Ways to Pay for College

While the price tag on college can seem substantial, at first, there have been thousands of students in your same position that have made it through. The key is to look at your options for paying for your tuition and deciding which one, or combination of a few, work best for you.

Option 1: Getting Help From Family Members

Many college students rely on help from their family members, generally parents, when it comes to paying for college. If your family has the financial means to help, this can be a great option if you are struggling to pay all of your tuition on your own.

Option 2: Scholarships

Scholarships are probably one of the greatest ways to pay for college. They are readily available for students of every major, you just have to put the work into finding ones you qualify for. Be sure to watch for deadlines and requirements for scholarships. The best part? You don't have to pay these back!

Option 3: Financial Aid

Financial aid is another great way to pay for college, if you qualify. Examples of financial aid might include grants and 21st Century Scholarship which reward students aid based on financial need. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA every year to see what forms of financial aid you might qualify for.

Option 4: Look into Getting a Job

As a full time student, you may think that you have no time for a job. You may worry that having a job will result in a drop in your grades and GPA. However, many college students report that having a job not only gave them money towards schooling but also provided them with skills like time management. One way to judge if working is the right option for you, is to make a time sheet and fill in classes and school activities. Afterwards, see what time is left. Finding a job that is in your career field may be possible and can provide experience for the future while also providing a paycheck. 

Option 5: Student Loans

When all else fails, you have the option to look into borrowing money. There are several options when it comes to loans, one being subsidized, and unsubsidized loans offered by the school. If you need to take out student loans, be sure to start with these first. They have a six-month grace period and do not have to be paid off until after you graduate. When looking into personal loans, be sure to read all the fine print. You need to know what your interest rate is, exactly how much you need to borrow, and it is a good idea to know exactly how much you are going to pay each month. Never borrow more than you need. You are going to be paying more for the loan that what you originally borrowed.