Financing

In challenging economic times, many people may delay visits to the dentist because they cannot afford to pay the accompanying bill. Many college students who struggle to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses also often put off dental work. While this plan may seem wise in the short term, neglecting one’s oral health can lead to serious health and financial consequences down the road. Those who do not get regular dental cleanings and check-ups put themselves at an increased risk for gum disease and cavities, both of which can lead to future financial and physical pain when the problems eventually need to be treated.

Fortunately, for college students who may not have the finances to pay for dental work or those whose health insurance does not include a dental plan, a lack of funds does not necessarily mean one’s dental health care needs to suffer. Community colleges with dental hygienist training programs often offer low-cost or even free dental services to college students and children and adults in the general public.

This video gives an overview of the dental and other health services available at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dental services at community colleges are fairly comparable across the nation. To help you get an idea of the kinds of services offered, as well as potential pricing, we will examine a few college-based dental clinics.

Normandale Community

Maintaining your financial aid standing at a community college is crucial for continuing your education without undue financial burden. To ensure ongoing eligibility, meeting certain requirements and following specific guidelines is important. Firstly, maintaining satisfactory academic progress is paramount. This typically entails achieving a minimum GPA and successfully completing a certain percentage of credits each semester. Additionally, students must adhere to attendance policies and make timely progress toward their degree or certificate program. It is imperative to stay informed about any changes in financial aid policies or requirements and submit all necessary documents and forms by specified deadlines. Regularly communicating with the financial aid office and seeking their guidance can help navigate any challenges or questions that may arise. By remaining diligent, organized, and proactive in meeting the criteria outlined by the community college's financial aid department, students can sustain their financial aid standing and continue to receive crucial support for their educational journey.

Many students at community colleges would not be able to pursue their educational and vocational goals were it not for the help they receive through financial aid programs.

Unfortunately, every year, some students experience the heartbreak of learning that they are no longer eligible for financial aid and the money that has afforded them higher education is being withdrawn. Usually, these students become ineligible for financial aid because their grade point averages have fallen below the minimum requirement. In other cases, they have withdrawn from a class and, thus, failed to complete the

While financial aid, scholarships, and student loans are the most common ways to finance higher education, new savings-matching programs are helping more students attend community college. Imagine each dollar you save matched by a free dollar that you can use towards your college tuition!

Savings matching programs help low and middle-income students pay for college by matching the money that participants put in a college savings account. For example, the state of Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development runs a savings matching program called New Visions, New Ventures, which will match $2 for every $1 that eligible low-income participants deposit in a savings account. The program will provide up to $4,000 in matching dollars to participants. Participants must use the money to pay tuition, buy a first house, or start a business.

How Savers Can Benefit Even More through Philanthropy Websites

Recently, savings matching programs have begun partnering with philanthropic websites to increase the savings power of their participants even further. One such pioneering website is SaveTogether.com. At SaveTogether, individual donors can read the stories of low and middle-income individuals who are participating in savings matching programs and working towards savings goals that involve post-secondary education.

Individual donors choose individual savers to “match,” and donations made by individuals through SaveTogether are tax deductible.

How the Program Works

By working with a variety of programs that sponsor savings-matching efforts for community college tuition, SaveTogether furthers the power of these programs.

Profiles on SaveTogether Allow

College textbooks are notoriously expensive. Community college students, especially those who are just beginning college or returning to school after years in the workplace, may experience sticker shock upon their first visit to the college bookstore.

A Business Week article on textbook prices reports that the General Accounting Office (GAO) says that textbook prices have increased at twice the rate of inflation since 1986! College students are estimated to spend an average of between $700 and $1,100 per year on textbooks, according to a Washington Post article on the issue. The issue of textbook affordability exists for community college students as much as it does for students at four-year institutions. Most community college classes require textbooks that are similar in price to those required at the most expensive four-year colleges and universities. Thankfully, today’s community college students have a number of resources at their disposal for cutting down on the cost of textbooks. Before you pay full price for textbooks at your campus bookstore, try some of these ideas.

This video offers advice on where to buy or rent textbooks cheaply.

Smartly Prepare for Your Textbook Bargain-Hunting

Before you begin your search for cheap textbooks, you’ll need to know which books are required for your courses. Many community colleges have websites for their bookstores online where you can look up the required textbooks by entering your course ID numbers.

If you face potential DUI (driving under the influence) charges, you will need to seek immediate legal aid. The legal consequences for a DUI can include severe fines, mandatory jail time, and alcohol abuse treatment classes.

Fortunately, if you are a student facing a DUI charge, your community college may be able to offer support. With many community colleges hoping to help students avoid future DUI incidents, your campus may offer preventative programs, alcohol and substance abuse treatment options, and additional resources.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving Among Community College Students

In examining the current alcohol-related crisis among college students, statistics compiled by drunk driving lawyers reveal that approximately 2 million college students chose to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol every year. Researchers have also found that over half a million people ranging from ages 18 to 24 experience injuries due to alcohol-related incidents. Furthermore, approximately of college students admit to experiencing poor academic performance due to their drinking-related choices.

With the awareness of these serious issues related to alcohol abuse, students who are facing a DUI or drinking problem should speak with their community college counselor to find out about specific on-campus treatment programs.

This video shows several ways to avoid driving drunk.

Legal Services at Community College

Some community college students in need of legal support may struggle to find the financial means to pay