Student loans help pay for college, but can take years to pay back.
While post-secondary education opens up many doors when it comes to career choices, it is more expensive than ever. According to Forbes Magazine, the cost of college has been rising by 7 percent annually for decades, much higher than the rate of inflation. As a result, many young people find themselves caught in the trap of needing money to get the credentials to make money. Fortunately, there are still some reliable resources for students looking to finance their education.
Government Grants
The government makes some resources available for students in financial need to attend college. Look into Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Pell Grants can be worth as much as $4,000 per year and do not have to be repaid. You can apply online. If you are a Pell recipient and maintain a GPA of 3.0, you could be eligible for an additional $1,300 through the Academic Competitiveness Grant. Individual states sometimes also have grants available that you should look into.
Institutional Scholarships
Most post-secondary institutions have money available for students based on achievement. Finding out about them can be difficult, but it's always worth it to apply. Deadlines can vary and are usually strict, so it's best to start looking in the fall semester. Start by doing an Internet search for internal college scholarships. If you know what college you will be attending, spend a few minutes getting to know its website. Look under menus such as "Prospective Students" or "Financial Aid" for information. If you can't find scholarship information, look for the registrar's phone number on the site and call for more information.
Work
With tuition being as expensive as it is, there is always the old-fashioned route to making money: employment. Some students take a year off after high school to work full-time to pay for college. If you have a lucrative opportunity or a job you enjoy, consider working for a year to raise enough money. Other students look for on-campus work to pay for college. Visit the college cafeteria or bookstore and ask if they are hiring. Find out if your college has an employment center and visit it for more information.
Loans
If you have no means of securing a scholarship or a bursary, student loans, which must be repaid, are an option. Federal student loans come in various types. The most common are Stafford loans, which allow you to borrow a maximum of $23,000. Apply by visiting StaffordLoan.com. Repayment usually starts six months after you graduate. Many banks also have student loans available. Citizens Bank, for example, has a TruFit Student Loan, which can be repaid on a 5, 10 or 15 year term. To take the first step, visit your financial institution and speak with a representative.
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