how to pay for education fees essay

How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!)

So you’re applying for a scholarship that asks you about your financial need. What do you say? How honest or specific should you be? What is TMI? In this article, we break down how to pen an awesome financial need scholarship essay or statement.

What to include in a financial need scholarship essay

Template to structure your financial need scholarship essay, introduction: your basic profile, body: your financial situation and hardships, conclusion: how you would benefit from this scholarship, was this financial need essay for a college financial aid application , now, reuse that same essay to apply for more scholarships, additional resources to help you write your financial need scholarship essay.

Many scholarships and college financial aid awards are “need-based,” given to students whose financial situation requires additional support. That’s why one of the most common college scholarship essays is a statement of financial need. This might be very explicit (“Explain your financial need”), somewhat explicit (“Describe your financial situation”), or quite open-ended (“Explain why you need this scholarship”).

In all cases, scholarship providers want to get a sense of your family’s financial picture: what your family income is, if you personally contribute to it (do you have a job?), and how much additional money you need to attend your target college (your “financial gap”).

If the essay prompt is a bit more open-ended (“Explain how this scholarship would help you”), your essay should probably be a combination of a financial need statement and a career goals / academic goals essay.  That’s because you want to show how the award will help you financially and in your academic or career goals.

Usually this statement of financial need is a pretty short scholarship essay (150-300 words), so unlike a college essay or personal statement where you have ample word count to tell anecdotes, you’ll likely need to get right to the point. 

Be sure to include: 

• If you are an underrepresented group at college, for instance, part of an ethnic minority or the first in your family to go to college
• Any relevant family circumstances, like if your parents are immigrants or refugees, as well as your parents’ occupation and how many children/family members they support financially
• How you are currently paying for college, including what you personally are doing to contribute financially (like working student jobs)
• What financial challenges/difficulties your family is facing, for instance, if a parent recently lost their job
• How you would benefit from the scholarship–including your academic and career goals (if word count allows)

Also remember to write in an optimistic tone. Writing about your financial situation or hardships might not be the most positive thing to share. But you can turn it around with an optimistic tone by writing about how these challenges have taught you resiliency and grit.

Give a short introduction to who you are, highlighting any family characteristics that might make you part of an underrepresented group at college. 

“I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college. My family moved from El Salvador to New York when I was seven years old, to escape the violence there.”

Example 2: 

“I am from a working-class family in Minnesota. My family never had a lot, but we pooled our efforts together to make ends meet. My parents both worked full-time (my father as a mechanic, my mother as a receptionist at the local gym), while my siblings and I all worked weekend jobs to contribute to the family income.”

Dive into the details. How are you currently planning to pay for college? The idea here is to show that you and your family have made a good-faith effort to earn enough money to pay your tuition, but that it has simply not been enough. 

Make sure you describe your parents’ occupation, any savings (like a 529 College Savings Account), and any student jobs. You might also discuss any sudden changes in fortune (e.g. parent fell ill or lost their job) that have ruined your original financial plans. 

Example 

As immigrants with limited English, my parents have had to accept low-paying jobs. My father is an Uber driver, and my mother is a housekeeper. They earn just enough to pay our rent and put food on the table, so I’ve always known they could not help me pay for college.  So I’ve been proactive about earning and saving my own money. Since age 11, I’ve worked odd jobs (like mowing my neighbors’ lawns). At age 16, I started working at the mall after school and on weekends. Through all these jobs, I’ve saved about $3000. But even with my financial aid grants, I need to pay $8000 more per year to go to college. 

Bring it home by wrapping up your story.  Explain how you plan to use the financial aid if you’re awarded this scholarship. How will you benefit from this award? What will you put the money toward, and how will it help you achieve your academic and/or career goals?

Scholarship review boards want to know that their money will be put to good use, supporting a student who has clear plans for the future, and the motivation and determination to make those plans a reality. This is like a shortened, one-paragraph version of the “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay . 

Winning $5000 would help me close the financial gap and take less in student loans. This is particularly important for me because I plan to study social work and eventually work in a role to support my community. However, since these jobs are not well paid, repaying significant student loans would be difficult. Your scholarship would allow me to continue down this path, to eventually support my community, without incurring debt I can’t afford.

My plan is to study human biology at UC San Diego, where I have been admitted, and eventually pursue a career as a Nurse-Practitioner. I know that being pre-med will be a real academic challenge, and this scholarship would help me focus on those tough classes, rather than worrying about how to pay for them. The $2000 award would be equivalent to about 150 hours of working at a student job. That’s 150 hours I can instead focus on studying, graduating, and achieving my goals. 

Sometimes this financial need statement isn’t for an external scholarship. Instead, it’s for your college financial aid office.

In that case, you’re usually writing this statement for one of two reasons:

• You’re writing an appeal letter , to request additional financial aid, after your original financial aid offer wasn’t enough. In this case, you’ll want to make sure you’re being extra specific about your finances.
• You’re applying for a specific endowed scholarship that considers financial need. In this case, your financial need essay can be quite similar to what we’ve outlined above.

Now that you’ve written a killer financial need scholarship essay, you have one of the most common scholarship essays ready on hand, to submit to other scholarships too.

You can sign up for a free Going Merry account today to get a personalized list of hundreds of scholarships matched to your profile. You can even save essays (like this one!) to reuse in more than one application.  

You might also be interested in these other blog posts related to essay writing:

• What’s the right scholarship essay format and structure?
• How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals
• How to write an awesome essay about your career goals
• Recent Posts

• Scholarships for Students in Pennsylvania for 2021 - November 11, 2020
• Counselor Starter Guide: How to Use Going Merry’s Scholarship Platform - September 9, 2020
• How to write a financial need statement for your scholarship application (with examples!) - August 13, 2020

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How to Pay for College (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Let’s face it: college is one of the most important investments you will make in your life. However, college is an unusually expensive and complicated investment. The complexity stems from the fact that every family may be paying a different amount for college as determined by the EFC or Expected Family Contribution.

It is also a confusing process for students and families because there are so many ways to fund an education. Scholarships, need-based grants, savings, student loans, and work study are just a few of the ways that families and students might pay for college. This is why it’s important to have a plan to pay for college. In this guide, we will talk you through the process of paying for college.

Of course, every family’s financial situation is different, and the cost of college will be different for each. That’s why an important first step to paying for college is figuring out what college will cost for you.

Related:  Scholarships360’s free scholarship search engine

Estimating the cost of college

I mentioned earlier that the cost of college will vary from family to family. This is because need-based financial aid is dependent on each family’s financial situation, so the “net cost” of college (after financial aid is factored in) can vary.

Luckily, there is a useful tool called the Net Price Calculator that can help students estimate what a need-based financial aid package might look like at a particular school. You don’t need to be an applicant to complete the Net Price Calculator, so you can feel free to use it well before you are applying for college. In fact, anyone can complete the Net Price Calculator including parents, guardians, and school counselors!

This is a recommended first step for all students and families who want to estimate the net cost of a college education.

Now that you have that figured out, we can dive into the major ways that students will pay for college:

• Savings & Income

Need-based financial aid

Private student loans, other ways to pay for college, savings & income.

According to the most recent Sallie Mae report, savings and income represented 50% of funding from students and parents. This made it the largest single funding source that families reported. Luckily for families, there is a financial vehicle called a 529 plan that provides tax benefits for educational-related savings.

Saving money through a 529 Plan

“ Family contributions” is a fancy phrase for “money that you and your family have saved” and one of the primary ways people pay for college.

One of the best ways to save for college is through a 529 Education Plan . A 529 plan allows families to use money tax-free for education expenses, including college. I t is never too late to start a 529 plan, but a longer period of time will allow you to invest more money and allow your investment to grow.

