How can I pay for college? Please help!
If you’ve been accepted to college, congratulations! It’s an achievement worth celebrating. Getting that acceptance letter is newsworthy, but it can also create a problem: how to pay for college. If you’re wondering how to pay for college tuition, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a student getting ready to register or a parent getting ready to pay the bill, there are lots of ways affording college can become possible.
Community College Saves Money
If your heart’s set on a four-year college, but you need to save money on tuition, try a compromise: community college for the first two years. Many four-year schools are in close proximity to a two-year school community college – also known as a junior college. Some universities have partnerships with a community college, ensuring that credits will transfer easily from the junior college to the four year school. Taking this path can mean a 50% savings during the first two years of college. Talk to admissions representatives from both prospective schools to find out if this could save money on college costs for you.
Loans to Pay for College
In order to receive a government-sponsored loan for college, you must fill out the FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a free application for everyone. Another option for college loans is your local bank or credit union which will examine your creditworthiness and may require a co-signer.
Do you know anyone who has received a full ride to college?
Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Some companies offer scholarships to the employees or children of employees enrolled in an accredited college. This is offered as part of an overall benefits package and as done to enhance a company’s reputation in the community, to build relationships with colleges and gives the company an opportunity to receive a tax write-off. It also helps companies attract a bigger pool of talent by offering great benefits.
Graduate Fellowships & Assistantships
Grad students can receive financial aid in the form of a fellowship or assistantship. In exchange for teaching a class, assisting a professor with research or tutoring undergrads, tuition waivers and a stipend may be received. Grad students do not receive as much financial aid as undergrads, so seek the highest offer.
Save Money for College When Upromise
Upromise is a way to finance college and is similar to a store loyalty program. Visit the Upromise website for more information.
Loan Forgiveness
If public service is your calling, you may be eligible for a loan forgiveness program to pay back your student loans. If you’re working full-time as a teacher in a state where there’s a teacher shortage, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness. You may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness if you’re working full-time as a teacher in a high-poverty school. Other professions that benefit the public such as public health, law enforcement and much more are included in the federal loan forgiveness program. Contact your student loan servicer to find out if your student loans can be paid for under this program.
© 2013 erinshelby