Award: $4000
Deadline: August 1, 2014
More info: http://www.hopieducationfund.org/Forms_Pdf/APS_SCHOLARSHIP_APPLICATION_2014_2015_5.19.14.pdf
Showing posts with label FASFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FASFA. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship Program (HTGSP)
This is a college scholarship for American Indians who are enrolled members of the Hopi Tribe. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be high school graduates/GED recipients and be admitted to a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have applied for all federal, state, and institutional aid to be eligible for this scholarship. If applicants are entering freshman, they must have at least a 2.0 GPA to qualify for this scholarship; all other students must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Award: $4000
Deadline: August 1, 2014
More info: http://www.hopieducationfund.org/Forms_Pdf/APS_SCHOLARSHIP_APPLICATION_2014_2015_5.19.14.pdf
Award: $4000
Deadline: August 1, 2014
More info: http://www.hopieducationfund.org/Forms_Pdf/APS_SCHOLARSHIP_APPLICATION_2014_2015_5.19.14.pdf
Monday, July 14, 2014
This new state scholarship is the first to help middle class families pay for college
Read full article: http://tinyurl.com/njsahjm
By Mandi Woodruff
On paper, Luigi Galvan’s family looks better off than most. Together his parents earn about $120,000 per year — more than twice the current median household income in the U.S.
That kind of paycheck may be plenty to support a standard family of four, but Galvan, 17, is one of seven children, including a younger brother who is disabled and requires expensive medical treatment. When he was accepted at the University of California, Berkeley earlier this year, his parents knew they would need help affording the $32,000/year it would cost him to attend.
The federal government thought otherwise. Despite his family’s unique circumstances, Galvan’s family earned too much for him to be eligible for federal grants. He’s not alone. State and federal funding for higher education has plummeted since the Great Recession and the gap between tuition costs and family incomes has only widened. Middle-income families often find themselves disproportionately affected. They aren’t poor enough to qualify for federal grants and scholarships and they aren’t wealthy enough to foot their children’s education bill on their own. The government doesn’t cut off financial aid eligibility at a certain income level but in 2008, 96% of households that received the Pell Grant had an adjusted-gross income of $50,000 or less.
“These parents are making enough to make ends meet and maybe put something into their retirement fund,” says Sue Tirukonda, a certified college aid planner in Wichita, Kan. “But they look at those numbers and they say there’s no way I will be able to afford my mortgage if I were to devote that much money to paying for college.”
When they can’t afford tuition, middle-income families — including the Galvans and the Graves family, highlighted in the video above — are increasingly leaning on debt. A recent study found that college students from middle-income families were more likely to end up with student debt than those from lower- and higher-income backgrounds.
At least one state is working to solve this discrepancy. This fall, California will become the first state to dole out scholarships specifically aiming to help out middle-income families.
The California Middle Class Scholarship will offer funding to families who earn less than $150,000 a year (including investment income and other assets) if their child enrolls at a University of California or California State University (CSU) campus. Awards max out at 40% of the cost of tuition and vary based on how many families apply. To be eligible, students need to fill out a Free Federal Application for Financial Aid Jan. 2 - March 2, 2015. “This scholarship is something that does at least somewhat acknowledge the fact that families in the upper $100,000 area of annual income aren't always able to pay as much as colleges expect them to,” says Galvan, who lives in Antioch, Calif. “More aid helps me focus more on my education rather than worrying about what I'll have to pay off for while I'm here.”
The state’s student aid commission, which is charged with administering the scholarship rewards, estimates more than 150,000 families will qualify.
“The recession really hit California families hard,” says Patti Colston, spokeswoman for the student aid commission. “The middle class scholarship is seen as a way to support the needs of middle class families who [need it most].”
College aid advocates have long called for more federal and state funding for higher education. Federal education funding has declined greatly since before the recession, according to a recent report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank. Today, 48 states invest less in college education than they did before the recession.
For middle class families who can’t take advantage of California’s scholarship, there are still ways to curb the costs of college without racking up a lifetime’s worth of debt.
1. Fill out the FAFSA no matter what. Even if you earn six figures and are sure you won’t qualify for any grants, fill out the FAFSA anyway, says Joseph Orsolini, a financial aid expert with College Aid Planners. This application is the only way for students to qualify for federal student loans, which have much lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.
2. Start small. Rather than applying for massive $50,000 scholarships you may see on TV commercials, it’s always easier to start small. Galvan applied for 20 or 30 small scholarships, he says, and won a few, including one directly from his high school. Tirunkonda suggests beginning with the high school counselor’s office and checking out your state’s student aid commission website for local scholarships and grants. Chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, and local banks also offer scholarship funds. “Start applying in August, September and October,” Tirukonda says. “Spend an hour a week on applications and get those small ones. It’s some of the best money you can earn for school.”
3. And keep applying for scholarships even in college. “One thing a lot of kids don’t realize is you don’t just apply for scholarships in as a senior in high school,” Tirukonda says. “Colleges have departmental scholarships for sophomores, juniors and seniors, too, and they aren’t as competitive sometimes.”
4. Parents: Don’t open a savings account in your kid’s name. Parents often think that opening a regular savings account in their child’s name for college is a good idea. But it will come back to hurt you when you apply for financial aid later. The algorithm used to decide how much aid families qualify for weighs student financial assets much more heavily than parents’, Tirukonda cautions. To get around this, either open a savings account under your name or a 529 College Savings Plan for your child.
