If making a move to or within Wisconsin is in your near future, there are some cities to consider at all price points. Here are the 10 cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin average rent prices
While some cities throughout Wisconsin have experienced a significant increase in rent over the past year, fortunately, most cities have kept their rent increases below double-digit percentages and some rent prices reduced immensely. In fact, Wisconsin as a whole has seen a monthly rent decrease in the last year. Luckily, the average one-bedroom apartment is $1,151 — down 5.7 percent since last year.
The cheapest cities in Wisconsin for renters
Budget-conscious renters can expect to pay between $726 to $1,028 for a one-bedroom apartment in the top 10 cheapest cities in Wisconsin.
If living in one of the most hospitable Midwest states is on your agenda, here are the 10 cheapest cities to live in Wisconsin, based on current one-bedroom rent prices.
10. Waterford
Photo Source: Explore Waterford / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,028
Average rent change in the past year: 0 percent
Situated between Milwaukee and Lake Geneva in the southeastern part of Wisconsin is Waterford, a city that includes 1,100 acres of navigable water to enjoy by canoe or kayak. The family-friendly community actively hosts farmer’s markets, golf outings, corn hole tournaments and more to residents.
If you want to live in a tight-knit and community-oriented city, complete with a downtown Heritage District, Waterford is worth exploring.
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9. Marshfield
Photo Source: Visit Marshfield / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $975
Average rent change in the past year: 8.9 percent
For those who want a bit of a suburban feel but easy access to cities like Stevens Point, Marshfield provides residents with a great healthcare system through the Marshfield Clinic Health System, strong elementary and high schools and great “Main Street” shopping along Central Avenue, too.
The city even has its own free zoo — the Wildwood Park and Zoo.
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8. Kronenwetter
Photo source: Village of Kronenwetter, WI / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $971
Average rent change in the past year: N/A
Next on our list of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin is one that’s really a village in Central Wisconsin called Kronenwetter. The town of Kronenwetter gets its name from Sebastian Kronenwetter — a state legislator and prominent pioneer resident of Marathon County.
Residents enjoy several parks and recreation centers throughout the area and the village serves two public school districts: one that serves students in the northern half of the village and one for the southern half.
The active village residents help plan events ranging from movies under the stars in nearby parks to farmers markets.
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7. Waukesha
Photo source: The City of Waukesha / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $970
Average rent change in the past year: -2.5 percent
The city of Waukesha is a rich mix of neighborhoods, offering residents excellent schools, a variety of shopping choices, a diverse industrial base, an active arts community and beautiful parks and recreational amenities.
Just 18 miles west of Milwaukee, Waukesha has an urban suburb feel filled with young professionals and families attracted to the strong school system, parks and restaurants.
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6. De Pere
Photo source: De Pere Parks, Rec & Forestry / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $894
Average rent change in the past year: 9 percent
Whether you love to go on long walks or hikes, runs, cycling or in-line skating, there is a trail for you to enjoy in De Pere since it has three separate trail systems of almost eight miles to enjoy year-round.
Here, swimmers can enjoy either the VFW Aquatic Facility or Legion Pool. Additionally, in De Pere, art lovers will appreciate the rich public art throughout the city. Moreover, this suburb of Green Bay has its own unique homes and restaurants, schools and shops.
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5. Fond Du Lac
Photo source: Fond du Lac County Historical Society / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $789
Average rent change in the past year: -1.4 percent
A family-friendly community with a strong sense of history, Fond du Lac residents enjoy several amenities including a public library and active sporting centers with year-round programming. With all that said, Fond du Lac is a perfect city to call home.
The Fond du Lac County Historical Society helps connect residents to the town’s local history and there are plenty of restaurants and bars for locals and visitors to enjoy.
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4. Hales Corner
Photo source: Hales Corners Recreation Department / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $785
Average rent change in the past year: -7.70 percent
Located just over 10 miles from Milwaukee, Hales Corner in the state’s southeastern part has a small suburban feel where it’s easy to meet and get to know your neighbors.
Expect to find great brewpubs, greenery in the form of parks and hiking trails and even a botanical garden here. The Boerner Botanical Gardens features 11 specialty gardens — including a bog walk and rose garden, too.
A one-bedroom apartment in Hales Corner decreased by 7.7 percent since last year. Fortunately for renters here, it’s possible to find an apartment for less than $800 a month.
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3. Merrill
Photo source: City of Merrill, Wisconsin / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $778
Average rent change in the past year: 17.3 percent
Nicknamed “The City of Parks,” thanks to its many parks located throughout Merrill, the city is also home to approximately 10,000 residents. Merrill is on the Wisconsin and Prairie rivers.
The active community hosts several year-round events for its residents, from a farmers market to parades. Since there are so many parks and nearby rivers to enjoy, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities from fishing and kayaking to hiking and birding, too.
Merrill is also home to several businesses included Agra Industries, Church Mutual Insurance Company, Lincoln Wood Products and Merrill Manufacturing.
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2. Racine
Average 1-BR rent price: $758
Average rent change in the past year: 1.20 percent
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan and just 22 miles south of Milwaukee, Racine takes advantage of its proximity to the lake with many opportunities to enjoy lakefront activities, whether it’s yoga or swimming at one of its popular beaches or canoeing or kayaking.
Art and architecture fans will appreciate having close access to the Racine Art Museum, home to the country’s largest contemporary crafts while visitors from all over the world make the trek to Racine to see the S.C. Johnson’s world-renowned architecture headquarters, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
And, of course, residents have bragging rights to kringle, the oval-shaped Danish pastry produced mostly in bakeries in Racine County. Furthermore, you can’t come to Racine without having a kringle or two.
Its downtown area is charming and filled with independent boutiques and restaurants. In addition to being home to S.C. Johnson, other businesses such as Twin Disc, Modine and In-Sink-Erator have locations in Racine.
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Average rent change in the past year: 13.1 percent
Most people don’t know cranberries grown in the United States come from Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington and the Wisconsin Rapids area is well-known as cranberry country.
Besides cranberries, Wisconsin Rapids is an attraction magnet. There is the award-winning Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers, a show waterski team, the Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo and even the Tri-City Curling Club, one of only 80 facilities in the country that offers training and competitions for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Additionally, Wisconsin Rapids is also known for its arts and cultural institutions. A downtown farmers market takes place twice a week from early June through end of September, as well as many unique shopping opportunities and family-operated restaurants, cafes, food trucks and taverns.
Luckily, there is no shortage of fun and activities in the Wisconsin Rapids area and more people flock to this area as a one-bedroom apartment increased in rent by more than 13 percent over the past year. Even with the double-digit increase, it’s possible to find a place for around $726 a month.
Find apartments for rent in Wisconsin Rapids Buy a house in Wisconsin Rapids
The most expensive places to live in Wisconsin
It’s possible to find a one-bedroom apartment in Wisconsin for less than $1,500 a month. Even some of the most expensive places to live in Wisconsin, such as Saint Francis or Kenosha, offer a one-bedroom apartment for $1,469 and $1,436 respectively.
If budget is a concern, here are some of the most expensive places to live in Wisconsin.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Nursing can be a rewarding career in a couple of important ways. It involves caring for the health of others and helping them through what can be a challenging moment in their lives, which can be satisfying. A nursing degree can mean job stability as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurses will increase at 6% per year, faster than the average career growth. And here’s one other important fact: The average registered nurse salary is at a median of $81,220 per year. Compare that with the median US salary for the same period of $54,132, and you can see that nursing can be a lucrative career, too.
The average nursing salary will vary depending on the type of nursing you do. For instance, there’s the average nurse salary vs. the average registered nurse salary vs. the average nurse practitioner salary. Qualifications and other factors will determine how much you make as a nurse.
Read on to learn more about this important topic. The information that follows can help you decide if nursing is the right career path for you, and, if so, which type of nursing you want to pursue.
Average Salaries for Different Types of Nurses
Wondering, “How much do nurses make?” First, understand that when considering nursing as a career, it’s vital to know about the different types of nurses. Each has its own education and certification requirements.
• A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) is one of the lowest-paid jobs within the nursing field. Job responsibilities are typically similar for LVN and LPNs. California and Texas use the term LVN, while the rest of the country uses the designation LPN. These positions also have the lowest educational requirements.
While LVN/LPN roles don’t always require a college education, there are usually state-approved training certification programs. Most of these courses take aspiring LVN/LPNs one year to complete, and then they must pass the NCLEX-PN examination for state licensing. How much does a nurse make a year with this kind of credential? The average salary for LVN/LPNs as of 2023 was about $50,580 annually.
• Aspiring registered nurses (RN) typically need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree from an accredited program. There are also some accelerated programs available and some second degree programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.
After successfully completing their chosen coursework, nursing students must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become a certified RN. In addition, RNs usually must obtain a state license after passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
To drill down on the details here, know that each state has its own licensing board. You may want to research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice. How much do RNs make? The average RN salary as of 2023, as noted above, was approximately $88,220 per year. (Below you will find state-by-stage nursing salaries, though not specifically for RNs.)
Next, consider the career of a Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). This type of nurse has gone a step beyond RN and pursued additional education. At a minimum, you must have a master of science in nursing (MSN) to become a CNS.
A CNS typically trains extensively in a specialty area, such as emergency medicine, oncology, or women’s health. At the end of 2023, the average salary for a CNS was $99,148 annually, which is higher than the RN salary, reflecting the additional education and skills.
• A Nurse Practitioner (NP) holds an advanced degree, but their responsibilities vary slightly when compared with a CNS. For example, in most states, a nurse practitioner is able to prescribe medication, while a CNS is not. The average nurse practitioner salary at the end of 2023 was $124,680 annually. 💡 Quick Tip: Ready to refinance your student loan? With SoFi’s no-fee loans, you could save thousands.
Average Salaries and Location
Here’s another factor that can impact the average nurse’s salary: location. After all, wages and overall cost of living can vary dramatically depending on whether you live in, say, a small town or close to a pricey urban center.
Check this chart to see how average nurse salaries compare state by state. Note that these figures reflect LPN salaries, which are at the lower end of the spectrum, but they can give you an idea of how much nurses make by location. This could be good information to consider when deciding where to practice.
