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What is the most optimal way to get funding for school without going into major debt?
1. How to get the most money out of FAFSA?
2. What is the best time to apply for scholarships and where?
3. Is there more options other than scholarships and loans to get funding for school?
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2 answers
Bryan P. O'Donnell
Sustainability & Assurance Transformation Learning Consultant
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Bryan P.’s Answer
Hi Maeve - Here are some additional suggestions for FAFSA and related funding:
- File FAFSA as early as possible because some aid is limited: For the 2026–27 aid year (school dates July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027), federal deadline is June 30, 2027, but state/school deadlines can be much earlier. Work-study and some campus-based aid can be limited, so earlier filing can help. Also make sure that any of your contributors (student/parent/spouse as applicable) provide consent/approval for federal tax info transfer as soon as they are asked. Make your StudentAid.gov account to start the process as early as possible. Cal Grant requirements may also affect you which have additional requirements and timelines.
- Look for grant/work-study funding linked to FAFSA: Pell Grant eligibility is determined through FAFSA’s calculations (now called the Student Aid Index/SAI). FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) is extra grant money for undergrads with exceptional need; awards are limited and don’t need repayment. Federal Work-Study are part-time jobs and are limited; you’re paid via paycheck and don’t repay it like a loan.
- Appeal aid if/when life circumstances change: If your family has a major income change (job loss, pay cut, high medical costs, etc.), submit FAFSA and then ask the college financial aid office about a special circumstances review.
For scholarships, based on my experience:
- Start your search in junior year if possible: Many deadlines are well in advance of college deadlines, while the peak application window is Fall through Spring of your senior year.
- Apply throughout college: Many scholarships are eligible to existing college students, so be sure to continue searching throughout your college experience to secure additional funding.
- Departmental scholarships: Try to narrow your focus from national, highly-competitive scholarships to niche ones that are based on your major or department your degree falls under. Those typically have less applicants and higher chance of standing out.
- Use other resources: Web Grants 4 Students is California specific. College Board's BigFuture scholarship tool is also a great place to start. But that tool may miss high school counselor lists, community foundations, unions, employer-sponsored community awards, which may be easier to access and appeal to. Talk to your school counselor but also try to find local nonprofits who might have scholarship funds to tap into.
- Make a standard packet: Make a folder on Google Drive that has your resume, transcript, a core 300-500 word essay/personal statement, and 2 recommendation letters.
Other ideas:
- ROTC scholarships through the army
- VISTA or AmeriCorps service
- Bonner Foundation Scholarship
- Community college pathway/university transfer - California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
- University of California Blue and Gold UC financial aid
Hope this helps!
- File FAFSA as early as possible because some aid is limited: For the 2026–27 aid year (school dates July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027), federal deadline is June 30, 2027, but state/school deadlines can be much earlier. Work-study and some campus-based aid can be limited, so earlier filing can help. Also make sure that any of your contributors (student/parent/spouse as applicable) provide consent/approval for federal tax info transfer as soon as they are asked. Make your StudentAid.gov account to start the process as early as possible. Cal Grant requirements may also affect you which have additional requirements and timelines.
- Look for grant/work-study funding linked to FAFSA: Pell Grant eligibility is determined through FAFSA’s calculations (now called the Student Aid Index/SAI). FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) is extra grant money for undergrads with exceptional need; awards are limited and don’t need repayment. Federal Work-Study are part-time jobs and are limited; you’re paid via paycheck and don’t repay it like a loan.
- Appeal aid if/when life circumstances change: If your family has a major income change (job loss, pay cut, high medical costs, etc.), submit FAFSA and then ask the college financial aid office about a special circumstances review.
For scholarships, based on my experience:
- Start your search in junior year if possible: Many deadlines are well in advance of college deadlines, while the peak application window is Fall through Spring of your senior year.
- Apply throughout college: Many scholarships are eligible to existing college students, so be sure to continue searching throughout your college experience to secure additional funding.
- Departmental scholarships: Try to narrow your focus from national, highly-competitive scholarships to niche ones that are based on your major or department your degree falls under. Those typically have less applicants and higher chance of standing out.
- Use other resources: Web Grants 4 Students is California specific. College Board's BigFuture scholarship tool is also a great place to start. But that tool may miss high school counselor lists, community foundations, unions, employer-sponsored community awards, which may be easier to access and appeal to. Talk to your school counselor but also try to find local nonprofits who might have scholarship funds to tap into.
- Make a standard packet: Make a folder on Google Drive that has your resume, transcript, a core 300-500 word essay/personal statement, and 2 recommendation letters.
Other ideas:
- ROTC scholarships through the army
- VISTA or AmeriCorps service
- Bonner Foundation Scholarship
- Community college pathway/university transfer - California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
- University of California Blue and Gold UC financial aid
Hope this helps!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Maeve! Here are some tips from my experience as a mom of a college sophomore who got a lot of scholarship money.
1) The FAFSA application is pretty simple. Just fill it out accurately, submit it on time, and update it every year.
2) My son applied for scholarships while working on his college applications. He spent time researching all the scholarships his school offered. It took extra effort but was definitely worth it. He even applied for another scholarship after his freshman year.
3) Check for more funding options from your state and school. You can use ChatGPT for advice and research. As a parent, I also found loan options available to me.
Good luck, you've got this!
1) The FAFSA application is pretty simple. Just fill it out accurately, submit it on time, and update it every year.
2) My son applied for scholarships while working on his college applications. He spent time researching all the scholarships his school offered. It took extra effort but was definitely worth it. He even applied for another scholarship after his freshman year.
3) Check for more funding options from your state and school. You can use ChatGPT for advice and research. As a parent, I also found loan options available to me.
Good luck, you've got this!