2 answers
Xavier
Student
Coatesville, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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Where is the best place to find financial aid for college?
I am a senior in hs that is intending to attend UD. Are there any websites are resources that I must know about for financial aid?
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2 answers
Kristy-Lyn McCoy, PMP®
People Intelligence & Analytics
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kristy-Lyn’s Answer
Financial aid is a common concern for many students, and it's crucial to tackle it wisely. Having financed my own education, I understand its importance.
Start by exploring free financial aid options like scholarships and grants before considering loans. Many graduates struggle with debt, so borrow only what you truly need.
1. File Your FAFSA: This is the first step in accessing federal aid. If you're unfamiliar with it, check out helpful FAQs online.
2. Consult Local Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or local community college for scholarship leads. Many scholarships are easy to apply for and can cover significant costs like books.
3. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites can help you find scholarships that match your interests and skills. Check out resources like BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Fastweb, and ScholarshipOwl.
4. Assess Your Financial Needs: Consider your living situation, potential work opportunities, and expenses. Remember, where you graduate from is less important than the education and connections you gain.
5. Consider Loans Carefully: If you need loans, explore federal options first, as they often have better terms. Private loans are available too, but interest can add up quickly. To save money, consider starting at a community college or online for general courses.
In summary:
- Seek local scholarships and grants.
- Use nearby resources for additional scholarship information.
- Apply broadly using search engines to increase your chances.
- Consider loans only after exhausting other options.
Good luck with your financial aid journey!
Find local scholarships and grants where you're able.
Use your nearby resources like your local library or community college to get insight into other types of scholarships and grants.
Look for scholarships with a search engine; the more you apply to the greater chance you have of fulfilling the need.
Review federal or private loan options but only borrow what you really need.
Start by exploring free financial aid options like scholarships and grants before considering loans. Many graduates struggle with debt, so borrow only what you truly need.
1. File Your FAFSA: This is the first step in accessing federal aid. If you're unfamiliar with it, check out helpful FAQs online.
2. Consult Local Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or local community college for scholarship leads. Many scholarships are easy to apply for and can cover significant costs like books.
3. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites can help you find scholarships that match your interests and skills. Check out resources like BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Fastweb, and ScholarshipOwl.
4. Assess Your Financial Needs: Consider your living situation, potential work opportunities, and expenses. Remember, where you graduate from is less important than the education and connections you gain.
5. Consider Loans Carefully: If you need loans, explore federal options first, as they often have better terms. Private loans are available too, but interest can add up quickly. To save money, consider starting at a community college or online for general courses.
In summary:
- Seek local scholarships and grants.
- Use nearby resources for additional scholarship information.
- Apply broadly using search engines to increase your chances.
- Consider loans only after exhausting other options.
Good luck with your financial aid journey!
Kristy-Lyn recommends the following next steps:
Rachel Smith
Technical Skills Consultant
13
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hey there! https://www.sallie.com/ is very commonly used and has a lot of options for scholarships. If the school is public, looking at the options for financial aid within your state is always a good option. Outside of this, I highly recommend meeting with your college coulselor if your school has one to ask them about options that may be better positioned for your unique situation!