State
Mean Annual Nurse Salary
Alabama
$45,260
Alaska
$66,710
Arizona
$61,920
Arkansas
$45,990
California
$69,930
Colorado
$60,310
Connecticut
$62,620
Delaware
$57,360
District of Columbia
$62,010
Florida
$53,780
Georgia
$50,830
Hawaii
$55,730
Idaho
$54,710
Illinois
$58,840
Indiana
$55,850
Iowa
$51,400
Kansas
$51,700
Kentucky
$49,570
Louisiana
$47,430
Maine
$55,830
Maryland
$60,180
Massachusetts
$68,170
Michigan
$57,180
Minnesota
$54,870
Mississippi
$45,020
Missouri
$49,500
Montana
$52,420
Nebraska
$52,080
Nevada
$63,910
New Hampshire
$63,550
New Jersey
$61,990
New Mexico
$59,400
New York
$57,560
North Carolina
$53,010
North Dakota
$53,080
Ohio
$52,330
Oklahoma
$48,090
Oregon
$66,190
Pennsylvania
$54,520
Rhode Island
$66,770
South Carolina
$51,060
South Dakota
$46,000
Tennessee
$46,540
Texas
$52,850
Utah
$55,790
Vermont
$57,150
Virginia
$52,790
Washington
$69,950
West Virginia
$45,530
Wisconsin
$52,610
Wyoming
$54,880
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Nursing Degree?
The cost of getting a nursing degree varies based on the type of nursing program you choose. Each of the nursing positions listed above requires different degrees and certification.
• The process to become an LVN/LPN generally costs between $1,000 and $5,000.
• Taking an RN two-year associate’s program can cost $3,500 per year at public institutions; $15,470 per year at private schools.
• An alternative is to become an RN through a four-year bachelor’s program. This process works similarly to most other bachelor’s degree programs and typically costs the same as a four-year college or university.
• In addition to having already been an RN, both CNS and NP careers require advanced degrees. Typically, a masters of science in nursing (MSN) is required for both positions, which can cost between $18,000 to $57,000 in total.
• Some choose to further their education, becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees can be expensive but also have the potential to increase a nurse’s salary. After a master’s degree, expect to pay an additional $20,000 to $40,000, but your nursing salary is likely to rise, too.
There are usually costs beyond nursing school tuition. You’ll likely have to buy textbooks and supplies like a lab coat, scrubs, and a stethoscope. Many programs also charge additional lab fees each semester. Many schools will require nursing students to take out liability insurance and get some mandatory immunizations.
After graduating from your chosen program(s), you’ll also likely want to factor in the cost of licensing and exam fees as you enter the job market. 💡 Quick Tip: When refinancing a student loan, you may shorten or extend the loan term. Shortening your loan term may result in higher monthly payments but significantly less total interest paid. A longer loan term typically results in lower monthly payments but more total interest paid.
Paying for Your Nursing Degree
Becoming a nurse can be a pricey process, depending on the path you choose. But there are options available to help students pay for their nursing degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has a database of scholarships for nursing schools. As you may know, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. This can make them an especially valuable resource in making ends meet as a nursing student.
In addition, federal aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans could provide some relief. To apply, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
Student Loan Forgiveness Options for Nurses
There are a number of student loan forgiveness programs available to nurses. Keep in mind that each typically has its own program requirements, so it’s helpful to review them closely to determine whether you qualify.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives certain federal Direct loans after 10 years of qualifying, on-time payments. This program is open to borrowers who work for a qualifying organization. You can find details online about qualifying for the PSLF program to see if you could benefit from it.
• The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program will repay a portion of a nurse’s eligible student loans when they work full time at a Critical Shortage Facility or as a faculty member at a qualifying nursing school. Those accepted by the program are eligible to have 85% of their outstanding loan balances forgiven over a two-year commitment.
• The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program provides loan forgiveness to qualifying nurses who commit to working for two years in clinical practice at a National Health Service Corps site.
Repaying Student Loans after Nursing School
If you borrowed federal or private student loans to help you pay for nursing school, developing a repayment strategy can be valuable. Not only will it set you on a path to repaying your debt, it can teach you valuable budgeting skills as well.
If you don’t qualify for any of the available loan forgiveness options, federal student loans come with a few different student loan repayment plans so you can find the option that works best for your budget.
If you relied on private student loans to help you pay for your tuition at nursing school, you may want to review your repayment terms. Each lender will determine their own terms and conditions for the loans they lend.
As you develop a game plan to help you repay your student loans, one option to consider is student loan refinancing.
When you refinance a loan, you take out a new loan with new terms. This loan can then be used to repay your existing loans. If you borrowed multiple loans, that means you could have the option to consolidate them into one single monthly payment — potentially with a lower interest rate.
However, it’s important to keep in mind a couple of factors:
• You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with a longer term.
• If you are considering refinancing federal student loans, know that they come with an array of benefits and protections that are forfeited if you refinance.
To see how refinancing could impact your student loan, you can take a look at this student loan refinancing calculator.
The Takeaway
Nursing can be a challenging but rewarding profession, and the average nurse salary could provide a well-paying career. How much do RNs make? The typical salary currently tops $88,000. There are different kinds of nursing degrees and positions, so it’s wise to do your research to understand what each one requires and which might best suit your needs. Also, financing your education as a nurse can also need research to understand the obligation and how you might fund it.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
If you’re wondering where you go to pay off your student loans, you’ll first need to contact your loan servicer. If you aren’t sure who your loan servicer or loan holder is, you can contact the U.S. Department of Education for federal loans. For private student loans, you can contact the bank or lender who originated your loans.
Contact Your Student Loan Servicer
Before paying back student loans, graduates will have to figure out who their student loan servicer is. A student loan servicer is the company assigned by the U.S. Department of Education (federal student loan creator) to take care of the day to day servicing of a federal student loan. If a person needs to talk to someone about their federal student loan, they can reach out to the servicers instead of traveling to a government office.
Students don’t have to do anything for their loan to be transferred to a loan servicer. The federal student loan will be transferred to a servicer after its first disbursement. Once that happens, students should expect to be contacted by the servicer.
But, unexpected moves or outdated contact information could mean the servicer doesn’t reach you. If a student needs help figuring out who their servicer is, one option is to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC): 1-800-433-3243.
However, the FSAIC can only help students figure out their servicer if they hold federal student loans, not private student loans.
Another option for borrowers with federal student loans is to log into their Federal Student Aid account. From this portal, borrowers can access information on their student loan servicer.
Federal student loan borrowers can also check the National Student Loan Data System to find information about their loan servicer.
Once a student figures out their loan student servicer and contacts them, they can begin sorting through the repayment process. A loan servicer should help a student figure out how to repay loans free of charge.
Be warned, any federal loan servicer that asks for payment may be a scam, warns the U.S. Department of Education.
Recommended: How to Find Out Who Your Student Loan Lender Is
Grace Periods
A loan servicer can help students and graduates figure out when their loan repayment will begin. Most, but not all, federal student loans have a six-month grace period, or an allotted amount of time before a student has to start paying back the loan.
The student loan grace period generally begins once a student graduates, leaves school, or enrolls in class less than part-time. This time is meant for students to get in contact with their loan servicer and begin setting up a repayment plan so they don’t have to scramble post-graduation when so many other changes are happening.
Students should be aware that interest on their unsubsidized loans may be accruing during their grace period. For that reason, some students may decide to begin repayment before the grace period is up in order to keep the interest capitalization down.
Borrowers with subsidized student loans will not accrue interest on their loans during their grace period.
There are some circumstances that can extend or end a grace period early:
• Being called into active military duty. This will restart the grace period, which will begin again once the student returns.
• Going back to school before the end of the grace period. If a student goes back to school at least part-time, then they won’t have to repay their loans until they finish school, in which case they’ll have another six-month grace period.
• Consolidating loans. If a student decides to consolidate or refinance a loan before the end of the grace period, they’ll start their repayment as soon as the paperwork is processed.
Selecting a Repayment Plan
During the grace period, students can work with their loan servicer and other online tools to figure out the right repayment plan for them.
There are several student loan repayment plans a student can choose from, depending on their finances and the type of federal student loans they have.
• Standard Repayment Plan. All federal loan borrowers are eligible for this repayment plan. Payments are in a fixed amount each month and sets borrowers up to pay off their loan within 10 years.
• Graduated Repayment Plan. This plan starts out with low monthly payments that gradually increase every two years. Payments are made monthly for up to 10 years for most loans (10-30 years for consolidated loans).
• Extended Repayment Plan. In this plan, standard or graduated payments are made monthly, but at a lower rate over a longer period of time, typically 25 years.
• SAVE. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan is the newest income-driven repayment plan. Payments are calculated as 10% of a person’s discretionary income; starting in July 2024, that will drop to 5%, and some participating borrowers will see their loan balances forgiven in as little as 10 years.
• Income-Based Repayment Plan. The income-based repayment plan allows for monthly payments that are roughly 10-15% of a person’s monthly income, but borrowers must have a high debt-to-income ratio to qualify.
• Income-Contingent Repayment Plan. In the Income-Contingent Repayment Plan, eligible borrowers will make monthly payments based on the lesser value of either 20% of their income, or the “amount you would pay on a repayment plan with a fixed payment over 12 years, adjusted according to your income,” according to the Department of Education.
• Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan. This plan is only available under a few federal loan programs. Payments are based on annual income, and the loan will be paid off within 15 years.
Depending on a borrower’s income and the type of loan they took out, they can work with their servicer to determine which student loan repayment plan might be the best course of action. If a borrower doesn’t reach out to their servicer to coordinate a repayment plan before the end of the grace period, they will be on the Standard Repayment Plan by default.
Start Repaying Student Loans
Once a repayment plan is selected and the grace period draws to a close, borrowers will begin making payments on their student loans.
Where a borrower will make their payment is dependent upon who their student loan servicer is. Most student loan servicers make it possible for borrowers to make monthly payments online, but it’s best to confirm that with the servicer before payments begin.
Most servicers also have an automatic payments set-up, where monthly payments are automatically debited out of borrowers’ accounts each month. Setting up automatic payments can help borrowers avoid missing a payment or racking up late fees.
Additionally, some federal student loans provide a discount when a borrower sets up automatic repayment online. For example, if a borrower has a Direct Loan, their interest rate is reduced by 0.25% when they choose automatic debit.
