Paying for College
By: Tom Huggard
The first thing you should do is file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will automatically apply for grants, loans, and scholarships that are granted to the general continuing
The first thing you should do is file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will automatically apply for grants, loans, and scholarships that are granted to the general continuing education public. You should also look on websites like fastweb.com to search for scholarships specific to you and your area. You can find scholarships based on your grade point average, gender, ethnicity, and a wide variety of other criteria. You never know what is out there until you look. Some grants are dependant upon you keeping a certain grade point average, so do well in your classes. It is quite possible that you will not have to pay for your education. If you are unable to find enough scholarships, and your FAFSA gives you a limited grant that won't cover your tuition completely, you should take the Stafford loan that is offered to just about every student that files. Your loan will be deferred until you graduate, and if it is subsidized, that means they will not charge interest until your grace period is over. Getting a part time job is one way to bring in money, so that you won't just be spending everything you have. Put some or all of your earnings into an interest bearing savings account, and let that collect interest until you graduate. You can earn money online taking surveys or practicing a trade like writing or art. Some websites are synovate.com , elance.com, or guru.com . There is another website, mypoints.com, that you can sign up for and earn points for checking your email. You don't have to buy anything to earn points, and you can redeem your points for all sorts of gift cards. What about other college expenses? If you don't have a credit card, you should apply for one. There are cards that are offered exclusively for college students, and as long as you have a part time job, they will most likely accept you. A word of caution if you are already struggling with covering tuition, don't go on a shopping spree. Use your credit card for all of those expensive text books that you have to buy. You might be able to put some of your tuition on the card, but remember that if it is not paid off in one month, they will begin billing finance charges to your account. Look for a card that has a low APR and a rewards program. You may be able to earn points towards gift cards, or even get cash back. You may be able to find a job right on your campus. Check the school career center for details. If you find some way to bring money in, you will survive. Explore your options and don't burn yourself out. Some jobs may give you the freedom to do some homework while you are working. Just make sure that you balance your studies with your work and social life. Don't be a workaholic! Try your best and do what is right for you. Dr. Tom Huggard is a College Lecturer. His specialises in aeronautic engineering. When Tom was a student, he found no resources out there to help him choose the best university to go to. He had to spend hours and hours doing the research himself while he was doing his pre-university in the school. Although, he has a full time job, he does spend a fair bit amount of time keeping track of university leagues around the world. He sourced out good articles to promote on his website, http://www.finestuniversity.com. Check it out today to find your dream university and ways to apply for education grants.
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