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Where can I find money for college?
My parents don't have enough money for me to go to college. I'm planning to work while in college and I know it will be tough to do since I have to study, get enough sleep, go to classes, and WORK. I'm applying to scholarships as of right now.
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9 answers
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Vanesa,
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. Sign up for work-study to get a job on campus, possibly even in your department.
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. 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
Specifically for Indiana:
https://www.indianahealthcarefoundation.org/scholarships
https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/
https://www.deaconessmemorial.com/giving/scholarship-opportunities/
https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program/
https://www.in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/frank-obannon-grant/
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. Sign up for work-study to get a job on campus, possibly even in your department.
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. 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
Specifically for Indiana:
https://www.indianahealthcarefoundation.org/scholarships
https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/
https://www.deaconessmemorial.com/giving/scholarship-opportunities/
https://lillyendowment.org/for-grantseekers/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program/
https://www.in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/frank-obannon-grant/
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
Hello!
I really want to be a sonographer. I'm chosing to graduate with an Associates degree. I have completed my FAFSA the day it was out. Do we get the money we got from FAFSA each semester or each year?
Thank you so much for the new websites!
I really appreciate you!
Vanesa
You are very welcome! I have added a few websites specifically for Indiana. Good luck! An associates is only 2 years. You can do it!
Karin P.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Vanesa !
Although it's possible to work while doing a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, it will have to be carefully planned as the program is very rigorous and demanding and has a full time feel to it with time commitments for lectures, labs, clinical rotations, and independent study, with students expected to dedicate 15-25 hours per week to studying.
Since you have already sent in your Federal Student Financial Aid Application, did you check the Work Study option ? A work study job would be the best bet for you since you can obtain it on campus and not have to deal with commuting to an off campus location. Review a copy of your application and see if you've checked the Work Study box, speak with your Financial Aid Office for details. You can probably even get a job in the Sonography Department. If you did not opt for the Work Study option, go to your financial aid office and ask if it could be added even though you've sent it in already. A work study job will not only give you experience but will also enable you to work around your course schedule.
Your financial aid monies will be sent at least once per academic term, such as each semester or quarter, rather than as a lump sum per year or monthly. The money is sent directly to the student but is first applied to the student's account to cover tuition, fees and if a student lives in the dorms. Back when I was a student in the olden days, we received a check every month - had to stand in line on campus for a hard copy check every month. They most likely will do direct deposit for you but ask your financial aid office. Anything with financial aid should be confirmed by your on campus financial aid office. Ask the financial aid office how you would get paid for Work Study because you will need to put in hours per week and I don't know how they do that presently. I used to get a check every month for how many hours I worked. So definitely ask about that at the financial aid office.
Some scholarships you can apply for are The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation, The American Society of Echocardiography Foundation, The Katanick Student Scholarship Award, The Feigenbaum Cardiovascular Sonographer Student Travel Grant and the UltraEcho, Ltd. Cardiovascular Sonographer Student Travel Grant, the Royce Osborn Minority Student Scholarship, The Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship, The AvaCare Medical Scholarship, the Ultrasound Schools Info sonography student scholarship, The Patricia Collins Amaral Memorial Fund and check with your college for the scholarships that particular college offers by contacting the admissions or financial aid office.
Keep in mind that Associate Degree programs in sonography are designed to prepare students for entry level positions and even though most have the Associates Degree, some employers are beginning to require or encourage a Bachelors Degree, particularly for new hires, and may mandate that employees pursue a bridge program within a few years of employment. You can ask your sonography professors what they think of this and how it is for Indianapolis, Indiana. Location and local job market competitiveness can also influence hiring practices, with some areas being more competitive than others, but the Associates Degree is valid and will qualify you for entry level work.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Although it's possible to work while doing a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, it will have to be carefully planned as the program is very rigorous and demanding and has a full time feel to it with time commitments for lectures, labs, clinical rotations, and independent study, with students expected to dedicate 15-25 hours per week to studying.
Since you have already sent in your Federal Student Financial Aid Application, did you check the Work Study option ? A work study job would be the best bet for you since you can obtain it on campus and not have to deal with commuting to an off campus location. Review a copy of your application and see if you've checked the Work Study box, speak with your Financial Aid Office for details. You can probably even get a job in the Sonography Department. If you did not opt for the Work Study option, go to your financial aid office and ask if it could be added even though you've sent it in already. A work study job will not only give you experience but will also enable you to work around your course schedule.