Repaying Private Student Loans
Private student loans are generally repaid directly to the bank or financial institution that issued them. Borrowers can check their statements to see who the loan servicer is. Generally, payments can be made online.
Refinancing with SoFi
When a borrower works with their student loan servicer, they can take advantage of free tools that might help them pay back their student loans quicker.
But, for some student loan borrowers, the existing interest rates and repayment plans offered by a servicer might not be the best fit.
In that case, borrowers may have the option of refinancing student loans. This can be helpful when there are multiple loans to pay off since refinancing allows borrowers to combine multiple loans into a new single loan and qualifying borrowers may be able to secure a lower interest rate.
Refinancing federal student loans eliminates them from all federal benefits and borrower protections, such as income-driven repayment plans and deferment. If you are or plan on using federal benefits, it is not recommended to refinance student loans.
SoFi’s student loan refinancing offers flexible terms and competitive interest rates. With no hidden fees or pre-payment penalties, borrowers can apply for refinancing in an easy online process — no phone calls required.
The first step to figuring out student loan repayment is figuring out who holds the loan, but with the right help, borrowers can have a plan set up to conquer their loans before the grace period is even finished.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) isn’t the only way to land a job that makes college worth it.
A liberal arts degree can pay off, too — but you may need to put in more legwork than a STEM major would.
“Going to school and being a liberal arts major in and of itself is not going to give you the same outcomes as focusing on your career preparation in tandem with going through your college experience,” says Joshua Kahn, associate director of research and public policy at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
If you want to major in English, history, sociology or another nontechnical field, here are some expert-approved tips to help make your liberal arts degree pay off.
Do your research before choosing a program
Before deciding on a college or specific degree program, research your post-diploma employment and salary prospects.
“Check out the schools that have really good internship rates for liberal arts majors,” Kahn says. “Ask about resources at their career center, and what they’re specifically doing for liberal arts majors.”
Research student outcomes at various colleges through the U.S. Education Department’s College Scorecard. You can also use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook to compare average earnings across various industries and job functions.
Earnings data can help you determine how much to borrow for college. As a rule of thumb, aim for monthly student loan payments that won’t exceed 10% of projected after-tax monthly income in your first year out of school. So, a borrower who will make $50,000 a year should ideally take out no more than $29,000 in student loans.
Start career planning early
Start thinking about your future career as early as high school or your freshman year of college. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do yet, but having a dream career in mind can help you build a path to your first job.
“Career-readiness is really an ongoing process. It’s not a one-time thing, so I think it’s really important for students to start out early,” says Leigh Anne Byrd, assistant director of career development and college relations at Virginia Tech, a large public university.
Work with a career counselor at your university or reach out to alumni for informational interviews about their jobs. And while researching, remember that your future career doesn’t need to align perfectly with your major — especially in the liberal arts.
“A student might think that, as a history major, maybe they need to go into education, but history majors can work in the media, they can work in business, they can do nonprofit work, they can work in the government or law,” Byrd says.
Get internship and work experience
Practical work experience is crucial to landing your first job. An internship helps you build a resume, professional network and new skills.
“Employers say that students with these experiential learning and internship opportunities are deciding factors for them when they’re making selections of who their hires should be,” Kahn says.
Doing undergraduate research with a faculty member, joining a study abroad program and job-shadowing are other ways to gain hands-on experience, Byrd advises.
Consider a second major, minor or certificate
While liberal arts majors have strong long-term salary prospects, STEM students earn more straight out of school: 99 of the top 100 programs that lead to the highest average salaries in the four years after graduation are in STEM, finance or economics, according to an April 2023 College Scorecard analysis of 36,000 undergraduate programs.
If you major in a liberal arts field, adding a second major, minor or professional certificate in a more technical subject could give you the biggest payoff.
Even if you don’t pursue a formal STEM certification as a liberal arts student, take as many elective classes as you can in areas like statistics, artificial intelligence and coding, says Mark Schneider, director of the Education Department’s Institute of Education Sciences.
“You have to follow your passion, but you better have some skills to put bread on the table,” Schneider says.
Market your skills effectively
Technical skills can help your resume shine. But employers also value liberal arts students for their soft skills, like critical thinking, communication, adaptability, cultural and ethical awareness and emotional intelligence, explains Anthony Pernell-McGee, executive director of career exploration and development at Oberlin College and Conservatory, a private liberal arts and music school in Ohio.
“Students who graduate from the liberal arts are lifelong learners,” Pernell-McGee says. “We hear from employers that our students may not have the business background, but within six months, they can learn it, and then they come to the table with the other core skills that the employers like their candidates to have.”
Reach out to your university’s career center for personalized help in marketing your skills. You can set up a one-on-one session with a career counselor, attend resume and interview workshops, get connected to your alumni network and access other resources.
Austin is an ever-growing, popular city that attracts renters from all over the country. These are the best apartments in Austin offering renters a place to suit their needs — whether you are looking for access to nature, city suites or anything in between.
Check out the best apartments in Austin from our handy list below.
Photo source: Agave Falls Apartments / Rent.
Quaint exteriors and colorful interiors typify the Agave Falls Apartments. The one- and two-bedroom units have an optional decorative backsplash and under-market rents in East Austin. The community has two pools, high-speed internet access and a playground. Oh, and of course, there is a pet park, too.
Agave Falls even helps residents with their finances thanks to their innovative credit-building program.
Photo source: Oak Crest / Rent.
Oak Crest offers a unique alternative to classic apartment living. The three- and four-bedroom detached units each have their own yards, no shared walls and private decks and patios.
The community includes luxurious landscaping, extra storage and a washer and dryer in every unit. Pets and children can play thanks to the yard space, playground and swimming pool.
Photo source: Creekside on Parmer Lane / Rent.
Creekside on Parmer Lane has one-, two- and three-bedroom units in far Northeast Austin. The brand new, resort-inspired community has electric vehicle charging stations, curtained cabanas, USB port wall outlets and washers and dryers in every unit.
Additionally, amenities include kitchen islands/bars, a fire pit conversation area, a climate-controlled pet spa and quartz countertops.
Photo source: Avanti Hills / Rent.
In the gorgeous and hilly Bee Cave community, Avanti Hills has one- and two-bedroom floorplans stacked with amenities. Like most Austin complexes, the apartment includes two pools, a Zen garden, a billiards table and business and conference centers.
With each unit, residents benefit from a private parking garage, ceiling fans in each room, island kitchens and granite countertops.
Photo source: Bridge at Asher / Rent.
The Bridge at Asher has one-, two- and three-bedroom units with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, oversized closets and garden tubs. Units include a carport and access to a pet park, fitness center, business center and swimming pool.
Residents can also take in hill country views from their large patios or balconies.
Photo source: The Catherine/Rent.
Located in the heart of Austin with spectacular city views, the Catherine has one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The luxury apartments offer a wide variety of floor plans with vaulted ceilings, oversized closets, extra-large balconies and hardwood floors.
Residents benefit from controlled building access, a large fitness center and full concierge service.
Photo source: The Park at Wells Branch / Rent.
Stay connected in multiple ways with The Park at Wells Branch’s fiber internet and public transportation access. This green community also has a pet park, hiking, biking and jogging trails and picnic areas with grills.
Inside the one- and two-bedroom units, residents will find spacious closets, hardwood floors and a fireplace. Other amenities include basketball courts, a media center, a hot tub, a fitness center and a swimming pool.
Photo source: Eagles Landing / Rent.
Spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans leave room for the whole family at Eagles Landing. This income-restricted community also offers a free after-school program and free summer camp.
Eagles Landing accepts vouchers and provides special cable rates and packages. They offer all of this on top of under-market rent prices.
Photo source: 620 Canyon Creek / Rent.
Families with children will love 620 Canyon Creek thanks to the excellent surrounding schools in Leander Independent School District and the easy access to Lake Travis. Canyon Creek is a green community with a recreation center, fitness center, swimming pool, hot tub and tennis courts.
The one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units also have several luxury upgrades available, including customized mantels, direct access garages, Italian marble entryways, wood-burning fireplaces and jetted Roman tubs.
Photo source: Axis West Campus / Rent.
Less than a mile from the University of Texas’s most popular hangout, The Drag, Axis West Campus provides one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments at an affordable price.
Residents have access to tanning beds, a media and gaming area, a Starbucks machine and an outdoor fire pit and entertaining area. The community also provides independent living units and disability accessibility too.
Photo source: Anthem at Ledge Stone / Rent.
Conveniently situated with access to the city but also in spacious Central Texas hill country, Anthem at Ledge Stone offers rustic style meets luxury living. This community has electric vehicle charging stations, a pet spa, a resort pool with private cabanas, a fire pit and social grills.
Inside the one-, two- and three-bedroom units, residents enjoy renovated interiors, island kitchens, stainless steel appliances, dimmable pendant lighting and vaulted ceilings in select units. All in all, it’s got everything you could need.
Photo source: West Gate Ridge Apartments / Rent.
Classically appealing with well-below average rent, West Gate Ridge provides standard amenities in Southwest Austin. The pet-friendly one- and two-bedroom units include disability access and spacious interiors.
All units have a private balcony or patio and washer/dryer connections. Residents also enjoy a playground, fitness center, swimming pool and business center.
Photo source: Collective on Riverside / Rent.
The Collective on Riverside is an excellent option for students. These one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments have fully furnished options.
Students can also easily commute to school using public transportation or the university shuttle service that stops on-site. When not studying or working, Collective residents enjoy access to a variety of athletic facilities and bocce, shuffleboard and billiards.
Photo source: Southpark Crossing / Facebook
Live in style at Southpark Crossing. The one- and two-bedroom apartments feature nine- to 11-foot ceilings, crown molding, island kitchens and granite counters in the kitchen and bathrooms. Residents also benefit from extra storage in full-size pantries, oversized closets and balcony storage.
Enjoy the additional uncommon apartment luxuries of Nest Wi-Fi thermostats and an on-site movie theater with reclining seats.
Photo source: River Ranch / Rent.
Growing families will fit right in at River Ranch in Northeast Austin. The apartments also boast a community playground and splash pad. Fur babies can enjoy the dog park while parents will appreciate the fitness center.
