Si ellos pueden, you can too.

There was a time when not that many Latinos went to college. That time is over. In the last 20 years, the number of Latinos enrolling in higher education more than doubled. For the first time ever, the percentage of Hispanics enrolling in college is higher than that of whites. And in America's biggest states like California, Texas and New York, Latinos are the fastest growing group of incoming college students. There are even many schools where Latinos are the majority of enrolled students.

There are 2,618 four year-colleges, 1,500 two year colleges and 1,166 community colleges. Pick one.

There is a perfect school for every student. Find the one that matches your interests, your career goals, your schedule and your budget. There are no bad schools – just bad fits. Finding the right fit for you is the key to making sure your higher education is successful. Remember, school is not "one size fits all" – you have to shop around by searching on the Web, talking to admissions officers and your teachers.

If you can read this, you can afford a degree.

Yes, school is more expensive today than it was 50 years ago. But it's cheaper than you think. At public four-year and two-year colleges, the actual cost for the average student is $1,828 per year with financial aid paying for the rest. That's $35 dollars a week or $5 a day. Even if some or all of that aid is in loans, it's money you will soon make back – and then some.

Consider this:

Latinos who drop out of high school make $20,000 a year.

Latinos who earn a high school or equivalent degree make $26,000 a year.

Latinos who get some college education make $30,000 a year.

Latinos with an Associate's degree make $32,000 a year.

Latinos with a Bachelor's degree make $42,000 a year.

Do the math. Two years of college at a public institution will probably cost you around $4,000. But you'll make $10,000 more each year with an Associate's degree. Get a Bachelor's in just four years and you'll be making $22,000 more per year.

For more information about higher education, check out: The American Association of Community Colleges and Latino College Dollars (for reals).

see stories and videos tagged "education"