Learn more:  How much money can you put in a 529 Plan?

Need-based financial aid is awarded based on a student’s family financial situation. This means that it can be a very valuable way to pay for college.

Students can apply for need-based financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA . Some colleges will also ask students to complete additional applications like the CSS Profile .

There are three major types of need-based financial aid that you might receive: grants, loans, and work study. Let’s discuss all three of these options:

Need-based grants

Need-based grants do not need to be repaid and can include institutional grants from specific colleges, as well as grants from the federal government such as the Pell Grant . The upside of need-based grants is that they are essentially free money and will not need to be repaid.

Federal work study is a need-based program through the federal government that allows students to pay for college and educational expenses through a part-time job. Students are responsible for finding their jobs through their school and the amount of money they earn will depend on the specific job, as well as the amount of hours worked. Earnings from work study also do not need to be repaid.

Federal student loans

The third type of need-based financial aid that students can qualify for are federal student loans . Federal student loans include subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans , as well as Parent PLUS loans . These student loans generally have more favorable interest rates and more flexible repayment options than other student loans. This generally makes them a better option than private student loans which we will get to later.

Learn more: Top Student Loans for undergraduate and graduate degrees

Tons of companies, non-profits, foundations, and other organizations offer scholarships to students! Similar to college merit scholarships and need-based financial aid, scholarships do not need to be paid back. There are scholarships for lots of different things including writing, volunteering, and athletics.. There are lots of scholarships that are open to students who are freshmen , sophomores , and juniors, as well as seniors in high school. 

College merit scholarships

In addition to need-based financial aid, many colleges offer merit scholarships to strong applicants. These merit scholarships are also great, because they don’t need to be paid back. Merit scholarships can range from a few thousand dollars to full tuition, room, and board!

The process of applying for college merit scholarships can vary form college to college. At some colleges, all applicants will be automatically considered for merit scholarship opportunities with their admissions application. At other colleges, students will have to submit a separate merit scholarship application with additional essays. When in doubt, you should check in with the colleges on your list so you an be sure you are properly applying for merit scholarships.

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Private student loans are loans that are offered by private financial companies, as opposed to the government. The best advice is to compare different loan rates and repayment terms. By comparing different options, you will be able to find the best private loan solution for your situation.

Remember that you are responsible for paying back all student loans–both private and federal. As a rule of thumb, you should try to keep your total loan amount at or below your anticipated post-graduate earnings. So if you expect to make $50,000 per year, you should not take out more than $50,000 in total student loans over four years.

The College Scorecard is a tool that can provide useful data about what you can expect to earn as a graduate of a particular college or university. Remember, earnings can vary depending on your major or chosen career pathway, so keep that in mind!

Also see:  How much student loan debt is too much?

While income & savings, need-based financial aid, scholarships, and private student loans are the major ways that students pay for college, there are some additional options to consider.

Income Share Agreements are one such funding option where students promise to pay back a portion of future earnings in return for educational funding.

Some colleges also offer in-state tuition to certain out-of-state students . This is another way to potentially save tens of thousands of dollars on college tuition.

• If you are saving money for college, a 529 Plan will allow you to take advantage of certain tax benefits!
• Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate financial aid at all of the colleges on your list. If you are still in the research stage, you should run the Calculator on a few schools to get some benchmarks on college cost
• Apply for need-based financial aid with the FAFSA and CSS Profile (if your college requires the CSS Profile). Remember, that both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile have deadlines that may vary based on your school!
• As a last resort, you can use private student loans or Income Share Agreements to pay for college. We also recommend that students shop around for the best terms and rates for these alternative financing options

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Financial Aid

You did all the work of getting into your dream schools - researching the colleges, visiting campuses, getting great test scores, putting together a polished application - and still have to deal with one major obstacle: paying for college. Few students can pay for a full year at college without some assistance, but almost 2 million students graduate with a bachelor’s degree each year in the US - they must be paying for school somehow, right?

Whether you’re a high school student or a current undergraduate, it’s never too early (or too late) to think about minimizing your college costs to make school more affordable . In this post, I’ll go through everything you need to know about how to pay for college.

I’ll start off by talking about what college actually costs before moving into application strategies, figuring out how much money you need, how much aid you can get, and how much you should actually be paying. We'll cover all the major ways to pay for college that families usually use. At the end, I’ll offer some more creative options for closing the gap between your financial need and your actual cost.

First, How Much Does College Cost? 

The first step in understanding how to pay for college is having a good understanding of what your expenses will be . 

For the 2014-2015 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees for one year was: 

• $31,231 at private colleges
• $9,139 for state residents at public colleges
• $22,958 for out-of-state residents at public colleges

This is the cost that people typically consider when they think of college expenses. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more to the picture than just tuition costs - there are also hidden or implicit expenses associated with spending a year at college.

These other annual expenses include:

• Room and board - averages $11,188 at private colleges, $8,804 at public colleges
• College textbooks - average cost is about $1,200 
• Travel costs - these will vary widely based on the student
• Lab fees and supplies - these will come to about $50 per class if they're not already rolled into fees
• Personal expenses - most students budget about $2,000/year to cover personal costs like toiletries and entertainment

Lumping together all of these expenses (if you can estimate travel and personal expenses) will give you a school’s real sticker price - the Cost of Attendance. It’s pretty easy to get an estimate of a school’s CoA- just google “[school name] cost of attendance.”

While it's important to know a school's CoA, perhaps a more important figure to know is your "net price" - it’s what you pay after all financial aid is taken into account. This is what you actually owe, out of pocket, for a year at school . Want to estimate your net price at a particular school? Just google “[school name] net price calculator” - many schools have tools that will give you an estimate of how much you’ll pay out of pocket. These calculators take financial need and sometimes merit-based factors into account. 

Minimizing Costs With Your College Applications

Cutting costs can be as simple as applying to the right schools - make paying for college easier from the beginning. 

If you’re applying to colleges with price in mind, your strategy should focus on lowest net price, not necessarily lowest sticker price . Apply broadly so that you can consider as many options as possible. You have nothing to lose by applying to a wide range of schools, aside from application fees. If these fees are an issue, ask your guidance counselor about fee waivers.

Once you've been accepted to schools,  you’ll receive official financial aid packages . You can then determine which packages you’re most comfortable with (I'll go through some example financial aid packages at the end of the post). 

Once you start looking over different financial aid offers, you might notice that not all types of aid are created equal . Just because a financial aid package will cover all your “unmet need” doesn’t mean that it will do so in a way that you’ll find helpful (for example, an aid offer might offer large high-interest loans). Look over each package carefully to determine how much money you’ll actually pay, both now and in the future .

• Example : A school that offers you 5k in grants and 40k in high-interest loans (45k total) will have you paying much more in the long run than a school that offers you 25k in grants, 10k in low-interest loans, and 5k in high-interest loans (40k total). 

In general,  grants and scholarships tend to be better aid options than low-interest loans or federal work-study . High-interest loans are the least desirable forms of aid. You don't have to pay back grant or scholarship money, but you do have to pay back your school loans (and high-interest loans cost you more in the long run than low-interest ones). 

How Do You Figure Out How Much You Need to Pay for College? 

Now may be a good time to whip out your trusty TI-84. 

There are a few different steps to figuring out how much aid you’ll need in order to afford college:

1. How Much Will School Cost?

Your total expenses will depend on where you decide to go to school, whether you're living in a dorm, and what sort of travel and personal expenses you'll need to account for. Use the info above and this guide to get a good estimate of what your sticker price will be .

