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Gracen
Student
Hydro, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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What are some ways you guys would suggest about financial aid? #Fall25
I am not sure if I can afford college, even with help from the FAFSA and university scholarships. I really want to go to Texas A&M, but I do not think I can afford it. I do not want to just give up, but I am not sure what else to do.
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1 answer
Denise Heffron, PSM, PMI-ACP, PMP
Experience Strategy
48
Answers
North Aurora, Illinois
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hi Gracen,
It’s great that you’re being proactive about this — staying persistent and exploring every option is the right mindset. Here are several strategies you can use to help make attending Texas A&M University (TAMU) more financially feasible — along with a link to some scholarship-resources.
Key Strategies to Consider
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (if you haven’t already) and file early
The FAFSA is the gateway to federal grants, work-study programs, federal loans, and many university and state aid programs. (https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/fafsa-tips)
Some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis — so timing matters. (https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/top-financial-aid-tips-and-tricks)
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, fill it out anyway: many merit-based scholarships and institutional aid require the FAFSA. (https://money.com/more-financial-aid-money-fafsa)
2. Explore and apply for as many scholarships as possible
Scholarships (which you don’t have to pay back) are one of the best ways to reduce your cost.
This scholarship resource (https://www.sallie.com/resources/tag/scholarships) is a great starting point.
Also look locally: high school guidance office, community organizations, churches, businesses in your town, etc. Local scholarships often have fewer applicants and better odds. (https://scholarshipinstitute.org/blog/smart-financial-aid-strategies)
3. Understand TAMU’s cost, net price, and financial aid offer
Don’t just look at the “sticker price” (published tuition & fees) — check the net cost (what you’ll actually pay after grants/scholarships/aid). (https://www.investopedia.com/for-many-parents-college-is-more-expensive-than-they-thought-and-some-can-t-afford-it-11762652)
Once you receive a financial aid award from TAMU, evaluate it carefully: how much is grant/scholarship money vs how much you’d need to borrow or work.
If the aid offer leaves a large gap, you can appeal the aid package (especially if your or your family’s financial situation changed) — many schools will consider special circumstances. (https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/top-financial-aid-tips-and-tricks)
4. Work-study, part-time jobs, and budget carefully
The federal work-study program lets you earn money while enrolled, which can reduce how much you have to borrow. (https://scholarshipinstitute.org/blog/smart-financial-aid-strategies)
Make a realistic budget of your expenses (tuition, housing, food, books, transportation, personal) and compare it to the aid + your earning potential + family contribution. (https://studentaid.gov/articles/first-time-college-students/)
Consider living more frugally (e.g., sharing housing, used textbooks, minimizing extra costs) if that’s an option.
5. Consider alternative pathways
If TAMU’s cost still seems too high, you might explore beginning at a community college for a year or two, then transferring to TAMU. Many community colleges are significantly less expensive and the credits often transfer.
Also, check if TAMU offers in-state tuition benefits (if you’re a Texas resident) or if there are special programs for students in your situation.
6. Stay organised and keep deadlines in mind
Track all scholarship deadlines, FAFSA submission deadlines, university aid deadlines. Missing one can mean losing out on thousands of dollars.
Keep your documents in order: tax returns, bank statements, proof of income, etc., so you’re ready when needed.
I’d suggest bookmarking the Sallie Mae scholarships page and revisiting it regularly, as new scholarships and updates pop up.
Final Thoughts
You can make attending TAMU happen — it might just require layering together several types of aid (grants + scholarships + work + smart budgeting) and being persistent. Don’t let cost be a stopping point before you explore everything.
Best of luck to you!
It’s great that you’re being proactive about this — staying persistent and exploring every option is the right mindset. Here are several strategies you can use to help make attending Texas A&M University (TAMU) more financially feasible — along with a link to some scholarship-resources.
Key Strategies to Consider
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (if you haven’t already) and file early
The FAFSA is the gateway to federal grants, work-study programs, federal loans, and many university and state aid programs. (https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/fafsa-tips)
Some funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis — so timing matters. (https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/top-financial-aid-tips-and-tricks)
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, fill it out anyway: many merit-based scholarships and institutional aid require the FAFSA. (https://money.com/more-financial-aid-money-fafsa)
2. Explore and apply for as many scholarships as possible
Scholarships (which you don’t have to pay back) are one of the best ways to reduce your cost.
This scholarship resource (https://www.sallie.com/resources/tag/scholarships) is a great starting point.
Also look locally: high school guidance office, community organizations, churches, businesses in your town, etc. Local scholarships often have fewer applicants and better odds. (https://scholarshipinstitute.org/blog/smart-financial-aid-strategies)
3. Understand TAMU’s cost, net price, and financial aid offer
Don’t just look at the “sticker price” (published tuition & fees) — check the net cost (what you’ll actually pay after grants/scholarships/aid). (https://www.investopedia.com/for-many-parents-college-is-more-expensive-than-they-thought-and-some-can-t-afford-it-11762652)
Once you receive a financial aid award from TAMU, evaluate it carefully: how much is grant/scholarship money vs how much you’d need to borrow or work.
If the aid offer leaves a large gap, you can appeal the aid package (especially if your or your family’s financial situation changed) — many schools will consider special circumstances. (https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/top-financial-aid-tips-and-tricks)
4. Work-study, part-time jobs, and budget carefully
The federal work-study program lets you earn money while enrolled, which can reduce how much you have to borrow. (https://scholarshipinstitute.org/blog/smart-financial-aid-strategies)
Make a realistic budget of your expenses (tuition, housing, food, books, transportation, personal) and compare it to the aid + your earning potential + family contribution. (https://studentaid.gov/articles/first-time-college-students/)
Consider living more frugally (e.g., sharing housing, used textbooks, minimizing extra costs) if that’s an option.
5. Consider alternative pathways
If TAMU’s cost still seems too high, you might explore beginning at a community college for a year or two, then transferring to TAMU. Many community colleges are significantly less expensive and the credits often transfer.
Also, check if TAMU offers in-state tuition benefits (if you’re a Texas resident) or if there are special programs for students in your situation.
6. Stay organised and keep deadlines in mind
Track all scholarship deadlines, FAFSA submission deadlines, university aid deadlines. Missing one can mean losing out on thousands of dollars.
Keep your documents in order: tax returns, bank statements, proof of income, etc., so you’re ready when needed.
I’d suggest bookmarking the Sallie Mae scholarships page and revisiting it regularly, as new scholarships and updates pop up.
Final Thoughts
You can make attending TAMU happen — it might just require layering together several types of aid (grants + scholarships + work + smart budgeting) and being persistent. Don’t let cost be a stopping point before you explore everything.
Best of luck to you!