Financial Resource for College Bound Students
Going to college is exciting, but it can also be quite expensive. The price of college seems to be increasing every year, with many college students racking up debt into the ten and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is imperative to find loans that have a reasonable rate as well as realistic repayment plans so you do not find yourself “student poor” once your graduate. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save your hard earned money in order to be able to attend the college of your choice. With a wide array of scholarships, grants, and student loans, more people are able to go to college than ever before. Remember, it’s important to get your ducks in a row in advance before you apply or enroll so you’ll be financially prepared to not only attend college, but to have some extra cash left over for yourself as well. Use the help of your high school guidance counselor, parents, and friends who are also looking into going to college. If you are an older adult or a disabled student, do not fret. There are plenty of excellent resources available for financial aid for students of all types. Grants can also be found, which are usually considered gifts and do not have to be repaid, saving you even more money.
When you look around for different student loans, scholarships, and grants, make sure you are completing the applications as early as possible. This way, you will know if you’ve been approved for a loan or if you are able to receive a scholarship or grant. Feel free to apply for as many scholarships and grants as you like, but choose your student loans carefully. Each loan has different repayment terms as well as different interest rates. Make sure you do a side by side comparison of the different loans available so you are sure you are getting the best deal possible. It also cannot hurt to try and obtain scholarships as early as your junior year. Look around online and ask your teachers if they know of anything available for students at your grade level. For older college students, there are scholarships and grants often provided for working people through private companies, and this is definitely something you will want to take a closer look at. Think about the school of your choice and be realistic. If it is too far away and you have to spring for room and board on top of books and tuition, consider going to a similar school that is closer to home. Usually, most public or state funded schools cost much less than private universities, and offer the same high quality education. Try and scope out places that sell used text books if possible, which can save you hundreds of dollars each semester. By helping to keep the cost of college down a bit, you can afford to go out with friends for pizza or catch a concert. Do your homework and check out the many different resources available to college students so that you will be able to afford and enjoy the college experience.
Scholarships and Grants
- Featured Scholarships for Aspiring College Students
- Free Scholarship Search eBook: Searching for Scholarships
- Tips for your College Scholarship Search
- Grant and Funding Information
Saving Money
- Paying for College and Understanding the Costs
- A Guide to College Savings Plans
- Ways to Save and Earn Money in College
- Different Ways to Save for College
- Types of College Savings Accounts
Student Loans
- Student Loan Information from the US Dept. of Education
- Federal Direct Student Loans
- Federal Stafford Loans
- Questions and Answers about Student Loans
- Learn What the Student Loan Forgiveness Act Could Mean for You
Credit Information Resources
- Money Management Basics for College Students
- How College Students can Build Good Credit Histories
- What Credit Card Companies Don't Want you to Know
- College Student Credit Card Information
- Credit Report and Scores for College Students
Other Financial Aid Resources
- College Costs & Expenses
- Awarding Financial Aid
- COA & EFC
- Financial Aid Calendar
- Federal Financial Aid
- Scholarships and Grants
- FAFSA Application
- FAFSA Corrections
- Financial Aid Applications
- Loan Overview
- Loan Disbursement
- Monthly Payment Plans
- Education Tax Credit
- For Graduate Students
- 529 Savings Plan

