Guide to Affording College
Hey everyone! It’s crazy to think about, but college is right around the corner. As a 17-year-old, I’ve been doing a lot of research about how to pay for it without drowning in debt. Here are some practical tips I’ve found to make college more affordable.
1. Apply for Scholarships Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for college because it’s money you don’t have to pay back. There are scholarships for almost everything—sports, academics, hobbies, and even quirky things like being left-handed! Start by looking at local scholarships first, as they tend to have fewer applicants, which increases your chances. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com are also great places to find national scholarships.
2. Fill Out the FAFSA Early The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is super important. Filling it out early gives you a better shot at getting grants, work-study opportunities, and federal loans with lower interest rates. Even if you think your family won’t qualify for financial aid, fill it out anyway. Some schools use it to determine scholarships and other aid, so it’s a win-win.
3. Get a Part-Time Job I know balancing school, sports, and a part-time job can be tough, but even working a few hours a week can make a big difference. You can save up money for tuition or other expenses like books or living costs. If you can find a job that’s related to what you want to study, even better—it’ll look great on your college applications and résumés!
4. Consider Community College A lot of people overlook community college, but it’s a smart way to save money. You can knock out general education classes for way less than what you’d pay at a four-year university. Plus, many community colleges have transfer agreements with universities, so you can get your degree at a fraction of the cost.
5. Take AP and Dual Enrollment Classes Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment classes allow you to earn college credit while still in high school. Not only do they look great on your transcript, but they can also save you money by reducing the number of classes you need to take in college. The fewer classes you take, the less you pay!
6. Live at Home (If Possible) One of the biggest costs of college is room and board. If you can live at home and commute to a local college, you can save thousands of dollars. I know it might not sound as exciting as living in a dorm, but think of how much you’ll save. You can always move out after your first couple of years when you’ve saved some money.
7. Look into Tuition Payment Plans Some colleges offer tuition payment plans, allowing you to break up your tuition into smaller, monthly payments instead of paying a big lump sum at the beginning of the semester. This can make it easier to manage your budget and avoid taking out more loans than you need.
8. Be Smart About Loans If you have to take out loans, try to stick with federal loans first because they have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. Private loans can get expensive, so use them as a last resort. Also, make sure you understand how much you’re borrowing and what your monthly payments will look like after graduation.
Final Thoughts Paying for college might seem overwhelming, but there are tons of resources out there to help. Start planning now, and you’ll thank yourself later. Scholarships, smart savings, and affordable college options can go a long way toward making your education more manageable—and debt-free!
Stay Savvy,
Arjun Lakireddy
