Question

your younger cousin mary is a rising senior in high school this year and has been researching the cost of attendance at several colleges. she emails you because she knows that you have just learned about paying for college and she has some serious concerns. here are some excerpts from her email:

• despite her strong academic performance in high school and her interest in pursuing a career in chemical engineering, mary reveals, \im starting to think that college just isnt worth it. i dont see how a college degree is going to help me in the future if it costs so much. arent i better off just going straight into a job with my high school degree and saving my money?\
• \ive been looking at the published costs of attendance on college websites, and theyre insanely high! theres no way my family and i can afford such prices.\
• \i know financial aid is available for students, but i dont know what types there are, let alone how to apply for financial aid. even if i knew how to apply, should i apply? i dont think ill qualify and i dont want to put in all that work for nothing.\
• \i know that i have to start paying my loans right after i graduate college. but what if i dont have a job by that time? and what if i cant afford my monthly payments? i dont want to take that risk.\

you recognize that mary has a few misconceptions and gaps in knowledge about how to pay for college and want to make sure that she makes a decision based on the right information. in 4 - 5 paragraphs, respond to mary about each of her concerns.

Explanation:

Mary, while the cost of college is high, a degree in chemical engineering can open doors to higher - paying jobs in the long run. Financial aid comes in various forms like grants (which don't need repayment), scholarships (awarded based on merit or other criteria), and loans. Applying for financial aid is worth it as many students who think they won't qualify actually do. Regarding loan repayment, there are often grace periods after graduation, and some loans offer income - based repayment plans. College also provides networking opportunities and in - depth knowledge that can give you a competitive edge in your career.

Answer:

Dear Mary,
First, a college degree in chemical engineering is definitely worth it. It will likely lead to higher - paying and more fulfilling jobs compared to starting with just a high school diploma. The initial investment can yield significant long - term returns.
Second, don't be discouraged by the published costs. There are numerous forms of financial aid. Grants are free money from the government or colleges, and scholarships are available for students with good academic records or other talents. You should apply for financial aid as there are many options and you may be surprised at what you qualify for.
Third, about loan repayment, most loans have a grace period after graduation, usually six months to a year, during which you don't have to start repaying. Also, there are income - based repayment plans that adjust your monthly payments according to your income.
Finally, college is not just about getting a degree. It's a place to build a network of friends and professionals, gain in - depth knowledge in your field, and develop skills that will be valuable throughout your career. So, don't give up on your college dreams just yet!