2. What Can You Afford? 

Your family’s idea of what you can afford may differ from what schools and the Department of Education think you can afford. To address this discrepancy, I have two strategies to figuring out what your family can contribute to college costs: an "unofficial" (perhaps more realistic) one, and an official one. The unofficial strategy will tell you what your family can reasonably contribute, whereas the official strategy tells you what you may be  expected to contribute. 

The "Unofficial" Strategy 

Sit down with your parents/guardians and crunch some numbers. Schools often expect families to contribute at least 10% of annual income to college costs, even if schools themselves can’t offer enough aid to cover the difference. What would it mean for your family if they had to contribute 10% to your college expenses for four years? What if they were asked to contribute more than 10%?

The "Official" Strategy

Use the FAFSA4caster to estimate your federal aid eligibility. The tool will spit out a number called an EFC, or Expected Family Contribution - this is the figure that the FAFSA4caster has determined your family can afford to pay . The more accurate the info you enter into the FAFSA4caster, the more accurate your EFC will be. When you submit the real FAFSA , the federal government will use the application to determine aid eligibility. Many schools also use the FAFSA to award their own need-based aid.  

3. What's the Difference Between What You Can Afford and What You Owe? 

The final step in determining how much aid you need is figuring out the difference between your CoA (cost of attendance) and the amount you can comfortably afford. The difference will be the amount that (ideally) you can get covered with financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships. 

Anything that remains “uncovered” is your responsibility to pay . For example, if a school’s CoA is 50k and you get 20k in grants and 20k in federal subsidized loans , 10k will be your responsibility. You can pay the amount that year, take out private loans or PLuS loans , or a combination thereof.

How Much Financial Aid Can You Get? 

Let's figure out how much money you can get your hands on. 

Unfortunately, just because you have demonstrated financial need doesn’t mean you can get that need covered at any school you wish to go to. Most college students in the US get some help paying for college, but the amount of money you can get will depend on quite a few different factors. In this section, I'll talk about the main variables that affect how much aid you can get and the different ways to pay for college . 

Financial Need

The greater your demonstrated financial need, the more aid you're likely to get. Students with exceptional financial need may be eligible for federal programs like the Pell Grant or Perkins loan . Need-based scholarships, like the Gates Millennium Scholarship program , are also viable funding options. Finally, schools that offer need-based aid will award more funds to students with greater need. 

Your Choice of School

Put simply; top-rated schools tend to have more money, which means they can offer more generous financial aid packages. Some schools even claim to cover all unmet financial need. 

Whether you attend a public or private college will also affect your net costs. Private schools tend to cost more than public in terms of sticker price, but they tend to have better financial aid programs. Public schools are relatively inexpensive for state residents, but can be very pricey for out-of-state applicants. 

The greater your strengths, the more opportunities you'll have for educational funding. 

Merit-based institutional aid is often offered in the form of sports scholarships or academic scholarships (for students with high grades or SAT/ACT scores). Not all schools offer merit-based aid, but some do in order to attract high-caliber applicants. 

Merit-based scholarships are also good funding options for ambitious students. Many private scholarships give out awards based on GPA, test scores, community service, and leadership experience. Being a high performer in any of these areas will help your college applications, but they’ll also help your scholarship applications. 

Ultimately, access to many of these financial opportunities comes down to initiative and personal organization . One of the most important ways initiative comes into play is when it comes to keeping track of (and meeting) deadlines - you won't be able to get any forms of financial aid if you don't have an organized timeline. To give you a bit of a head start, I've compiled important deadlines so that you can maximize your aid opportunities:

• Federal FAFSA deadline -  For the 2015-2016 academic year, the federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2016. The earlier you apply, the better - you don't want funds for certain programs to run out. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the FAFSA will open January 1, 2016.
• State FAFSA deadline - These deadlines vary be state. If you're interested in qualifying for state funding (you should be interested), check the FAFSA deadline for your state . 
• CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE deadline - The PROFILE is an aid applications that some schools use in lieu of (or in addition to) the FAFSA. Deadlines vary by school, so check with the colleges you're applying to if you know you'll have to submit a PROFILE. Check this list of participating schools and programs for more info. 
• Scholarship deadlines -  Deadlines for different scholarship programs vary widely. If you do plan on applying for scholarships, you may as well go all out and apply to as many as possible. Many scholarships ask for similar things from applicants: a personal statement, transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, letters of rec., etc. Check out our list of top scholarships to get an idea of typical scholarship deadlines. 

For more information on applying for financial aid, check out our step-by-step guide . 

How Much Should You Pay for College Out-of-Pocket? 

How much is too much to pay in cash and loans? 

So we've gone through strategies for minimizing costs,  determining need, and calculating likely aid. What we haven't covered yet is perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself before committing to a particular school: how much should you pay, both in cash up front and in loans after graduation, for your education? If you have the opportunity to attend one of your target schools or even reach schools, but the financial aid package isn’t as great as you expected, what do you do? Is it worth it to pay more than you can afford to attend that college ?

I can't give you a clear answer to these questions, but I can give you some information that will help you figure them out for yourself :

1. Attending a Better School Leads to Better Networking and Career Opportunities

More prestigious or better-ranked schools often have stronger alumni networks and recruiting events. A diploma from a better school is also a better "signal" to future employers or graduate schools. Ultimately, you may earn  more money in the long run if you attend a high-ranking college. 

There are a few caveats to keep in mind, however. First, you may not equate a higher salary with success, especially if you don't plan on pursuing a high-earning career. Second, a college degree on its own (regardless of where you go to school) is correlated with higher earnings . Finally, income is probably more strongly associated with your choice of career than it is with your choice of college. For example, students who graduate in math/science fields tend to earn more than other students. 

2. Student Loan Debt Can Limit Your Future Choices

Loans often have a grace period (a period of time after graduation where you don’t yet have to make payments), but after this grace period, looming student debt can limit your career options. Things like travel, unpaid internships, or volunteer work may be out of the question if you have to make hefty monthly loan payments.  If you have severe financial problems later in life and declare bankruptcy (where all your debts are forgiven - you start with a clean slate, but your credit is destroyed), student loans are essentially  non-dischargeable . Even if you face extreme financial hardships through no fault of your own, student debt is notoriously sticky, and usually, won’t be canceled by bankruptcy.

In sum, student debt is a commitment. The more loans you take out, the more your debt will affect the rest of your life choices. 

3. Student Loan Debt Can Be Flexible, and Even Forgivable

There are different repayment plan options for recent grads who aren’t making much money, including income-based and graduated repayment plans. You pay more in the long run, but monthly payments are smaller when you’re younger and aren’t making as much money. This affords you a degree of flexibility. Additionally, you usually don’t have to make payments on your loans if you are in graduate school . 

Finally,  some student loans can be forgiven or canceled if you work in certain public service careers. This means you can pursue a (relatively) low-paying career option without worrying about paying back student debt. 

How Do You Determine Your Willingness to Pay? 

The right amount to pay out-of-pocket for college will depend on what you’re ultimately comfortable with. Some questions to consider before deciding what you’re okay paying for school, both now (in cash) and in the future (with student loan payments) include: 

• Will this school offer you unparalleled networking/professional opportunities, or can you get similar opportunities somewhere less expensive?
• Does this school offer an especially strong program in a field I want to pursue?
• How much do you (realistically) anticipate earning in the 5-10 years after you graduate? Based on your career path, what will you be able to afford in terms of monthly student loan payments?
• Are there ways to cut down personal costs/expenses to lower your cost of attendance? What sacrifices are you willing to make, and what sacrifices are out of the question?
• Can you get a student job to mitigate some of your costs? Would getting a student job negatively impact your studies?
• Last, but not least: how does this amount of debt or expense make you feel? If you anticipate burdened or overwhelmed to the extent that your quality of life is negatively affected, is the expense worth it?

