Pell City — Joshua Logan of Springville is set to begin classes at Jacksonville State University.  He plans to study education and social sciences preparatory for a career as a teacher and coach.

The rising cost of college isn’t lost on him, even though most of his expenses will be covered by a scholarship from the university, renewable over four years provided he maintains a 3.25 GPA.

“But that’s just for books and tuition,” he said.  “It doesn’t cover meal plans or living expenses.”

Joshua, who has operated his own lawn care service since he was 12, plans to use three other scholarships he’s received to pay for those costs, and if all else fails, “I’ve built up a savings by working, so if anything were to happen, I’d have a little bit of a fallback.”

Things are a little less certain for Ashton Carden, a Pell City High School graduate who is off to Gadsden State Community College on two scholarships from the college and two Business and Professional Women’s scholarships.

“If I didn’t have those scholarships, I probably wouldn’t be going to school,” she said.  Planning to study business, she’s not sure if she’ll be able to reach her goal of applying to photography school immediately after graduating from Gadsden State.

“I may have to work a little while first.  I’ll just have to wait and see.”  Ashton has worked at Head Over Heels since it opened earlier this summer to begin building up savings.

Both students and their parents said that saving for college is important, as is starting early in applying for scholarships and other financial aid programs.

“Sophomores and juniors really need to get on it,” said Ashley Logan, Joshua’s mother.  “There are even scholarship opportunities available for freshmen.

“There really are limitless possibilities to help pay for college.  It’s worth the effort to do the research finding out about them.”

Ashton’s mother Teresa encouraged parents to work closely with their children’s high school counselors and advisors, whom she said were instrumental in helping Ashton apply for and receive her scholarships.

“Scholarships can take down the cost of school a good bit and take a great load off your mind and your wallet,” Joshua said.  

State financial aid advisors encourage college students—even those attending on scholarships—to have a budget.

“Unless you are an independent student, your parents probably cover most of your living expenses,” said a spokesman for the Higher Education Assistance Authority.  “But if you have a job, they may expect you to contribute toward what they consider nonessentials, such as video games, new clothes, car payments and insurance, or movie and concert tickets.  

“You can create a budget by estimating how much money you will make and spend each month.  It is a great way to avoid running out of money when you need it the most.  The biggest financial goal is to have more money at the end of the month, and for college students, the goal should be to graduate with as little debt as possible.”

For more information about budgeting or college payment options, visit www.alstudentaid.com.