College is expensive and unfortunately, we all can’t win the lottery (aw, shucks!). Finding money to pay for college can be stressful. How can you afford college when tuition is at a pinnacle? This sounds obvious, but understanding your options will make the process of paying for higher education easier. This means research, research, research! Read as much as you can about all of your options so you can make the most informed decision. So when all the couch cushions have been overturned and tuition money is still needed, where do you turn? Here are five areas to look for spare change.
1. Federal Money
First and foremost, fill out the FASFA! Even if you think you may not qualify for aid, apply anyway, as this is the impetus for many other types of money that Uncle Sam offers. Also, apply early. Some financial aid is given on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about Federal Money, refer to Natalie’s post on federal loans for college.
2. Ask for more
Didn’t receive as much financial aid as you had hoped? Call the school’s financial aid office and appeal for more assistance. This may sound risky, but as other accepted students refuse a college’s offer (to go to a different school), more financial aid money may become available. You should certainly ask for more aid if your financial situation has changed since you submitted your FAFSA (a parent losing a job, for example). Another approach is to ask the college to match the financial aid package from another school. To employ this tactic, it helps to have been accepted to two similar colleges. In essence, you are having two colleges compete over you. Best-case scenario, the financial aid office will match (or beat) the offer. Worst-case scenario, you have your original aid package. It never hurts to ask (nicely, of course).
3. Corporate Generosity
Do you and your family shop? If the answer is yes, you can build up college savings while purchasing daily items. Some credit cards and rebate websites (such as Upromise®) help you compile money for college savings.
4. Work-Study
Many colleges offer work-study as an option to help lessen the burden of tuition. Campuses typically allow you to work up to 20 hours a week, which can translate into thousands of dollars towards your tuition. Typical work-study jobs include on campus IT support, lab/research assistant, and working in food services. If work-study doesn’t interest you, working as a waiter, bank teller, or a paid internship will usually have accommodating hours.
5. Health and Car Insurance Plans
Talk with your family about switching to student health insurance rather than staying on your family’s health insurance plan. Please note that this is very subjective to what both plans may offer, but could provide additional savings for you. Also, if you are currently on your family’s auto insurance plan and do not plan on driving in college, be certain to remove yourself from the insurance plan. This can saves hundreds of dollars for you and your family.
Subscribe to this blog
Subscribe to RSS feed
Join Us
Become a fan of WiseChoice on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Categories
- Choosing a Major / Career (2)
- College Admissions (28)
- College Applications (10)
- College Search (12)
- College Transfer (3)
- Community College (1)
- Financial Aid (17)
- Greek Life (2)
- Just for Parents (3)
- Learning Difference (2)
- Life at College (9)
- Miscellaneous (2)
- Social Media (1)
- Topics of Interest (2)
- Visiting a College (5)
- WiseChoice (2)