Only you know the answers to these questions. I encourage you to be thoughtful and honest with yourself - the costs and benefits of attending a particular school are long-lasting and far-reaching . Paying for college is an investment in yourself and in your future, but you want the investment to be premeditated and purposeful.

If you’re dead-set on attending a particular school that’s a little pricier than you’d like, read on for tips on making college a bit more affordable.

Creative Ways to Pay for School

There are other ways to get money for college besides federal and institutional financial aid. If you have a bit of time on your hands, these next options could help you make college more affordable.

Scholarships

You can start applying for scholarships any time - you don’t even have to be in high school! Many of the bigger scholarships, though, are targeted towards graduating high school seniors. Before you even apply to colleges, start checking out scholarship options, ideally sometime during your junior year. There are so many scholarship options out there - big and small - that could make a world of a difference. 

To start your scholarship search, check out our guides to the top awards for high school juniors and high school seniors . 

Student Jobs

This won’t be right for everyone, but a student job can be a practical (and sometimes even fun) way to cover some of your expenses. Students with federal work study awards, in particular, will have plenty of on-campus job options. Ideally, you can get both professional career experience AND some extra cash.

Paying for College: Real-World Examples

Now that we've gone through everything you need to know about paying for college, from cost-minimization strategies to creative cost solutions, we can put everything together to see examples in action. I'll present two different examples to reflect two different, but realistic, situations. For each example, I'll walk through different payment options for each (hypothetical) student. 

In this example, a high-achieving Arizona student from a relatively wealthy family has received a financial aid offer from Arizona State University . Remember when we went over factors that affect aid? We know that she's applied to an in-state public school, she's high-merit, and she has relatively low financial need . The first two factors will positively affect the amount of aid she receives, whereas the last factor will negatively impact her aid. Here's an idea of what her aid offer would look like: 

Her net price - what her family would have to pay out-of-pocket for all expenses  - comes to $14,260 for the year. She's responsible for paying this entire amount if she wants to register for classes at ASU. She has a few options when it comes to tackling this expense:

• If her family can afford to do so, they could pay the entire $14,260 for the year. This would be less expensive than taking out loans in the long run because the student wouldn't be responsible for accruing interest charges. 
• The student could take out the entire amount in loans. If she did this for all 4 years of college, her debt would come to about $60,000 - more than twice the average amount of US student debt. She may be able to take out some low-interest federal loans to mitigate these costs. 
• The student's family could pay some amount in cash, and the student could take out the remaining balance in loans. 
• The student could apply for merit-based scholarships, and get part or all of her net price covered. If a balance remains after winning scholarships, the student could pay with cash; she could take out loans, or she could cover the balance with some combination of cash and loans. 
• The student could get a student job and pay down some of her net balance while she's in school. It would be very difficult, however, to earn almost 15k/year while shes's also a full-time student - 2-3k would be a reasonable goal. 

Keep in mind that if this student were not high-achieving, she likely wouldn't have earned the ASU scholarship. Her net price would have been $27,260 instead of $14,260 - her good grades and ACT/SAT scores saved her $13,000 in her first year of college. 

In this example, a high-achieving California student from a relatively low-income family has received a financial aid offer from Stanford University . We know that he's applied to a top private school with a high sticker price but a generous financial aid program, he's high-merit, and he has high financial need. All three factors will positively impact the amount of aid he receives. Here's an idea of what his aid offer would look like: 

His net price comes to $5,000 a year, even though the total cost of attendance is a staggering $64,900. He has a few options when it comes to paying this annual expense:

• His family may pay part or all of his net cost. Given that he comes from a lower-income family, however, they may not be able to afford this. 
• He could apply for need-based or merit-based scholarships. Even if he got several smaller scholarships, he could cover a significant part (or even all) of this annual cost.
• He could get a student job to cover these expenses. If he got paid work during the summer and the school year, it wouldn't be unmanageable to pay 5k per year.
• He could take out student loans to cover part or all of his expenses. Given that his family is low-income, he would likely qualify for low-interest federal loans. Even if he took out 5k loans for 4 years of college, his student debt at graduation would be lower than that of the average US graduate.

What's Next?

Excited to start budgeting for college? Of course, you're not - it's like the least fun part. Even though it's not exactly thrilling, it doesn't have to be painful. Your first stop should be our clear guide to what college actually costs .

Your next stop should be prepping for financial aid applications. Read our guides to applying for financial aid and submitting a FAFSA .

Ready for something a little more fun? Check out our guides to the top scholarship programs for high school juniors and seniors .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Francesca graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and scored in the 99th percentile on the SATs. She's worked with many students on SAT prep and college counseling, and loves helping students capitalize on their strengths.

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How to Pay for College: 8 Tips

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When paying for college, some forms of financial aid are better than others.

Money that you don't have to pay back should take priority — like scholarships, grants and fellowships — followed by income from work-study programs, or even employer assistance if you can work while enrolled.

To keep college costs manageable, exhaust free financial aid before taking out student loans when planning how to pay for college.

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1. Fill out the FAFSA

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to receive federal aid like grants, work-study opportunities and even federal student loans . You can also qualify for state-level and school-based aid.

Be as thorough as you can when filling out the FAFSA . The federal government uses this to gauge what resources you and your family have to pay for college. For example, if you or your parents saved money in a 529 plan — a state-sponsored tax-advantaged college investment account — you'll be expected to tap into this to cover your costs.

Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible because some colleges award both need- and merit-based money on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to the FAFSA, some schools also require you to complete the CSS profile to be considered for aid.

» MORE: How many colleges should I apply to?

2. Search for scholarships

You don’t have to wait until you’re a senior in high school to start your scholarship search. In fact, it could pay to start earlier. For example, the Evans Scholars Foundation awards full-ride scholarships to hundreds of golf caddies each year. But you have to be a caddie for at least two years to qualify, which means you’d have to start caddying during your sophomore year in high school at the latest to be eligible by the time you apply at the beginning of your senior year.

Scholarships, unlike student loans, don’t have to be paid back. Thousands are available; use the Department of Labor’s Scholarships Finder to get started. While many scholarships require that you submit the FAFSA, most also have an additional application.

» MORE: How to get a scholarship

3. Choose an affordable school

Paying for college will be easier if you choose a school that’s reasonably priced for you. To avoid straining your bank account, consider starting at a community college or technical or trade school.

» MORE: College enrollment is down, but here's why you should still go

If you opt for a traditional four-year university, research the school's net price — the cost to you after grants and scholarships. This will show you your out-of-pocket cost instead of solely focusing on the sticker price.

For example, if a $28,000-a-year school doesn’t offer you any aid, and a $60,000-a-year college offers you $40,000 in aid, the school with the higher sticker price could be a better option because of it's lower net price.

Schools have net price calculators on their websites to help you estimate the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

» MORE: Why college students take on loans they can't repay

4. Use grants if you qualify

The high school class of 2021 forfeited $3.75 billion in federal Pell Grant money by not completing the FAFSA, according to a study by the National College Attainment Network . 

Don’t make that mistake. As long as you submit the FAFSA and renew it each year you’re enrolled in school, you’ll receive Pell money if you’re eligible for it.

In addition to the need-based Pell program, the federal government offers several other types of grants, which also don’t need to be paid back in most cases. Many states have grant programs, too. Use the Education Department's state education contacts and information locator to find the agencies in your state that administer college grants. Then look up and apply to state grant programs you may qualify for.

