Research available scholarships. Scholarships are in essence free money. The requirements for eligibility are broad, making it more likely that there is a scholarship for which you are eligible. Scholarships can be offered by private citizens, non-profit organizations, religious groups, and private companies. They can be awarded based on membership with an organization, academic achievement, special talents, personal traits, or simply financial need. The US Department of Education offers a Scholarship Wizard which allows you to search for scholarships which you may be eligible for.
Apply for grants. Like scholarships, grants are monies which do not need to be paid back. Grants are offered by the federal and state governments as well as individual schools. They are usually awarded based on financial need. Pell Grants are the most commonly administered federal grants. Pell Grants are intended for undergraduate students. College freshmen and sophomores who are eligible for Pell Grants and who took advanced high school courses can also apply for the Academic Competitiveness Grant. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with financial need which is considered exceptional in nature. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant, is for education majors who intend to use their degree to teach in schools located in low-income areas. College juniors and seniors majoring in math, technology, engineering, mathematics or foreign languages critical for use in national security, who are eligible for Pell Grants are also eligible to apply for the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average.
Use loans to pay for your education. The main factor to remember about student loans is that they must be paid back. You should consider loans as contracts to borrow money which will have to be repaid with interest. The federal government gives out billions of dollars in low interest loans each year. It is possible to obtain private student loans from banks and financial institutions. These loans can be more restrictive than federal loans. Many require credit checks and have variable interest rates.
Consider Work-Study programs as a means of paying for school. The Federal Work-Study program assists students with financial need in finding part time jobs. The Work-Study program is administered by schools. Your employment will be a means of putting you to work to help your community in some capacity. You may also be given a job which relates to your academic major.
Utilize educational benefits extended to US military Service Members and Veterans. Tuition Assistance and the Post 9/11 GI Bill are both programs to help military personnel pay for tuition and fees associated with college. These programs can be applied toward coursework at courses at accredited colleges, universities, junior colleges and vocational-technical schools. Each branch of the service sets forth criteria regarding who qualifies for funds and what amount is to be received. Veterans can reach the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) with questions.