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MORE MONEY!
Are you ready? Lets go!
Here are nine ways to make college more affordable!
More Money For College
1. Scholarships/Grants!
The best way is to receive a grant or several to help you pay for college. A Grant/Scholarship is a designated amount of money that does not have to be paid back. It beats a loan by 100 percent because it is completely free money for you!Now its been made clear a lot of people hate the process of searching for scholarships to apply for, writing essays, and filling out applications. I understand it is quite a time consuming process, but ask yourself this. Do you want the money?
*Bonus tip*: Ask your jobs, programs, or school if there is any available scholarships for you to apply for. Doing this cuts the research time in half and allows you have someone you trust for assistance in your process. This is the way that I received most of the scholarships that I have for school currently.
2. Appeal your Financial aid Award!
Yes, you read that right! It is that simple appealing your aid award can get your more money and quick! At the end of the approving process many schools have extra money sitting for someone (like you) to appeal their award. This is known as the FASFA appeal, where you would need to write a formal appeal to your Financial aid office requesting more money and follow up with a phone call or just a phone call alone. But it is highly important that you do not waste any time once your aid awards comes in because money is limited!Be sure to include:
- Why you really want to go to said school
- Reemphasize why you would be a good fit
- Thoroughly explain your financial burdens (ex: Medical bills, sudden unemployment)
- Any changes to your families financial circumstances in the past year
3. Work Study!
Of course work study right? Work study jobs are usually part time aimed to assist students in their many payments. Eligibility depends on your finances(stated from your FAFSA) and the funding available at your school. Work study jobs pay students directly, undergraduate students often work hourly wages with a set amount stated from your FAFSA (be sure to check off work study on your FAFSA) being the max. Meaning you can not exceed the total amount stated on your award package. It may seem limited however, can assist you just fine if you take up the chance.
*Bonus Tip*: Most work study jobs are very simple and you will be able to get your homework done while working. Did you say PAID study hall? I think yes!
4. Outside Jobs
There are several forms of employment on and off campus. Off campus jobs are also a great option to utilize if you need more money or you are not eligible for work study. You can look into jobs at local stores and organizations. They always need help, so why not be that help and get more money for college in the process?
5. Fellowships/Internships
Organizations are looking for new amazing leaders and plenty are looking to hire students in college. Do not pass up these opportunities because they are GOLDEN! You can literally get paid to do what you love or want you wish to learn more about, how amazing is that? Be sure to stay updated on all the opportunities your institution is providing for you because they are there and you can be the one to receive it!
Examples of these opportunities are:
- Paid fellowship opportunities (can be available for lower and upper classmen)
- Paid Internships( they are not just for seniors!!)
There are plenty of fellowships and internships for all majors and all students. You can do it too!
6. Commuting!
Smart people commute! Room and board is on average about $10,000+ which is a major cost that could be cut out quite easily. If you live close enough to your campus I highly suggest you consider commuting. If you do not and know someone who has an apartment close to campus you can consider rooming with them if there's room. Rent is significantly less than room and board and is worth considering if you are stretched for cash.
You will not miss much and will most likely spend most of your day on campus anyways. Commuting is a great option don't knock it until you try it!
7. The Side Hustle!
Oh yes! Become your own boss today and for free! Using your nature talents to gain yourself some real money is the best thing you can do. There are plenty of options that you can use to earn more money and on your own time. There is options for everyone from fashion lovers to writers, DO NOT pass them up!
Looking to become your own boss sign up for these amazing websites and let the money roll in.
- Poshmark- Have old clothes that you do not want? Sell them now for cash!
- Fiverr- Have talents that you would like to share with those in need? Sign up now and get started!
- Ebay- Old items that you need gone? Sell them on Ebay now!
Have any hidden talents? Turn them into money today! You can do it!
8. Reduce Academic Expenses
No you do not need all those books that your class says you need and no you do not need brand new books! The reality is these books that are "needed" usually are never really needed. You can get by and pass that class with A+ without that book so do not waste your time or money. I can not tell you how many times I did not need the book my classes said I needed and wasted my money. DO NOT do it!Be sure to ask your professor *personally* is the book truly needed in class then buy it do not buy the book before hand. Or you will be very disappointed in your choices because books are not cheap!
If the books are needed, I would suggest you rent books or buy used ones for a whole lot less. This will serve you just fine!
Also if the book is needed I suggest you find a friend with the book you need and ask to share, Sharing is Caring!
*Bonus Tip:* Be sure to get that book out of here (if you did buy it) by selling it to someone in need. Did you say hustle?? A side hustle indeed!
9. Crowfunding!!
Remember when I said sharing is caring? It most certainly is and plenty of people are willing to donate to a college student in need, a college student with a dream, and just because. Crowdfunding allows the public to donate to causes and or projects that they support through social media. With that being said do not be ashamed to ask for help because you never know what can happen!Students have utilized crowdfunding to help fund extreme college expenses and it has worked out well for them.
Some sites include:
- CommonBond- connects students and alumni investors
- Gofundme- connect students to the public through a personal campaign
- Indiegogo- allows you to raise money for whatever you need.
Conclusion
See! Loans are not the only way to get real money for college, and you most certainly do not have to break your bank to ensure you get a degree. I hope you found these tips helpful and easy to read, but most of all I hope you look to take action next year or even this year. Your bank account will be happy for it!
Leave a comment share with us what ways you have made college more affordable for you!
Peace and love,
~Zanaé
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