Reason #3: Thriving Industries Still Abound When a recession hits, slow-growing industries may be first in line to cut back on their employees. Instead of waiting for the axe to fall, you might be better off training for an industry with high growth prospects, such as health care or network systems. Here are some of the fastest-growing industries in America and the degree level you should achieve to enter each field:

* Network systems and data communication analysts: bachelor's degree * Veterinary technicians: associate's degree * Personal and home health care aids: associate's degree and on-the-job training * Computer software engineer: bachelor's degree * Skin care specialist: vocational degree * Massage therapist: associate's degree * Medical assistant: associate's degree and on-the-job training * Marriage and family therapist: master's degree * Makeup artists for theater, television, and film: vocational degree

Reason #4: It's More Affordable than You Might Think By planning carefully, you can finish your college education without plunging into serious debt. First, you should contact a financial counselor at your chosen university. Counselors can help you find department-based scholarships, research grants, and teaching assistantships. Next, you can scour the Internet for civic scholarships and corporate grants. Use research databases like Fastweb and the Financial Aid Resources scholarship page to speed up the search process. In addition, you should file your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form online, which lets you borrow funds based on your financial status. Subsidized Stafford loans should give you the best deal, since the government usually pays interest on subsidized Stafford loans while you attend school.

Lastly, don't overlook your workplace as a source for educational funding. According to U.S. News, around half of private corporations offer college assistance. Ask your workplace's human resources department about tuition reimbursement plans. If your employer only offers tuition assistance to full-time employees, you might consider attending online courses in order to keep your day job.

Make Sure College Is the Right Choice for You Before sending out university applications, remember that college typically entails a huge commitment on many levels. You can test your level of preparedness for college by asking yourself a few important questions, including:

* Which education style fits my schedule? If you want to keep your current job, look into night classes or distance programs. On the other hand, if you learn best in traditional classrooms, explore on-campus options. * Which degree level suits my desired field? For example, an aspiring doctor or lawyer usually needs a graduate degree, while an auto mechanic or paralegal might only require an associate's degree. * Would the personal and financial investments be worth the cost? If you have pressing financial debts or family-related obligations, make sure college would allow you to meet your day-to-day commitments.

Instead of viewing an economic recession as an obstacle, try to see it as an opportunity. By the time the economic recession has boiled over, you may already be working an exciting, lucrative new job."

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