5. Make scholarship applications your kid’s part-time job. Galvan spent 30 minutes to an hour on each of his scholarship applications. That's what it takes to be competitive. “I think a lot of times kids get so busy in school that they don’t spend enough time on scholarship essays,” Tirukonda says. “The essays are so critical. You want to spotlight the child and tell them what they have achieved and what they have learned with [solid examples].”
6. Don’t forget about tax credits. The American Opportunity Tax Credit awards taxpayers who have spent money on college tuition and fees, up to $2,500 a year. Over four years, you could shave $10,000 off your total tuition bill.
7. If all else fails, pick a cheaper school. “At some point attending that expensive college is just financially out of the question,” Orsolini says. “Parents need to say no if attending a particular college will bury their child in life-altering debt or jeopardize their retirement.” For many areas of focus, what matters most to employers isn’t where you’ve studied but what you’ve studied. A good way to figure out whether a school is worth its cost is to check the federal government’s College Scorecard. It categorizes colleges based on their price, financial aid offerings and employment prospects for graduates, among other factors.
By Mandi Woodruff
On paper, Luigi Galvan’s family looks better off than most. Together his parents earn about $120,000 per year — more than twice the current median household income in the U.S.
That kind of paycheck may be plenty to support a standard family of four, but Galvan, 17, is one of seven children, including a younger brother who is disabled and requires expensive medical treatment. When he was accepted at the University of California, Berkeley earlier this year, his parents knew they would need help affording the $32,000/year it would cost him to attend.
The federal government thought otherwise. Despite his family’s unique circumstances, Galvan’s family earned too much for him to be eligible for federal grants. He’s not alone. State and federal funding for higher education has plummeted since the Great Recession and the gap between tuition costs and family incomes has only widened. Middle-income families often find themselves disproportionately affected. They aren’t poor enough to qualify for federal grants and scholarships and they aren’t wealthy enough to foot their children’s education bill on their own. The government doesn’t cut off financial aid eligibility at a certain income level but in 2008, 96% of households that received the Pell Grant had an adjusted-gross income of $50,000 or less.
“These parents are making enough to make ends meet and maybe put something into their retirement fund,” says Sue Tirukonda, a certified college aid planner in Wichita, Kan. “But they look at those numbers and they say there’s no way I will be able to afford my mortgage if I were to devote that much money to paying for college.”
When they can’t afford tuition, middle-income families — including the Galvans and the Graves family, highlighted in the video above — are increasingly leaning on debt. A recent study found that college students from middle-income families were more likely to end up with student debt than those from lower- and higher-income backgrounds.
At least one state is working to solve this discrepancy. This fall, California will become the first state to dole out scholarships specifically aiming to help out middle-income families.
The California Middle Class Scholarship will offer funding to families who earn less than $150,000 a year (including investment income and other assets) if their child enrolls at a University of California or California State University (CSU) campus. Awards max out at 40% of the cost of tuition and vary based on how many families apply. To be eligible, students need to fill out a Free Federal Application for Financial Aid Jan. 2 - March 2, 2015. “This scholarship is something that does at least somewhat acknowledge the fact that families in the upper $100,000 area of annual income aren't always able to pay as much as colleges expect them to,” says Galvan, who lives in Antioch, Calif. “More aid helps me focus more on my education rather than worrying about what I'll have to pay off for while I'm here.”
The state’s student aid commission, which is charged with administering the scholarship rewards, estimates more than 150,000 families will qualify.
“The recession really hit California families hard,” says Patti Colston, spokeswoman for the student aid commission. “The middle class scholarship is seen as a way to support the needs of middle class families who [need it most].”
College aid advocates have long called for more federal and state funding for higher education. Federal education funding has declined greatly since before the recession, according to a recent report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank. Today, 48 states invest less in college education than they did before the recession.
For middle class families who can’t take advantage of California’s scholarship, there are still ways to curb the costs of college without racking up a lifetime’s worth of debt.
1. Fill out the FAFSA no matter what. Even if you earn six figures and are sure you won’t qualify for any grants, fill out the FAFSA anyway, says Joseph Orsolini, a financial aid expert with College Aid Planners. This application is the only way for students to qualify for federal student loans, which have much lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.
2. Start small. Rather than applying for massive $50,000 scholarships you may see on TV commercials, it’s always easier to start small. Galvan applied for 20 or 30 small scholarships, he says, and won a few, including one directly from his high school. Tirunkonda suggests beginning with the high school counselor’s office and checking out your state’s student aid commission website for local scholarships and grants. Chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, and local banks also offer scholarship funds. “Start applying in August, September and October,” Tirukonda says. “Spend an hour a week on applications and get those small ones. It’s some of the best money you can earn for school.”
3. And keep applying for scholarships even in college. “One thing a lot of kids don’t realize is you don’t just apply for scholarships in as a senior in high school,” Tirukonda says. “Colleges have departmental scholarships for sophomores, juniors and seniors, too, and they aren’t as competitive sometimes.”
4. Parents: Don’t open a savings account in your kid’s name. Parents often think that opening a regular savings account in their child’s name for college is a good idea. But it will come back to hurt you when you apply for financial aid later. The algorithm used to decide how much aid families qualify for weighs student financial assets much more heavily than parents’, Tirukonda cautions. To get around this, either open a savings account under your name or a 529 College Savings Plan for your child.
5. Make scholarship applications your kid’s part-time job. Galvan spent 30 minutes to an hour on each of his scholarship applications. That's what it takes to be competitive. “I think a lot of times kids get so busy in school that they don’t spend enough time on scholarship essays,” Tirukonda says. “The essays are so critical. You want to spotlight the child and tell them what they have achieved and what they have learned with [solid examples].”
6. Don’t forget about tax credits. The American Opportunity Tax Credit awards taxpayers who have spent money on college tuition and fees, up to $2,500 a year. Over four years, you could shave $10,000 off your total tuition bill.
7. If all else fails, pick a cheaper school. “At some point attending that expensive college is just financially out of the question,” Orsolini says. “Parents need to say no if attending a particular college will bury their child in life-altering debt or jeopardize their retirement.” For many areas of focus, what matters most to employers isn’t where you’ve studied but what you’ve studied. A good way to figure out whether a school is worth its cost is to check the federal government’s College Scorecard. It categorizes colleges based on their price, financial aid offerings and employment prospects for graduates, among other factors.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Haz La U Scholarship
Be of
Hispanic American heritage,
a
U.S. citizen
or
legal
permanent resident
of the United States
,
or be granted
Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Have a minimum
GPA
of
3.0
on a 4.0 scale. Must be
a current
graduating high school senior
enrolling
at a two
-
year college or a four
-
year institution in the
2013
-
2014
academic
year
.
Must
apply for federal financial aid by
completing the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Award: $15,000 (1 award), $2,500 (15 awards)
Deadline: Jan. 20, 2014
More info: http://www.hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs/hsf-haz-la-u-scholarship-program/
Award: $15,000 (1 award), $2,500 (15 awards)
Deadline: Jan. 20, 2014
More info: http://www.hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs/hsf-haz-la-u-scholarship-program/
Monday, January 6, 2014
College Information Workshop - Mission Library - Jan. 11 and 18
College Information Workshop
Mission Library - January 11 and 18, Mission Meeting Room, 11 am.-1 p.m. at Mission Library, 3770 South Mission Road, Tucson, AZ.
If you are college bound, learn about opportunities that are available to help you choose a college, get enrolled, and find financial aide sources. Learn about filling out the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Lap tops will be set up so you can access many of the resources while at the workshop and even start filling out applications. The workshop will be facilitated by Mission's Regional College Access Center Student Ambassador. Saturday, January 11, 2014 11:00am - 1:00pm: Mission Branch Library
Using the Metropolitan Education Commission website, you can explore resources available as you get ready to attend college. Get help navigating the many financial aid sources available and learn what information you need to fill out the FAFSA form. Saturday, January 18, 2014 11:00am - 1:00pm: Mission Branch Library. Using the Metropolitan Education Commission website, you can explore resources available as you get ready to attend college. Use library computers to fill out applications or the FAFSA form.
More info: http://www.library.pima.gov/calendar/?ID=25690
Mission Library - January 11 and 18, Mission Meeting Room, 11 am.-1 p.m. at Mission Library, 3770 South Mission Road, Tucson, AZ.
If you are college bound, learn about opportunities that are available to help you choose a college, get enrolled, and find financial aide sources. Learn about filling out the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Lap tops will be set up so you can access many of the resources while at the workshop and even start filling out applications. The workshop will be facilitated by Mission's Regional College Access Center Student Ambassador. Saturday, January 11, 2014 11:00am - 1:00pm: Mission Branch Library
Using the Metropolitan Education Commission website, you can explore resources available as you get ready to attend college. Get help navigating the many financial aid sources available and learn what information you need to fill out the FAFSA form. Saturday, January 18, 2014 11:00am - 1:00pm: Mission Branch Library. Using the Metropolitan Education Commission website, you can explore resources available as you get ready to attend college. Use library computers to fill out applications or the FAFSA form.
More info: http://www.library.pima.gov/calendar/?ID=25690
Monday, December 23, 2013
Haz La U Scholarship - Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Be of
Hispanic American heritage,
a
U.S. citizen
or
legal
permanent resident
of the United States, or be granted Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
.
Have a minimum
GPA
of
3.0
on a 4.0 scale. Must be
a current
graduating high school senior
enrolling
at a two
-
year college or a four
-
year institution in the
2013
-
2014
academic
year
.
Must
apply for federal financial aid by
completing the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Award: $15,000
Deadline: 1/20/14
More info: http://www.hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs/hsf-haz-la-u-scholarship-program/
Award: $15,000
Deadline: 1/20/14
More info: http://www.hsf.net/en/scholarships/programs/hsf-haz-la-u-scholarship-program/
NAU Scholarships
Northern Arizona University various freshmen students, current students, transfer students, Tribal students, and private donor scholarships.
Also there are scholarship for non-residents. Various awards. Don't forget to fill out FASFA. Check out the website for more detailed info. There are lots of opportunities for all students. Click below:
http://nau.edu/FinAid/Scholarships/
Also there are scholarship for non-residents. Various awards. Don't forget to fill out FASFA. Check out the website for more detailed info. There are lots of opportunities for all students. Click below:
http://nau.edu/FinAid/Scholarships/
ASU College Attainment Grant Program
The ASU College Attainment Grant Program is ASU's commitment to low-income families – making college affordable and accessible, the program will provide tuition and fees for up to four years to qualifying Arizona high school graduates.
The ASU College Attainment Grant Program will provide tuition and fees to qualifying students for up to eight, full-time, consecutive fall and spring semesters as long as students continue to meet eligibility criteria and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. The ASU College Attainment Grant Program covers tuition and fees during the fall and spring semesters only. Summer sessions are not covered.
Award: All costs directly associated with ASU, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies
Deadline: May 1, 2014 - Students must submit their FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application on file (application, test scores, transcripts and application fee). June 1, 2014 - Students must submit all requested documents for financial aid verification.
More info: https://students.asu.edu/cagp
The ASU College Attainment Grant Program will provide tuition and fees to qualifying students for up to eight, full-time, consecutive fall and spring semesters as long as students continue to meet eligibility criteria and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. The ASU College Attainment Grant Program covers tuition and fees during the fall and spring semesters only. Summer sessions are not covered.
Award: All costs directly associated with ASU, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies
Deadline: May 1, 2014 - Students must submit their FAFSA and have a complete ASU admissions application on file (application, test scores, transcripts and application fee). June 1, 2014 - Students must submit all requested documents for financial aid verification.
More info: https://students.asu.edu/cagp
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Federal Student Aid!
Federal Student Aid! Get help paying for college! Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.
They offer more than $150 billion each year to help millions of students pay for higher education.
Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, their 1,200 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 15 million students paying for college or career school. They are proud to sponsor millions of American minds pursuing their educational dreams.
Fill out an application and find more info: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
They offer more than $150 billion each year to help millions of students pay for higher education.
Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. At the office of Federal Student Aid, their 1,200 employees help make college education possible for every dedicated mind by providing more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 15 million students paying for college or career school. They are proud to sponsor millions of American minds pursuing their educational dreams.
Fill out an application and find more info: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Friday, June 28, 2013
Arizona Student Financial Aid Programs
| The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is committed to expanding access and increasing success in postsecondary education for Arizonans. This website provides a user friendly one-stop resource to all state grants, scholarships and forgivable loans. | |
|
Thursday, April 4, 2013
GLORIA FEIGENBAUM SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL - $1500
GLORIA FEIGENBAUM SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL
PURPOSE:
The Gloria Feigenbaum Scholarship was created by the family, friends and associates at
University of Arizona and Tucson in memory of Gloria Feigenbaum, an active faculty member and
champion for women’s rights during her career at The University of Arizona. She was a member of
the committee to form the original Tucson Women’s Commission and was appointed to serve on the
first Arizona Women’s Commission. Gloria Feigenbaum was also the founder of the Youth
University at UA, and creatively sought to involve young and old in the continuation of education
on the college campus.
ELIGIBILITY:
This scholarship was created to provide support for women who have previously attended
college, but have had to interrupt their education for two or more years. Candidates must apply and
be accepted at the University of Arizona as either full- or part- time students and demonstrate
FAFSA financial need
.
VALUE:
$1,500 scholarship awarded for the 2013-2014 academic year.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit all application documents as one completed package by June 15, 2013.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The documents necessary for application are the following:
1. Application Form
2. Personal essay – maximum 2 pages – describing the circumstances that led to
leaving college and the decision to return to school, as well as future career
goals.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation
4. FAFSA determination for Student Aid
Submit by E-mail to:
applications@gfscholarship.org
Website: http://uaatwork.arizona.edu/uannounce/ua-scholarship-available-women-returning-school
Click here to download info and application:
http://metedu.org/rcac/Gloria%20Feigenbaum%20Scholarship%202013.pdf
PURPOSE:
The Gloria Feigenbaum Scholarship was created by the family, friends and associates at
University of Arizona and Tucson in memory of Gloria Feigenbaum, an active faculty member and
champion for women’s rights during her career at The University of Arizona. She was a member of
the committee to form the original Tucson Women’s Commission and was appointed to serve on the
first Arizona Women’s Commission. Gloria Feigenbaum was also the founder of the Youth
University at UA, and creatively sought to involve young and old in the continuation of education
on the college campus.
ELIGIBILITY:
This scholarship was created to provide support for women who have previously attended
college, but have had to interrupt their education for two or more years. Candidates must apply and
be accepted at the University of Arizona as either full- or part- time students and demonstrate
FAFSA financial need
.
VALUE:
$1,500 scholarship awarded for the 2013-2014 academic year.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit all application documents as one completed package by June 15, 2013.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The documents necessary for application are the following:
1. Application Form
2. Personal essay – maximum 2 pages – describing the circumstances that led to
leaving college and the decision to return to school, as well as future career
goals.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation
4. FAFSA determination for Student Aid
Submit by E-mail to:
applications@gfscholarship.org
Website: http://uaatwork.arizona.edu/uannounce/ua-scholarship-available-women-returning-school
Click here to download info and application:
http://metedu.org/rcac/Gloria%20Feigenbaum%20Scholarship%202013.pdf
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Beware of The Student Financial Resource Center
If you have a child in college or planning to go to college this fall, chances are you recently received an official-looking letter from an organization called the Student Financial Resource Center. It's a convincing document, down to the Department of Education-like symbol on its logo. The Student Financial Resource Center says it can help find "free" money that is "not student loans and do not have to be repaid later". The Student Financial Resource Center urges you to fill out a student aid profile form providing personal information and send it back ... along with a refundable processing fee of $65. For $65, you get a "guidebook" with financial aid information, a list of free merit- and need-based financial aid programs and instructions on how to apply to some of them. In other words, you get information you could have gotten for free. And you will still have to fill out the application forms yourself. The Student Financial Resource Center is not affiliated with any educational institutions or government agencies. The Student Financial Resource Center admits it, but you have to look hard for that disclaimer that states, "SFRC is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any educational institutions, government agencies, or funding sources". The Student Financial Resource Center also states it "can't guarantee results and has no input into the decision to which applicants will be selected to receive financial aid funds." The fee is "refundable," but you won't get answers by calling the Student Financial Resource Center. Answering the phone was a representative named Ray who said he couldn't answer any questions because he was "just an operator at the message center" and those who could answer questions "were not available." The important thing to remember is that students can get information about, and apply for, financial aid and scholarships without spending a dime. - John Garcia, Arizona College Access Network
Beware of websites charging you money for free information. Filling out a FASFA or Free Application for Student Financial Aid is free of charge. Go here to the official website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Beware of websites charging you money for free information. Filling out a FASFA or Free Application for Student Financial Aid is free of charge. Go here to the official website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
101 Ways to Pay for College
College students and parents are always looking for creative ways to finance their college education and reduce college expenses. It’s important to look at paying for college from every angle, from the school you choose to the way you finance your education. It’s also much easier to pay for college if your monthly expenses are well-managed, or you have a small income to tap into. Check out these 101 tips to pay for college!COLLEGE PLANNING
- If you are a high school senior, apply to multiple schools so that you have several financial aid offers to compare.
- Take a look at colleges that are close to your home, or close to a relative you can stay with. If you can commute to school, you won’t have to pay for room and board.
- Carefully plan your school application and college testing expenses – they can add up!
- If able, take Advanced Placement tests while in high school to obtain college credit. Any credits you receive could enable you to graduate early, which would save you money in tuition!
- Your high school may have a program with a local community college that will allow you to take “dual credit” classes.
- See if your school has a tuition payment plan available.
- Consider attending a community college while you decide on your college major and save money to attend a 4-year school.
- If you are planning to attend a public school, consider attending one in the state you live in, to take advantage of lower tuition charges available to in-state students.
- Select your college dorm carefully. Some dorms may cost more because they are newer, or have additional facility/recreation fees attached.
- Select your campus meal plan carefully. If you use up your meal credits early, you will have to purchase additional credits. Most plans do not let you roll over unused credits to the next school year.
- Select your college major carefully. You’ll want to research future career options and salary expectations to make sure you will be able to afford to repay your student loan debt.
- If you are interested in joining the ROTC or the military, you may be able to have all or part of your college education paid for.
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
- Fill out the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) every year at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ to qualify for financial aid.
- Once you fill out the FAFSA, your school will send you an award letter with your financial aid package.
- If your family’s financial situation changes after you’ve already submitted your FAFSA information (i.e. job loss, medical emergency) work with your school’s financial aid office to see if you can obtain increased financial aid.
GET FREE COLLEGE GRANTS
- College grants are free – you don’t have to pay them back! Once you fill out the FAFSA, you are automatically in the running for federal and most state grants based on the financial information that you entered.
- If you are a graduate student, ask your financial aid office if there are non-need based grants available for your field of study (sometimes called fellowships).
APPLY FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
- If you are lucky, your school may award you with an athletic or academic scholarship. These types of scholarships often cover all 4 years!
- Ask your financial aid office if there are college scholarships available for your field of study, heritage, community, or hobbies.
- Ask your department (i.e. English, Science, Business) if there are scholarships available for your major. Your dean or professor may know about these scholarships, too.
- Look for college scholarships from your workplace, church, community, and organizations that you are involved with.
- Start a college scholarship search on the web with sites like Fastweb. Your personal profile that you set up will help you find scholarships that match your profile.
BORROW STUDENT LOANS
- The Federal Stafford Loan is a low-cost student loan, backed by the federal government. Your award letter will show how much you are eligible to borrow every year, or you can do additional research here.
- Graduate students can use the Federal Grad PLUS Loan , to supplement Stafford Loan funds.
- If you have maximized free money and federal loan options, consider using a private student loan to pay for college.
SAVE MONEY ON COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS
- Purchase used college textbooks at the college bookstore. Just make sure you get in line early – used textbooks get sold quickly.
- Look for new or used college textbooks online on sites like Ebay or Amazon. If you are able to find the majority of your textbooks with one vendor, you might qualify for free shipping or a volume discount.
- You can download certain popular textbooks for free from websites like Freeload Press.
- If you’re strapped for cash, ask your professor if you can use a previous edition of the textbook (older editions are usually less expensive).
- If you don’t need your textbooks once you’re done with them, sell them back to the bookstore or on sites like Amazon or Ebay.
MAKE EXTRA MONEY
- If you were awarded federal work-study on your award letter, you can earn extra money by working at your school or in your local community.
- If you were not awarded federal work-study money, ask your financial aid office if you can get on a waiting list in case there is an opening.
- Get a paid college internship. Many degree programs now require an internship to fulfill graduation requirements, but you’ll probably have to work harder to find one that pays.
- Ask your favorite professor if he/she needs an assistant.
- Look for part-time student jobs in your campus newspaper, on campus bulletin boards or in your college’s student activity office.
