There are different types of education covered in this guide, and each comes with its own costs. Some forms of education, such as on-the-job training and apprenticeships, are free of charge. Others, like vocational training and apprenticeships, lead to a certificate of completion and can be accomplished with minimal expense. When researching for a school, be sure it is accredited and, therefore, eligible to accept federal funds for financial aid. (A list of these schools in New Hampshire is located at the end of this directory)

In general, the major types of educational institutions can be broken into three categories:

Vocational/Skill Training Schools: Many of these programs are offered free of charge through state and federal agencies, although increasingly more programs are being offered, with tuition fees, by private institutions. Most award a certificate of completion, rather than a degree, which signals a student's readiness for entry-level positions in the workforce. Examples include GED programs, apprenticeships and on-the-job training, computer and LPN certificates, and other specialized programs such as hair design and massage therapy.

Community Technical/Vocational Colleges: These schools offer a range of programs, from vocational certification to associate degrees. Often referred to as "two-year colleges," these schools are a wonderful opportunity for students who are unsure of their desire to complete a four-year degree, who can not afford to attend a four-year institution, or who need extra academic support to fulfill college requirements in basic credit courses in math, science, and English. Courses taken for credit at community colleges can most often be transferred to a four-year institution if a student decides to continue on toward a bachelor degree.

Colleges and Universities: These schools most often have competitive admission requirements, including applications and SAT or other entrance exams. At these schools, the minimal degree awarded is the four-year bachelor degree, while universities also award post-graduate master and doctoral degrees.
The most expensive educational expenses are those associated with colleges and universities. Of these schools, private institutions are usually more expensive than state-funded institutions. Yet, because each school has its own pool of financial aid available, private institutions are often able to offer a more attractive financial aid package than public institutions with limited funds. In other words, with the help of financial aid, it may end up costing you less to attend an expensive private school than a less expensive public school.

So here's our first bit of advice:

NEVER ASSUME YOU CANNOT AFFORD AN EDUCATION.