10 answers
t
Student
Seward, Nebraska
2
Questions
Updated
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How should i pay for college, if I get no scholarships? #Spring24
I have a 2.6 GPA I expect to get 0 scholarships, how can I do it?
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10 answers
Daniel Morales-Flores
Financial Analyst
1
Answer
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hello! One great method to discover scholarship opportunities and understand the GPA requirements is by visiting the websites of the schools you're interested in. Most schools have dedicated scholarship webpages that clearly outline what you need to secure a scholarship. Don't forget about FAFSA, which offers federal financial aid and could provide significant help. Plus, there's always the option of working part-time while studying to help finance your education. Remember, opportunities are always there, you just have to reach out and grab them!
Alec Treuthardt
IT HW Pricing Strategist
1
Answer
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Alec’s Answer
Hey T,
I want to start off by telling you that you should still search/apply for scholarships regardless if you feel you do not have a good enough GPA to get one. Scholarships are set up for many different reasons; GPA is often just one small factor in why any particular scholarship was awarded to a student.
I am sure your local community has scholarships set up for student athletes, students pursing a particular major in college, based on community service, veteran groups usually have scholarships, and many, many other reasons. Do not let GPA hold you back on pursuing this financial support.
Moving to how you should pay for college, I will answer this in the order I think will set you up best in life after college. The first and best way to pay for college is with other peoples' money. Scholarships, Grants, Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), work-study programs, Company sponsored education reimbursement through an employer you have are all potential options to help cover college tuition depending on your situation. I would HIGHLY recommend exploring these programs first.
The second best way to pay for college is through money you make working. When you break down a full year of college courses, you are usually only in class for 8 months of the year. That gives you 4 months to work full-time and you will likely be able to work part-time during school (depending on your course load and overall free time). These work opportunities can cover a large portion of your college expenses.
Finally, the cost of college can be covered by barrowing money. Student loans are not the only way to barrow money; I know people who have barrowed tuition cost from parents or other family members, who have leveraged their parent's home value through a home equity loan, and other creative financing means. I realize these are not viable options for everyone, and EVERY barrowing option has its pros and cons.
Assuming student loans are your only option for barrowing, I would always recommend looking at what loan options you qualify for through FAFSA first (https://studentaid.gov). Federal loans usually have better loan features than private loans like deferred payments until you graduate and lower interest rates.
Student loans are my last option for funding College expenses because 1. they do not give you an accurate sense of how much work it will take to cover the total expense you are racking up during college and 2. Student loans are the ONLY loans in the US that will not go away if you file for bankruptcy. When you take out student loans, you will either have to pay 100% of it back with interest or die to get rid of it.
I am sorry to be so dramatic about student loans, but I do not think we inform students well enough about them. I hope this was helpful T. I wish you luck in the next steps of your educational journey.
I want to start off by telling you that you should still search/apply for scholarships regardless if you feel you do not have a good enough GPA to get one. Scholarships are set up for many different reasons; GPA is often just one small factor in why any particular scholarship was awarded to a student.
I am sure your local community has scholarships set up for student athletes, students pursing a particular major in college, based on community service, veteran groups usually have scholarships, and many, many other reasons. Do not let GPA hold you back on pursuing this financial support.
Moving to how you should pay for college, I will answer this in the order I think will set you up best in life after college. The first and best way to pay for college is with other peoples' money. Scholarships, Grants, Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), work-study programs, Company sponsored education reimbursement through an employer you have are all potential options to help cover college tuition depending on your situation. I would HIGHLY recommend exploring these programs first.
The second best way to pay for college is through money you make working. When you break down a full year of college courses, you are usually only in class for 8 months of the year. That gives you 4 months to work full-time and you will likely be able to work part-time during school (depending on your course load and overall free time). These work opportunities can cover a large portion of your college expenses.
Finally, the cost of college can be covered by barrowing money. Student loans are not the only way to barrow money; I know people who have barrowed tuition cost from parents or other family members, who have leveraged their parent's home value through a home equity loan, and other creative financing means. I realize these are not viable options for everyone, and EVERY barrowing option has its pros and cons.
Assuming student loans are your only option for barrowing, I would always recommend looking at what loan options you qualify for through FAFSA first (https://studentaid.gov). Federal loans usually have better loan features than private loans like deferred payments until you graduate and lower interest rates.
Student loans are my last option for funding College expenses because 1. they do not give you an accurate sense of how much work it will take to cover the total expense you are racking up during college and 2. Student loans are the ONLY loans in the US that will not go away if you file for bankruptcy. When you take out student loans, you will either have to pay 100% of it back with interest or die to get rid of it.
I am sorry to be so dramatic about student loans, but I do not think we inform students well enough about them. I hope this was helpful T. I wish you luck in the next steps of your educational journey.
Laura Pflucker, CPA
CPA - Accountant
1
Answer
Miami, Florida
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Check for schools that will allow you to get scholarships given that you achieve a certain GPA during college (and keep that GPA). If needed get a student loan, however, live please like a poor person and work part time (it is not a big deal), and you will be a much stronger 22 year old - while compared to your peers - when you are done with college. Please, learn from this experience, and know that a low GPA in college will hunt you later in life. You can do it! Give all you have! Prioritize school over socializing in college. Best of luck!!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
600
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I honestly didn't have the best GPA in High School. You may find that attending a community college will be much cheaper and if you can maintain a good GPA, that can open doors to a 4 year school and additional funding. If you haven't, I would apply for the FASFA as there are likely some resources available. Worst case scenarios, you may be able to take out loans, but I would be very cautions about doing that, they can add up quick and take a long time to pay back.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear T,
Strategies to Fund College Education Without Scholarships for a 2.6 GPA Student
Financing your college education without scholarships might seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with strategic planning and a thorough exploration of available financial resources. Here's a handy guide to help you secure funds for your education, even if you don't qualify for scholarships:
1. Investigate Financial Aid Opportunities:
Federal Student Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study initiatives.
State Aid: Look into state-specific financial aid schemes that may be accessible to students based on their academic achievements or financial needs.
Institutional Aid: Reach out to your college or university's financial aid department to learn about institution-specific scholarships, grants, or payment plans.
2. Think About Student Loans:
Federal Student Loans: If you qualify, think about availing federal student loans. They typically offer lower interest rates and more lenient repayment terms compared to private loans.
Private Student Loans: Although private loans should be your last option due to their potentially high-interest rates, they can fill the funding gap for your education.
3. Work Part-Time or During Summer Breaks:
Think about securing a part-time job during the academic year or a full-time job during summer breaks to earn money for tuition and other educational costs.
4. Seek Alternative Funding Methods:
Grants and Scholarships: Despite a lower GPA, you may still find scholarships or grants based on other factors such as community service, leadership qualities, or unique talents.
Crowdfunding: Think about starting a crowdfunding campaign to solicit financial support from relatives, friends, and others who support your educational aspirations.
Employer Tuition Assistance: If you're currently working, find out if your employer provides tuition assistance programs that could help reduce your education costs.
5. Plan Your Budget Wisely:
Draft a budget that details your income and expenses to ensure you're managing your finances effectively throughout your college years.
By actively exploring these avenues and seeking financial aid, you can continue to pursue higher education, even without scholarships and with a 2.6 GPA.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
U.S. Department of Education: The U.S. Department of Education offers extensive details on federal student aid programs, including grants and loans available to students pursuing higher education in the United States.
College Board: College Board provides valuable resources on financial aid options for college students, including guidance on completing the FAFSA and understanding different types of financial assistance available.
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA): NASFAA is a reliable source for information on student financial aid policies and practices, offering insights into navigating the complex landscape of funding higher education.
Stay blessed!
JC.
Strategies to Fund College Education Without Scholarships for a 2.6 GPA Student
Financing your college education without scholarships might seem daunting, but it's entirely achievable with strategic planning and a thorough exploration of available financial resources. Here's a handy guide to help you secure funds for your education, even if you don't qualify for scholarships:
1. Investigate Financial Aid Opportunities:
Federal Student Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study initiatives.
State Aid: Look into state-specific financial aid schemes that may be accessible to students based on their academic achievements or financial needs.
Institutional Aid: Reach out to your college or university's financial aid department to learn about institution-specific scholarships, grants, or payment plans.