Your financial aid monies will be sent at least once per academic term, such as each semester or quarter, rather than as a lump sum per year or monthly. The money is sent directly to the student but is first applied to the student's account to cover tuition, fees and if a student lives in the dorms. Back when I was a student in the olden days, we received a check every month - had to stand in line on campus for a hard copy check every month. They most likely will do direct deposit for you but ask your financial aid office. Anything with financial aid should be confirmed by your on campus financial aid office. Ask the financial aid office how you would get paid for Work Study because you will need to put in hours per week and I don't know how they do that presently. I used to get a check every month for how many hours I worked. So definitely ask about that at the financial aid office.
Some scholarships you can apply for are The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation, The American Society of Echocardiography Foundation, The Katanick Student Scholarship Award, The Feigenbaum Cardiovascular Sonographer Student Travel Grant and the UltraEcho, Ltd. Cardiovascular Sonographer Student Travel Grant, the Royce Osborn Minority Student Scholarship, The Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship, The AvaCare Medical Scholarship, the Ultrasound Schools Info sonography student scholarship, The Patricia Collins Amaral Memorial Fund and check with your college for the scholarships that particular college offers by contacting the admissions or financial aid office.
Keep in mind that Associate Degree programs in sonography are designed to prepare students for entry level positions and even though most have the Associates Degree, some employers are beginning to require or encourage a Bachelors Degree, particularly for new hires, and may mandate that employees pursue a bridge program within a few years of employment. You can ask your sonography professors what they think of this and how it is for Indianapolis, Indiana. Location and local job market competitiveness can also influence hiring practices, with some areas being more competitive than others, but the Associates Degree is valid and will qualify you for entry level work.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know your passion and commitment to continue the study.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Explore and apply the scholarships. I know you are already doing this.
2. Explore any grant or loans offered by the government or authorities
3. Work on part time jobs
4. Have a gap year to work on full time job to earn the funding for your tertiary study before you start college
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Explore and apply the scholarships. I know you are already doing this.
2. Explore any grant or loans offered by the government or authorities
3. Work on part time jobs
4. Have a gap year to work on full time job to earn the funding for your tertiary study before you start college
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Roel’s Answer
I strongly suggest you look into as many scholarship opportunities as you can. Scholarships are a great way to help pay for tuition. Also, having a job on campus can really help with expenses. Just remember to focus on your studies first and work second.
Thank you so much for your help! I will for sure do my studies first then work second!
Vanesa
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
There are already a lot of really great answers here but I want you to know that I was in the exact same situation and this is how I came through it
1. My University's financial aid office was super helpful in helping get through the student aid/loan process in my state. Coming from a family where I was the first member in my family this was helpful. They are usually overwhelmed and I found I got much better support going my first year in person.
2. I went to a state supported school and by keeping grades up there were grants that I was automatically qualified for.
3. Ask for info about the work-study program if available. I was able to work on campus covering offices, answering phones, etc. to earn money for paying for the degree.
4. Almost every summer I took summer classes whether on campus or at the community college back home. This is a great way to affordably get the general education requirements out of the way at a lower/more affordable cost than the regular semester.
5. I also found a off campus job in addition to my work-study job. It was grueling but I was able to get two degrees for the cost of 1.
6. Take control of your degree plan. Universities and advisor offices have pre-canned plans for you but spend the hours and hours every semester going through the course catalog (if you are at a smaller school there may not be as many options). You will find ways to double count credits for two degrees. This is intense planning and scheduling BUT you will get the most out of every single credit hour this way. And when you - like me - are paying for it in hard earned money or loans, everything needs to count double.
7. Watch the loans, shop them for lowest interest rates and accelerate your payments against the loans with the highest rates first. I didn't do this well and could have been smarter about which debt I serviced first.
8. Also for context I turned down an admissions offer at a large private university for a large public university and financially it was one of the best decisions I made. I saved about $40k a semester.
1. My University's financial aid office was super helpful in helping get through the student aid/loan process in my state. Coming from a family where I was the first member in my family this was helpful. They are usually overwhelmed and I found I got much better support going my first year in person.
2. I went to a state supported school and by keeping grades up there were grants that I was automatically qualified for.
3. Ask for info about the work-study program if available. I was able to work on campus covering offices, answering phones, etc. to earn money for paying for the degree.
4. Almost every summer I took summer classes whether on campus or at the community college back home. This is a great way to affordably get the general education requirements out of the way at a lower/more affordable cost than the regular semester.
5. I also found a off campus job in addition to my work-study job. It was grueling but I was able to get two degrees for the cost of 1.
6. Take control of your degree plan. Universities and advisor offices have pre-canned plans for you but spend the hours and hours every semester going through the course catalog (if you are at a smaller school there may not be as many options). You will find ways to double count credits for two degrees. This is intense planning and scheduling BUT you will get the most out of every single credit hour this way. And when you - like me - are paying for it in hard earned money or loans, everything needs to count double.