Entertaining friends is also a breeze with the spacious clubhouse and community center that includes a fully-equipped kitchen.
Photo source: Bridge at Cameron / Rent.
The Bridge at Cameron is a brand-new community in Northeast Austin.
These one-, two- and three-bedroom, income-restricted apartments include programmable thermostats and extra storage. The smoke-free, green community also has an on-site technology center.
Residents can also enjoy the community room with a patio area, carpeted bedrooms and laundry facility.
Photo source: Hills at Leander / Rent.
The Hills at Leander offers private, quiet, comfortable living for seniors in Austin’s Cedar Park neighborhood. These income-restricted units enable independent living for seniors, including disability access, game rooms and group exercise.
Residents can also welcome visits from family and friends thanks to guest parking and an on-site picnic area with barbecues.
Photo source: Estates at Austin / Rent.
The Estates at Austin in Pleasant Valley is perfect for University of Texas students with five-, 10- and 12-month leases at half of the average city rent. This community also has a covered UT shuttle station that provides service directly to the university.
The one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom, disability-accessible units also include high-speed internet with included HBO. Students can work and play thanks to the 24-hour private study nooks and computer lab alongside basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts.
Photo source: Scofield Park / Rent.
Offering luxury, affordable apartments in far North Austin, Scofield Park has all the amenities to keep residents connected and entertained. Residents can enjoy an internet cafe with a media center, an entertainment lounge and two 24-hour fitness centers. Even pups can stay busy with two on-site bark parks with agility courses.
This complex with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is also just minutes away from the Domain, a popular shopping center and local hot spot.
Photo source: Menchaca Commons/ Rent.
Spacious and affordable, Menchaca Commons has outdoor patios and a grilling area. Renters will also save money thanks to the energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in every unit.
This green community also has Amazon package lockers and hardwood flooring on top of renovated interiors and ceiling fans in every room.
Photo source: Tintara at Canyon Creek / Rent.
Just minutes away from Lake Travis, Tintara at Canyon Creek has one-, two- and three-bedroom units. On top of affordable rent, Tintara offers hardwood floors, island kitchens and vaulted ceilings.
Renters also benefit from a private gated entry and the option to utilize a business conference center and boutique office space.
Photo source: Monterey Ranch / Rent.
Athletes of all types will feel at home in Monterey Ranch. In addition to a well-equipped fitness center and rec room, these apartments have a range of sports facilities, including a soccer field, basketball court, tennis courts, biking, hiking and running trails and five pools.
A selection of the studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans at Monterey Ranch are also ADA accessible.
Photo source: The Mansions at Onion Creek / Rent.
Enjoy all that South Austin has to offer from the Mansions at Onion Creek. These one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units live up to their name, ranging from just over 700 to nearly 2,000 square feet.
Last but not least, the Mansions has an Olympic-sized infinity pool
Photo source: Barton Creek Villas / Rent.
Tucked into the hilly idyll of Barton Creek in West Austin, Barton Creek Villas has fantastic views thanks to its spacious open floor plans and oversized windows.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate its bike and hiking trails while their pet companions will enjoy the on-site bark park with an agility course.
The community offers luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom units, plus a clubhouse with a coffee bar.
Photo source: Pioneer Hill / Rent.
Perfect for professionals that may work at the nearby companies in Northeast Austin, Pioneer Hill offers great prices and amenities for one-, two- and three-bedroom units — no wonder it’s one of the best apartments in Austin. Every apartment comes with a yard or a balcony and stylish modern interiors.
Residents also enjoy the option of full-size washer-dryer connections, extra storage and a community clubhouse.
The best apartments in Austin
Wherever you choose to live, Austin offers apartments that suit any lifestyle. Find apartments for rent in Austin today.
We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with an Austin mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
When considering colleges, admissions rates can seem like the biggest hurdle. But as acceptances roll in and you begin to look at tuition rates, you may see a huge difference between in-state and out-of-state options.
If you’re considering out-of-state schools, tuition can be much more expensive than it is for in-state students. In some cases, it may seem more on par with what you might have expected to pay for private schools.
Does that mean you should exclusively look within your state? That depends on your goals, finances, and what you want out of your college experience. Some people decide to go out of state for programs that aren’t offered in local institutions, some are drawn to a new adventure, and some the opportunity to move away from home.
Regardless of where your first choice college may be, understanding the financial implications of your decision can help you decide on financial aid packages and know what you’re getting into, finance — wise, before you make a final decision.
What Does Out-of-State Tuition Mean?
As you decide which colleges you’ll apply to, you may have public and private colleges on your list. Public colleges are colleges that are funded by a state and receive significant public funds, including taxpayer dollars, to function. Private colleges are not owned by the state and are privately held, with funding coming from tuition, research grants, endowment funds, and charitable donations.
Private colleges do not differentiate their tuition plans based on residency. Public colleges and universities, on the other hand, rely on tax dollars, so they do base their tuition plans on residency. That’s because residents are already “paying” for the university or college through their tax dollars. Out-of-state students, who are not paying local or state colleges, are given a higher price tag.
Whether you’re applying in-state or out-of-state, it’s important to remember that the “price tag” of college tuition is independent of any financial aid, scholarships, loans, or grants you might have available.
Recommended: Private vs. Public College: What to Know When Deciding
Lowering the Bills on Out-of-State Tuition
Out-of-state tuition can cause sticker shock — and may lead to sizable loans. According to Education Data, the average cost of tuition at a public out-of-state college or university is $26,382. In-state tuition averages around $9,212 for the same degree. This number is independent of additional costs, such as housing and books.
While the sticker shock is real, there may be some workarounds that open up your options without piling on unnecessary expenses.
Reciprocal Tuition and Tuition Exchanges
Some states, such as Wisconsin and Minnesota, offer what’s called reciprocal tuition — in-state tuition offered for residents of both states. There are also some tuition exchanges and discount programs.
For example, the New England Board of Higher Education offers a tuition break program that offers discounts to New England residents when they enroll in another New England college. This savings may be as much as $8,000. Certain rules and restrictions apply. For example, you may have to prove the degree you wish to receive is not offered within public universities in your state.
Speaking with your guidance counselor or your financial aid office may be helpful in determining whether these types of programs are available and eligible for you.
Becoming a Resident
“Residency” for in-state tuition isn’t as simple as moving into the dorms. Residency rules vary by state and university. In some cases, residency requires that individuals live in the state for at least twelve months, be financially independent (if your parents/guardians aren’t living in the same state), and have “intent”— i.e., there’s a reason why you’re living in-state beyond just attending school. In some cases, intent to remain in a state can include getting a driver’s license, filing taxes, or registering to vote in that state. States may have differing requirements for defining intent, so it can be worth confirming requirements for the state in which you plan to attend school.
Because residency rules can be strict, establishing residency may not make sense for everyone. But if you’re considering grad school or are going to undergrad as an independent or nontraditional student (someone who doesn’t fit the mold of a recent high school graduate attending college), then it may make sense to establish residency first. This can also help you familiarize yourself with the university and assess whether it’s where you want to spend the next few years.
Starting at Community College
If you have your heart set on a pricey out-of-state school, one way to potentially save is to begin your education at a community college. Like public colleges and universities, community colleges receive government subsidies that can make tuition more affordable. By commuting to a community college and obtaining general education credits, you can then potentially transfer to an out-of-state institution to finish your education and potentially minimize loans.
Considering aid packages
Some private and public schools offer free or reduced-cost college tuition. These “free tuitions” are generally earmarked for students coming from families who make less than a set adjusted gross income, usually around $65,000 per year.
Some public universities also may offer generous scholarship packages to out-of-state students who reflect academic or athletic talent. If you get accepted to a school and receive a financial aid package, it may be worth speaking with the financial aid office to make sure you understand what the package entails. Typically, financial aid packages encompass grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.
Should You Go Out-of-State for College?
There is no right answer when it comes to which college is the best choice for you. But to prepare for college decisions, it can be a good idea to look beyond the honor of admission and consider the financials.
Comparing financial aid packages, assessing additional sources of tuition payment, including family contributions and private scholarships, and assessing how you might pay back your loans can all help you decide the best option for your future and for your wallet. It’s also important to remember that nothing is set in stone.
Regularly assessing your college experience — including the financials — can help determine whether you’re on a path that makes sense for you.
There is no “right” or “wrong” school or path and the right plan for you depends on a variety of factors. Speaking with people who graduated from your prospective school in your intended major can give you an idea of career paths. It can also be helpful to take advantage of any financial aid talk or info session available to get a realistic look at what it may be like when you begin to pay back loans.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, the best decision for you may be the one that addresses your goals and your finances. Understanding different avenues for tuition discounts, including geographic-based tuition exchanges, can open up avenues to less-expensive degree paths. For some students, including grad students, establishing residency may make sense to obtain in-state tuition.
Tuition is complicated, and scholarships, grants, federal loans, private loans, and family contributions are all part of paying for school. You also may use this time to assess the what-ifs: What if circumstances change and a tuition fee that was possible this year becomes impossible next year due to job loss or other change in circumstance? What sort of private loans are available, and what terms do they offer?
For example, students who did take out student loans for college or graduate school may consider refinancing after they graduate. In some cases, refinancing your student loans can help qualifying borrowers secure a lower interest rate, which may make the loan more affordable in the long-term.
Refinancing federal loans eliminates them from borrower protections, like income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness, so it’s not the right choice for all borrowers.
Assessing the tuition price of each place you’re accepted — and considering private loan options, if necessary — can be an integral factor in making a decision that makes sense for all aspects of the next step in your educational journey.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
College graduates who have been bit by the travel bug but don’t have the funds to see the world might still have the opportunity to travel by working abroad after college. Living and working in a new country may have its challenges, but the experience may also transform graduates in ways that are likely to be impressive to future employers.
The Pros and Cons of Working Abroad
Though it can be an enjoyable experience, working abroad can also have challenges. Considering both the pros and cons is recommended before making this life-changing decision.
Pro: Making Money While Traveling
Working abroad allows graduates to start their career while also having the opportunity to travel. This can be a popular post-graduation choice for students who want to travel but don’t have the funds. Moving to a new country generally makes it easier to truly explore and get to know a country better.
Traveling to nearby countries may be easy, as well. Instead of visiting a single country during a one-week vacation, traveling workers might be able to experience multiple countries and cultures.
Recommended: Ways to Be a Frugal Traveler
Pro: Learning the Language
Living abroad gives people a great opportunity to learn a new language or sharpen their skills in one they already speak. Every situation, from ordering breakfast to figuring out transportation, will give recent grads an opportunity to improve their language skills. The ability to speak more than one language might also open more doors in the job market. Being multilingual has become an increasingly desired skill, and learning a language while abroad could pay off in the future.
Con: Culture Shock
Unfamiliar surroundings. A different culture. Moving to a new country means making adjustments. People will communicate differently, eat differently, work differently. Every part of life will be new, which can be both exciting and stressful. Adjustment to life in a new place may be experienced in a range of stages, beginning with excitement and enthusiasm, with maybe some frustration in the middle, to feeling at home in new surroundings and building relationships.
Con: Language Barrier
Dealing with a language barrier can be stressful and scary. Not only can a language barrier make daily activities difficult, it can also make building relationships slow-going. This can feel isolating for people who don’t understand the local language.
Finding Jobs
Finding an international job isn’t all that different from finding one here in the states. Recent grads might consider looking on well-known job search sites or those specific to finding opportunities in other countries. Some overseas job opportunities might be found on websites for international humanitarian organizations, travel magazines, or even the United Nations.
Requirements to Work Abroad
Getting a passport or travel visa and an employment visa are important parts of preparing to work in a foreign country. Most countries grant specific work visas to international workers, but the requirements and processes for getting the visa will vary by country.
It’s also important to know whether or not fluency in the language is required. People who are not fluent in a language other than English and do not want to learn before moving may want to consider countries where English is the official language.
Employment Abroad
Graduates who like to think long term may want to consider applying for jobs with global companies that have positions in multiple countries, including the United States. This may open up opportunities to move back to the U.S. in the future.
One popular choice for working abroad is teaching English. A teaching degree may or may not be required, so make sure to check the requirements in the country you are considering.
Another popular option is to look for seasonal work, such as jobs in the tourism industry. This can include working at a ski resort, a hostel, or bartending at a local restaurant. People who enjoy caring for children might be interested in working as an au pair, which typically includes room and board in addition to a salary.
Other Post-Graduation Decisions
Finding a job isn’t the only task that begins after graduation. Once a student graduates, drops below half-time enrollment, or withdraws from school, the task of paying back student loans begins. Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Federal Family Education Loan borrowers have a six-month grace period before they’re required to start making payments. Students who took out a Perkins loan have a nine-month grace period.
Refinancing student loans into one new loan may offer borrowers a lower interest rate or different terms than their existing loans. Both federal and private student loans can be refinanced, but when federal student loans are refinanced by a private lender, the borrower loses federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs, deferment, and forbearance.
The Takeaway
Whether your future employment is in the U.S. or in a foreign country, there are many options to consider. Pros of working abroad after college include gaining new work and life experiences, learning a new language, and making money while traveling. Cons of working abroad include experiencing culture shock and language barriers, and possibly missing out on events back at home.
However, no matter where your future employment takes you, if you have a student loan, repayment will follow.
If refinancing a student loan is something you’re considering, SoFi has options that may work for your situation. Saving money is simple with SoFi’s online application process, low fixed or variable rates, and flexible terms.
See if you pre-qualify for student loan refinancing with SoFi.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
In the past, investing was thought of as something only wealthy people did. And unfortunately, many people used this as an excuse to put off saving for retirement, saying they would do it when they earned more money.
But if you wait to start investing, you lose out on the benefits of compound interest and shortchange your retirement savings. So, it’s best to get started as soon as possible, even if you only have a bit of money to tuck away every month.
One of the easiest ways to invest money is by using micro-investment apps. This article will explain what micro-investing is, how it works, and six micro-investing apps we recommend trying out.
10 Best Micro Investing Apps
Micro-investing apps make it easy to get started with small amounts of money and learn the basics of investing. We’ve compiled a list of the best micro-investing apps on the market today. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, you’re sure to find an app that fits your needs and investment goals.
1. Robinhood
Account minimum
Margin accounts, ETF’s, crypto
Great for beginners!
Robinhood aims to make investing accessible to everyone, which is evident in the fact that the company doesn’t charge any commission or management fees.
In addition, there’s no charge to open a brokerage account, and bank transfers are free as well.
The app is designed for beginners, so there is no confusing terminology, and the interface is easy to use.
Unlike other micro-investing apps, Robinhood lets you trade full stocks and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, it doesn’t offer mutual funds and bonds.
Check out our in-depth review of Robinhood.
2. Axos Invest (Formerly WiseBanyan)
Account minimum
New investors
or goal-based investing
You can get started with Axos Invest (formerly known as WiseBanyan) for just $1. The company doesn’t charge any trading fees for the most basic version. But if you upgrade to one of the premium versions, the company does charge fees.
Axos Invest focuses on goal-based investing, so once you sign up, you’ll be prompted to create your first “Milestone.”
Then, you’ll enter how much you want to save and by what date. From there, Axos Invest recommends how much you should save to reach your goal.
3. SoFi Invest
Account minimum
$0 for Automated Investing
$1 for Active Investing
Active and Hands-Off Investors
SoFi is a well known brand in the personal finance space, and their investing app is another high quality product.
This investment service provides users with the ability to either trade actively or opt for automated trading tools to take care of your account.
SoFi is geared towards trading in fractional shares, which they refer to as “stock bits”. This means the app is a solid choice for those wanting to invest their spare change.
You can also tap into savings accounts or make larger deposits to add more to your investment accounts.
4. Plynk
Account minimum
$2 per month
New investors
Plynk is designed to guide your learning while you begin to invest. The Plynk app offers investors access to a selection of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and four cryptocurrencies. And you can start investing with just $1.
One of the best things about Plynk’s platform is the straightforward, easy-to-understand language. You won’t find technical jargon or complex charts and tables.
The Plynk app also allows investors to easily set up dollar-cost averaging, which is an ideal investing technique for many new and experienced investors.
5. Webull
Account minimum
Active traders and investors
Webull is a stock trading app offering free stock trading as well as free trades on ETFs, options and cryptocurrencies.
Webull also allows users to trade fractional shares, making it a great choice for micro investing.
Webull provides users with plenty of powerful tools to assist with in-depth trading analysis, making it a solid option for active and experienced traders. Plus, setting up a Webull account is free and there are no account minimums to worry about.
6. Stash
Account minimum
$1 per month
New investors
or tax-advantaged retirement accounts
Stash is another hands-off micro-investing app designed for beginner investors. After you sign up, Stash will ask you a series of questions to determine your tolerance for investment risks. You will be labeled as a conservative, moderate, or aggressive investor.
One of the unique things about Stash is that you can choose the types of companies you want to invest in. So if there is a particular cause or type of company that you’re interested in, you can set that in your investing preferences.
After you’ve chosen the types of companies you’d like to invest in, you’ll set up your “Auto-Stash.” You choose how much you want to invest and how often.
7. Public
Account minimum
(1-2% markup on crypto)
Young investors
Public.com is a blend of both investment and social media platforms. It’s designed for younger and socially oriented investors who would like to own fractional shares of stocks and ETFs.
You can share ideas within a community of like-minded investors. You might think of it as a kind of investing social network.
The aim of Public.com is to create an inclusive and educational community focused on stock market trading and investment.
For young investors who wish to align their social and investing preferences, as well as learn from other investors, Public.com is a great option.
8. Betterment
Account minimum
Low balance investors
Goal-based investing
If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, then Betterment might be a suitable option for you. Betterment gives you the option to work with a financial advisor who can make investing recommendations.
There are two different plans to choose from, and the most basic plan doesn’t require any upfront balance to get started.
Betterment is a great option for anyone who wants an easy investing option while still maintaining a bit of control over their investment portfolio.
9. M1 Finance
Account minimum
Experienced Investors
M1 Finance might be the best micro investing app for more experienced investors. It is ideal for those looking for customized investment portfolios with some automated options, as well as those looking to set up commission free retirement accounts.
Purchasing fractional shares, setting up recurring deposits and extensive portfolio management options is easy with M1 Finance’s quality app. M1 Finance aims to be a singular personal finance app for building wealth and establishing a diversified portfolio.
Above all, M1 Finance makes investing easy. Simply deposit your funds, set your stock and index selections and use their automated service for commission free trading.
M1 Finance will also automatically rebalance your portfolio in accordance with your stated asset targets, to improve the overall performance of individual stocks.
10. Acorns
Account minimum
$1 per month
Hands-off investors
(e.g., College Students)
If you want a hands-off approach to investing, Acorns will be your best bet. After you sign up, you’ll connect your credit card or debit card to Acorns.
Then, whenever you make a purchase, Acorn rounds it up to the nearest dollar and deposits that “spare change” into your investment account.
For instance, if you make a purchase of $9.67, Acorns will save the additional 33 cents for you. Once your Acorns account reaches $5, the company will invest the money for you.
Acorns also gives you access to a robo-advisor, IRAs, and even a checking account.
What is micro-investing?
According to one survey, more than 47% of Americans are not saving for retirement. When pressed about their decision not to invest, over 34% said they don’t have enough money to invest.
The basic premise behind micro-investing is that you only need a few dollars to start investing. When you use a micro-investing app, you invest in very small increments by buying fractional shares.
With a micro-investing app, you can invest as little as $5. And with micro-investing, you don’t have to know anything about the stock market. The money you save is put in a portfolio of stocks that the company creates for you.
Is micro-investing even worth it?
Micro-investing will not get you rich, and it’s not going to help you fund your retirement goals. For that reason, it’s easy to write micro-investment apps off as not being worth your time.
But every day you put off investing is one less day that your money can grow in the market. So, you can wait until you feel like you have “enough money,” or you can work with what you have today.
Here are just a few benefits of using a micro-investing app:
Invest with very little money: Micro-investing platforms allow you to invest, even if you only have $5 to spare. So if you can skip your morning latte, then you have enough money to give micro-investing a try.
Save it and forget about it: It’s hard to set aside money in a savings account. You know it’s there, and it’s easy to access and spend. With a micro-investing app, it’s easy to save your money and forget about it.
