Speak with the advisors at your school's financial aid department about ways to pay for school.
Finding ways to afford college can be difficult. For many, paying college tuition out of their own pocket is impossible, so they look for other methods to cover the costs of their education. Thankfully, the government offers financial aid to students in need. Schools, businesses and groups offer scholarships to deserving students. Additionally, there are loans that will help cover the costs of tuition. Between these options, most students can find a way to get the education they desire.
Instructions
1. Meet or contact an advisor from the financial aid department at the school you will be attending. They will ask you some questions and help you find different ways to get financial aid. If you are trying to choose between schools, ask for financial information packets from each school that you are considering.
2. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aidm or FASFA. This form can be filled out at fasfa.ed.gov. Your FASFA needs to be filled out months in advance of you starting your first term, so visit their website to see what deadlines apply to you. For example, students beginning in a fall term should fill out their FASFA in February or March. Students who fill out the form may qualify for a Pell Grant from the government.
3. Contact your school, the department that you will be a student in, local businesses and groups to see what types of scholarship opportunities they offer. Scholarships can be given out for academics, sports, music, need or to expand diversity. Check out sites such as FinAid.org to see what scholarships you may qualify for.
4. Receive student loans to pay whatever costs that you cannot cover with grants, scholarships or your own money. Student loans are different from regular loans in that the interests rates are often lower and you do not have to start paying the money back until you are finished with school. Stafford Loans are offered through the Department of Education in subsidized and unsubsidized forms. PLUS loans are similar loans that are taken out in the name of the student's parents. Contact the Department of Education to check the current rates. Banks and other finance companies also disburse loans; however, the interest rates on these will be higher.
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