Knowledge is infinite POWER!!

Knowledge is to Infinite Power!!!. No one can take it away from you, however the cost of obtaining the knowledge is extremely expensive. The cost of obtaining a higher education has been rising steadily over the years, and the price tag for attending college can be a source of stress for many families; In the 2021-2022 academic year, the average cost for attending a public university is estimated to be around $10,000 for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay around $27,000, and private colleges cost around $40,000 for tuition and fees alone. As of this year, 2024 that cost has risen to around $40,000 with an average of around $6000 per academic year; on top of that interest rates has skyrocketed to tremendous amounts now. When you factor in additional expenses like housing, food, and transportation, the cost can quickly spiral out of control.

Despite these daunting costs, it’s important to remember that the value of a college education extends far beyond its monetary value. Higher education is an investment in your future, and the skills and knowledge you gain from a degree can open doors to new opportunities, experiences, and career paths.

While many students rely on student loans to finance their education, it’s important to consider alternative options to reduce the burden of debt. As a student, parent, grandparent, or guardian, there are creative and effective ways to build on your investment in your or your child’s future without breaking the bank.

Military Route

Another alternative would be to join the military. Now I know what you may be thinking…you probably have heard the rumors about them brainwashing you in basic, or how hard basic training is or how the military is secretly an organization to enslave young people to do the government bidding for low pay, and for females, you probably are frightened by the issues with sexual harassment and the such; I can tell you the brainwashing rumors are a lie and yes there are crazy people in all walks of society in every major field from college, military, and even the law enforcement are compromised. You cannot let this deter you from being great; Do not let crazy people take your opportunity to live a life of happiness and be debt-free. The military can give you more skills than a lot of colleges and universities, and on top of that, it is hands-on. Now there are two paths: Enlisted or Officer. The Enlisted are more like your tech school vocational type skills. This includes subjects like IT, nursing assistant, electrical engineering apprentice, etc. The officer is more like career-based fields such as Computer Scientist, Astronaut, Pilot, Head Nurse, Doctor, etc. Officers typically are those with a Bachelor of some sort and are devoted to going the career route. Either way, you will gain a foothold beyond your peers. You will be in positions with great clout within a year of enlisting. I am talking about positions such as management. Positions that even working on the civilian side would take you 15 to 20 years to reach. Still not sold? Well, guess what? The military also has ways for you to pay for college or grad school even. Below is a list of links to help you understand more or wish to get more information:

Reserves:

The Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard all have reserve units. Space Force is maybe getting a part-time option. Then there is National Guard and Air National Guard. Which are national guard units. Then there are two hidden branches, NOAA Commission corps and HIPPA commission corps..keep in mind for these two special uniform branches you need to have a degree already. I put these options into the blog because you could use these two branches to help pay back any loans they receive and have to pay back. Reserves are where you go once a month to meet and conduct your job. However, you are not full-time and have to rely on a second job to make ends meet. This is perfect for those seeking to go to college or university. You have the extra funds from the reserve portion to pay for school. You will not have to worry about getting as many Loans as you would if you were to go off straight to university. There are also programs within the Reserves that help you pay for the school alongside you working.

For more information check out these links below:

United States Navy Recruiting

All of these links will take you to get more information if you wish to go this route. U.S. Space Force is a new branch. They are aggressively looking for people and they are offering mad crazy bonuses to those interested. As of 2024 most of the branches are really low on numbers and greatly seek individuals.

Now for those who still want the college route, but have issues getting money…and the military also seems like something you would want to do at some point..worry not. I got you covered too. There are a couple of military academies that offer top-notch hands-on education, as well as scholarships that will help you with room and board and so forth if you already are in a college or got your eye on a university but have no way to obtain the funds.

Check out the links below for more information:

Military Academies

Home • United States Air Force Academy (http://usafa.edu) https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php the United States Coast Guard Academy (http://uscga.edu) the United States Merchant Marine Academy (http://usmma.edu) United States Military Academy West Point

Direct Commissioning

There are also direct commissioning programs for those who are about to or already have their degrees in certain fields:

Commissioning into the Military with a Previously Earned Degree (Student Caffé)

That link will take you to where you can get started and how to find a recruiter to talk more about the programs. There are other ways to get money if the military does not seem like something you would fit with.

Volunteer Your Time

There is Peace Corps, Ameri Corps, etc Here is a link to help you look for more programs like Peace Corps, and Ameri Corps:

Best Peace Corps Alternatives & Programs Like Americorps (International Volunteer HQ | IVHQ | Most Trusted & Affordable)

Scholarships and Alternatives Scholarships

There are various scholarships that can help you obtain extra money in your pursuit of knowledge. They range from a number of sources and companies out there. They offer a vast amount of funding ranging from $1000 to even higher.

Check out this link to some of the top no essay scholarships:

ScholarshipOwl: The fastest path to college scholarships

Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students seeking extra help with education costs. No essay required! The deadline is June 30, 2024 ¹.
Sallie Mae Scholarship: A simple $2,000 monthly scholarship for those seeking financial assistance. No essay or account sign-ups needed ¹.
Build a College List Scholarship: Offered by The College Board, this scholarship awards up to $40,000. Create a college list with six schools you’re considering—no minimum GPA or essay required ¹.
Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Easy application open to high school and college students, as well as anyone planning to attend college or graduate school in the next year ¹.
Bold.org $25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship: Available to high school, college, community college, and graduate students ¹.

Scholarships for graduate studies:

Data Science:

ACM SIGHPC Computational and Data Science Fellowship:
- Aimed at increasing diversity in data science.
- Candidates must be nominated by their advisor, enrolled in a data science graduate program, and belong to an underrepresented group.
- Awards vary, up to $15,000 annually for up to 2 years ¹.
Acxiom Diversity Scholarship:
- Encourages women, veterans, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
- Applicants must be enrolled in a data science program with a minimum GPA of 3.25.
- Up to 10 awards, each worth $5,000 ¹.
AIGC Science Post-Graduate Scholarship:
- Supports training opportunities in mathematics and science fields.
- Available to American Indian or Alaska Native students.
- Award amounts vary from $1,200 to $10,000 ¹.
ASA Pride Scholarship:
- Celebrates LGBTQ+ statisticians and data scientists.
- Provides support for their success in the field ¹.

Computer and Tech:

“Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students:
- Available exclusively through Scholarships360.
- Offers $500 to current or aspiring STEM majors.
- Deadline: January 31, 2025 ¹.
Build a College List Scholarship (by The College Board):
- Create a college list with six schools you’re considering.
- No minimum GPA or essay required.
- Multiple awards worth up to $40,000.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024 ¹.
Minority Women in STEM Financial Need Scholarship (by Bold.org):
- Honors the legacy of Dr. Marie M. Daly, an African American trailblazer.
- Provides $10,000 to college students.
- Deadline: June 15, 2024 ¹.

For top-paying scholarships: http://Https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/

I myself plan on applying to some of these for my grad school studies. The more you fill out the greater the chance you have of getting a couple of grand for the 4 to 7-year grind depending on what you plan to major in. Speaking of which there are scholarships for those attending HBCUs, women, minorities, and more.

Well as you can see there are a lot of ways to pay for school besides the use of loans that will only increase your debt once you graduate with that degree. The goal of college is to help achieve a better future, more financial freedoms, and overall happiness. Yet today that dream is no longer available to meaning due to the rising cost of education and the rising risk of borrowing that money to go to that university or junior college…or even a trade school. The message I want to leave to young people is that nothing easy comes free. There is some work that has to be done to achieve your dreams. You can take the easy path now, but you will regret it later and you will find that the payout is far less than what you originally thought it, and be. So I challenge you all, and I am not just talking about those graduating high school, I am talking about those who are about to graduate college and those adults who have not even started yet. Do something with your life meaningful. The government and no one else owe you anything; if you want something you have to go out and get it yourself.

Trade Schools:

Trade schools also offer some great lucrative opportunities too as well. Trade schools generally are very hands own and you tend to get real world experience that universities generally do not offer. Check out a list of trades below with their school counter parts:

Highest Paying Trades:

Ultrasonographer: Conducts diagnostic image testing using ultrasound technology. Average salary: $131,161 per year. Job growth rate: 10%¹.
Respiratory therapist: Assists patients with breathing difficulties. Average salary: $104,437 per year. Job growth rate: 13%¹.
Dental hygienist: Provides oral health care. Average salary: $99,013 per year. Job growth rate: 7%¹.
Construction manager: Oversees construction projects. Average salary: $88,319 per year. Job growth rate: 5%¹.
Aircraft mechanic: Maintains and repairs aircraft. Average salary: $82,476 per year. Job growth rate: 4%¹.
Cable technician: Installs and maintains communication systems. Average salary: $70,714 per year. Job growth rate: 6%¹.
Industrial mechanic: Repairs machinery in factories. Average salary: $69,637 per year. Job growth rate: 13%¹.
Solar installer: Installs solar panels. Average salary: $69,422 per year. Job growth rate: 22%¹.
Real estate appraiser: Determines property values. Average salary: $64,075 per year. Job growth rate: 5%¹.
Electrician: Installs and maintains electrical systems. Average salary: $62,739 per year. Job growth rate: 6%¹.
Licensed practical nurse: Provides basic medical care. Average salary: $59,125 per year. Job growth rate: 5%¹.
Wind turbine technician: Services wind turbines. Average salary: $58,005 per year. Job growth rate: 45%¹

Notable mentions:

Mechnatronics Engineer: Average Salary: $100k, bottom 20% $58, Top $150k

Good luck, God speed, and live long, die well.

One thing I want to leave everyone with…nothing will change if we keep trying to hold on to the same narrative. You want things to change for the better than you have to step up to the plate to be that change. Otherwise we will all continue to be at the welm and mercy of evil.

“I can do all Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” Philippians 4:13

Check out this link below for of your preparation:

Top Textbooks

Sources:

How Much Does College Cost? | CollegeData

The Average Cost of College in the U.S. in 2024: Private vs. Public Tuition | Research.com

The 50 Highest-Paying Trade Career Jobs in 2024 (tradeschools.com)

25 High-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand | SoFi

Most In-Demand Trades for 2021 and Beyond — Construction Staffing (wideeffect.com)