- Why should I earn a college degree?
Pay now or pay later. On average, college graduates earn more in their lifetime that non-college graduates. For each dollar invested in a college education, your return is substantial! On average, a person with a Master’s degree earns $31,900 more per year than a high school graduate – that’s a difference of as much as 105%! (Source: EarnMyDegree.com) So when you’re considering whether or not to borrow money for college, be sure to consider the cost versus the benefits both short-term and for years to come. To help you weigh your possibilities, visit My College Options for help.
- How do I get financial aid?
First of all, you need to apply for it. And that starts by having your parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to the FAFSA, you may qualify for other forms of financial aid such as: scholarships, grants, work study, loans, military and/or AmeriCorps. No matter which type(s) of financial aid, you will need to complete an application and remember, the early bird gets the worm.
- When should I start to apply for financial aid?
Be sure to apply early – you should start researching your financial aid in your junior year of high school or sooner. One great way to get an estimate of how much financial aid you might receive is completing the FAFSA4caster in your junior year. The FAFSA4caster will help you get an early start on the financial aid process by providing you with an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid. In addition, FAFSA4caster will increase your knowledge of the financial aid process and provide information about other sources of aid.
- How can I increase my chances of earning a college scholarship?
If you want to increase your chances of earning a college scholarship, apply for as many scholarships as you meet the criteria for. You don't want to go overboard, but the more scholarship programs you apply for, the greater your chances of receiving financial aid for college. Many students list inadequate funds as their number one reason for not earning a college education. Here are some additional tips to give your scholarship applications an edge:
Push yourself – get good grades and take challenging classes from 9th grade!
Get involved – join a club or play a sport.
Express yourself – explore your creative side – art, band, choir, drama. Some scholarships are based solely on a special talent.
Make a difference – volunteer at your school or a local organization, or help with a community project; it’s a great way to meet people, learn new things and it looks great on a scholarship application!
