Paying for a college education is a difficult task for many students. However, there are effective and proactive solutions to pay for college.
Here on campus the financial aid office is usually frowned upon, but patience is most important when handling situations that involve the financial aid office.The process may seem slow and tedious, but counselors are working to make sure all work is handled as efficiently as possible.
There are several opportunities for financial aid outside of campus. One is the federal Pell Grant which is awarded based on a student’s financial needs and does not have to be repaid.
Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive a student aid report (SAR), which will indicate their level of eligibility. A second type is work-study, through which students may work on campus earning a current minimum wage salary.
In addition to government assistance, there is military aid and student profile-based aid. Military aid is awarded to veterans and their dependants or students seeking careers in the military.
Student profile-based aid is awarded according to a student’s characteristics, which include international students, students with disabilities, female students, minority students, and gay and lesbian students.
There is also aid for professional and graduate school according to the field of study.
Many students try to avoid loans, but loans also provide a viable method of paying for college.
Loans must be repaid with interest but budgeting money wisely can make this task easier for students. There are three types of loans: student, parent, and private loans.
Student loans include those such as the Stafford and Perkins loan, Parent loans which include the PLUS loan, and private loans awarded by private lenders such as banks.
When the financial aid office fails, do not give up but search harder. Plenty of scholarships are available from churches, businesses, and organizations.