Build positive habits over time: Anytime you’re trying to build a new habit, it’s best to start small. Micro investing allows you to ease into investing, and you can start saving more money when you’re ready.
See also: How to Invest: A Basic Guide to Making Your Money Grow
Pros and Cons of Micro-Investing Apps
While it’s true that micro-investing provides many benefits, they’re not necessarily the right choice for everyone. It’s worthwhile taking the time to understand the all nuances before committing financially.
Pros
24/7 Access
Using a micro investing app allows you full access to your investment account around-the-clock. You won’t ever have to worry about opening hours or holidays getting in the way of your ability to monitor and manage your funds.
Easy Fractional Investment
Traditional investment in stocks and ETFs requires large amounts of funding, but micro investment means you purchase fractional shares quickly and easily. This means you can begin your investment portfolio with your spare change, rather than hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Low Account Minimums
Another factor which makes micro investment apps attractive are the low account minimums. Most micro-investing apps have $0 minimum balance requirements, so you can begin investing with as little as you wish.
Safety
As with traditional investment accounts, legitimate micro-investing platforms will be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. On top of that, all savings and checking accounts with micro investing companies are FDIC insured.
Cons
Fees Can Be High
Account fees can vary, so it’s important to watch out for this. Don’t assume that an account with low minimums will also have low fees. If you’re only investing small amounts, paying high fees might not seem like a good deal in the long term.
Limited Investment Choice
Most micro investment apps won’t allow you to handpick the stocks inside your portfolio. While you will have choice regarding which set portfolios you invest in, you’re less likely to be able to pick and choose specific stocks.
Won’t Change Your Retirement Plans
One thing to keep in mind is that using a micro investment app won’t do much to affect your retirement on its own. It’s more about learning good investment habits, and getting familiar with maintaining and growing a portfolio.
Features of the Best Micro-Investing Apps
So, how do you decide which micro investing app is the right one for you? We’ve compiled a list of the most important features below to help you know what to look for. The best micro investment apps will have the following qualities:
Ease of Use
Fundamentally, the best micro investment apps will be easy and intuitive to use. They are often free of the usual clutter and jargon of some traditional brokerage accounts. With simple, easy to navigate interfaces these apps should provide an enjoyable user experience for all.
Low Minimum Investments
Good investing apps should allow you to access the market with just a few dollars. This is possible because they’re designed to allow you to purchase fractional shares of ETFs and other assets. Not all investing apps will come with a low minimum investment, however, so be sure to check if you’re a low budget investor.
Diversified Investment
The best investing apps will provide users with the chance to invest in diverse portfolios which are automatically generated. Asset allocation and diversification can be challenging even for experienced investors, so this is a great feature of these apps.
When you’re starting out as an investor, the sooner you can learn about diversification the better. And these apps should make it relatively easy for you to both practice and learn about asset diversity.
Educational Tools
As most micro investing apps will be marketed to newcomers, education is an important factor. If you’re just starting out with investing, then the best micro investment app for you will likely provide a wealth of educational resources and advice.
Keep in mind, however, that most micro-investing apps won’t offer access to a professional financial advisor.
Recurring Transfers
The best investing apps allow you to easily set up automatic transfers from your bank account to fund your investment account. A recurring transfer can remove some of the human error involved in managing your account and allow you to quickly build up a habit of funding your account.
Additional Services
While some apps are minimalist and simple, others come with the option of additional financial services. In addition to brokerage accounts, some offer access to a savings or checking account, as well as IRA and custodian accounts. Depending on your own financial goals, an app with additional services might be worth the extra fees.
Final Thoughts
Micro-investing apps make it simple for anyone, even those with just $5 to spare, to begin investing in the stock market. The apps we’ve covered in this article provide a great starting point.
While micro-investing might not cover all your retirement needs, it’s a smart way to begin saving, especially if your budget is tight. The crucial thing is to start investing and gradually increase your contributions over time. This way, you’re setting yourself up for a better financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which micro investing app has the lowest fees?
Among the micro-investing apps listed, Robinhood, Axos Invest, SoFi Invest, Webull, Public, and M1 Finance all offer commission-free trading, which means they do not charge fees for buying or selling stocks and ETFs. So, you can consider any of these apps if you’re looking for a platform with low fees for micro-investing.
Which app is best for small investments?
Choosing the best app depends on your own budget, needs and goals. The market for micro investment apps has grown rapidly, and there are a lot of different options out there.
The list we’ve compiled in this article are our top picks, and are among the best micro investing apps available. These apps make it easy and convenient to begin investing. They also provide various unique features, low fees, good customer support and educational resources.
Who should use micro investing apps?
Micro investing apps are a fantastic way to begin investing small amounts while you learn the ins and outs. But who will benefit the most from using these apps?
Beginner investors: These apps are perfect for young investors and newcomers because you only need a small amount of money to start.
Passive investors: Most of them are actually robo-advisors which invest on your behalf based on your needs and budget. This automated investing allows you to establish a diversified portfolio based on your goals that you can simply set up and forget about, letting it work away in the background.
Emotional investors: Automated investing means you can’t make rash emotional decisions based on market swings. Instead of constantly worrying about market performance, you just invest small amounts and build your portfolio slowly over time.
Can you get rich from micro investing?
Micro investing is primarily a strategy for saving and building wealth gradually over time. While it’s a valuable tool for starting your investment journey with small amounts of money, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s unlikely to lead to rapid wealth accumulation or “getting rich” in a short period.
How do I start micro investing?
Investing today is more accessible than ever before. Nevertheless, it still seems an intimidating world for those who have no experience or education. If you don’t know where to start, you can follow these steps to begin investing with confidence:
1. Decide Between DIY or Automated Investing
If you’re not yet comfortable choosing your own investments, and managing your own portfolio, you’ll want to start with robo-advisor investing. It’s totally normal for beginners to feel uncomfortable choosing stock to invest in, and automated investing is the safer option in any case.
2. Identify Your Investment Goals
This is often the hardest step for new investors, but it’s one of the most important. Figuring out your short and long term financial goals will help bring purpose and structure to your investment decisions.
Generally speaking, investing is successful when considered a long term project. You’re much more likely to find success with investments by holding stock long term, rather than trying to figure out when the best time to buy or sell is.
3. Determine Your Monthly Investment
The traditional advice is to save and invest 20% of your monthly income. With the rise of micro investing, however, you don’t even need to invest much to begin with.
It’s important to pick an amount you can reasonably commit to. Of course, you can always change your automatic investment amount, or just add on extra when necessary, but it’s always better to set it and forget it. Even if it’s a small amount, consistency and time and the key ingredients to good investing.
4. Choose an Account That Fits Your Goals
Once you’ve got your budget and goals determined, it’s time to choose a platform to begin investing with.
Keep in mind that you can always switch the platform you use for micro investing, use more than one, or even open a brokerage account. Just make sure to take all fees into account before you sign up and get committed.
Are there any limitations on the types of investments I can make with these apps?
Micro-investing apps typically focus on stocks, ETFs, and sometimes cryptocurrencies. While they offer a wide range of investment options within these categories, they may not provide access to more complex financial instruments like options, futures, or mutual funds.
Tucked alongside a large dorm building on the fringes of Woodbury University’s campus in Burbank is a small but very eye-catching house. The 425-square-foot home is contained by a gently curving concrete form equipped with a generous porch and a dramatic sloping roof. Slender, carefully staggered floor-to-ceiling windows gently illuminate the interior.
It’s a nice piece of architecture. What makes it truly remarkable is who built it — and how.
The Solar Futures House, as it is formally known, was designed by Woodbury architecture students and constructed out of concrete using the latest 3-D printing technology. It is the first such permitted structure in the city of Los Angeles, according to Woodbury architecture dean Heather Flood. And it was built by Emergent, a 3-D printing construction firm based in Redding. (A quick geography explainer: While Woodbury has a Burbank address, a piece of the campus, where the house was built, is located within Los Angeles city limits — hence the L.A. permits.)
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Most notable is how quickly this project came to fruition. “It was 15 months from design, going through the permitting process with the city, working with the printing company and dealing with 14 atmospheric storms,” says Kishani De Silva, chair of the construction management program at Woodbury, who served as faculty lead on the project. “It came to life on the 12th of May. … The next day the students literally graduated.”
From design to near completion in 15 months? In bureaucratic Los Angeles, that counts as damn near miraculous.
Certainly, it helped that students were collaborating with municipal experts from the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, the Bureau of Engineering and a nonprofit clean tech incubator at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power — organizations that could help navigate the red tape. But at a time when our region is gripped by a housing and homelessness crisis, it is nonetheless a model worth examining.
To be clear, the house is not 100% complete — though it’s awfully close. A couple of the interior areas are still in need of drywall, and some exterior features and the landscaping remain unfinished. Moreover, the building will require a certificate of occupancy from L.A.’s Department of Building and Safety.
But it is an impressive piece of design, achieving a lot in a small space.
The layers of 3-D-printed concrete give the walls a geologic look, and the curving shape and high ceilings prevent this intimately scaled studio from feeling like a shoebox. In addition, the covered porch and the living room are connected by a sliding door; throw it open and the space feels bigger and airier.
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And, true to its name, this is a structure that prioritizes environmental concerns.
The Solar Futures House began as an entry in the Solar Decathlon, a national collegiate competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy that encourages budding designers to create high-performance structures powered by renewable energy.
In the spring of 2022, a class of Woodbury students submitted a design proposal and was selected as one of 14 finalists, receiving a $50,000 grant for construction. By the fall of that year, the team was breaking ground.
The structure they proceeded to build was all about efficiency. Shower water is recirculated for toilet flushing. The home’s bending form and sloped roof are designed to respond to the angle of the sun over the course of the year, thereby maximizing the generation of solar power. Currently, the structure features one solar array on the roof, which makes the building net zero (meaning no additional electricity is needed to power the home). Add another and it becomes net-positive, supplying energy to the grid.
The angled roof is made out of a reflective, resin-coated metal and sits atop 9 inches of mineral wool insulation, which helps preserve the building’s interior temperatures and buffer external noise. (Woodbury’s campus sits next to the 5 freeway, but between the double-layer concrete walls, the triple-glazed windows and the insulation, the house feels peaceful.) Mineral wool insulation also functions as a fire barrier — addressing another environmental concern in California.
