2 answers
Jack
Student
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to reduce the cost of college, and how can I put myself in the best position coming out of college (financially) ?
I am a senior in high school, discerning what my next steps are. I have hopes of going into Christian ministry, but I do not necessarily want to be a pastor. I see the value of a college experience, but am unsure if it is necessary.
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Jack,
You can reduce the cost of your college education by starting out at a Community College before transferring to a 4-year school. Tuition at Community Colleges is usually much less than at 4-year universities. If you have already taken some dual enrollment courses for college credit, that would further reduce the cost. When you pick a university, stay in-state for lower tuition and/or look for schools that are known to give generous aid. If your stats are good, you might be able to get significant merit aid, especially if your stats are way above the average for the school.
Your first stop looking for financial aid should be the FAFSA. FAFSA gives you access to federal and state financial aid. Many colleges also use it to determine your need as well. Talk to the Financial Office at the college you want to attend too. There might be scholarships you qualify for.
For promising scholarships, look what your state and your hometown offer. Some employers also have scholarship programs for children of employees or for their own employees. Check out scholarships from professional organizations, e.g. nursing scholarships for aspiring nurses. Research companies that would hire people with the degree you want to get, e.g. big tech companies if you are going into computer science. In your case, look for Christian organizations. Check if your local Chamber of Commerce or any businesses have any programs. Search for scholarships that are for certain demographics, e.g. minorities, women in STEM, tall people, twins and multiples etc.
Some useful websites for your search:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
https://scholarships360.org/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
I would recommend to be strategic about it. Don't wear yourself out by applying to anything and everything. Consider the requirements and your fit for each scholarship.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You can reduce the cost of your college education by starting out at a Community College before transferring to a 4-year school. Tuition at Community Colleges is usually much less than at 4-year universities. If you have already taken some dual enrollment courses for college credit, that would further reduce the cost. When you pick a university, stay in-state for lower tuition and/or look for schools that are known to give generous aid. If your stats are good, you might be able to get significant merit aid, especially if your stats are way above the average for the school.
Your first stop looking for financial aid should be the FAFSA. FAFSA gives you access to federal and state financial aid. Many colleges also use it to determine your need as well. Talk to the Financial Office at the college you want to attend too. There might be scholarships you qualify for.
For promising scholarships, look what your state and your hometown offer. Some employers also have scholarship programs for children of employees or for their own employees. Check out scholarships from professional organizations, e.g. nursing scholarships for aspiring nurses. Research companies that would hire people with the degree you want to get, e.g. big tech companies if you are going into computer science. In your case, look for Christian organizations. Check if your local Chamber of Commerce or any businesses have any programs. Search for scholarships that are for certain demographics, e.g. minorities, women in STEM, tall people, twins and multiples etc.
Some useful websites for your search:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
https://scholarships360.org/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
I would recommend to be strategic about it. Don't wear yourself out by applying to anything and everything. Consider the requirements and your fit for each scholarship.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Kimberly Ferguson
Write on LinkedIn
8
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Apply for a Pell grant and scholarships. The bank has a scholarship and ask your church to make a contribution and your job has assistance with college. Apply to them all.