5 answers
Alexandra
Student
Concord, California
1
Question
Asked
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Looking for ways to help pay my tuition for college next year?
I am a senior in high school and I am looking for ways to help pay for my college tuition next year?
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1535
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
As college education costs continue to rise, an increasing number of students are looking for ways to save money. Below are five ways I hope will help.
🏛️ COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER: A associate degree at a community college can save you thousands of dollars compared to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Community college is an excellent option because it is a tenth of the price of a university. You will save a lot of money if you acquire your associate's degree at a community college and then transfer directly into your third year at a university. Most universities have articulation agreements with community colleges that makes it easy to transfer your credits in. Starting at a two-year institution also means you will gain an associate’s degree before receiving your bachelor’s.
💰 PUBLIC VS PRIVATE COLLEGE: Arguably one of the biggest differences between public and private schools is cost of attendance. Since public schools are largely funded by state and federal governments, they can afford to charge lower tuition rates — especially to in-state students. In other words, government subsidies cover a portion of the costs so students don’t have to pay the full price. In addition to having lower tuition and fees, a public university also can open a world of opportunity for you in the way of social clubs, academic research and networking.
📝 FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal aid like grants, work-study opportunities and even federal student loans. You can also qualify for state-level and school-based aid. Be as thorough as you can when filling out the FAFSA. The federal government uses this to gauge what resources you and your family have to pay for college. Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible because some colleges award both need- and merit-based money on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to the FAFSA, some schools also require you to complete the CSS profile to be considered for aid.
💵 SCHOLARSHIPS: You don’t have to wait until you’re a senior in high school to start your scholarship search. In fact, it could pay to start earlier. Scholarships, unlike student loans, don’t have to be paid back. Thousands are available; use the Department of Labor’s Scholarships Finder to get started. While many scholarships require that you submit the FAFSA, most also have an additional application.
📚 COLLEGE WORK-STUDY JOB: A college job checks multiple boxes: It provides an income, work experience and potentially valuable connections. The federal work-study program funds part-time jobs for college students with financial need. To apply for work-study, submit the FAFSA. If you qualify, you’ll see “work-study” listed on your financial aid award. However, just because you’re eligible for work-study doesn’t mean you automatically get that money. You have to find an eligible work-study job on your campus and work enough hours to earn all of the aid you qualify for.
🏛️ COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER: A associate degree at a community college can save you thousands of dollars compared to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Community college is an excellent option because it is a tenth of the price of a university. You will save a lot of money if you acquire your associate's degree at a community college and then transfer directly into your third year at a university. Most universities have articulation agreements with community colleges that makes it easy to transfer your credits in. Starting at a two-year institution also means you will gain an associate’s degree before receiving your bachelor’s.
💰 PUBLIC VS PRIVATE COLLEGE: Arguably one of the biggest differences between public and private schools is cost of attendance. Since public schools are largely funded by state and federal governments, they can afford to charge lower tuition rates — especially to in-state students. In other words, government subsidies cover a portion of the costs so students don’t have to pay the full price. In addition to having lower tuition and fees, a public university also can open a world of opportunity for you in the way of social clubs, academic research and networking.
📝 FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal aid like grants, work-study opportunities and even federal student loans. You can also qualify for state-level and school-based aid. Be as thorough as you can when filling out the FAFSA. The federal government uses this to gauge what resources you and your family have to pay for college. Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible because some colleges award both need- and merit-based money on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to the FAFSA, some schools also require you to complete the CSS profile to be considered for aid.
💵 SCHOLARSHIPS: You don’t have to wait until you’re a senior in high school to start your scholarship search. In fact, it could pay to start earlier. Scholarships, unlike student loans, don’t have to be paid back. Thousands are available; use the Department of Labor’s Scholarships Finder to get started. While many scholarships require that you submit the FAFSA, most also have an additional application.
📚 COLLEGE WORK-STUDY JOB: A college job checks multiple boxes: It provides an income, work experience and potentially valuable connections. The federal work-study program funds part-time jobs for college students with financial need. To apply for work-study, submit the FAFSA. If you qualify, you’ll see “work-study” listed on your financial aid award. However, just because you’re eligible for work-study doesn’t mean you automatically get that money. You have to find an eligible work-study job on your campus and work enough hours to earn all of the aid you qualify for.