2. Think About Student Loans:
Federal Student Loans: If you qualify, think about availing federal student loans. They typically offer lower interest rates and more lenient repayment terms compared to private loans.
Private Student Loans: Although private loans should be your last option due to their potentially high-interest rates, they can fill the funding gap for your education.
3. Work Part-Time or During Summer Breaks:
Think about securing a part-time job during the academic year or a full-time job during summer breaks to earn money for tuition and other educational costs.
4. Seek Alternative Funding Methods:
Grants and Scholarships: Despite a lower GPA, you may still find scholarships or grants based on other factors such as community service, leadership qualities, or unique talents.
Crowdfunding: Think about starting a crowdfunding campaign to solicit financial support from relatives, friends, and others who support your educational aspirations.
Employer Tuition Assistance: If you're currently working, find out if your employer provides tuition assistance programs that could help reduce your education costs.
5. Plan Your Budget Wisely:
Draft a budget that details your income and expenses to ensure you're managing your finances effectively throughout your college years.
By actively exploring these avenues and seeking financial aid, you can continue to pursue higher education, even without scholarships and with a 2.6 GPA.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
U.S. Department of Education: The U.S. Department of Education offers extensive details on federal student aid programs, including grants and loans available to students pursuing higher education in the United States.
College Board: College Board provides valuable resources on financial aid options for college students, including guidance on completing the FAFSA and understanding different types of financial assistance available.
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA): NASFAA is a reliable source for information on student financial aid policies and practices, offering insights into navigating the complex landscape of funding higher education.
Stay blessed!
JC.
Duncan Gerungan
Technical Specialist - Data & AI
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Duncan’s Answer
Hi t!
Don't count yourself out just yet! Look into local communities, organizations, and companies as many of them offer scholarships that fail to get enough applicants. Some do not have GPA requirements as well.
As Daniel mentioned, definitely look into FAFSA and student loans in general as they are highly incentivized to help students. They will have favorable interest rates and have histories of leniency in terms of payback. Example of that is pausing of loan payments during COVID-19!
Finally, you can look into picking up a part-time job to help pay down your tuition and other expenses. Myself and plenty of my peers did this, and also helps to have pocket money for socializing and fully experiencing college life :)
Good luck, you got this!
Don't count yourself out just yet! Look into local communities, organizations, and companies as many of them offer scholarships that fail to get enough applicants. Some do not have GPA requirements as well.
As Daniel mentioned, definitely look into FAFSA and student loans in general as they are highly incentivized to help students. They will have favorable interest rates and have histories of leniency in terms of payback. Example of that is pausing of loan payments during COVID-19!
Finally, you can look into picking up a part-time job to help pay down your tuition and other expenses. Myself and plenty of my peers did this, and also helps to have pocket money for socializing and fully experiencing college life :)
Good luck, you got this!
Olivia Crook
FA Engineer
2
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi T!
Paying for college is defiantly very tough. I can understand your struggle as I myself paid for my college without any financial help. It may be hard but it is possible!
One of the first things I would recommend is budgeting. I know it sounds awful but how you spent your money day to day can play a huge role in how much money you have saved. Think about your day to day activities. Are you spending money on things you don't need? Cutting out things like eating/going out, buying random stuff, etc. can save you tons of money. Most of your money is spent on small things that add up. By cutting out small purchases you don't actually need or even just cutting out take out can save you a lot of money very quickly. By cutting out unnecessary spending and putting that money into savings you can build up your savings over the semester to put toward things like tuition.
I would also add (if you are able) get a job. Jobs are a great way to help out when in college. Most colleges have great student job opportunities that allow you to work around your class schedule. Having income can help a ton as it can lower total debt amount. I worked part/full time all 4 years of college and it is the reason I was able to get my degree.
I also want to add a note about loans. Loans are a great way to help pay for college when you just don't have the money but remember most loans have really high interest rates that kick in when you graduate. Try to minimize the amount of money you pull in loans and be sure to think about how you plan on paying them back as soon as possible. Many people work very hard to get their degree and dream job but can't enjoy it because they have student debt. So make sure to think about how you can pay them back!
Hope this helps! Good luck! Remember hard work pays off it is possible to do it!
