Unexpected Ways to Pay for College

You’ve been accepted to college and the excitement of it all tends to wane

when you realize you have to pay for it. College can be an expensive investment in your future. There are ways to help bring down the cost of college that you may have not thought of. Stepping outside of the box and being bold to ask for something that is not offered could help you bring your college expenses down.

Grants

Colleges, states and federal government can give out grants based on your financial need according to the information you filled out on your FAFSA. Colleges do take into consideration what they feel a family can afford to send a child to college and then fill in the gaps with grants.

Ask for More Money

This is where that stepping out of the box and boldness comes in. Speaking to the college directly can help you plead your case and haggle over the amount of financial aid you have received. There may be extenuating circumstances that your family is encountering that don’t show up on any application. Having a conversation with someone in the financial aid department could help you to reduce your cost.

Work Study Jobs

Part time jobs on campus can be awarded to you depending on the information provided on your FAFSA. You are paid directly at least once a month and the money is yours. If you don’t qualify for work-study, you can try to find a job around campus such as babysitting or dog walking.

Private Scholarships

Almost every company or organization you can think of offers some type of scholarship. Your job is to find who does and apply for them. Some of them are a 4-year gift, while others need to be applied for each year. Private scholarships are an excellent way to help fund your college education.

There are many ways to help decrease what it will cost you to go to college. There are always private loans, but use that as a last resort. Be smart about how you spend your money and you will find that your debt will not be piled up after college graduation. Carolina Money Minders is here to help