Camille Schiavi
Sales
3
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Camille’s Answer
Hi,
I payed my tuitions fees with my salary from bartending. Night shifts are usually payed more and you can plan in advance in order to organise with school.
Working from a airbnb concierge is also a great way to make an income.
I payed my tuitions fees with my salary from bartending. Night shifts are usually payed more and you can plan in advance in order to organise with school.
Working from a airbnb concierge is also a great way to make an income.
Sarah Meyer
2
Answers
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Alexandra! College tuition is a scary thing to think about, but it is possible to attend college while looking at cost-effective plans.
1. Financial Aid
-Make sure the FASFA is filled out yearly when attending college. This provides the student with the ability to submit the finances of their parents to determine if the income of the family provides federal or state financial aid.
2. Scholarships ("free money")
- Start looking for scholarships within your own community to apply to. These scholarships are more personal and may benefit the student more through the volunteering and extracurricular opportunities completed by the student throughout their high school career.
- Online scholarships are available as well at a national level. This has a lesser chance of being selected due to a higher volume of applicants, but it can not hurt to apply
- State and federal grants fall under this category because applying for and receiving grants means that there is no paying them back. If the student falls under the category to receive a grant, this can be applied to every year of undergrad.
3. Part-time Work
- Obtaining a part-time job while studying for an undergraduate degree is not easy. From my own experience, it is possible with the right time management strategies. Find a job that works with your class schedule to be able to find time for homework and the extra things that come with a college degree. The best time to work would be the weekends due to no scheduled class time.
-Also, most universities provide job opportunities on campus, which allows for homework to be done on the clock or shorter shifts for the student to complete their homework and class meetings. Some even come with perks of meals from the university dining.
4. Starting at a community college and transferring to a bigger university
-Commuting to a community college for the first two years of college can save a ton of money. This allows the student to live at home while saving money on room and board, then transferring to a bigger university after the general education courses are complete. Also, a community college saves money on a food plan.
5. Extracurriculars
-Sports teams and ROTC programs offer scholarships to students who attend their university. Some of these may even pay for all of the expenses in the four years if it is maintained for the full timeline of the undergraduate degree.
Overall, the expense of college is something a lot of people worry about, and you are not alone. But, in the end, college is an investment in yourself and will be worth it when it is complete.
1. Financial Aid
-Make sure the FASFA is filled out yearly when attending college. This provides the student with the ability to submit the finances of their parents to determine if the income of the family provides federal or state financial aid.
2. Scholarships ("free money")
- Start looking for scholarships within your own community to apply to. These scholarships are more personal and may benefit the student more through the volunteering and extracurricular opportunities completed by the student throughout their high school career.
- Online scholarships are available as well at a national level. This has a lesser chance of being selected due to a higher volume of applicants, but it can not hurt to apply
- State and federal grants fall under this category because applying for and receiving grants means that there is no paying them back. If the student falls under the category to receive a grant, this can be applied to every year of undergrad.
3. Part-time Work
- Obtaining a part-time job while studying for an undergraduate degree is not easy. From my own experience, it is possible with the right time management strategies. Find a job that works with your class schedule to be able to find time for homework and the extra things that come with a college degree. The best time to work would be the weekends due to no scheduled class time.
-Also, most universities provide job opportunities on campus, which allows for homework to be done on the clock or shorter shifts for the student to complete their homework and class meetings. Some even come with perks of meals from the university dining.
4. Starting at a community college and transferring to a bigger university
-Commuting to a community college for the first two years of college can save a ton of money. This allows the student to live at home while saving money on room and board, then transferring to a bigger university after the general education courses are complete. Also, a community college saves money on a food plan.
5. Extracurriculars
-Sports teams and ROTC programs offer scholarships to students who attend their university. Some of these may even pay for all of the expenses in the four years if it is maintained for the full timeline of the undergraduate degree.
Overall, the expense of college is something a lot of people worry about, and you are not alone. But, in the end, college is an investment in yourself and will be worth it when it is complete.
Darya Tsitova
35
Answers
Grodno, Hrodna Region, Belarus
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Alexandra! It's great that you're planning ahead to help pay for your college tuition! Here are several strategies you can consider:
1. Financial Aid and Scholarships
FAFSA. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. This can help you access federal and state financial aid.