- Apply for part-time work at local businesses or restaurants.
- Ask friends and family if you can intern at their workplace.
- Start up a baby-sitting, pet-sitting or house-sitting business that you can run in your spare time.
- Find a summer job at a camp or local business .
- Sign up with your school or a local company to become a tutor. You may be able to make even more money by starting your own tutoring business.
- Creating websites is a lucrative part-time job for many students.
- Start your own business in your local community or online (just think Michael Dell).
- If you are majoring in photography, consider working as a wedding or portrait photographer in your free time. Your school may also hire student photographers to work at athletic games and school functions.
- Your school may hire students to work during athletic events.
- If you have school spirit, get hired by your school to give tours or allow a prospective high school student to live with you for the weekend.
REDUCE YOUR COLLEGE EXPENSES
- Work with a college advisor to make sure that you are taking the appropriate classes to fulfill your major and graduation requirements on time.
- Look for student travel deals on sites like StudentUniverse or STA Travel.
- Use student flight deals offered by airlines, like AirTran.
- If you will be flying extensively, sign up for a frequent flier program to earn free flights.
- Purchase your computer, software and accessories through a student discount program from Dell, Apple, HP or Microsoft.
- Use free campus transportation whenever possible.
- Split your campus parking pass with a friend, and share the cost. If you don’t want to buy a parking pass, consider parking off-campus.
- Walk, bike or skate to school.
- Carpool to school or work with a friend or roommate.
MANAGE YOUR LIVING EXPENSES
- Rent or dorm fees are generally the second highest education expense, after tuition. Shop around to findcollege apartment move-in specials for college students.
- Find roommates to split your living expenses.
- Consider doing without, or reducing, monthly expenses like cable, telephone and entertainment expenses.
- Buy used furniture on Craigslist or through campus newspaper ads.
- Purchase student discount cards, or look for student discounts at local restaurants and businesses.
- Reduce food expenses by cooking more at home, instead of eating out.
- You may be able to get free room and board by signing up to be a dorm monitor or resident assistant.
- Some college apartment complexes provide free or discounted rent for students who refer other tenants to the building.
- Join your family’s cell phone plan (it’s usually cheaper than getting your own). Check your account frequently online or on your phone to make sure you don’t go over your allotted minutes or text messages.
- Use free websites like Facebook or Flickr to communicate with friends and family, and share pictures for free.
- Communicate using inexpensive or free internet calling services, like Skype. You can also talk for free on some instant messengers, like MSN, if both parties use headsets or microphones.
- Start using coupons at the grocery store, local restaurants or department stores.
- Bring your own snacks to class, so you won’t be tempted to buy anything from the vending machine or cafeteria.
- Some campuses have free Wi-Fi. Check to see if it’s in a convenient location to avoid paying for internet.
- Look for free events happening on campus, like movie screenings, rather than going to the movie theater.
- Never turn down free food around campus (club meetings, events, etc).
- Ask about free student checking and savings account at local banks.
DEBT MANAGEMENT
- Use cash or student loans to purchase textbooks, food and other college expenses instead of a credit card.
- If you need a credit card, make sure you get one with no annual fee and a low interest rate.
- Save money in interest by paying more than the minimum on your credit card.
- Save big money by paying the interest on your unsubsidized student loans every month while you are in school, if you are able.
GIFT IDEAS
- Send your family and friends your high school graduation invitations, along with a letter explaining your college intentions. They may just send you contributions to your college fund.
- Ask family and friends to contribute to your 529 College Savings Plan or another type of college saving account in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts.
- Ask family and friends to donate furniture for your apartment or dorm room.
- Ask a relative to give you a loan, that you will pay back with interest. Make sure you draw up the appropriate paperwork to protect both parties.
- If your relatives are about to get a new computer, ask if they will give you their old one!
PARENTS
- Pay for all or part of college expenses with your personal cash or savings.
- Create a 529 College Savings Plan for your child’s education.
- Some states will allow you to lock in today’s tuition prices through a 529 Pre-paid Tuition Plan.
- Help your student find and apply for college scholarships.
- Ask your employer if they offer scholarships for employees’ children.
- Take out a Federal PLUS Loan in your name to help pay for your child’s education.
- Help your child obtain a private student loan by co-signing.
- If you have a lot of unnecessary items around the house, consider holding a garage sale or selling items onEbay and using the funds for your child’s education fund. Also, many household items can be donated to charity, which would save you money on taxes that you can then use to help pay for your child’s education.
- Help your student create a budget and stick to it.
- Many parents have to reduce their monthly expenses while their child is in college, in order to have enough left over to pay their child’s food and living expenses while he/she is in college.
- Purchase airfare for your child to come home well in advance to save money in travel costs.
- Mail your student care packages with food and study supplies to help reduce spending needs. Weigh the cost of mailing a grocery gift card rather than mailing food items; it’s probably much cheaper to send a gift card than a heavy package.
- If your student needs a credit card, consider adding him/her to one of your accounts. Chances are your card’s interest rates are better than what he/she could qualify for, and you can keep an eye on college spending.
- If you are paying for college expenses, make sure you look into all of the tax deductions available to you.
AFTER COLLEGE
- Sign up for the Peace Corps, Americorps, or similar volunteer organization after college. In exchange for your service, you may receive money towards your student loan debt.
