Three steps are outlined to help make college a reality: (1) Find the right college fit by exploring career and college options, (2) Push yourself by taking challenging classes and getting involved, and (3) Put your hands on some cash by learning ways to save and plan for paying for college. The document provides information about different college options, matching careers to interests and skills, the importance of GPA, ways to pay for college including scholarships and financial aid, and actions students can take to prepare.

1. Follow
3 steps
to make
college a
reality!

2. WHAT ARE YOUR
DREAMS FOR THE
FUTURE?

3. Who can help you
overcome obstacles to
college?
A caring adult can help you…
FIND THE
RIGHT FIT.
Explore career and
college options.
PUSH
YOURSELF.
Take tough classes
and get involved.
PUT YOUR
HANDS ON
SOME CASH.
Learn about ways to save
and plan for college.

4. How will college
benefit you?
You’ve got
what it takes!

5. Did you know there are
45 colleges in Nebraska?
To learn about them:
1. Use College Profiles at EducationQuest.org
2. Attend events & camps at area colleges

6. Community
Colleges
(2-year)
Colleges &
Universities
(4-year)
Career
Schools
(trade schools)
Other options include Apprenticeships & Military.
Before you choose a college,
think about your career
interests…

7. Match your INTERESTS & SKILLS
with potential careers
See p. 3 of the KnowHow2GO publication
to identify & match your interests and skills.

8. CAREER Examples
Find Career Ladder Posters
with more in-demand jobs
Note: the colors for Farm Equipment Manager and
Accountant are incorrect in the KnowHow2GO publication.

9. Athletes…have a second career plan!
Percentage of college athletes who play professionally…
• Professional
careers average
3-6 years.
• You would need
a second career
by age 30!
Consider a sports-related career:
coach, director of ticket sales, PE teacher,
team accountant, athletic trainer, public relations for athletic team.

10. What can YOU do
to explore careers or
colleges?

11. PUSH YOURSELF
• Register for tough classes.
• Take recommended classes.
• Learn how to study.
• Get involved.
What high school classes should you take to get into college?
____ Years of English & Math
____ Years of Social Sciences & Natural Sciences
____ Years of World Language
4
3
2

12. Tough classes aren’t scary!

13. What are your STUDY HABITS?
I go to school and class on time.
I use a planner or app to track assignments.
I ask questions if there’s something I don’t understand.
I turn off distractions when I’m studying.
I organize papers or folders for each subject.
STUDY HACKS!

14. What is GPA…
And why is it important?
Total points ____ ÷
number of classes ___
= ____ GPA
15
5
3.0
Many scholarships
require a GPA of 3.0
or higher…
Would you qualify?

15. Get involved!
School clubs
Student council
Band or choir
Sports
Volunteer
By taking tough classes, getting good grades, and getting involved,
you’ll have a better chance at earning scholarships!

16. What can YOU do
to push yourself to
take tough classes or
get good grades?

17. PUT YOUR HANDS ON SOME CASH.
2-year
community
college
4-year public
college
4-year private
college
Career school
Tuition & Fees $3,150-$3,600 $7,500-$9,200 $21,000-
$39,500
$17,000-
$18,500
Books &
Supplies
Room &
Board
No campus
housing
$1,000 - $2,800
$6,500 - $11,800
Average Costs to Attend College in Nebraska for One Year
How much does college cost – and how will you pay for it?

18. Start saving!
• Save money you get for birthdays and holidays.
• Find ways to earn money and save half.
• Open a NEST 529 college savings account.
o Visit nest529.com
$50/Month x
6 Years =
$3,600!
plus interest

19. Limit what you spend on snacks…
$5
$35
$140
$1,680
$6,720

20. NEST 529 College Savings Plan
How much interest will I earn?
What’s a 529 College Savings Plan?
Bank Savings Account 529 College Savings Plan

21. 4 ways to pay…for college!

22. Types of financial aid
You won $1,000 in a
“Why I Want to Go to
College” essay
contest.Scholarships
You complete the FAFSA,
a college financial aid
application, and receive
$3,000 that you don’t
have to pay back.Grants
You work at the
college cafeteria to
help pay tuition.
Work-Study
You borrow $2,000
for college that you
will have to pay back
after you graduate.Student Loans

23. What about athletic scholarships?
… of high school
athletes get
athletic scholarships

24. What can YOU do
to pay for college in the future?

25. What’s one action
you will take as a
result of this
information?