by Courtney LaRoque
(Billings, Montana, United States)
College never seems like an easy thing to do. There are so many choices, new people, and now you must fen for yourself and pay for everything without help from your parents. I have some great tips how to survive college financially, so you do not have to eat Ramen Noodles every single day.
by Alexa Zolman
(Wilson, NC)
Have a plan and work your plan for paying College Expenses - Paying for college can seem almost overwhelming and scary at times. Filling out the financial aid counseling form and master promissory note made everything seem more real to me. I don’t want to graduate with a lot of student loan debt so I’m working to reduce the amount of student loans I will have to take out.
The best way to plan for college expenses is to break out all of your expected costs for Tuition, Room and Board, Fees, Books and other expenses. Once you have your estimated costs then list out all of your resources for paying these costs. For example, subtract out what scholarships you are expecting to get, how much your parents are contributing, how much you are contributing from savings, and how much in student loans you’re willing to take out.
If you are planning on paying college expenses or part of these expenses through savings figure out how much you currently have in savings and what additional amount you will be required to save. For example, how much will be added from a summer job? Do you have some items that you plan to sell that will be added to your college savings? You many consider cleaning out the garage and having a garage sale if it's okay with your parents. Update your plan on a regular basis to track how you are doing. Some figures may need to be adjusted as the additional funds start to come in.
Have a plan and continue to work your plan. Set reasonable expectations for yourself and don't be afraid to share your plan with others. You never know what additional advice they have or who may contribute to your efforts. If you exceed your goal then think of keeping that amount in an emergency fund or for savings next year. Work hard and be proud of your accomplishments!
Read more College Financial Aid Tips from other students and parents who have been through process.
by Aubrey Hoover
(McPherson, Kansas USA)
Although I've only completed one semester of of college so far I already have a tid bit of advice for all you high schoolers out there. Do not, I repeat do not be a slacker!
I started my first year thinking that I wanted to major in Biology! So my advisor signed me up for three classes. College biology, college chemistry, and an elective that they said would be fairly easy. Minorities in America. When I started out I was doing pretty well but my homework in my elective class soon overtook my chemistry and biology class combined! I should have gotten out of that class but I thought I could handle it! I couldn't handle it. I ended up with an F in that class.
Onto to chemistry, as the the semester went on I realized that I didn't really like the classes involved in my major but instead of changing I kept on and I came out with a D!
College biology turned out to be the easiest for me and I actually liked it but to my surprise I came out with a C.
If you haven't caught on yet I did not end up with a good GPA. That caused me to be close to academic probation which affects my volleyball scholarship and it also caused be to lose my financial aid. Those two were the only reasons I was going to school here. So without those I am finding myself in a world of hurt! All because I slacked off and didn't follow my guy instincts.
So here is my advice all laid out. Make sure you take more than 12 hours your first semester. Chose a major you like and if you end up not liking it after a while seriously consider changing it! And last of all do your homework and if you need help, GET A TUTOR!
That's all I have for you but hopefully it opened your eyes a little bit more and will scare you straight! I honestly wish I would have had that advice!!
Read more College Financial Aid Tips from other students and parents who have been through process.
Scholarships for 2023 - It is never too early or too late to work on your scholarship searches. If you are part of the high school class of 2023, you should work on your scholarship and college search now. See our list of Scholarships for High School Seniors
FAFSA - The official 2023 - 2024 FAFSA is now available. See information about FAFSA.
Scholarship Lists An overview of the different types of Scholarship Money for College.
Grants Learn more about grants, the other free money for college.
Need Tuition Help? Reduce the cost of tuition with these college Tuition Assistance Programs.
Tax Credit Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
College Savings Plans Save money for college with these College Savings Plans.
Need a Student Loan? Yes, you qualify for these college Student Loans.
Scholarships for High School Students