To mitigate the use of concrete, which is carbon-intensive, the team developed a formula that contained a higher percentage of fly ash, making it more sustainable. The precise nature of 3-D printing also means that no concrete goes to waste.
This new construction method allowed for the speedy erection of the building’s double-layer walls: De Silva estimates that printing took about three days. It also let students play with form. In a traditional stick-build structure, 90-degree angles are the most efficient way for walls to meet. But 3-D printing allows for more flexible shapes; hence the curving walls, which give the house a more organic feel. Take the bathroom: Designed to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is no afterthought — it’s tucked into an attractive rounded room that also includes laundry facilities.
Naturally, the DOE’s grant didn’t cover all of the costs.
Flood estimates that the budget for the house currently stands at about $250,000, including in-kind support and donated services from area firms. L.A.-based Nous Engineering pitched in on the structural work, while Breen Design Group in Torrance helped with the mechanical systems; Mitsubishi Electric donated an HVAC system and Ikea supplied furnishings.
The Solar Futures House is a significant achievement — especially considering that Woodbury is a small school (with fewer than 1,000 undergraduates) and its accredited architecture program is relatively new, established in 1994. The university serves students primarily from Southern California, many of them Latino, making it a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. (The school plays a critical role in diversifying the field, since architecture remains overwhelmingly white.)
Two dozen students worked on the Solar Futures House over a period of two academic years, rotating in and out of the project as part of their coursework. But a number of them were able to see it through from beginning to end, including Karin Najarian and Jade Royer; Sergio Santos was able to work on the home throughout the entire final year.
The Solar Futures House soon will be habitable; university administrators are debating how it might be used. Possibilities include a guest house for visiting speakers or a residence for a housing-insecure student.
Whatever its ultimate purpose, the home will continue to function as a teaching tool. “It’s a prototype for a method of design and construction and the actual shape and form could be varied,” says Flood. “It could conform to many different site conditions. You can nest multiple units together in a way that would take advantage of structural efficiencies.” (Construction companies already have begun to create two-story structures using 3-D printing technology.)
Woodbury students will be able to take this initial concept and run with it, refining and adapting it to suit the needs of other constituencies, such as the elderly.
The house may be almost complete, but the ideas that informed it are just beginning to take off.
To learn more about the Solar Futures House, and keep up on any upcoming public events, check the project’s website at solar.woodbury.edu.
Do you want to become a proofreader? If so, you may be interested in learning about the most popular proofreading course out there – Proofread Anywhere. In this Proofread Anywhere Review, I will help you learn everything that you can about this course so that you can decide if you should take it or not….
Do you want to become a proofreader? If so, you may be interested in learning about the most popular proofreading course out there – Proofread Anywhere.
In this Proofread Anywhere Review, I will help you learn everything that you can about this course so that you can decide if you should take it or not.
Proofreading is an in-demand job where you only need a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the skills to get started.
It’s a job where you can work at home or while traveling, and you get to choose your hours.
Learning how to proofread is a valuable skill that can open doors to a successful work-from-home career. Due to the increasing demand for online content, now is a great time to improve your proofreading abilities.
One popular way for improving your skills and starting a proofreading career is by taking the Proofread Anywhere course. In this article, we’ll talk about Proofread Anywhere, looking at what’s in the course, how it’s organized, the support available, and feedback from actual students.
If you’re looking for a quick Proofread Anywhere Review – Yes, I highly recommend taking this course if you are interested in learning how to become a proofreader. This course teaches you everything you need to know – from how to proofread and find mistakes all the way to finding proofreading jobs and building a successful career. The course is continually updated and it comes with lifetime access, which is amazing as well.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
Key Takeaways
Proofread Anywhere is a comprehensive course that teaches the skills needed to make money proofreading.
The course has an in-depth curriculum and a supportive community to help you succeed.
Many real students have shared positive reviews of their experiences with Proofread Anywhere.
Proofread Anywhere costs $697.
Proofread Anywhere Review
The below Proofread Anywhere Review will mainly be about their General Proofreading course – General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP).
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the process of reviewing and checking a written document to find and correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.
As a proofreader, your job is to make sure a piece of text is clear, concise, and free from mistakes, making it easier for the reader to understand and enjoy.
If you often find yourself catching typos on restaurant menus, in books, on TV, or elsewhere, then this may be a great job to look into.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
What is General Proofreading?
General Proofreading is the core course sold by Proofread Anywhere. It focuses on teaching the theory and practice of proofreading various types of documents, from books and blog posts to academic papers.
General proofreaders are in demand across many different industries and can be hired by individuals or organizations. This versatility is what makes general proofreading a valuable skill applicable to a wide range of jobs.
The course aims to equip people with the skills and knowledge needed to start a freelance proofreading career.
What is Proofread Anywhere?
Proofread Anywhere is a company that has online, self-paced courses all about how to become a proofreader and how to start a proofreading business.
The goal is to teach you the skills to start a successful freelance proofreading business from your own home. The courses are made easy to understand, and you don’t need any prior proofreading experience (they will teach you the skills that you need in the course!).
When you enroll in a Proofread Anywhere course, you’ll have access to important resources like course materials and a helpful student Facebook group.
The company was started by Caitlyn Pyle, and Proofread Anywhere teaches people the ins and outs of the proofreading business while offering valuable resources and a supportive community. The goal is to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to start a rewarding and flexible career as a professional proofreader.
The General Proofreading: Theory and PracticeTM course comes with:
80+ lessons in 10+ modules
Bonus resource guides for all types of service-provider markets
40+ real-life example proofreading jobs
8 grammar-specific worksheets and workbook
Pep talk videos from the course creator
100-question in-depth vocabulary quiz
3 case studies
New and updated lessons
And more.
Who is Caitlin Pyle?
Caitlin Pyle is the founder of Proofread Anywhere. She’s an experienced proofreader who turned her skills into a successful freelance business.
Caitlin became a proofreader back in 2012 and made a great income with it. She was so passionate about proofreading that she started Proofread Anywhere as a blog back in 2014. It has since grown significantly!
She created Proofread Anywhere to share her expertise and help others find flexible, rewarding work-from-home opportunities. By providing accessible, high-quality training, Caitlin has already helped numerous students realize their freelance proofreading dreams.
You can read an interview that I did with Caitlin Pyle at How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere.
How much money do proofreaders make?
The amount of money you can make as a proofreader depends on things like your experience, speed, niche, and how much work you’re able to take on.
Proofreaders typically charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, with some proofreaders earning even more. You can work part-time, work full-time, be self-employed, or be an employee for a business. So, the amount of money you can make will depend on that as well.
As you improve your proofreading skills and build your reputation in the industry, you can increase your rates and possibly earn a comfortable income working from home.
Many people and companies hire proofreaders and this can be a great way to grow your income and work from home.
Is Proofread Anywhere worth it?
If you are thinking about taking the Proofread Anywhere course, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the time and money. I completely get it – you don’t want to waste your time or money after all.
I think that Proofread Anywhere is worth it, and I know several proofreaders who have gone through the course and now proofread.
Here are some reasons why taking the Proofread Anywhere course may be a great choice for you:
1. Helpful and educational lessons – Proofread Anywhere has two different courses: General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ and Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™. Both courses were created to give people the knowledge and skills they need in each of these proofreading areas. You will learn everything you need to know from start to finish, which is great!
2. Self-paced learning – You don’t have to worry about keeping up with a strict schedule, as the Proofread Anywhere courses are self-paced, which means that you can learn at your own comfort and convenience. This can be great if you have a busy lifestyle or if you simply prefer learning at your own pace. You can take the lessons at night, during the day, while watching your child, and so on.
3. Access to resources and support – Students of Proofread Anywhere receive resources like reference materials, quizzes, and practice worksheets (and these are amazing and so helpful!). There’s also a private Facebook group for students to share experiences, ask questions, find jobs, and more, which is very helpful.
4. Positive reviews – There are many positive reviews of Proofread Anywhere, and many students have said that the courses helped them improve their proofreading skills and even launch successful careers in the field.
5. Opportunities for growth – Completing a course from Proofread Anywhere not only improves your proofreading skills but can also open up new job opportunities. The skills you learn from these courses can be applied to many career paths, such as freelance proofreading, editing jobs, and more.
So, taking a Proofread Anywhere course can be a worthwhile decision for you if you’re looking to improve your proofreading skills and explore new career opportunities in this field.
How much does Proofread Anywhere cost?
Proofread Anywhere has two offerings – Ignite and Ignite Plus for the General Proofreading: Theory and PracticeTM course.
The Ignite package for Proofread Anywhere costs $697 and comes with lifetime access. This course teaches you how to become a proofreader and comes with all of the modules, a job board listing, bonuses, and more.
Ignite Plus costs $797 and includes everything in the Ignite package, plus a hand-graded exam (that will evaluate your aptitude and competence), certificate of completion, listing in the Self-Publishing School Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex, and membership in a separate marketing mastermind group for Proofread Anywhere general proofreaders.
Proofread Anywhere refund policy
Proofread Anywhere’s refund policy is 14 days long. If you are less than satisfied with your purchase, you can ask for a refund for any reason within 14 days of your purchase.
Pros and cons of Proofread Anywhere
Here are the pros and cons of the Proofread Anywhere General Proofreading Course:
Pros:
Thorough course content that covers proofreading basics and advanced techniques
Clear, easy-to-understand lessons designed for students with different levels of experience
Practical exercises and real-world examples that help you build your skills
Access to an online community where you can ask questions and receive support from fellow students and course instructors
Cons:
Some students may find the course price to be a little high, especially if they are just starting their proofreading career.
There might be a learning curve for those who are completely new to proofreading so that they can spot mistakes in content.
Proofread Anywhere has thorough courses for people interested in starting a proofreading career. The material is easy to understand, making it great for beginners to learn and grow their skills.
Proofread Anywhere course structure
The Proofread Anywhere course is organized and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners looking to improve their proofreading skills.
Below, you will learn what is included in the Proofread Anywhere course as well as what you will learn.
This section will give you an overview of the course structure and a breakdown of the modules and lessons included.
Proofread Anywhere modules breakdown
The primary course offered by Proofread Anywhere is the General Proofreading: Theory and PracticeTM course.
