Tips on Paying for College
Fill out the FAFSA - This is a must if you need financial aid. This is the gateway to federal grants, work-study opportunities, student loans, and some state and school-based aid.
Search for scholarships - Start search for scholarships early - you don't have to wait until you are senior.Since there are so many scholarships available, it can be a challenge to pick which ones to apply for. Knowing where to look and what to prioritize can help you find the right one for you It takes work to find scholarships but you can be rewarded handsomely if you put in the effort.
Apply for grants - Getting a college grant means free money. You must fill out the FAFSA- You can get grants from the federal government, your state and your college.
Get a work-study job - The federal work-study program funds part-time jobs for college students with financial need. You have to find an eligible work-study job on your campus and work enough hours to earn all of the aid you qualify for. Once again filling out the FAFSA is the first step.
Go to an affordable school: Paying for college will be exponentially easier if you choose a school that’s reasonably priced for you.If you opt for a traditional four-year university, look for one that is generous with aid. Focus on the net price of each school or the cost to you after grants and scholarships.
Take out federal loans (if you have to): If you need to borrow to pay for college, take out federal student loans before private ones. Federal loans have benefits that private loans don’t, including access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.
