Every student comes from a different background and there financial standing varies as well. Attending college has always been a huge decision for both the student and their family as it is financially huge. Being accepted into your dream college is everyone’s lifelong desire and the selection obviously calls for celebration, thus don’t let that huge price tag hamper your excitement. With the costs and expenses of education being on the rise higher than ever, it is necessary to make the correct choices and make the most out of your college investment. It can be tricky to determine the accurate way to finance your college education, and that is why we have listed down six possible ways one can pay for college.
1. Avail Scholarships
There are many state-owned or private scholarship programs that offer students money that doesn’t need to be paid back. These scholarships cover a specific area of interest, study, achievement or qualification and are funded by many providers. There are many scholarships out there and lots of scholarships programs to choose from as well. Scholarships could either be based on merit or they could be need-based, depending on the circumstance.
2. Freelancing
With the world going digital, the demand for freelancers has increased manifold compared to what it was like 5 years ago. Students can make the most of it by offering essay writing online, or other services such as graphic designing, web developing, etc. These are a few promising and easy ways for students that can help them save some money on their own and pay for college. Not only will it help individuals raise money but it will also enrich them with skills that would later help them in their professional career.
3. Work-Study
Work-study programs provide part-time employment opportunities to students on campus while they are still finishing their degree. Available to undergrads, postgrads, and professional students, they help the financially deprived ones with tuition fees, and other costs like room and board. They offer students with financial needs access to research, technical, clerical, library, or other such jobs on campus or other organizations associated with the enrolled college or university.
4. Part-Time Jobs
We completely understand that there is a lot going on in a student’s life – academically and otherwise, and most of them do not even think about getting themselves a job during that time. But due to the rising inflation, it has become almost mandatory for every student to have a side hustle. Maybe work part-time for three to four hours at the local coffee shop nearby or deliver people’s packages across or work as a waiter at a restaurant.
5. FAFSA
While going through college websites and prospectus, you must have definitely come across FAFSA, i.e., Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The ideal time to fill out FAFSA is in October, however, there is no constraint. It can be done round the year. But the later the FAFSA is completed, smaller will be your loan percentage, because less scholarship money will be available by then. Students who finish FAFSA are legible for various types of loans, scholarships and grants.
6. Learn about College Payment Plans
Payment plans can assist with removing the sting from a huge college tuition bill. These payment plans are set up through the individual school or college themselves, whereas in most cases they hire financial agencies to administer and implement such plans. These plans permit students to spread your expenses over 6 to 10 months, interest free with a moderately small enrollment charge.