» MORE: Guide to grants for college

5. Get a work-study job

A college job checks multiple boxes: It provides an income, work experience and potentially valuable connections. The federal work-study program funds part-time jobs for college students with financial need.

To apply for work-study, submit the FAFSA. If you qualify, you’ll see “work-study” listed on your financial aid award. However, just because you’re eligible for work-study doesn’t mean you automatically get that money. You have to find an eligible work-study job on your campus and work enough hours to earn all of the aid you qualify for.

6. Work for an employer that pays for college

Nearly half of employers offer undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance, according to a 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management.

A company can help you afford college by covering a percentage of costs, a flat amount, or even 100% of tuition. For example, you have access to over 75 fully-funded associate and bachelor's degree programs if you work at Chipotle.

Employer tuition assistance programs can come in the form of tuition reimbursement — where you're reimbursed for tuition you already paid — or the company can pay the school directly.

When applying to jobs, research what educational benefits they offer. And if you're already employed, connect with the human resources department to see what is available for you.

» MORE: 11 jobs that will pay for college

7. Take out federal loans if you have to

You don’t have to say yes to all the aid you’re offered — especially student loans. As a rule of thumb, aim for student loan payments that don’t exceed 10% of projected after-tax monthly income your first year out of school.

If you need to borrow to pay for college, take out federal student loans before private ones . Federal loans have benefits that private loans don’t, including access to income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs . 

» MORE: Is college worth it?

8. Borrow private loans as a last resort

If you do need to use private student loans , compare your options before you choose a lender. Shop around to find the lender that offers you the lowest interest rate and the most generous borrower protections, such as flexible repayment plans or the option to put your loans in forbearance if you’re struggling to make payments.

It is also harder to qualify for private loans. Unlike federal loans, most private loans take into account a potential borrower’s credit score and finances. Borrowers with strong finances or those who have a co-signer with strong finances stand to get lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. There are also private student loans designed for borrowers with poor or no credit .

» MORE: How is a student loan different from a scholarship?

Remember: After you leave school, you’ll have to pay back any money you borrowed. Many student loans — all but federal subsidized loans — accrue interest while you’re in school, which means you’ll have to pay back more than you originally borrowed. You can use a student loan calculator to see how much you'll owe later based on what you borrow now.

On a similar note...

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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Paying for College

• Paying for Two-year Colleges & Trade Schools
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A big part of college preparation is knowing how you’ll afford tuition. Learn about your options, which include scholarships, financial aid and tuition savings plans. The Military also offers scholarship programs and plans for students to explore (e.g., the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps or ROTC). 

Jump to Section

• The cost of college
• Financial aid
• Other ways to pay

The Cost of College

While the total cost of college depends on where you go, how you budget and whether you'll receive financial aid, there are five standard expenses you have to consider:

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Average cost: $1,216 .

If you're attending a college far from home, travel expenses can be high. If you're attending a college close to home, or if you plan on living off campus and commuting to school, you’ll still need to factor in transportation costs between home and classes.

This is the cost of that morning coffee, late-night pizza and monthly cell phone bill. Personal expenses can add up, especially in pricier metropolitan areas. Average cost: $4,551 per year (2016–2017).

Financial Aid

Financial aid is money given to students to help them pay for college. You can receive financial aid by way of merit or need. Merit-based financial aid is awarded to a student with strong grades or who is good at sports, music or any other special skill. Need-based financial aid is given to a student who shows he or she cannot afford to pay the full cost of college on his or her own. The qualifications for both vary greatly so be sure to check if you qualify.

Both kinds of financial aid can come from a variety of sources: the government, schools, charities or businesses. They also come in various forms:

Loans A loan is money you're expected to pay back later. Loans are widely used because they allow students to pay their own way through college, and they typically have no requirement that they be paid back until one year after graduation (this applies for undergraduate and graduate school).

There are both federal and private loans available to students. Federal loans don't require a credit check, and the government regulates the associated fees and interest rates, which usually means they're lower. There is a limit to how much money a single student may receive. Private loans, however, can be taken in any amount, but they are credit-based and can be denied based on credit score. Either one can be a good choice depending on your circumstances.

Common types of college loans:

Direct PLUS Loan

A grant is money you're not expected to pay back. For this reason, grants are a very sought-after form of financial aid.

Common types of college grants:

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG Grant)

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Scholarships Scholarships are like grants in that you're not required to pay them back. While scholarships can be given based on either need or merit, they're often awarded for academic performance. Organizations of all types and sizes sponsor scholarships, including colleges and universities themselves, and often all you have to do to be considered for one is submit an application.

Scholarship search (FastWeb)

Work-Study Work-study is a program funded by the federal government that allows students to receive financial aid in exchange for working on campus. When available, work-study can be a convenient form of aid. Students in the program usually work a set number of hours per week on or around campus and are able to schedule their hours around classes.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) To qualify for financial aid, a very important application is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and it's what you should start with first. The FAFSA is a form that provides the federal government with all of your financial information and helps the government determine what kind of financial aid you qualify for. The FAFSA also requires information from your parents or guardian, so make sure you have access to their tax information before you apply.

Another online financial-aid application that's become popular with private colleges and scholarship programs is the CSS PROFILE . The PROFILE is similar to the FAFSA in that it collects your financial information, but it goes more in-depth and costs at least $25 to fill out. However, a limited amount of fee waivers are available to low-income students.

Upon completing the FAFSA or PROFILE, start looking into specific financial-aid opportunities and corresponding payment plans. The different forms of financial aid described above can often be combined with whatever you receive through FAFSA for additional help. With a little determination and research, financial aid can allow students, no matter what their income level is, to meet the costs of college.

Other Ways to Pay

Tuition Savings Plans There are several kinds of savings accounts that can help pay for college. The most popular are 529 plans, legally referred to as “qualified tuition programs.” A 529 plan is an education savings plan designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs. There are two kinds of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans. All states and the District of Columbia sponsor at least one type of these plans. Check with a parent, grandparent or guardian to see whether they have a 529 plan set up for you and if you can make additional contributions for the remainder of high school.

Military Service Another option to pay for college is serving in the Military for a set amount of time. For decades, Americans have enjoyed educational benefits in return for military service. There are numerous programs designed to help service members receive an education before, during and after their service commitments. From officer training programs to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and on-base educational opportunities, the Military spends millions of dollars annually educating its troops.

Explore more ways to pay for college (Today’s Military) 

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program prepares young adults to become military officers while earning a college degree. By committing to a post-college career as an officer, ROTC students receive a scholarship while enrolled in a college or university. ROTC scholarship benefits can vary by college or university , but may include:

• 100% tuition and fees coverage (dependent on merit and grades)
• Room and board (for qualifying cases)
• Personal expenses of $300 to $500 a month, per school year, depending on the cadet’s year in the ROTC program
• $1,200 per year for books 

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Should College Be Free? The Pros and Cons

Should college be free? Understand the debate from both sides

Types of Publicly Funded College Tuition Programs

Pros: why college should be free, cons: why college should not be free, what the free college debate means for students, how to cut your college costs now, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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Americans have been debating the wisdom of free college for decades, and more than 20 states now offer some type of free college program. But it wasn't until 2021 that a nationwide free college program came close to becoming reality, re-energizing a longstanding debate over whether or not free college is a good idea. 

And despite a setback for the free-college advocates, the idea is still in play. The Biden administration's proposal for free community college was scrapped from the American Families Plan in October as the spending bill was being negotiated with Congress.

