College is expensive, there’s no denying that. However, it’s also undeniable that a college education is extremely beneficial for your future. It boosts your job prospects and earning potential, plus is even correlated with better health and wellbeing. This makes it well worth the investment. Luckily, there are ways to help reduce the financial burden of going to university, so that you can graduate without finding yourself drowning in debt. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Check if you’re eligible for financial aid
Grants to help cover the cost of college are available at both the state and federal government level, as well as from colleges themselves. These grants do not have to be paid back and are usually awarded based on your financial need—in other words, the income level you declared on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There are also special aid programs available for you if you come from a military family, or if you are studying certain subjects. For example, there are specific grants for those training to be teachers. It’s worth looking into what’s available early on, to give you a better idea of how much you can get and what you will have to cover yourself.
Apply for scholarships
Scholarships are another source of funding that does not have to be paid back. There is a huge variety available, and they can be awarded on the basis of all sorts of different criteria. For instance, there are scholarships for academic excellence, volleyball scholarships, and other sports awards, arts scholarships, and ones that are awarded based on financial need. There are also scholarships only for women, scholarships for those from an ethnic minority background, scholarships for students studying certain underrepresented subjects, and scholarships for people who live in certain areas. Set aside some time to research what’s available—you might be pleasantly surprised at what you can apply for!
Get a part-time job
If you are not lucky enough to land a scholarship, one option is to work whilst you study. Colleges usually have a number of part-time jobs available for students on campus, to help you earn some extra money without impacting too much on your studies. Remember not to take on too many hours, to ensure you can keep up with your schoolwork. If you’re an international student, you will need to check whether your visa allows you to work in the US and if so, where and for how many hours a week.
Lower your costs
If you’d rather not work at college, another possibility is to look at where you can potentially cut down on your spending. For example, you could buy second-hand textbooks instead of new ones, set a budget for food and nights out, and keep a close eye on your spending. Be sure to take advantage of your student discount too—this can save you lots of money on items such as clothes, travel, and computer equipment. Don’t worry, the more that you practice saving, the easier it will become!
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