It’s never been more important than now to invest in a college education. Over a professional lifespan, the average employee with a four-year college degree earns above 60 percent more than a counterpart who has only earned a high school diploma. Before investing in something so important, you want to make certain that it’s worth your time and money. One way to do that is to make sure the college and the program you choose are “accredited.”

Most of us know that April 15 is an important date when it comes to declaring taxes. For families that plan on applying for financial aid for college, there is another important date to remember. January is the month in which the FAFSA application to receive federal financial aid becomes available. You can request this form online or by mail.

The federal government uses the FAFSA form to calculate the minimum amount that a family can contribute towards a student’s college expenses as well as to determine if the family qualifies to receive financial aid. You will have to provide information about your income, property, and other financial details. In order to apply for federal financial aid, you must have a Social Security number or permanent resident card.

 At 13 or 14, it’s still very early in the game to make a final choice about the super important decision between community college and a four-year university. However, there are a number of factors that you should begin considering now to ensure that you make an informed decision, and the one that’s right for you. When it comes to community college versus a four-year university, students generally opt for one over the other depending on the following three factors: grades, finances and their career/future plans.

Education after twelfth grade is more important than ever. In today’s unstable economy, more education brings more opportunities and greater job stability. Don’t let the myths about the cost of college or the availability of financial aid keep you from reaching your goals.