But close observers say that similar proposals promoting free community college have drawn solid bipartisan support in the past. "Community colleges are one of the relatively few areas where there's support from both Republicans and Democrats," said Tulane economics professor Douglas N. Harris, who has previously consulted with the Biden administration on free college, in an interview with The Balance. 

To get a sense of the various arguments for and against free college, as well as the potential impacts on U.S. students and taxpayers, The Balance combed through studies investigating the design and implementation of publicly funded free tuition programs and spoke with several higher education policy experts. Here's what we learned about the current debate over free college in the U.S.—and more about how you can cut your college costs or even get free tuition through existing programs.

Key Takeaways

• Research shows that free tuition programs encourage more students to attend college and increase graduation rates, which creates a better-educated workforce and higher-earning consumers who can help boost the economy. 
• Some programs are criticized for not paying students’ non-tuition expenses, for not benefiting students who need assistance most, or for steering students toward community college instead of four-year programs.  
• If you want to find out about free programs in your area, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has a searchable database. You’ll find the link further down in this article. 

Before diving into the weeds of the free college debate, it's important to note that not all free college programs are alike. Most publicly funded tuition assistance programs are restricted to the first two years of study, typically at community colleges. Free college programs also vary widely in the ways they’re designed, funded, and structured:

• Last-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs cover any remaining tuition after a student has used up other financial aid , such as Pell Grants. Most state-run free college programs fall into this category. However, these programs don’t typically help with room and board or other expenses.
• First-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs pay for students' tuition upfront, although they’re much rarer than last-dollar programs. Any remaining financial aid that a student receives can then be applied to other expenses, such as books and fees. The California College Promise Grant is a first-dollar program because it waives enrollment fees for eligible students.
• Debt-free programs : These programs pay for all of a student's college expenses , including room and board, guaranteeing that they can graduate debt-free. But they’re also much less common, likely due to their expense.  

Proponents often argue that publicly funded college tuition programs eventually pay for themselves, in part by giving students the tools they need to find better jobs and earn higher incomes than they would with a high school education. The anticipated economic impact, they suggest, should help ease concerns about the costs of public financing education. Here’s a closer look at the arguments for free college programs.

A More Educated Workforce Benefits the Economy

Morley Winograd, President of the Campaign for Free College Tuition, points to the economic and tax benefits that result from the higher wages of college grads. "For government, it means more revenue," said Winograd in an interview with The Balance—the more a person earns, the more they will likely pay in taxes . In addition, "the country's economy gets better because the more skilled the workforce this country has, the better [it’s] able to compete globally." Similarly, local economies benefit from a more highly educated, better-paid workforce because higher earners have more to spend. "That's how the economy grows," Winograd explained, “by increasing disposable income."

According to Harris, the return on a government’s investment in free college can be substantial. "The additional finding of our analysis was that these things seem to consistently pass a cost-benefit analysis," he said. "The benefits seem to be at least double the cost in the long run when we look at the increased college attainment and the earnings that go along with that, relative to the cost and the additional funding and resources that go into them." 

Free College Programs Encourage More Students to Attend

Convincing students from underprivileged backgrounds to take a chance on college can be a challenge, particularly when students are worried about overextending themselves financially. But free college programs tend to have more success in persuading students to consider going, said Winograd, in part because they address students' fears that they can't afford higher education . "People who wouldn't otherwise think that they could go to college, or who think the reason they can't is because it's too expensive, [will] stop, pay attention, listen, decide it's an opportunity they want to take advantage of and enroll," he said.

According to Harris, students also appear to like the certainty and simplicity of the free college message. "They didn't want to have to worry that next year they were not going to have enough money to pay their tuition bill," he said. "They don't know what their finances are going to look like a few months down the road, let alone next year, and it takes a while to get a degree. So that matters." 

Free college programs can also help send "a clear and tangible message" to students and their families that a college education is attainable for them, said Michelle Dimino, an Education Senior Policy Advisor with Third Way. This kind of messaging is especially important to first-generation and low-income students, she said. 

Free College Increases Graduation Rates and Financial Security

Free tuition programs appear to improve students’ chances of completing college. For example, Harris noted that his research found a meaningful link between free college tuition and higher graduation rates. "What we found is that it did increase college graduation at the two-year college level, so more students graduated than otherwise would have." 

Free college tuition programs also give people a better shot at living a richer, more comfortable life, say advocates. "It's almost an economic necessity to have some college education," noted Winograd. Similar to the way a high school diploma was viewed as crucial in the 20th century, employees are now learning that they need at least two years of college to compete in a global, information-driven economy. "Free community college is a way of making that happen quickly, effectively and essentially," he explained. 

Free community college isn’t a universally popular idea. While many critics point to the potential costs of funding such programs, others identify issues with the effectiveness and fairness of current attempts to cover students’ college tuition. Here’s a closer look at the concerns about free college programs.

It Would Be Too Expensive

The idea of free community college has come under particular fire from critics who worry about the cost of social spending. Since community colleges aren't nearly as expensive as four-year colleges—often costing thousands of dollars a year—critics argue that individuals can often cover their costs using other forms of financial aid . But, they point out, community college costs would quickly add up when paid for in bulk through a free college program: Biden’s proposed free college plan would have cost $49.6 billion in its first year, according to an analysis from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Some opponents argue that the funds could be put to better use in other ways, particularly by helping students complete their degrees.

Free College Isn't Really Free

One of the most consistent concerns that people have voiced about free college programs is that they don’t go far enough. Even if a program offers free tuition, students will need to find a way to pay for other college-related expenses , such as books, room and board, transportation, high-speed internet, and, potentially, child care. "Messaging is such a key part of this," said Dimino. Students "may apply or enroll in college, understanding it's going to be free, but then face other unexpected charges along the way." 

It's important for policymakers to consider these factors when designing future free college programs. Otherwise, Dimino and other observers fear that students could potentially wind up worse off if they enroll and invest in attending college and then are forced to drop out due to financial pressures. 

Free College Programs Don’t Help the Students Who Need Them Most

Critics point out that many free college programs are limited by a variety of quirks and restrictions, which can unintentionally shut out deserving students or reward wealthier ones. Most state-funded free college programs are last-dollar programs, which don’t kick in until students have applied financial aid to their tuition. That means these programs offer less support to low-income students who qualify for need-based aid—and more support for higher-income students who don’t.

Community College May Not Be the Best Path for All Students

Some critics also worry that all students will be encouraged to attend community college when some would have been better off at a four-year institution. Four-year colleges tend to have more resources than community colleges and so can offer more support to high-need students. 

In addition, some research has shown that students at community colleges are less likely to be academically successful than students at four-year colleges, said Dimino. "Statistically, the data show that there are poorer outcomes for students at community colleges […] such as lower graduation rates and sometimes low transfer rates from two- to four-year schools." 

With Congress focused on other priorities, a nationwide free college program is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, some states and municipalities offer free tuition programs, so students may be able to access some form of free college, depending on where they live. A good resource is the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s searchable database of Promise Programs , which lists more than 120 free community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

In the meantime, school leaders and policymakers may shift their focus to other access and equity interventions for low-income students. For example, higher education experts Eileen Strempel and Stephen Handel published a book in 2021 titled "Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students." The book argues in part that policymakers should focus more strongly on college completion, not just college access. "There hasn't been enough laser-focus on how we actually get people to complete their degrees," noted Strempel in an interview with The Balance. 

Rather than just improving access for low-income college students, Strempel and Handel argue that decision-makers should instead look more closely at the social and economic issues that affect students , such as food and housing insecurity, child care, transportation, and personal technology. For example, "If you don't have a computer, you don't have access to your education anymore," said Strempel. "It's like today's pencil."

