A four-year degree now costs over $100,000 at most public universities and $180,000+ at private schools. Those numbers sound terrifying. But here's what most families don't realize: hardly anyone pays full price. If you're figuring out how to pay for college in 2026, you're actually in a better position than students five years ago.
The robotics workforce gap is widening. Pending retirements combined with insufficient trained workers could leave millions of manufacturing and technology jobs unfilled in the coming years. For university leaders, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Undergraduate research gives you the chance to work alongside faculty, graduate students, and postdocs on original scholarship or creative projects. The opportunities extend far beyond test tubes and lab coats. Students in history conduct archival research while psychology majors run experiments and English students analyze texts under faculty mentorship.
AI tools are reshaping science education. Over half of college students now use AI monthly for coursework, with that number climbing to 92% globally. For science majors tackling complex lab work, data analysis, and technical writing, AI offers powerful support.
University tutoring is one of the most accessible side jobs for students and recent graduates who want flexible income while reinforcing their own knowledge. The work fits around your class schedule and looks good on a resume. It can also lead to higher-paying opportunities down the road.
The working student is no longer the exception. Nearly 65 percent of college students have jobs, and 40 percent of those work full-time. For many, employment isn't optional. It's what keeps tuition paid and rent covered. But juggling shift schedules with class schedules creates a constant tug-of-war on your time and energy.