7. Watch the loans, shop them for lowest interest rates and accelerate your payments against the loans with the highest rates first. I didn't do this well and could have been smarter about which debt I serviced first.
8. Also for context I turned down an admissions offer at a large private university for a large public university and financially it was one of the best decisions I made. I saved about $40k a semester.
Updated
MANAHIL’s Answer
Hi !
I’m a student too, so I get how stressful money for college can be. What helps is using a few different options at the same time:
1. Apply for every scholarship you find eg school website, local groups, and online sites. Even small ones help.
2. Talk to the financial aid office at your college. They can guide you about grants, fee help, and work-study jobs.
3. Try to get an on-campus job because the hours are flexible and easier to manage with classes.
4. Think about starting at a community college and then transferring later to save money.
5. Check local programs in your city or state that support students.
Manahil
I’m a student too, so I get how stressful money for college can be. What helps is using a few different options at the same time:
1. Apply for every scholarship you find eg school website, local groups, and online sites. Even small ones help.
2. Talk to the financial aid office at your college. They can guide you about grants, fee help, and work-study jobs.
3. Try to get an on-campus job because the hours are flexible and easier to manage with classes.
4. Think about starting at a community college and then transferring later to save money.
5. Check local programs in your city or state that support students.
Manahil
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hey Vanesa!
I had a very similar problem, as a pre-medical student about to graduate. Apply to any and all scholarships, sometimes even if you don't fit the description, if not enough people apply, you may get it. Also, apply for financial aid. No one wants to be in debt, but with a medical career it shouldn't be too hard to pay off, and it will be worth it in the end. I have about 20k in debt for all four years (I got very lucky with my school being covered), and I have been slowly paying it off.
A lot of people say you can't work while getting degrees like the one you want, but that's not necessarily true. Try to get an on-campus desk job. I got one, and a few of the people I work with are nursing students, and a few are pre-medical, and pre-PA. I have worked all of these years and it has not affected my school work. You may not get many hours, but something is better than nothing. Or, look for a hospital job! I was a nurse tech and most of the people I worked with were in professional programs and just worked one night a week, in order to pay off some debt or groceries.
Finally - look for a university or community college that offers great financial programs. The one I am in (GVSU) pays for full tuition if you can show that you don't make enough, or your parents make less than a certain amount. The universities will fight you about it, but working with a professional from your high school to help fight for you may help you. It took me months to get it, and with enough pressure I ended up getting my tuition free.
I had a very similar problem, as a pre-medical student about to graduate. Apply to any and all scholarships, sometimes even if you don't fit the description, if not enough people apply, you may get it. Also, apply for financial aid. No one wants to be in debt, but with a medical career it shouldn't be too hard to pay off, and it will be worth it in the end. I have about 20k in debt for all four years (I got very lucky with my school being covered), and I have been slowly paying it off.
A lot of people say you can't work while getting degrees like the one you want, but that's not necessarily true. Try to get an on-campus desk job. I got one, and a few of the people I work with are nursing students, and a few are pre-medical, and pre-PA. I have worked all of these years and it has not affected my school work. You may not get many hours, but something is better than nothing. Or, look for a hospital job! I was a nurse tech and most of the people I worked with were in professional programs and just worked one night a week, in order to pay off some debt or groceries.
Finally - look for a university or community college that offers great financial programs. The one I am in (GVSU) pays for full tuition if you can show that you don't make enough, or your parents make less than a certain amount. The universities will fight you about it, but working with a professional from your high school to help fight for you may help you. It took me months to get it, and with enough pressure I ended up getting my tuition free.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would consider looking for potential scholarships at the University College Foundation because this is an area that many people ay not know about.
Much of successful scholarship attainment, has to do with where you look for the scholarships. They can come from two primary sources, either private or public. One area people might not know about is the College Foundation option, at local colleges and universities.
College Foundations, manage the college endowment, but they also supervise private scholarship donations, and connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications. These are normally scholarships, that are supported by private individuals or businesses.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, science subjects, engineering, social sciences, humanities, STEM subjects, or students who might be of a certain ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend), and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
Much of successful scholarship attainment, has to do with where you look for the scholarships. They can come from two primary sources, either private or public. One area people might not know about is the College Foundation option, at local colleges and universities.
College Foundations, manage the college endowment, but they also supervise private scholarship donations, and connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications. These are normally scholarships, that are supported by private individuals or businesses.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, science subjects, engineering, social sciences, humanities, STEM subjects, or students who might be of a certain ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend), and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
Updated
Ali’s Answer
Joining a company that provides tuition reimbursement or assistance is a fantastic way to significantly lower the cost of your degree while also gaining important work experience.