- If you work in a public service job for 10 years while making payments on your student loans, the government will forgive the rest of your student loan debt. To receive this benefit, your loans must be consolidated into a Direct Loan held by the Department of Education while you make payments, so consider consolidating as soon as you leave school and your grace period expires.
- Consider working for an employer in the private field that offers student loan payoff as an employee benefit.
- See if your occupation has jobs that qualify you for loan forgiveness in exchange for a certain number of years in public service (Ex. teacher, physician, nurse, lawyer).
- Live at home after college. You can use the money you save in rent and expenses can help pay off your student loans.
- Paying more than the minimum on your student loans will reduce the amount you will pay in interest, and pay the loans off faster.
- Use your student loan interest as a tax deduction every year, if you qualify.
Monday, March 25, 2013
How to Pay for College
The rising costs of higher education are showing no signs of letting up. In order to make it through, you must have a plan.
For students attending a public college or university in the state in which they live, tuition averages $7,000 per year. Private colleges run around $37,000 per year, with the highest-price private schools costing more than $50,000 a year. Paying those hefty bills requires a plan that includes an examination of how much you want to pay now versus how much you are willing to finance with loans. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you set out to pay for college:
Cash is king. How much can you really afford to spend over two to four years? Also consider how that cost might affect you or your children over that time.
- Set up a payment plan. Many schools let you set up a monthly payment plan, which spreads the payments over several months rather than just one payment per term.
- Keep saving. Even when you or your children are in school, every dollar you pay up front saves nearly $2 in interest if were to borrow that dollar.
- Stick to a budget: A number of college budgeting tools are available atBankrate, The Federal Direct Loan program web site and FinAid.
Get a scholarship. Scholarships are not just for good students or low income families. There are scholarships for everything from vegans to students with the last name Zolp. It takes time and effort to find them and apply.
- Cast a wide net. Consider scholarships from you hometown, college or workplace. And don't quit trying. Some scholarships are only available to students who are already juniors or seniors in college. Others are available to older students, and some states offer grants for laid-off workers returning to school to retrain.
- Check in. Become best friends with your school's financial aid office. They'll know what's available on campus as well as some less well-know sources.
- Check online. Sites listing scholarships include www.fastweb.com,www.collegeanswer.com, and www.collegeboard.com.
- Complete the FAFSA. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. It determines your eligibility for Federal Student Aid programs such as Pell Grants, Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans.
- Start with the feds. Always start with federal loans, which are available to both parents and students, before opting for private loans from banks and other lenders. The federal programs offer some of the best interest and repayment terms including opportunities to have the loans forgiven for public service work and payment deferred if there's job loss.
- Then go to the states. Many states also have state lending authorities, which provide loans to students from that state or who attend school in that state. These typically require a co-signer and good credit score.
- Don't get in over your head. Figure out ahead of time about how much you'll owe after four years, and don't use credit cards to pay for tuition, books, and other necessary expenses.
- Don't drain retirement savings. It's tempting to raid retirement accounts, but advisers warn against it because you can finance college but no one is willing to lend you money for retirement.
- Don't suppress financial hardship. If something changes at home a job loss, medical event, or another sibling at school contact your financial aid office. You may be eligible for more aid or work study.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Give the scholarship sponsor what it wants.
A scholarship application often contains the sponsor's scholarship selection criteria, but dig deeper. Research the scholarship sponsor on the web. Look for the organization's mission statement, which you'll often find in the "About Us" section of its website.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
Applying for scholarships is a lot like applying to colleges. You start with a large number of possibilities and cut that down to a short list of choices. Then you have to complete and submit applications that include essays, recommendations and lists of achievements that highlight your best qualities.
You may hear various suggestions about the best way to apply for scholarships. The truth is, what works for one person may not work for another. There are no secrets to applying. The best advice is to use common sense and follow directions.
Don’t Miss Deadlines
Some scholarships have deadlines early in the fall of senior year. Mark the due dates on your calendar and work your way backward to figure out how much time you’ll have to get each piece of the application finished.
Start Your Research Early
Researching scholarships, requesting information and application materials, and completing applications all take time. Use Scholarship Search to get started.
Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully
If you have a question about whether you qualify for a certain scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsor. There’s no point in applying for a scholarship you’re not eligible to receive.
Make a separate file for each scholarship and sort the files by application due dates.
You should also gather the items you’ll need to apply. Many scholarships ask you to send some or all of the following:
You might also need to prepare for an interview. And if you’re competing for talent-based scholarships, you’ll probably need to audition or submit a portfolio.
Follow Instructions
Stick to the word limit for the essay. If supporting materials are not requested in the application, don’t send them.
Check Your Application
Before you send the application in:
Keep Copies of Everything
Having copies of your scholarship application makes it easy to resend quickly if application materials get lost in the mail. If you’re applying for a scholarship online, save copies of your work on your computer.
Track the Package
If you’re submitting your application by mail, consider using certified mail or requesting a return receipt to confirm that your materials arrived at their destination.
Click here: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/how-to-apply-for-a-college-scholarship
How to Apply for a Scholarship
Applying for scholarships is a lot like applying to colleges. You start with a large number of possibilities and cut that down to a short list of choices. Then you have to complete and submit applications that include essays, recommendations and lists of achievements that highlight your best qualities.
