2 answers
Erika
Student
Sedalia, Missouri
1
Question
Updated
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How can I graduate college debt free?
I'll be graduating high school next week, and my main concern for my future is how to pay for my education. My family doesn't qualify for federal aid, but they also don't make enough to cover all the costs of college. I feel stuck and want lots of advice for navigating this situation!
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Erika, I totally get your concern about paying for college. It's tough when you're in that situation where your family doesn't qualify for federal aid, but also can't cover the full costs. Now firstly let me just congratulate you before your graduation........Congratulations!
So, I love what Sharyn mentioned about scholarships like Bright Flight and the A+ Scholarship. The Bright Flight is a great option if you’ve got solid ACT scores, and it’s merit-based, so you don’t have to worry about your family’s income for that one. Also, starting at a community college and then transferring to a 4-year school can be a super smart move to cut down on costs, and the A+ Scholarship is perfect for that route.
But beyond that, there are a few other ideas that could help you out. For starters, local scholarships are always a goldmine. Look into groups like the Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, and even small businesses in your community. These kinds of scholarships aren’t always widely advertised, but they can add up, and they’re often less competitive because they’re local.
Another thing that I think a lot of people forget about is working part-time while in school. I know it sounds like extra work, but even a few hours a week can help offset costs. Some schools offer on-campus jobs that are super flexible and sometimes even tied to your major, so you can earn while learning. If you can get a job related to your field of study, it’ll not only help financially but give you great experience down the road.
And btw have you thought about applying for internships? They’re not just for upperclassmen or post-grad – some companies offer paid internships to freshmen, especially in fields like marketing, design, or tech. If you land one, it could help with living expenses or even tuition, plus give you awesome experience early on. I myself have tried applying previously as well.
Lastly, a really important thing to keep in mind is budgeting. Being smart with your money while you’re in school can make a huge difference. Maybe start looking into budget apps or tools to track your spending. Some small adjustments, like cooking instead of eating out or using student discounts, can add up over time and save you a lot.
So yeah, it’s definitely a bit of a balancing act, but there are plenty of ways to get creative and take some of the financial pressure off. You’ve got this, Erika! Keep pushing, and make sure to explore all your options. Know if you need anything you can always reach out here.
So, I love what Sharyn mentioned about scholarships like Bright Flight and the A+ Scholarship. The Bright Flight is a great option if you’ve got solid ACT scores, and it’s merit-based, so you don’t have to worry about your family’s income for that one. Also, starting at a community college and then transferring to a 4-year school can be a super smart move to cut down on costs, and the A+ Scholarship is perfect for that route.
But beyond that, there are a few other ideas that could help you out. For starters, local scholarships are always a goldmine. Look into groups like the Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, and even small businesses in your community. These kinds of scholarships aren’t always widely advertised, but they can add up, and they’re often less competitive because they’re local.
Another thing that I think a lot of people forget about is working part-time while in school. I know it sounds like extra work, but even a few hours a week can help offset costs. Some schools offer on-campus jobs that are super flexible and sometimes even tied to your major, so you can earn while learning. If you can get a job related to your field of study, it’ll not only help financially but give you great experience down the road.
And btw have you thought about applying for internships? They’re not just for upperclassmen or post-grad – some companies offer paid internships to freshmen, especially in fields like marketing, design, or tech. If you land one, it could help with living expenses or even tuition, plus give you awesome experience early on. I myself have tried applying previously as well.
Lastly, a really important thing to keep in mind is budgeting. Being smart with your money while you’re in school can make a huge difference. Maybe start looking into budget apps or tools to track your spending. Some small adjustments, like cooking instead of eating out or using student discounts, can add up over time and save you a lot.
So yeah, it’s definitely a bit of a balancing act, but there are plenty of ways to get creative and take some of the financial pressure off. You’ve got this, Erika! Keep pushing, and make sure to explore all your options. Know if you need anything you can always reach out here.
Sharyn Grose
CareerVillage.org TeamResume writing/career coaching, arts & entertainment
24
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Erika!
Costs can be a huge concern when considering college. I would recommend looking into as many scholarships as possible. There are many that are not need-based. If you go to a school in your state of residence, Missouri, there are some opportunities that can help. Bright Flight is a merit-based scholarship where you need high ACT scores. Missouri also has the A+ Scholarship program, which awards scholarships to those attending community college. Many students start at community colleges and then transfer to 4 year universities to reduce the cost of college.
Also, check with your school district and local organizations like Rotary Club or Lion's Club.
Wishing you much success!!
Bright Flight Program https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/bright-flight
A+ Scholarship Program https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/a-plus
College Board's Big Future https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
Costs can be a huge concern when considering college. I would recommend looking into as many scholarships as possible. There are many that are not need-based. If you go to a school in your state of residence, Missouri, there are some opportunities that can help. Bright Flight is a merit-based scholarship where you need high ACT scores. Missouri also has the A+ Scholarship program, which awards scholarships to those attending community college. Many students start at community colleges and then transfer to 4 year universities to reduce the cost of college.
Also, check with your school district and local organizations like Rotary Club or Lion's Club.
Wishing you much success!!
Sharyn, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps: