Opportunity Money For College (NAPSA)—Education pays. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, high school graduates average, in a working lifetime, $1.2 million; college graduates, $2.1 million. Getting the money to pay for an education, however, can seem daunting. Fortunately for many high school students, these tips may help: eStart early—In sophomore year, students should begin collecting and organizing applications, recommendations, test scores, essays and transcripts. Begin applying for college junior year. *Know who you are—Certain college scholarships depend on ethnic, religious or professional affiliations. *Get government money— Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form. It’s online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or call (800) 4-FED-AID to apply for grants, scholarships and loans from the U.S. government. Just remem- ber, male students, 18 and older, must be registered with Selective Service to be eligible for Pell Grants, College Work Study, Guaranteed Student/PLUS Loans and National Direct Student Loans. Registration forms are at the post office and online at www.sss.gov.
