So you’re college-bound, and before you even step foot on campus, your bank account is already worthy of “starving student” status. You need money for tuition and expenses, but it’s too late to start saving now. Is there any hope? Yes!
Most important, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, if you haven’t already. The FAFSA opens the door to federal student loans, which are the cheapest for most borrowers. You must complete this form to receive federal, state, or college money and some scholarships and grants require it as well. The FAFSA asks basic information regarding the borrower’s income, dependency status, and savings to determine financial need.
Apply for scholarships and grants. This is a good place to start looking for college funds, because you don’t have to pay them back. While most application deadlines have already passed, it’s possible that not all scholarship money has been awarded. Or you might find a program you qualify for with a late deadline.
Employers are another resource for college help. If you have a job, it’s worth asking if your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement. Your company also might have an employee scholarship program. If you’re a minor, ask your parents to check with their own employers. Many companies offer scholarships to their employee’s children.
Your school’s financial aid office should be one of the first places you call. Find out if there are funds available that might have otherwise gone to students who decided not to attend. There might be a work study opportunity available that can help off-set expenses. The financial aid folks are the ones in the know about existing resources, and they might even be able to help you figure out a tuition payment plan that works to your advantage.
No matter where you seek out grants or scholarships, if you can’t get the money in time for this semester or school year, look ahead to the next. Maximize all the opportunities for free money first!
If you decide that taking out loans is necessary, borrow wisely. Working during the school year, picking a second job, or working summers and weekends is better than paying off loans years down the line. Still, there are many options for students and parents to take out loans to pay for a college education. The federal government offers low-interest loans to help cover the cost of a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.
Private loans are available as well, and we can help you determine which options are best for your situation. The benefit of financing your education this way is the loan is with an institution you already trust, not a corporate financial giant.
Thinking about paying for four years of college can be overwhelming. Take a deep breath, and take it in steps. Right now, focus on the first semester. For advice, tools, information, and loan applications, click the button below. We want to see you succeed!
Category: College Bound
You successfully made it through the college application and admissions processes—congratulations! Now that you’ve found a fantastic school, it’s time to create a smart plan to pay for your education.
Wow, that went by fast! It’s time to head off to college, but you and your family didn’t save enough for the educational experience you’re hoping for. Now what do you do?! Don’t worry– it’s never too late. You can use a combination of these 4 strategies to help make your college dream a reality:
School graduations are major milestones. So it makes sense that you’d want to mark the occasion with a memorable, meaningful and useful gift.
So you’re college-bound, and before you even step foot on campus, your bank account is already worthy of “starving student” status. You need money for tuition and expenses, but it’s too late to start saving now. Is there any hope? Yes!
Do you know about Massachusetts’ first statewide college savings program, BabySteps? The goal of this program is to ensure every family has the opportunity for future success! BabySteps will provide $50 towards every child born or adopted in the Commonwealth upon opening a 529 college savings account. This program is designed to help all parents save for their child’s higher education, and level the playing field for all children in Massachusetts.
Yikes! It’s almost time for your child to go to college, and you didn’t save enough for the education you want to provide him or her. But guess what? Your goals may still be within reach with the help of a combination of resources. Before getting stressed out, learn about these 4 ways to pay for college:
This is the big summer, the last one of your high school career! At this time next year, you’ll have graduated and will be on your way to the next phase of your life. Life will change quite a bit, whether you go to college or trade school, take a gap year to volunteer or travel, join the military, or jump right into your career. Are you ready? Probably not, but there’s still time!
Did you know it’s truly never too late to go “back to school” and learn something new? There are options in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and even online for adults who are ready to expand their knowledge!
#1 Before you buy anything for your teen’s dorm room, find out what the school already provides either in the room or somewhere in the building. Some dorms have shared kitchen areas, vacuums that can be borrowed, etc.
At one point in my post-grad career, I had to temporarily switch to an Income-Sensitive Repayment Plan. This option stipulated that the loan payments were going to be based on my annual income. I was only on this plan for about one year but I was paying almost $200 less than what my regular payments were supposed to be.
You could spend this summer between high school and college vegging out, or you could use the next few months to get ahead. Here are some quick tips for making the most of this special summer:
You’ve received your college acceptance letters, graduated from high school, and maybe even had a big party to celebrate. Congratulations! While some students may be hitting the beach and taking time to decompress, you want to make the most of the next few months before going off to college. You’re smart! There are several ways you can maximize the summer break to put yourself in a much better position for your upcoming college career: