Beating Broke

10 State Colleges With Degrees That Are Worth More Than Any Ivy League Degree

June 11, 2024 By Alyssa Serio Leave a Comment

When it comes to higher education, the allure of Ivy League schools is undeniable. They are often equated with prestige, superior education, and a fast track to successful careers. However, several state colleges across the United States offer degrees that rival—or even surpass—Ivy League schools. Here are 10 state colleges where the value of certain degrees exceeds those of their Ivy League counterparts.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology (Computer Science)

Georgia Tech’s Computer Science program stands out nationally for its rigorous curriculum and strong industry ties. Graduates go on to pursue careers in software development and engineering. Often, they start out receiving higher starting salaries compared to their Ivy League peers. The program’s focus on practical, hands-on experience prepares students exceptionally well for real-world challenges.

2. Texas A&M University (Petroleum Engineering)

At Texas A&M, the Petroleum Engineering degree offers one of the highest returns on investment in the field. The university’s close connections with the energy sector provide unparalleled opportunities for internships and job placements. Graduates frequently secure positions with lucrative salaries that significantly exceed those of similar graduates from Ivy League schools. It’s a worthwhile field for anyone interested in higher learning.

3. University of California, Berkeley (Business Administration)

Do you want to go to college in a warm state? UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business consistently ranks among the top business schools in the world. The Bachelor in Business Administration program gives its graduates entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking skills that are unmatched. Many go on to get high-paying roles in Silicon Valley and beyond.

4. University of Michigan (Environmental Science)

Known for its championship-winning football team, The University of Michigan is one of the best state colleges in the United States. Thousands of students go to this school not only for their athletics but also for respected programs. Graduates from this school are highly sought after by both governmental agencies and private sectors for their expertise and practical experience. Moreover, they often command higher starting salaries than their Ivy League counterparts.

5. University of Florida (Real Estate)

If you love watching HGTV, then real estate could be a good field for you to enter. The University of Florida offers a highly specialized Real Estate program that provides students with deep insights into market analysis, real estate economics, and property management. You’ll come away from your education well-prepared for high stakes investments and positions in top real estate firms. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to be on campus in a place with beautiful weather.

6. University of Washington (Information Technology)

When it comes to your degree, it’s best to be in an area where there are guaranteed opportunities. The University of Washington is situated near tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, providing a valuable environment for IT students. The program’s curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving tech industry. Through this education, graduates will feel even more job-ready than those going to an Ivy League school.

7. University of Virginia (Law)

According to the American Bar Association, there are over 100,000 law students in the United States. UVA’s School of Law is one of the most prestigious public law schools in the country. It boasts an impressive bar passage rate and employment statistics comparable or superior to those of Ivy League law schools. The combination of lower tuition costs and excellent employment outcomes makes its law degree highly sought after.

8. California State University, Maritime Academy (Marine Engineering)

There are many respected state colleges in California. The Marine Engineering program at Cal Maritime is highly respected for its rigorous training and hands-on learning approach. The program has high job placement rates and starting salaries that top those from more prestigious universities. Many consider this school a hidden gem for those interested in marine and ocean engineering.

9. Penn State University (Supply Chain Management)

After graduating high school, many students major in general Business because they’re not sure what else to do. For those who want to focus on a specific area, Penn State’s Smeal College of Business has one of the top-rated supply chain management programs in the country. The college’s strong network and industry connections ensure that graduates are in high demand. Many receive higher starting salaries than their peers from Ivy League institutions.

10. Arizona State University (Journalism)

Many argue that journalism is a dying field. However, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University challenges that idea as being true. The school is highly regarded for its innovation in media studies and a strong emphasis on digital media skills. Graduates often find immediate employment in high-profile media positions, frequently out-earning Ivy League journalism graduates.

Higher Education

No one will laugh at you for graduating from an Ivy League school. However, if that’s just not in the cards, then these prestigious state colleges offer just as much value. You’ll get an excellent education and high earning potential by considering these degrees and programs. Students should consider their career goals and budget when deciding on where to go for higher education choices, but these schools are a safe bet.

