Don’t Rule Out College Because of Rising Tuition
The rising costs of college tuition can make it seem out of reach for some. Obtaining a college degree is still a worthy investment that will pay off over time, so let’s look at some ways of making college more affordable.
If you qualify for a college’s programs, the admissions office will usually work with you to help you attend. Many schools are willing to come down from their “sticker price” and adjust tuition based on your family’s income.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one place to start. It’s used to apply for federal student aid such as grants, loans or work-study programs from both your state government and individual colleges which use this information when awarding financial assistance. Most states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their financial aid. Once you’ve completed the FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the US Department of Education. This report confirms the information you entered on the FAFSA so be sure it is accurate. The front page of the SAR will show your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges and universities use this number to determine the amount of your financial aid. Some colleges will also require the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to determine outside sources of funding besides the federal government.
In addition, you should look into campus-based aid or Pell Grants if eligible and investigate scholarships offered through unions, corporations, civic groups like Rotary clubs, or religious organizations that don’t have to be paid back – these could potentially reduce expenses substantially! Obtaining a college degree may still be an investment worth making over time; so take advantage of researching all options available to lower overall costs associated with attending school.
Another source of “gift money” can be college scholarships. There is a variety of scholarships offered and you may find that you can qualify for more than one. Check with organizations like unions, corporations, ethnicity-based organizations, civic groups like the Rotary and Lions Clubs, and churches to see if they have scholarships available.
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Scholarship Benefits from Alliance Direct benefits
Some associations offer scholarship benefits to their members or their dependents. The Alliance for Affordable Services has a Scholarship Program that is available to eligible Alliance members and their legal dependents who are 16 to 28-year-old students. Renewing candidates who maintain a 3.5-grade point average are eligible to earn scholarships for an additional three consecutive years. For more details on this program, click here.