This self-paced course comprises several modules, each containing lessons and video materials to help you grasp the concepts effectively. You’ll be able to learn at your own pace and make sure you thoroughly understand each topic before moving on to the next.
Module 1: Introduction To General Proofreading – In this module, you will learn what proofreading is, the skills that are needed, and an overview of what a proofreader does.
Module 2: Get into the Right Mindset – Here, you’ll learn about how to get into the success mindset, the different types of markets you can specialize in as a proofreader, and common terms used in the industry.
Module 3: Proofreading Basics – This module goes over the most common errors that you need to look for. There are also practice worksheets to test yourself.
Module 4: Proofreading Methods and Practice – This module will teach you the different types of proofreading methods.
Module 5: Turning Proofreading into a Business – This module is everything you need to know about how to turn your proofreading skills into a business. You’ll learn how to create a resume and website, how to set your rates, how to build your experience, and more.
Module 6: How To Find Clients – Here in this module, you will learn how to find clients.
Module 7: Your Workflow Once You Get the Job – This module teaches you all about your workflow once you have secured a proofreading job. From how to send the bill to sending over your completed work, this is a very helpful set of lessons.
Module 8: Getting the Most Out of the Freelancing Life – This lesson shows you how to structure your day, how to build confidence, and how to stay organized and productive as a freelance proofreader.
Module 9: Wrap-up Lesson – This is the final module in the Proofread Anywhere course, and it is a wrap-up of everything that you’ve learned.
Within the modules, you will also learn:
Grammar Refresher – This section covers grammar basics, including common myths and mistakes, parts of speech, pronouns, contractions, possessives, and verb forms. This equips you with the essential knowledge to become a professional proofreader.
Sentence Structure – In this crucial module, you’ll grasp sentence structure, subjects, predicates, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, subject-verb agreement, order of adjectives, adverbial clause vs. participial clause, and “which” vs. “that,” along with dangling modifiers. Strengthen your understanding and abilities with the comprehensive practice worksheets.
Spelling and Word Use for Proofreaders – You’ll be taught about different error types, typical typos, frequently misused words, handling numbers, American and British spelling differences, and capitalization – all important aspects for a proofreader. You’ll also get to practice with detailed worksheets and check your answers using provided keys.
Punctuation Principles – You’ll learn about common punctuation errors, including when and how to use apostrophes, hyphens and compound words, en dashes vs. em dashes, commas and semicolons, as well as quotation marks and italics. This section also covers American and British punctuation distinctions and includes a vocabulary quiz.
The course includes practice exercises in each module. These are meant to help you use your proofreading skills in real-world situations. The exercises range in difficulty, allowing you to progress and become more confident. By completing these exercises, you’ll get practical experience that will ready you for your future proofreading career.
Proofread Anywhere bonuses
There are also many bonuses offered in Proofread Anywhere’s General Proofreading course, such as:
“Look Better in Writing™ Handbook of Commonly Misused (and Abused!) Words” – This is a 57-page guide on words and terms that are easily mixed up and confused.
“The Ultimate Freelancer Tax Guide” – This is a 19-chapter guide all about accounting, tax preparation, deductions, and more.
“The Mindset Mastery Guide” – This is a guide on how to get over your fear of becoming a freelancer, how to see success, and more.
“5 Mindset Shifts for Goal-Crushing Confidence” – This is a resource that will teach you how to become more confident.
Proofread Anywhere support and community
When taking a course, it’s always nice to know what the community is like.
Facebook groups
As a Proofread Anywhere student, you will have access to a Facebook group dedicated to providing you a supportive and friendly community. These groups are designed for students to share their experiences, ask questions, and engage with others who are proofreaders.
Customer support
In addition to the Facebook group, Proofread Anywhere has great customer support to address any concerns or issues you might be facing. You can reach out to their team when you need help.
By participating in the community and utilizing the available support channels, you are not only reinforcing your learning journey but also building a strong network of fellow proofreaders. This will help you stay connected, motivated, and successful in your proofreading career.
Proofread Anywhere real reviews
Looking for real Proofread Anywhere reviews?
My proofreader’s real review of Proofread Anywhere
I have a proofreader for this website, Making Sense of Cents. Jill Klein has been proofreading for several years, and she personally took a Proofread Anywhere course back in 2016. I asked her two questions:
1. Do you think that Proofread Anywhere helped you become a proofreader?
“As a kid, I was a word nerd who won lots of spelling bees. Little did I know that this would lead to building a proofreading business later in my life.
But it wouldn’t have happened without Proofread Anywhere.
I had a good foundation, and then PA came along and helped me build up my business by adding walls, bricks, windows, a roof, and more. Through the PA course, I was able to improve my skills and expand my knowledge.
I am constantly learning new things about running an editing business, and the learning journey all began with Proofread Anywhere.”
2.Would you recommend the course?
“I always recommend Proofread Anywhere to anyone who asks!
Even now, seven years later, I remember the high quality of the instruction. It was a very good curriculum with top-notch teaching.
The course I took was Transcript Proofreading, and it has served me well in my nonfiction niche of proofreading content like web copy, advertising materials, and book manuscripts.
Plus, the PA Certificate of Completion provided credibility to clients who asked to see training documentation.”
Testimonials
Many students who have enrolled in and graduated from the Proofread Anywhere course find it well worth the money. They like the easy-to-follow course structure, self-paced learning, and lifetime course access. Most of the online testimonials are positive experiences with the course.
Proofread Anywhere Trustpilot reviews
Proofread Anywhere has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, with a 4.6-star rating out of 61 total reviews. The majority of customers have given the course a 5-star rating, while only 5% of Proofread Anywhere reviews are negative.
You can find the Proofread Anywhere reviews on Trustpilot here.
Proofread Anywhere Better Business Bureau
Proofread Anywhere is not listed on the BBB. This isn’t a bad thing, though, as most businesses aren’t listed on the BBB anyway.
Proofread Anywhere negative reviews
As with any product or service, there are bound to be some negative reviews. A very small percentage of customers have rated Proofread Anywhere with 1-star reviews. However, it’s important to remember that the majority of students are happy with the course, and the overall rating remains high. So, when looking for a proofreading course, Proofread Anywhere could be the right choice for you.
Transcript Proofreading course
Proofread Anywhere has another popular course – their Transcript Proofreading course.
Proofread Anywhere’s Transcript Proofreading course is a great course to take if you want to go into transcript proofreading.
Transcript proofreading is when you are proofreading for court reporters in the legal industry.
Here’s what’s in this course:
The Nuts & Bolts of Transcript Proofreading
Transcript Formatting, Moving Parts, and Processes
How to Use Technology and AI Tools to Proofread Transcripts
Practice With Real-Life Transcripts to Develop Your Skills
Effective Client Communication and Accounting
How to Find Clients
And more!
There is a free training workshop you can take on how to become a transcript proofreader here.
Recommended reading: How To Become a Court Transcript Proofreader
Frequently Asked Questions About Proofread Anywhere
Below are common questions about Proofread Anywhere.
Is proofreading a legit business?
Yes, proofreading is a legitimate business. Many people and companies rely on professional proofreaders to make sure their written content is free of errors and ready for publication. Proofreaders work with a variety of content such as books, articles, and websites. By taking courses like Proofread Anywhere, you can improve your skills and increase your chances of success in the proofreading industry.
Is Proofread Anywhere real? Is Proofread Anywhere a scam?
Proofread Anywhere is a real and legitimate online platform selling courses to improve your proofreading skills and establish a proofreading business. It was created by Caitlin Pyle, an experienced proofreader and entrepreneur. The overwhelmingly positive online reviews and the large student Facebook group show the program’s quality and legitimacy.
What does the Proofread Anywhere course offer?
Proofread Anywhere has comprehensive online courses that train you in the art of proofreading. The courses not only give you necessary proofreading skills but also guide you on how to set up a freelance proofreading business.
How long does it take to complete the Proofread Anywhere course?
The average time to complete the Proofread Anywhere General Proofreading course is under one month.
The time it takes to complete the Proofread Anywhere course will vary, though, depending on your individual learning pace and time commitment. The course is self-paced, so you can go as fast or slow as you would like. Some students may finish the course faster, while others may take more time to digest the material and practice the techniques.
Remember, you have lifetime access to the course as well!
Can you really make money proofreading? How much money can you make after taking Proofread Anywhere?
Yes, you can make money as a proofreader. However, like any freelancing work, your income will depend on various factors such as your experience, expertise, and the demand for your services. After completing the Proofread Anywhere course and gaining some experience in the field, you can potentially earn a steady income from proofreading work. The exact amount will depend on your personal success in finding clients and projects.
What kind of support can I expect after completing the Proofread Anywhere course?
After completing the course, students have access to several support resources, such as an online community for help and networking as well as finding proofreading job leads. Also, there is lifetime access to course updates.
Is there a Proofread Anywhere coupon code?
There might be Proofread Anywhere coupon codes or discounts available at certain periods. To get the latest information on promotions, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the official Proofread Anywhere website and their social media channels. Also, if you sign up for the free training workshop, there is a very good chance that you will get a discount as well (highly recommend doing this as the free training is very helpful).
What is transcript proofreading?
Transcript proofreading is the process of reviewing and correcting written transcripts, which are records of spoken events such as interviews, speeches, or legal proceedings. A transcript proofreader checks accuracy and consistency, correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. This specialized skill set usually requires extra training, and Proofread Anywhere offers a course focused specifically on transcript proofreading called Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™, to help you develop these skills.
Proofread Anywhere Review – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this Proofread Anywhere review.
Proofread Anywhere is a very helpful online course designed to train you in the art of proofreading so you can transform this skill into a full-time or side income. Whether you want to make extra income or start a full-time business, this course aims to equip you with every necessary skill for spotting errors in documents and providing quality feedback.
Here’s a quick Proofread Anywhere review:
This is an in-depth course covering all aspects of how to become a proofreader.
There is a supportive community and there are resources for continuous learning.
The course helps in improving proofreading skills, in case you are new.
There are lots of practice questions so that you can spot mistakes once you start proofreading.
The course is extremely helpful and I think it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to become a proofreader.
Don’t forget, there is a free workshop where you can learn how to become a proofreader. You can sign up for free here.
What other questions do you have for my Proofread Anywhere Review? Are you interested in becoming a proofreader?
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.