

jpow — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:31:29 +0000

How to Earn College Credit in High School jpow Thu, 09/01/2022 - 15:31

There are a number of reasons to begin earning college credit while on the path to earning your high school diploma. First, taking on challenging classes shows admissions officers that you’re a high-achieving student capable of keeping up with collegiate-level coursework. It also allows you to apply credits toward your degree. Students interested in earning their bachelor’s degree in less than four years may consider getting a head start by beginning to rack up credits their junior or senior year in high school (which can even save you money toward tuition!). Taking on a few credits in high school can also allow you to lighten your course load once you’re on campus for anyone who may be juggling work or extracurricular commitments. If you’re considering ways to earn credits during your high school career, there are two ways to do it.

Advanced Placement

Though these courses tend to be more rigorous than traditional high school-level courses, the benefits of successfully completing AP courses in high school far outweigh the challenges. Having AP courses on your transcript will give you an edge when the time comes to apply to colleges and universities, plus, the credits you earn may afford you an opportunity to bypass some general education classes in college, allowing you to hone in on courses specific to your major and minor. Consult your guidance counselor to learn more about AP courses that you may qualify for. You can also visit University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Advanced Placement site for an overview of the process.

High School Dual Enrollment

If you’re a high school or homeschooled student who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance and already have your eye on a top school of choice, it may be a wise choice to consider a high school dual enrollment program. At most universities, you’ll have free reign of campus facilities and advantages as a dual enrollment student, which will offer great insight to student life. Plus, you’ll also earn admissions privileges traditional applicants wouldn’t otherwise have. As a dual-enrollee at 51��Ƶ-Dearborn for example, once you graduate high school, you will be granted admission (provided you meet the minimum admission criteria), and the credits you earned during dual enrollment will already be on your transcript, saving you time and money!

Academics

High School Students

Understanding College Admissions

Thu, 09/01/2022 - 19:31

Learn whether AP courses and/or Dual Enrollment are right for you

51��Ƶ-Dearborn Admissions Blog