How to Pay for College
So you finally walk across the stage and graduate from your local high school. A day you thought would never come. And you apply to your dream college and get accepted. A day you also thought would never come. At this point, it would seem as if all your dreams are coming true. And then it happens. You find out how much your dream college is going to cost and now you’re rethinking college all together. Your dreams that once seemed bright are now seemingly dissipating out of your hand like sand at the beach.
Don’t fret. While the costs of your education would seem like a barrier or an insurmountable hurdle, it is so much more. College is expensive, but nothing great ever came without a cost. The gift of your salvation came at the expense of Jesus on the cross. The gift of your very first breath, came at the expense of your mother who carried your for nine months and labored multiple hours to bring you into this world. So when it comes to your future, a future that ‘God prepared in advance;’ it is going to come at a cost. And the bigger the dreams, the bigger the cost.
So how do you pay for college?
Apply for Financial Aid.
Unless your parents won the lottery or experienced a recent windfall of cash, you will need to apply for financial aid. To help students afford college, the government has created something known as FAFSA, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Every year, students complete the application and the government awards money to students based on their need. This is the first step in determining not only how much federal financial assistance you are eligible to receive, including grants and loans, but also your eligibility for state and institutional need-based awards. Even if you don’t plan to take out loans and/or won’t qualify for need-based government grants, you may find that you are eligible for other types of financial assistance by filling out the FAFSA.Apply for Grants
According to experts on the subject, “The federal government provides grants for students attending college or career school. Most types of grants, unlike loans, are sources of free money that generally do not have to be repaid. Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization. Do your research, apply for any grants you might be eligible for, and be sure to meet application deadlines!” (Federal Student Aid).Here are some links to help you out…
Apply for Scholarships
There are many organizations out there who make funds available for students pursuing their dreams. Some scholarships are merit based, some are based on your financial needs, and others are for things like writing with your left hand. Really, there is a scholarship for students that are left handed. However, you have to be willing to put in the time to find the scholarship that’s waiting for you.
Here is a great place to get started…