Student Loan Bonanza: Graduate Students Can Accrue $138,500 In Federal Loans

[AeroGuyDC]

Originally Posted by eofelis

I went to school as a very-non trad student (with no money). I went to a cheap podunk state college and got a degree in a hard science. I was persistant about applying for grants and scholarships (no loans!). Looking back (not far, I graduated in 2009) i'm not quite sure how I pulled it off, but I got enough financial aid award each year to pay all of my tuition and some of my living expenses. i worked p/t, low paid, on campus or as an intern. I lived frugal (still do). In addition to my hard science major (geology) I did a useful skill minor (GIS). So I graduated with no debt and got a good job in GIS. I could very well do a career in GIS. It usually pays fairly well. I could do ok working as a geologist too.

I haven't looked into grad school much but I understand that a geology grad always gets funded (TA/RA) to get a MS/PhD. I looked into a MGIS online but it costs about $25k for that. I can learn more GIS on the job while I get paid.

Very impressive! If you can do it, so can millions of others! The difference is that they don't want to do it. Students have been conditioned by American Culture to believe college is a time of "finding yourself" and "the best years of your life".....which is code for "live it up! Pay for it later!" And that usually means student loans.

Geology and GIS.....there's MUCH to be admired about your chosen majors. You will do well. I have complete confidence!

[eofelis]

Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC

Very impressive! If you can do it, so can millions of others! The difference is that they don't want to do it. Students have been conditioned by American Culture to believe college is a time of "finding yourself" and "the best years of your life".....which is code for "live it up! Pay for it later!" And that usually means student loans.

Geology and GIS.....there's MUCH to be admired about your chosen majors. You will do well. I have complete confidence!

Mostly I'm just terrifed of debt. I'll do anything to avoid it. I didn't go to college until I was in my 30s and a lightbulb went off that I could get grants and scholarships instead of loans.

I know some other students who did as well as I did with getting funding for school (no loans), but most students I met never bothered to apply for any scholarships. I also worked hard and graduated MCL (3.85 overall, 4.0 in my major and minor).

My bf (also geology/GIS) got grants and scholarships (no loans) also. He was a strong 4.0 student.

Not sure if my strategy would pay off nowadays. the school I went to has grown explosively in just the past few years and might be more expensive now.


I do tremendously enjoy geology and GIS. I enjoy the geology on hikes with my friends and do GIS all day at work.

[AeroGuyDC]

Originally Posted by eofelis

Mostly I'm just terrifed of debt. I'll do anything to avoid it. I didn't go to college until I was in my 30s and a lightbulb went off that I could get grants and scholarships instead of loans.

I know some other students who did as well as I did with getting funding for school (no loans), but most students I met never bothered to apply for any scholarships. I also worked hard and graduated MCL (3.85 overall, 4.0 in my major and minor).

My bf (also geology/GIS) got grants and scholarships (no loans) also. He was a strong 4.0 student.

Not sure if my strategy would pay off nowadays. the school I went to has grown explosively in just the past few years and might be more expensive now.


I do tremendously enjoy geology and GIS. I enjoy the geology on hikes with my friends and do GIS all day at work.

I myself am an ESRI ArcGIS user. My company uses it to perform aviation/airspace analysis projects around the world. GIS is the future of spatial analysis and modeling, which is why I gladly dump alot of money into training, as well as promote international travel for employees to get hand-on analysis experience in different environments.

Keep up the good work!

[eofelis]

Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC

I myself am an ESRI ArcGIS user. My company uses it to perform aviation/airspace analysis projects around the world. GIS is the future of spatial analysis and modeling, which is why I gladly dump alot of money into training, as well as promote international travel for employees to get hand-on analysis experience in different environments.

Keep up the good work!

I have ArcView 9.3 open on my other monitor right now. (Haven't moved to v10 yet).

I'm a GIS Specialist for an archaeological consulting company. I make maps for the archaeological surveys and the other work that they do. Fun, easy job.

As a student I was a GIS intern for the BLM. It was only a year but it was the most important job I ever had: it set me on my current path. I would have loved to have a permanant BLM job but I haven't been able to get my foot in the door there yet.

My bf has used ArcGIS to make surficial geology maps for the Colorado Geological Survey when he worked for them for a few summers.