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12 Words That Are Surprisingly Not Recognized by Spell Check

June 11, 2024 By Alyssa Serio Leave a Comment

With websites like Grammarly, the rise of AI, and new versions of Microsoft Word that are savvier than ever, spell check is a fundamental tool in the digital age. Millions of people rely on this tool to write correctly and confidently, whether it’s for work, school, or just for fun. Even the most sophisticated spell-checking software can sometimes miss certain words from time to time. Here are 12 words that are often not recognized by spell check.

1. Irregardless

There’s a hot debate in the world of linguistics as to whether “irregardless” is actually a word. Irregardless, it is often used colloquially to mean “regardless,” despite it being non-standard. Somehow, we’ve adapted this common misspelling into our every writing and speech when we want to sound smarter and more refined. Spell check might not recognize it because it is considered incorrect in formal writing.

2. Heebie-Jeebies

Did you just watch a scary movie like Hereditary or Terrifier? You may come away from the film saying that it really gave you the “heebie-jeebies.” This phrase, which is a lighthearted way to refer to being scared, will be marked as incorrect if you use it in some versions of Microsoft Word. Go ahead and use it since it is recognized by the Oxford and Merriam-Webster dictionaries as being real.

3. Agastopia

If you think a man has nice biceps or a woman has attractive legs, you might say that you’re experiencing a feeling of agastopia. This noun, which has unclear origins, is recognized by most dictionaries to mean “admiration of a particular part of one’s body.” Still, online spell checkers won’t recognize the word as actually being real. Ignore those squiggly red lines and keep on writing.

4. Yassify

For the most part, spell check has a tough time recognizing modern slang. The word “yassify,” for instance, is always going to get flagged as an error. Teens use this word to refer to an extreme makeover or the process of applying so many filters to an image that a person becomes unrecognizable in a photo. As modern parlance changes, it will be interesting to see how word processors keep up.

5. Conjubilant

Technology isn’t perfect and not nearly as smart as the human mind. When you write the word “conjubilant” online, it’s always going to be marked as wrong. Google this word and you’ll see that it’s real, meaning “shouting together with joy.” We can all feel conjubilant that we learned a new, fun word to use in our celebrations.

6. Gobsmacked

Popular in British English, “gobsmacked” means utterly astonished. It may not be recognized by spell checkers that are calibrated to American English. This shows a fundamental flaw in this technology. Most of the time, they heavily favor American dialect and speech. For that reason, words from other countries aren’t always recognizable.

7. Ain’t

Most of us learned in elementary school that “ain’t” isn’t a word. However, that won’t stop us from using it in everyday speech and in creative, informal writing. Just like other words in our everyday language, we borrowed “ain’t” from the Irish and Scottish. The word is a contraction meaning “am” and “not” and is still popularly used in these countries to this day.

8. Yeet

Here’s another slang word that often befuddles spell check tools. If you hear a teenager say “yeet,” they’re saying that something is being thrown aggressively, usually in anger. The origins of this word are unclear, but it’s snuck into modern speech and digital communications. Time will tell if it becomes an official part of the dictionary.

9. Gonna

Just like “ain’t,” most modern spell checkers aren’t going to recognize the word “gonna” as being real. Years ago, people started using “gonna” as shorthand for “going to.” Remember, this isn’t the proper way to write if you’re turning in an essay for school or writing an email at work. In text messages, social media posts, and every conversation, “gonna” is totally fair game!

9. Jollux

Even back in the late 18th century, they used slang words in their everyday speech. Spell check isn’t going to recognize these words as being spelled correctly. For instance, “jollux” was found in a 1797 poem to refer to a fat person. Perhaps it’s the negative context of the word’s use that made it obsolete in the modern world.

10. Meldrop

Some words may be getting marked as wrong by spell check simply because they’re gross. Take the word “meldrop,” for example, which is used to mean “the drop of mucus at the nose.” You’ll get a meldrop if you’re suffering from a cold. Spell check just doesn’t believe this is a real thing.