Paying for college is defiantly very tough. I can understand your struggle as I myself paid for my college without any financial help. It may be hard but it is possible!
One of the first things I would recommend is budgeting. I know it sounds awful but how you spent your money day to day can play a huge role in how much money you have saved. Think about your day to day activities. Are you spending money on things you don't need? Cutting out things like eating/going out, buying random stuff, etc. can save you tons of money. Most of your money is spent on small things that add up. By cutting out small purchases you don't actually need or even just cutting out take out can save you a lot of money very quickly. By cutting out unnecessary spending and putting that money into savings you can build up your savings over the semester to put toward things like tuition.
I would also add (if you are able) get a job. Jobs are a great way to help out when in college. Most colleges have great student job opportunities that allow you to work around your class schedule. Having income can help a ton as it can lower total debt amount. I worked part/full time all 4 years of college and it is the reason I was able to get my degree.
I also want to add a note about loans. Loans are a great way to help pay for college when you just don't have the money but remember most loans have really high interest rates that kick in when you graduate. Try to minimize the amount of money you pull in loans and be sure to think about how you plan on paying them back as soon as possible. Many people work very hard to get their degree and dream job but can't enjoy it because they have student debt. So make sure to think about how you can pay them back!
Hope this helps! Good luck! Remember hard work pays off it is possible to do it!
Patrick Drumm
IT Project Manager
2
Answers
Amherst, Massachusetts
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Community colleges present a fantastic, cost-effective choice for the initial two years of higher education. They offer easier admission processes compared to traditional four-year colleges, and are often budget-friendly even on a retail pay schedule. Plus, an increasing number of states are now offering free community college to their residents, which could be a great opportunity for you.
Another excellent way to pursue your education is through employer-sponsored tuition programs. While this might mean a slower pace, it could lead to a completely free college education, which is an amazing benefit.
Don't forget about financial aid options like FAFSA and private loans. These can be a big help, though they may need a co-signer or parental involvement. Remember, every step you take towards your education is a step towards a brighter future. Keep going, you've got this!
Another excellent way to pursue your education is through employer-sponsored tuition programs. While this might mean a slower pace, it could lead to a completely free college education, which is an amazing benefit.
Don't forget about financial aid options like FAFSA and private loans. These can be a big help, though they may need a co-signer or parental involvement. Remember, every step you take towards your education is a step towards a brighter future. Keep going, you've got this!
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi T,
There are a number of ways that you can get through college. Without scholarships, you are either paying for yourself or getting loans. If you are not in a position to get loans, you may want to consider starting the college experience slowly. By that, I mean that you should consider just getting started with one class at a time. Since you are probably looking to save money, I would recommend starting to earn basic college credits at your local community college. That would require you to save money to pay a semester at a time. This may mean saving money for your semester before you go to school. It is a long way to go but getting started in many ways is half the battle. You do not need to wait for scholarships before you begin. As you move through your college work, you will be able to focus on good grades and over time you may become eligible for scholarships. It is never too late to apply for scholarships.
I took 17 years to get my bachelors degree. College is a marathon not a race and you set your own pace.
Gloria
There are a number of ways that you can get through college. Without scholarships, you are either paying for yourself or getting loans. If you are not in a position to get loans, you may want to consider starting the college experience slowly. By that, I mean that you should consider just getting started with one class at a time. Since you are probably looking to save money, I would recommend starting to earn basic college credits at your local community college. That would require you to save money to pay a semester at a time. This may mean saving money for your semester before you go to school. It is a long way to go but getting started in many ways is half the battle. You do not need to wait for scholarships before you begin. As you move through your college work, you will be able to focus on good grades and over time you may become eligible for scholarships. It is never too late to apply for scholarships.
I took 17 years to get my bachelors degree. College is a marathon not a race and you set your own pace.
Gloria
Ken Walsh
Project Manager
35
Answers
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Paying for college can be a challenge. I suggest you look for city, state or community colleges where you live. They are usually the most affordable. I also agree with the people above to look for scholarships. If you volunteer for an organization, they may have a scholarship fund. You can also look to take out student loans from the government. They usually have low interest rates. Some of them may not accrue interest until you graduate.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!