5 Ways to Afford Higher Education
College is a big step and it will take a lot to prepare, especially if you plan to move away from your parent’s pad for the school year. Before you simply assume that you will receive enough aid for your tuition, you should plan out your higher education funding. By doing this, you will know how much money you have, how much you will receive, and how much you need. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the steps to take.
Free Money is the Best Money
Free money is the best money. Who wouldn’t want to receive money to go to school and not have to pay it back? If you are getting excited, you will be happy to know that you can receive free money too!
Grants and scholarships are what is called gift aid and it is available to everyone as long as you qualify. Grants typically require you to have a financial need, but scholarships usually do not.
If you are awarded a grant or scholarship, you do NOT have to pay this money back and you can use it for your books, tuition, or other education-related expenses.
Scholarships are awarded all year long, but you must pay attention to the deadlines and requirements to apply. You do not want to apply for something you do not meet the minimum criteria for. You can apply for scholarships as early as your senior year in high school. Most scholarships can be found online, but do make sure to investigate the company to avoid a scam.
Grants usually require a financial need and to see if you qualify for one, you will need to fill out the FAFSA. Always fill it out by the deadline date to ensure you do receive funds, if you qualify.
Ask for Money from Friends and Family
Before you consider any other methods of funding, make sure you take a moment to ask your family and friends if they have any money to put toward your schooling. You may find that there is a college fund setup for you somewhere or you may not. It is important to ask though because you can use everything you receive to pay for school.
If you find out that there is not extra money for you to head off to college, considering asking everyone to provide you with aid for college when it comes to your gifts. For example, instead of new headphones for your birthday, ask for money to apply to school. You may even be able to setup a special account for the money to go into.
Private Loans
Although it is not recommended to get your education fully funded by using private loans, this solution can be so much useful when combined with your saving.There are plenty of loan services that have gone online these days. With just a few clicks, and you shall get your education plan funded.
Apply for Federal Financial Aid
The next step in the funding process is to check out your available options when it comes to loans. There are two types of loans – subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans have a financial need and are only available to students who demonstrate this need. Unsubsidized loans are available to all students and are not linked to a financial need for the money.
If you do not qualify for the subsidized version, you will likely still qualify for unsubsidized loans. Once you have filled out the FAFSA, you will have a better idea of the amount of loan money you can expect to receive. Many times, this amount is in excess of what you need, but other times it may not be enough.
Unfortunately, you cannot negotiate and the maximum loan amount is what you receive. Of course, if you do not need all of the money being offered to you, then you can reject some of it.
Private Student Loans
Your last funding option is through private student loans. It is difficult to obtain these loans and most students needs to have a co-signer. You will find that private student loans do not provide you with many benefits and you will have to pay back the loan starting right away.
If you are trying to fund your higher education, make sure you explore all free money options first and wait to apply for a loan until you know you absolutely need it.…
