Good Nesting1. Get grants.
Grants are money for school that does not have to be paid back. While the same holds true for scholarships, grants can be easier to get since they are typically based on financial need versus merit, like grades, extracurricular activities, etc.
You can get grants from various sources, such as the federal government, your state, private organizations, and more. The best way to find them is to search for “college grants” via Google and take it from there.
As you start looking at grants, you will discover that many are highly specialized for certain demographics, fields of study, etc., just like scholarships. As such, you can filter your search by including your major, ethnicity, and more to find grants you can apply for.
2. Get scholarships.
College scholarships are another type of free money for school that can help you avoid student loans. The application process can be more competitive than grants since merit is involved, but you could still find plenty of scholarships that can fit your situation and keep your out-of-pocket expenses low.
3. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Your FAFSA could represent several thousands of dollars for your college education. True to its name, the form is free to fill out and submit.
What can your FAFSA do? It can determine your financial need, which shows schools and the government what type of aid you qualify for. This means that by filling out and submitting this straightforward application, you could qualify for Pell Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and other benefits to pay for your schooling.
4. Complete credits before college.
This tip won’t apply if you’ve already graduated high school. But if you have a teen in high school looking to go to college soon, have them take Advanced Placement courses, if possible, so they can earn credits toward their degree before even stepping on campus. Doing so can significantly reduce tuition and eliminate the need for extensive financial aid like student loans.
5. Go to a community college.
It may not be as exciting as going to a four-year school off the bat, but starting in community college can help you save money in several ways. First, if local, you can live at home, continue working at your current job, etc. Second, community colleges are often a lot cheaper. And third, you can transfer your community college credits to your next school to continue your career at a fraction of the cost without the need for student loans.
6. Negotiate with your school.
Even if you follow all of the tips above, don’t forget to talk to your school’s financial aid office.
Ask if they have tuition programs or grants for students in need that can reduce your expenses. Many schools have such resources or can give you information on how to pay for your schooling without having to take out student loans. In some instances, schools may agree to help you so you can enroll and they can increase their campus diversity.
Good Nesting