12. Tittynope

In all reality, you likely read this word and immediately thought of something inappropriate. Surprisingly, you don’t need to turn to Urban Dictionary to find the meaning of this word. A “tittynope” is a noun that means “a small quantity of something left over,” such as food, paper, or cleaning supplies. Don’t be surprised if you get weird looks for using this real word in your writing or speech.

Check Your Spelling

Never take spell check as the end all be all when it comes to proper writing. This tool is a fantastic backup to use, but you should always rely on your own brain instead. After all, there are many words that spell check simply won’t recognize. Use your best judgment, double check your work, and look up words the old-fashioned way in the dictionary if needed.

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Layoff Survival Guide: 10 Budgeting Secrets for Surviving a Layoff

June 10, 2024 By Shay Huntley Leave a Comment

Dealing with the prospect of a layoff can be overwhelming. However, by implementing effective budgeting strategies, you can successfully navigate through these tough times. This guide provides 10 practical budgeting tips for surviving a layoff. They will help you to manage your finances while you search for new opportunities.

1. Create a Realistic Budget Immediately

Layoffs bring financial uncertainty, making it crucial to draft a new budget right away. Begin by listing all sources of income and essential expenses. Cutting non-essential spending helps stretch your savings longer. By prioritizing necessities over luxuries, you ensure every dollar counts, which is vital for surviving a layoff.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

If you haven’t already, start an emergency fund immediately. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This fund acts as a financial cushion, allowing you to cover essential costs like rent, utilities, and groceries. Consistent contributions, no matter how small, will add up over time and offer peace of mind during a layoff.

3. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions and Memberships

Review your monthly subscriptions and memberships. You should cancel any that are non-essential. Services like streaming platforms, gym memberships, and subscription boxes can drain your finances. Prioritizing your spending on necessities helps to survive a layoff by preserving cash for critical needs.

4. Negotiate Your Bills

Contact service providers to negotiate lower rates on your bills. Many companies are willing to offer discounts or payment plans to retain customers. This tactic can significantly reduce monthly expenses, freeing up funds for other essential costs. Effective negotiation is a powerful tool for surviving a layoff.

5. Take Advantage of Community Resources

Explore community resources like food banks, unemployment benefits, and local charities. These resources provide valuable support during tough times. Utilizing these services can help you save money on groceries, medical bills, and other essentials. This helps make a layoff less stressful.

6. Avoid Unnecessary Debt

Refrain from accruing new debt during this period. High-interest loans and credit card debt can quickly become unmanageable. Focus on paying down existing debts to reduce monthly payments and avoid future financial strain. Smart debt management is crucial for surviving a layoff.

7. Find Alternative Income Sources

Consider freelance work, part-time jobs, or gig economy. These opportunities can supplement your income. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local job listings can provide temporary financial relief. Diversifying your income streams helps in surviving a layoff by easing the pressure on your savings.

8. Use Budgeting Apps

Consider using budgeting apps such as Mint or YNAB. They will monitor your expenses and manage your finances more effectively. These tools provide valuable insights into your spending patterns, helping you pinpoint areas where you can cut back. Being well-organized is crucial for navigating a layoff and maintaining control over your finances.

9. Sell Unused Items

Try generating extra cash. Do it by selling unused items online or through garage sales. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist can help you turn clutter into cash. This additional income can be crucial for covering expenses and surviving a layoff.

10. Seek Professional Financial Advice

Consult with a financial advisor. Do so to create a solid financial plan tailored to your situation. Professional advice can help you navigate unemployment benefits, manage investments, and optimize your budget. Expert guidance is invaluable for surviving a layoff and planning for the future.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

Facing a layoff is never easy, but these budgeting secrets can help you manage your finances effectively and reduce stress. Remember, the key to surviving a layoff is proactive financial planning and smart spending habits. Stay focused, stay resilient, and you’ll emerge stronger. By following these practical steps, you can navigate the financial challenges of a layoff with confidence and stability.

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