College is a critical investment in a student’s life. However, there are more and more reports displaying the concern over elevated (and still increasing) student loan rates. Don’t be afraid of the cost of college. Be smart, think clearly, and plan accordingly. This can help students avoid the slew of problems associated with paying for school.
With a growing number of students becoming anxious about whether or not to attend school due to finances, now is the time to set the record straight. Florida National University (FNU) delivers six ways for students to attend school in Miami—and maybe even without breaking open the piggy bank!
FAFSA is Your Friend
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that allows students and the federal government to determine how much assistance a student needs to pay for school each year. It is based on the previous year’s tax information.
While all students can receive unsubsidized student loans through this service (paired with lenders like Sallie Mae or My Great Lakes), only some can receive subsidized loans—but more on that next.
A fraction of students qualify for grants provided by the federal government. This might be in the form of a Pell Grant or other grants. Because they are not loans, students are not required to pay them back.
Student Loans
Students who, regardless of the other opportunities, must still take out loans should do their best to take out subsidized loans, if possible. This will help reduce the amount of interest students pay in the long run. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while the student is still enrolled in classes—so individuals who qualify for subsidized loans should opt for this over their interest-ridden counterparts.
Keep in mind that, after a student has been out of school for six months, this individual will begin receiving bills. Payments will be due half a year after graduating or ceasing to enroll for any reason.
Scholarships
Scholarships are an obvious choice for many students hoping to reduce the amount of loans taken throughout the course of college. While there are many scholarships available, many students doubt that they will ever earn them and they decline applying. However, students should always take the chance to gain a scholarship—especially when one meets the qualifications. There are lots of scholarships that are based on requirements aside from academics and sports. Read here for the most unexpected scholarships in South Florida!
Work Full or Part-Time
Working while in school enables students the ability to pay for a portion of it as they go. However, there are still more benefits to taking on a job while studying.
According to US News, “Undergrads who work their way through college can maximize their efforts by seeking out a job that offers tuition reimbursement. Target, Apple, Home Depot, and Verizon Wireless are easy to spot in any college town, and all have tuition assistance programs.” In fact, these are just a few of several companies that encourage students to study while working for them by reimbursing their studies.
Many companies see this as an investment in their employees, offering them incentive to stay with the company while also improving their qualifications for higher positions within.
Save Up Before Attending School
In some instances, saving up before attending a university is the right choice. This will help reduce the amount of loans a student must acquire—along with the interest that goes along with those loans.
Here’s the plan: save money before attending school and don’t touch it. Just because there is an abundance of money in a savings account doesn’t mean it’s spendable. Keeping one’s priorities in order is a great way to reduce the temptation to spend school savings.
Learn From Others
Many students have made it known that they graduated school without loans. This is a huge accomplishment by most standards. Read more about this feat here.
Don’t Let Payments Hold You Back
Find out more about paying for school by contacting one of our financial aid officers. Never let finances scare you away from getting started on your education. This is an investment that almost always pays off in the long run. With an improving economy and a lower unemployment rate, now is the right time to get situated in an educational program. Ready to get started? Apply now to FNU and begin your educational career.
