Paying for College: Affording College after Paying for Addiction Treatment

College Graduate Students

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

With the rising cost of higher education, many college-aged students may find the financial burden of paying for school overwhelming and deterring. For students who have just completed treatment for an addiction or substance abuse problem, going to college can seem more like a far-fetched dream rather than a reality.

The truth is that there are many programs that offer financial assistance to college students, and with careful planning and preparation, you can make higher education a possibility.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

Before you begin, it is important to assess your current financial situation and set some practical goals for yourself. Consider the type of profession you are hoping to move into. What kind of job will you be able to find post-education? What type of degree will you need to have for the job you want?

Having a clearer vision of your school, education and career goals can save you both time and money in the long run. If you are not sure what type of career you want, consider enrolling in courses at a local junior college to gain exposure to different fields and professions.

Finding the Right College

Once you know what type of education you want to pursue, it is important to figure out what colleges and universities offer the programs you need. You can likely save more money by going to a local college rather than moving out of state.

College FriendsInvestigate community colleges near you to see if you can complete pre-requisites at a lower cost. You may also consider living at home or with roommates to save cost on living expenses.

Getting Help from a Financial Aid Counselor

Once you have figured out where you would like to attend college, begin working with a financial aid counselor. These individuals can provide you with invaluable resources to help you cover the cost of tuition.

This might involve a combination of scholarships, financial assistance, student work programs, and more. It is important to know that there are a variety of resources available to you to help you achieve your dreams and goals.

By having a concise plan for your schooling and education and by utilizing the resources that are available to you, you can make these dreams a reality.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are practical ways in which you were able to save money for college?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 1st, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com