Scholarships. Research and apply for scholarships. There are many local, national, and college-specific scholarships available. Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and the College Board’s Scholarship Search can be helpful.
Grants. Look for grants that you may qualify for based on financial need or specific criteria (e.g., state grants, Pell grants).
2. Part-time Work
Student jobs. Consider working part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. Look for jobs on campus or nearby that are flexible with your class schedule.
Internships. Seek internships related to your field of study. They often pay and can provide valuable experience.
3. Savings and Budgeting
Savings. If you have any savings, consider using them strategically to pay for tuition or living expenses.
Budget Wisely. Create a budget to track your spending and find areas to save. The money saved can go toward your tuition.
4. Other Opportunities
Community resources. Check with local organisations, businesses, and community foundations for scholarship opportunities.
Military and service programs. Investigate programs such as ROTC, AmeriCorps, or other military service opportunities that offer educational benefits.
Volunteer. Sometimes volunteering with organisations can lead to scholarships or initiatives that help fund education.
5. College Resources
College financial aid office. Once you choose a college, reach out to their financial aid office for advice on funding opportunities specific to that institution.
Make sure to keep track of deadlines and requirements for the various options you pursue. Good luck, and take advantage of this exciting time! With love, Darya
1. Financial Aid and Scholarships
FAFSA. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. This can help you access federal and state financial aid.
Scholarships. Research and apply for scholarships. There are many local, national, and college-specific scholarships available. Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and the College Board’s Scholarship Search can be helpful.
Grants. Look for grants that you may qualify for based on financial need or specific criteria (e.g., state grants, Pell grants).
2. Part-time Work
Student jobs. Consider working part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. Look for jobs on campus or nearby that are flexible with your class schedule.
Internships. Seek internships related to your field of study. They often pay and can provide valuable experience.
3. Savings and Budgeting
Savings. If you have any savings, consider using them strategically to pay for tuition or living expenses.
Budget Wisely. Create a budget to track your spending and find areas to save. The money saved can go toward your tuition.
4. Other Opportunities
Community resources. Check with local organisations, businesses, and community foundations for scholarship opportunities.
Military and service programs. Investigate programs such as ROTC, AmeriCorps, or other military service opportunities that offer educational benefits.
Volunteer. Sometimes volunteering with organisations can lead to scholarships or initiatives that help fund education.
5. College Resources
College financial aid office. Once you choose a college, reach out to their financial aid office for advice on funding opportunities specific to that institution.
Make sure to keep track of deadlines and requirements for the various options you pursue. Good luck, and take advantage of this exciting time! With love, Darya
Scott Knoll
Freelance Writer and Artist
1
Answer
Fresno, California
Updated
Scott’s Answer
First off, congratulations on almost completing high school and entering into college. To answer your question, there are a few ways that I can think of to address your question on paying for tuition.
1) Apply for financial aide (Early and every academic year).
- to do this, most upper division colleges and community colleges will have links on their homepage for financial aid applications after you choose the school that you wish to attend.
- most colleges will also have a building you can visit in-person for help on how to apply for financial aid that they will help you step-by-step.
2) Look into scholarships.
- There are some that are available through specific college campuses and for a specific demographic and career course, so choose the one's that are right for you. Some may require a lengthy essay, but that will be something to be familiar with in college anyway.
- there are also different resources that I am sure that your high school advisors and teachers could guide you with as well.
3) Student jobs.
- There are a lot of student jobs available even if you are able to have financial aid cover the entirety of your tuition. Your prospected colleges should have job listings under their student life or career pages.
Hope this helped and good luck!
1) Apply for financial aide (Early and every academic year).
- to do this, most upper division colleges and community colleges will have links on their homepage for financial aid applications after you choose the school that you wish to attend.
- most colleges will also have a building you can visit in-person for help on how to apply for financial aid that they will help you step-by-step.
2) Look into scholarships.
- There are some that are available through specific college campuses and for a specific demographic and career course, so choose the one's that are right for you. Some may require a lengthy essay, but that will be something to be familiar with in college anyway.
- there are also different resources that I am sure that your high school advisors and teachers could guide you with as well.
3) Student jobs.
- There are a lot of student jobs available even if you are able to have financial aid cover the entirety of your tuition. Your prospected colleges should have job listings under their student life or career pages.
Hope this helped and good luck!