Scholarships? Grants? Savings?
Paying for college is a daunting task and one that is easily procrastinated. It happens every year that we have students that truly want to go to school, but have not figured out HOW they are going to make it happen.
Scholarships are a great way to pay for school, but they take work. Often times, this is the biggest hurdle students run into is finding the time. Writing essays, listing leadership, community service, this all takes a lot of time. But, it can truly pay off. Watch those deadlines and rather than waiting till the last minute, work on it a bit every week until its done. I have watched many kids take the time to do this and little by little, they were able to help pay for school.
FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) is another big one that many people think they simply do not qualify for. Many don’t qualify for grants, but this also how you can qualify for workstudy (a job on campus) or student loans through the government. No one really wants to go into debt for school, but what better investment than yourself? If you have not completed your FAFSA, do it today!
Get a job, use your my529 plan, join the military. These are all ways you can pay for college as well.
No matter how you decide to pay for college, don’t put it off! Don’t wait until April to decide that you need to apply for scholarships or apply for FAFSA. By that point, most scholarships have been awarded and many financial aid deadlines have passed at the colleges and universities. Even if college is not for you, remember that the Utah technical colleges accept FAFSA. Get a certificate, a two year degree, a four year degree or more, just do something.
Need help? Mrs. Dangerfield or your counselor in the counseling office wants to help you get where you want to go. Don’t wait!
US News article on overlooked ways to pay for college.
