2 answers
Bruna
Student
Palm Bay, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What's other ways to get more financial aid besides applying for scholarships? #Spring25
- College freshman
- Out of state student
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2 answers
Samantha Stratton, SHRM-CP
Training Manager
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hey Bruna!
Like Doc Frick said, first things first: Have you filled out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? This is how you get considered for federal grants, like the Pell Grant, which generally don't have to be paid back!
The FAFSA also puts you in the running for Federal Work-Study. This lets you grab a part-time job (usually on campus) to earn cash for your expenses while you're studying. Plus, FAFSA is how you access federal student loans. If you do need loans, federal ones are often the way to go because they often have better interest rates and repayment plans than private loans from banks.
Don't forget to check directly with your college! Hit up their financial aid office. Schools often have their own "institutional aid" – grants, maybe even loans or work-study – that they give out. Ask them specifically if they have any special grants or tuition deals for out-of-state students like yourself. It's also worth a quick look at the state government's website for where your school is located; state aid is mostly for residents, but sometimes there are special agreements or programs you might qualify for.
Finally, see if your school offers a tuition payment plan. This lets you break up the big tuition bill into smaller monthly payments, which can really help budget-wise. If you've tried everything else and still have a gap, private loans are out there, but think of them as a last resort since the interest rates and terms can be less favorable to you. Remember to reapply for FAFSA each year you're in school and good luck in college!
Like Doc Frick said, first things first: Have you filled out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? This is how you get considered for federal grants, like the Pell Grant, which generally don't have to be paid back!
The FAFSA also puts you in the running for Federal Work-Study. This lets you grab a part-time job (usually on campus) to earn cash for your expenses while you're studying. Plus, FAFSA is how you access federal student loans. If you do need loans, federal ones are often the way to go because they often have better interest rates and repayment plans than private loans from banks.
Don't forget to check directly with your college! Hit up their financial aid office. Schools often have their own "institutional aid" – grants, maybe even loans or work-study – that they give out. Ask them specifically if they have any special grants or tuition deals for out-of-state students like yourself. It's also worth a quick look at the state government's website for where your school is located; state aid is mostly for residents, but sometimes there are special agreements or programs you might qualify for.
Finally, see if your school offers a tuition payment plan. This lets you break up the big tuition bill into smaller monthly payments, which can really help budget-wise. If you've tried everything else and still have a gap, private loans are out there, but think of them as a last resort since the interest rates and terms can be less favorable to you. Remember to reapply for FAFSA each year you're in school and good luck in college!
Thank you, Samantha!
Arielle
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1877
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Bruna considering a community college can be a strategic and cost-effective approach when navigating the complexities of financial aid. Community colleges often provide quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to four-year institutions. Financial aid is also offered for community college, further reducing the out-of-pocket expenses of already more affordable semester fees. Additionally, community colleges offer flexible scheduling, making it easier for students to work part-time jobs to support their education. Combined with work-study opportunities, community college can be beneficial for those who need more time to save prior to transferring while still completing general education courses. After completing your GE courses, you will be able to transfer your credits and complete your bachelor’s degree.
FINANCIAL AID TIPS FOR COLLEGE
TIP 1️⃣ FILE FOR FAFSA EARLY
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for most financial aid programs. Submit it as soon as possible after October 1st each year to maximize your eligibility for aid. Federal student aid from the Department of Education covers such expenses as tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in for information.
TIP 2️⃣ APPLY FOR WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
The Federal Work-Study program stands as a valuable resource designed to empower students in their pursuit of higher education by offering part-time employment opportunities that allow them to earn money to cover their educational expenses. It represents a dynamic partnership between eligible students, educational institutions, and various employers, fostering a unique learning experience while helping to alleviate the financial burden of college. These part-time jobs can encompass a wide range of roles, both on and off-campus, such as working in administrative offices, libraries, community service organizations, or research projects related to your field of study. Additionally, these positions often offer flexible schedules to accommodate your academic commitments, ensuring that your work does not compromise your primary focus on your education. For those considering the benefits of Federal Work-Study, it's crucial to explore whether you qualify for this program. Eligibility criteria often consider your financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
TIP 3️⃣ LOOK FOR GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Grants and scholarships stand out as exceptional sources of funding because they do not require repayment, relieving you of the burden of future debt. To optimize your chances of securing financial assistance, it's essential to cast a wide net in your search. Start
• GRANTS — A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation).
• SCHOLARSHIPS — Scholarships are typically merit-based. They consider your grades, talent or service. Best of all, you don't have to pay them back.
— UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS: Universities earmark scholarship dollars every year for undergraduates.
— PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS: Some trusted resources include Fastweb, College Board or Sallie Mae. A private scholarship might affect the rest of your financial aid package, so notify your university's office of financial services if you're awarded one.
TIP 4️⃣ ASK ABOUT TUITION PAYMENT PLAN
Your school’s billing office (sometimes referred to as the bursar’s office, cashier’s office, or student accounts office) may have payment plans available to help you spread any remaining costs over several payments throughout a semester. A payment plan can help you budget your payments rather than paying in one lump sum. It may also help you avoid costly late fees.
Hope this is helpful Bruna
FINANCIAL AID TIPS FOR COLLEGE
TIP 1️⃣ FILE FOR FAFSA EARLY
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for most financial aid programs. Submit it as soon as possible after October 1st each year to maximize your eligibility for aid. Federal student aid from the Department of Education covers such expenses as tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in for information.
TIP 2️⃣ APPLY FOR WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
The Federal Work-Study program stands as a valuable resource designed to empower students in their pursuit of higher education by offering part-time employment opportunities that allow them to earn money to cover their educational expenses. It represents a dynamic partnership between eligible students, educational institutions, and various employers, fostering a unique learning experience while helping to alleviate the financial burden of college. These part-time jobs can encompass a wide range of roles, both on and off-campus, such as working in administrative offices, libraries, community service organizations, or research projects related to your field of study. Additionally, these positions often offer flexible schedules to accommodate your academic commitments, ensuring that your work does not compromise your primary focus on your education. For those considering the benefits of Federal Work-Study, it's crucial to explore whether you qualify for this program. Eligibility criteria often consider your financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
TIP 3️⃣ LOOK FOR GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Grants and scholarships stand out as exceptional sources of funding because they do not require repayment, relieving you of the burden of future debt. To optimize your chances of securing financial assistance, it's essential to cast a wide net in your search. Start
• GRANTS — A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation).
• SCHOLARSHIPS — Scholarships are typically merit-based. They consider your grades, talent or service. Best of all, you don't have to pay them back.
— UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS: Universities earmark scholarship dollars every year for undergraduates.
— PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS: Some trusted resources include Fastweb, College Board or Sallie Mae. A private scholarship might affect the rest of your financial aid package, so notify your university's office of financial services if you're awarded one.
TIP 4️⃣ ASK ABOUT TUITION PAYMENT PLAN
Your school’s billing office (sometimes referred to as the bursar’s office, cashier’s office, or student accounts office) may have payment plans available to help you spread any remaining costs over several payments throughout a semester. A payment plan can help you budget your payments rather than paying in one lump sum. It may also help you avoid costly late fees.
Hope this is helpful Bruna