You may hear various suggestions about the best way to apply for scholarships. The truth is, what works for one person may not work for another. There are no secrets to applying. The best advice is to use common sense and follow directions.
Don’t Miss Deadlines
Some scholarships have deadlines early in the fall of senior year. Mark the due dates on your calendar and work your way backward to figure out how much time you’ll have to get each piece of the application finished.
Start Your Research Early
Researching scholarships, requesting information and application materials, and completing applications all take time. Use Scholarship Search to get started.
Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully
If you have a question about whether you qualify for a certain scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsor. There’s no point in applying for a scholarship you’re not eligible to receive.
Make a separate file for each scholarship and sort the files by application due dates.
You should also gather the items you’ll need to apply. Many scholarships ask you to send some or all of the following:
- High school transcript
- Standardized test scores
- Financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA or CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®
- Parents' financial information, including tax returns
- One or more essays
- One or more letters of recommendation
- Proof of eligibility for the scholarship (for example, proof of membership in a certain group)
You might also need to prepare for an interview. And if you’re competing for talent-based scholarships, you’ll probably need to audition or submit a portfolio.
Follow Instructions
Stick to the word limit for the essay. If supporting materials are not requested in the application, don’t send them.
Check Your Application
Before you send the application in:
- -Make sure you filled in all the blanks. You can contact scholarship sponsors if you aren't sure how to fill out part of the application.
- -Make sure your answers are readable. If you can, fill out the application online. If you have to write out the application, print neatly.
- -If you're reusing material (such as a cover letter or an essay) from another scholarship application, make sure you haven't left in any incorrect names.
- -Proofread your application. Run spell check and grammar check on the application. Also, have someone else read your essays to catch mistakes and give you feedback.
- -Remember to sign and date your application.
Keep Copies of Everything
Having copies of your scholarship application makes it easy to resend quickly if application materials get lost in the mail. If you’re applying for a scholarship online, save copies of your work on your computer.
Track the Package
If you’re submitting your application by mail, consider using certified mail or requesting a return receipt to confirm that your materials arrived at their destination.
Click here: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/how-to-apply-for-a-college-scholarship
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
7 Tips to Win the Perfect College Scholarship for You
By Sabah Karimi
Click here: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/01/08/7-tips-to-win-the-perfect-college-scholarship-for-you
There are thousands of scholarships available to students every year, but the competition is fierce and finding the right scholarship can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are things you can do to secure the funding you need for tuition, books, and other education expenses. Identifying opportunities you are eligible for and exploring a variety of opportunities can increase your chances of success. You’ll also need to be organized and stay on top of multiple deadlines.
Click here: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/01/08/7-tips-to-win-the-perfect-college-scholarship-for-you
There are thousands of scholarships available to students every year, but the competition is fierce and finding the right scholarship can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are things you can do to secure the funding you need for tuition, books, and other education expenses. Identifying opportunities you are eligible for and exploring a variety of opportunities can increase your chances of success. You’ll also need to be organized and stay on top of multiple deadlines.
Here are seven tips to help you find the best scholarship opportunities:
1. File a FAFSA. File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible and make sure you file your application every year. The application is available each January and could help you qualify for certain scholarships. Upon approval, you’ll find out how much free aid you qualify for and what types of scholarships you may be able to qualify for.
2. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your applications. When you’re inquiring about scholarship opportunities by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that the scholarship provider can send you application materials as quickly as possible. Some organizations actually require applicants to send the envelope.
3. Stay organized. Keep track of all application deadlines byusing a calendar to mark important dates. Remember that most scholarship requirements include sending letters of recommendation, transcripts, financial records, and other documents. You’ll need to prepare these items several weeks in advance of the due date and take the time to ensure everything is ready to go well before the deadline. Create individual files for each application and get into the habit of tracking your scholarship due dates on a calendar. This will make it easier to submit all application materials well ahead of schedule.
4. Don’t overlook unique opportunities. “You don’t need to be the class valedictorian or star athlete to be eligible for many awards,” said Joe DePaulo, eExecutive Vice President of Sallie Mae, in a November press release. Many organizations offer scholarships that reward unique skill sets or life experiences. C-SPAN, for example, runs a national video documentary competition for students called StudentCam, which gives away $50,000 in scholarships to students and teachers. On a lighter note, Duck Brand Duck Tape runs a “Stuck at Prom” scholarship contest, which challenges students to create prom outfits out of duct tape and then wear them to prom for a chance to win scholarship cash prizes.
5. Read application instructions carefully. Review all of the eligibility requirements of every single scholarship you are applying for so you aren’t wasting your time on an opportunity that isn’t the right fit. Also, many students simply fail to follow directions and their application is discarded almost immediately. Give yourself a competitive advantage by reading the directions carefully and avoid sending something that hasn’t been requested.
6. Make copies of everything you submit. You’ll want to keep a copy of every item you send to the review committee in case someone needs additional documents at some point in the review process. Materials can get lost and it will be your responsibility to make sure the review committee has what they need to make their decision.
7. Increase your chances of success. Almost all scholarship opportunities require at least one to two letters of recommendation. Make sure you select people who can write you a solid letter of recommendation and provide specific details about your work ethic, drive, sense of responsibility, and other positive traits that would support your application. You’ll want to select people who can speak to your strengths and highlight things that make you stand apart from other applicants. Distinguishing facts might include your involvement with local charitable organizations, volunteer projects, or any type of academic success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)