Being a junior at Bainbridge High School, it is becoming increasingly apparent that college and the expenses that come along with it are just around the corner.

Mom and Dad, get your wallets ready!

When deciding on which college to attend after high school, it is crucial that students and their parents take into consideration all of the different expenses that come into play.

Such expenses include, but are not limited to, tuition, books, food and groceries, living, entertainment and travel, clothing, college loans, savings and investments, and transportation. These are only the personal costs. Then, we must consider tuition hikes and inflation rates, as well as the number of years that the student will be attending college, which depends on the certain degree being pursued.

It is estimated that an average yearly cost for a private college is around $33,300, and for a public college, $16,400. Think that’s steep? The average yearly cost for an out-of-state public college is somewhere around $26,300.

But, there is a brighter side to this financial scenario.

Bainbridge High School offers a wide variety of scholarships to high school seniors who wish to further their educational endeavors. For the 2008-2009 school year, 30 specific scholarships were available, among others.

Bainbridge-Decatur County includes local scholarship opportunities such as Alpha Kappa Alpha, which is given to a senior who has excelled academically, shown strong leadership qualities, and is very active in community service. No application for the Alpha Kappa Alpha scholarship is required.

Another scholarship offered is the Davis-Williams Character Award and Scholarship, which is to be given to an athlete who exemplifies these qualities: strong character traits, self-discipline, determination, team work and sportsmanship. Applicants for this particular award must have a letter of recommendation from his/her coach.

These are only two of the scholarships available for high school seniors, but there are multiple opportunities there.

So, these scholarships show there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Graduating high school and applying for college is a major step in teen’s and their parents’ lives. (Especially their parents, since they are the ones footing the bill!) But scholarship opportunities are out there, all it takes is the student’s display of academic potential and leadership qualities, and an easy application.

To all high school seniors, remember this is a major year in your life and it’s important to keep your grades up and continue the yearnin’ for some learnin’!