There’s no doubt college tuition can be expensive, which leads many students to look into ways to make their higher education options more affordable. Here are three ways you can work towards getting tuition assistance.
Complete Your FAFSA
One of your first steps for tuition assistance should always be completing your FAFSA. (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid.) This can make you eligible for financial based loans and grants through the government. Never just assume you won’t qualify for money. You may be surprised by the results. Additionally, many scholarships require you to file the FAFSA to qualify.
The information you give FAFSA is then supplied to your future college. They may also use this information to offer you need-based scholarships or grants.
If You’re in the Military, Consider The Tuition Assistance Program
If you are currently in a branch of the United States Military, consider looking further into the Tuition Assistance Program for Service Members. Each branch has its own requirements and application process for the program. Therefore, research is essential for taking part.
Students who have been in the military can also look into the GI Bill “top up.” This can cover any fees that are not covered by the above Tuition Assistance Program.
Apply for Scholarships
There are plenty of other options available to you to apply for tuition assistance. One way is to apply for scholarships. There are awards for just about everything, from having red hair to studying marine biology. Using a scholarship database and talking to your counselor are two great ways to find scholarships.
Some states and schools also offer “full ride” scholarships that are entirely merit-based. If you scored well in high school and participated in extracurricular activities or similar, you may be eligible. However, it’s rare for more competitive schools to offer full-ride scholarships, so you’ll absolutely want to do research into colleges and universities that may offer them. The competition for the awards themselves will be tough, so keep that in mind when looking into these types of scholarships.
Apply for Grants
Grants are also an option for many students when it comes to tuition assistance. These may be given by local organizations or through your school. They can be based on merit or if you have proven financial need of the money. Some grants do have stipulations. However, so make sure you’re keeping on top of the requirements if you do decide to accept this money.
There are plenty of ways to get assistance when it comes to paying for college including scholarships, grants, the Tuition Assistance Program for Service Member, and federal loans. To find all the options available to you, make sure you talk to your high school guidance counselor for advice. Do your research online into awards, and talk to your future college’s financial aid office to make sure you cover all your bases when it comes to getting money for school.
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
6.97%-15.03%* Variable
5.99%-14.00%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
6.37% - 16.70% Variable
4.50% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.98% - 16.70% Variable
4.07% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.07% - 11.31% Variable
4.39% - 10.39% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
|
|
6.22% - 16.08% Variable
4.09% - 15.66% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
6.54% - 11.08% Variable
3.95% - 8.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 18.26% Variable
4.11% - 15.90% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
4.98% - 12.79% Variable
8.42% - 13.01% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