Saving money on college costs can be challenging, but you can take steps to reduce your cost of living. For example, if you're interested in a college but haven't yet enrolled, pay close attention to where it's located and how much residents typically pay for major expenses, such as housing, utilities, and food. If the college is located in a high-cost area, it could be tough to justify the living expenses you'll incur. Similarly, if you plan to commute, take the time to check gas or public transportation prices and calculate how much you'll likely have to spend per month to go to and from campus several times a week. 

Now that more colleges offer classes online, it may also be worth looking at lower-cost programs in areas that are farther from where you live, particularly if they allow you to graduate without setting foot on campus. Also check out state and federal financial aid programs that can help you slim down your expenses, or, in some cases, pay for them completely. Finally, look into need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships that can help you cover even more of your expenses. Also consider applying to no-loan colleges , which promise to help students graduate without going into debt.

Should community college be free?

It’s a big question with varying viewpoints. Supporters of free community college cite the economic contributions of a more educated workforce and the individual benefit of financial security, while critics caution against the potential expense and the inefficiency of last-dollar free college programs. 

What states offer free college?

More than 20 states offer some type of tuition-free college program, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington State. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education lists 115 last-dollar community college programs and 16 first-dollar community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

Is there a free college?

There is no such thing as a truly free college education. But some colleges offer free tuition programs for students, and more than 20 states offer some type of tuition-free college program. In addition, students may also want to check out employer-based programs. A number of big employers now offer to pay for their employees' college tuition . Finally, some students may qualify for enough financial aid or scholarships to cover most of their college costs.

The White House. “ Build Back Better Framework ,” see “Bringing Down Costs, Reducing Inflationary Pressures, and Strengthening the Middle Class.”

The White House. “ Fact Sheet: How the Build Back Better Plan Will Create a Better Future for Young Americans ,” see “Education and Workforce Opportunities.”

Coast Community College District. “ California College Promise Grant .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Biden’s Free College Plan Would Pay for Itself Within 10 Years.”

Third Way. “ Why Free College Could Increase Inequality .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Free-College Programs Have Different Effects on Race and Class Equity.”

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. “ College Promise Programs: A Comprehensive Catalog of College Promise Programs in the United States .”

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

A healthy dose of skepticism and discernment can save students from falling for illegitimate scholarships, experts say.

Getty Stock

Experts say it's imperative that students and families use discernment when vetting scholarships and providing personal information.

While a junior in high school, Jocelyn Pearson spent many nights applying to dozens of college scholarships. Each took no longer than 15 minutes to complete and required nothing more than her basic information and a short essay.

Before long, her inbox was flooded with emails from the scholarship companies – but none were offering her scholarships. Instead, she was overwhelmed with marketing emails to the point where she had to create an entirely new email account. While it seemed smart to apply to as many big-money scholarships as possible, in the end it proved fruitless.

That's when Pearson realized that some scholarships weren't all they claimed to be. She decided her time could be better spent pursuing scholarships that, although the dollar amount may be much smaller, seemed more legitimate and offered a more realistic chance to win.

“That was a turning moment for me when I realized these other ones, they look easy, but there’s a reason,” says Pearson, now CEO and founder of The Scholarship System, a company that offers help securing college scholarships. Her experience motivated her to start the company to share with students and families what she wishes she had known.

"Unfortunately, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Just being aware of that, I think that alone can save students a lot of headaches."

Experts say it's imperative that students and families use discernment when vetting scholarships and providing personal information. Scholarship scams are often a ploy to gain someone's personal information and relentlessly market to them or potentially sell their information to other companies.

In more egregious cases, scammers may look to obtain someone's bank account information or Social Security number, which could have more serious ramifications.

Here are ways to spot and avoid potential scholarship scams.

Identifying Scholarship Scams

As the cost of college continues to rise and students search every nook and cranny for ways to pay for it , experts say this demographic is an easy target due to a mix of inexperience, vulnerability and desperation. Concerns over paying for college rose during the 2023-2024 school year due to delays rolling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, notes Will Geiger, co-founder and CEO of Scholarships360.org, a website that offers a free database of thousands of vetted scholarships.

Scammers often use clever language and official-looking branding to entice students to apply for scholarships that advertise attractive award amounts. Students may receive emails that look official and contain language that may pass the initial sniff test. But anything involving scholarships, financial aid or grant money requires a critical eye to ensure legitimacy, experts say.

Some of the most prominent red flags are when students are selected for scholarships they never applied for, the scholarship offers a "guaranteed" award or students are asked to pay a fee to be eligible for a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application or processing fee, experts say.

Certain language might also be a red flag. If a scholarship claims to be a "no essay scholarship," asks applicants to "enter to win" or mentions a drawing, it's likely just a sweepstakes that's meant to attract a high amount of entries, making the chances of winning slim to none, experts say. These so-called scholarships are usually based on luck, rarely merit or need.

"I always recommend that students pay attention and be observant," Geiger wrote in an email. "If something looks off, double-check the scholarship and provider website. For instance, if you see typos or spelling mistakes, invasive questions or lack of detail around the organization awarding the scholarship you should pause and take some time to examine further."

Tips to Avoid Falling for Scholarship Scams

Scholarship scams are less common than other scams, but the Federal Trade Commission still receives hundreds of consumer reports each year regarding illegitimate scholarships and educational grants, according to a 2023 report . The Better Business Bureau has reported that it receives numerous complaints each year regarding scholarship scams.

Anything that requires bank account information, a Social Security number or anything that could leave an applicant vulnerable to identify theft or bank fraud should be avoided. Schools may ask for this information regarding merit-based awards or financial aid, but third-party scholarships won't until perhaps after a scholarship has been awarded, says Denard Jones, lead counselor at Empowerly, a college admissions consulting company.

Though students are busy and often juggling multiple tasks, one of the best ways to avoid falling victim to a scam is to take a little extra time to investigate a scholarship, Jones says.

"Read, read, read,” he says. “Read the instructions. Read the details. Read what’s going on, because a lot of times it’s right there in front of us, but we’re so quick to (go to) where we see a box – we just start filling it out."

Pearson says she looks at scholarships on a spectrum. On one end are the quick and easy ones that she initially targeted that don’t require much effort. On the other end are those with more defined eligibility and criteria and a more rigorous application process, such as lengthy essays and perhaps interviews. These typically require more effort and have some degree of selectivity, but often draw fewer applicants and are awarded by trusted local or national organizations with more transparency about their selection criteria.

Pearson eventually turned her attention to, and won, a local $500 scholarship and was able to decipher what was and wasn't worth her time. She also discovered that applying for scholarships is best done as a team effort by both students and parents. Parents have more life experience and often a more trained eye for spotting potential scams, she says.

She recommends parents help by researching and vetting legitimate scholarships while students spend their time applying for them. This allows students to focus on their essays and making their application as strong as it can be.

Students should also consult with their school counselors , experts says.

"The search process is the best place to make the difference, because if they’re helping their students choose the right scholarships from the beginning, then their student’s not going to be burned out wasting their time on all these scams," she says. "From the beginning, they could be applying to a lot of scholarships where they have actual chances of winning."

If students encounter a fraudulent scholarship or feel they have fallen victim to a scholarship scam, experts encourage them to report the website or company to the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau . Additionally, those who have shared banking or financial information with a scammer should immediately get in touch with their bank, Geiger says.

Trying to fund your education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News  Paying for College  center.

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The Argument for Tuition-Free College

Soaring tuitions and student loan debt are placing higher education beyond the reach of many American students. It’s time to make college free and accessible to all.

by Keith Ellison

April 14, 2016

(Shutterstock)

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Land Grant College Act into law, laying the groundwork for the largest system of publicly funded universities in the world. Some of America's greatest colleges, including the University of Minnesota, were created by federal land grants, and were known as "democracy's colleges" or "people's colleges."

But that vision of a "people's college" seems awfully remote to a growing number of American students crushed under soaring tuitions and mounting debt. One hundred and fifty years after Lincoln made his pledge, it's time to make public colleges and universities free for every American.

This idea is easier than it looks. For most of our nation's history, public colleges and universities have been much more affordable than they are today, with lower tuition, and financial aid that covered a much larger portion of the costs . The first step in making college accessible again, and returning to an education system that serves every American, is addressing the student loan debt crisis.

The cost of attending a four-year college has increased by 1,122 percent since 1978 . Galloping tuition hikes have made attending college more expensive today than at any point in U.S. history. At the same time, debt from student loans has become the largest form of personal debt in America-bigger than credit card debt and auto loans. Last year, 38 million American students owed more than $1.3 trillion in student loans.

Once, a degree used to mean a brighter future for college graduates, access to the middle class, and economic stability.

Today, student loan debt increases inequality and makes it harder for low-income graduates, particularly those of color , to buy a house, open a business, and start a family.

The solution lies in federal investments to states to lower the overall cost of public colleges and universities. In exchange, states would commit to reinvesting state funds in higher education. Any public college or university that benefited from the reinvestment program would be required to limit tuition increases. This federal-state partnership would help lower tuition for all students. Schools that lowered tuition would receive additional federal grants based on the degree to which costs are lowered.

Reinvesting in higher education programs like Pell Grants and work-study would ensure that Pell and other forms of financial aid that students don't need to pay back would cover a greater portion of tuition costs for low-income students. In addition, states that participate in this partnership would ensure that low-income students who attend state colleges and universities could afford non-tuition expenses like textbooks and housing fees . This proposal is one way to ensure that no student graduates with loans to pay back.

If the nation can provide hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies to the oil and gas industry and billions of dollars more to Wall Street , we can afford to pay for public higher education. A tax on financial transactions like derivatives and stock trades would cover the cost. Building a truly affordable higher education system is an investment that would pay off economically.

Eliminating student loan debt is the first step, but it's not the last. Once we ensure that student loan debt isn't a barrier to going to college, we should reframe how we think about higher education. College shouldn't just be debt free-it should be free. Period.

We all help pay for our local high schools and kindergartens, whether or not we send our kids to them. And all parents have the option of choosing public schools, even if they can afford private institutions. Free primary and secondary schooling is good for our economy, strengthens our democracy, and most importantly, is critical for our children's health and future. Educating our kids is one of our community's most important responsibilities, and it's a right that every one of us enjoys. So why not extend public schooling to higher education as well?

Some might object that average Americans should not have to pay for students from wealthy families to go to school. But certain things should be guaranteed to all Americans, poor or rich. It's not a coincidence that some of the most important social programs in our government's history have applied to all citizens, and not just to those struggling to make ends meet.

Universal programs are usually stronger and more stable over the long term, and they're less frequently targeted by budget cuts and partisan attacks. Public schools have stood the test of time-let's make sure public colleges and universities do, too.

The United States has long been committed to educating all its people, not only its elites.

This country is also the wealthiest in the history of the world. We can afford to make college an option for every American family.

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Should Parents Pay for College? Pros and Cons

What’s covered.

• How Much Does College Cost
• Reasons Why Parents Should Pay for College
• Reasons Why Parents Shouldn’t Pay for College
• Reasons Why Parents and Students Should Split College Costs

How Your Family Can Plan for College Costs

It’s no secret college is expensive, and the price tag is only going up—according to the Education Data Initiative , between 2010 and 2020, college tuition inflation averaged 4.63% annually. Since 1963, college tuition has increased by nearly 750% after adjusting for inflation. The result of ever-rising college costs is that they’ve become an enormous financial burden for students and begs the question should parents pay for college?

How Much Does College Cost?

According to the Education Data Initiative , the average cost of college—including books, supplies, and living expenses—is $35,551. That said, the true cost of college varies depending on a host of factors, including the type of institution a student attends; some options, like community colleges, are very affordable ( or even free ) while others, like private four-year universities, are often pricey.

The average cost of tuition at different types of institutions is:

The above are only averages and don’t reflect all the variables that influence what an individual will pay for college. For example, many private four-year, not-for-profit schools offer generous aid packages which can bring their cost below other options—just be aware that every school on CollegeVine’s list of colleges that award the most merit aid are all private, four-year, non-profit institutions.

Public colleges present an economical option for students seeking higher education, especially for in-state students. For example, the average cost of tuition to earn a degree at a four-year in-state public school is $37,508 (a bargain compared to the $150,564 it costs at four-year, not-for-profit institutions). But remember, you only get that in-state sticker price if you live in the same state as the public school.

Another factor that can affect how much college ultimately costs is loan type. There are two types of student loans to pay for college: federal and private. Federal student loans offer lower interest rates and borrowing limits, and more flexible repayment options, than their private counterparts, making them a more affordable option. Some federal student loans are even subsidized, meaning that interest on the loan isn’t charged while a student is enrolled in school.

Reasons Parents Should Pay for College

It is often a commonly held belief that a student’s parents or guardians should pay for college. Let’s look at some of the arguments for that: 

Higher Student Degree Completion

Students relieved of the financial burden of paying for college can focus their energy on their schoolwork, allowing them to complete their degrees in a more timely and cost-effective manner. While most parents and students think of college as a four-year proposition, the reality is that most students don’t graduate in four years—according to NBC News , less than half earn their degree in just four years. The more time a student spends at college, the greater the expense.

The picture is particularly bleak for students who accrue student loan debt and don’t graduate. According to USA Today , they’re four times more likely to default on their student loans than students who graduate and represent 63% of defaults.

Students Can Graduate Debt Free

Students who graduate without debt have a head start on achieving their professional and financial goals. They can consider positions based on their career path and their big-picture aspirations, rather than the highest-paying positions. They can also focus their financial resources toward economic objectives like home ownership or maxing out retirement plans.

The burden of student loan debt can follow a person throughout their lifetime. While it’s easy to think of student loans as a young-person problem, according to Marketplace , about 20% of student loan holders are 50 and older and the fastest-growing population of U.S. citizens carrying student loan debt are people over 65.

Students Can Focus on School

Students with parents who pay for college can focus more on academic pursuits ranging from coursework to research to studying abroad than students worrying about how to pay for college. They also have more opportunities to pursue out-of-the-classroom activities like community service and participate in on-campus organizations. All of the above can help students bolster their credentials, build networks, and expand their professional opportunities.

Reasons Parents Should Not Pay for College

While many parents believe they should pay for college, others feel that students should make their own investments in their education. Some reasons why parents shouldn’t pay for college include:

Students Will Learn Responsibility

College is a time to learn; parents who think students should pay for their own education think learning extends outside of the classroom. Making students financially responsible for their education provides them with real-world lessons in personal finance, the value of a dollar, and fiscal responsibility.

When parents don’t pay for college, they can also teach lessons in decision-making. College students have to think about a variety of factors when building their college list, including the cost and how they will afford different schools. 

Students Have Skin in the Game

According to a 2013 report from the American Sociological Review , undergraduates with financial support from their parents are more likely than others to let their grades slip. One takeaway from this is that students who are paying for college themselves have a lot at stake and are incentivized to succeed.

Simply put, students who pay their own way are more likely to understand the value of education while those who have their college costs covered may see earning a degree as a right rather than a responsibility.

Parents Need to Consider Their Retirement

While college-bound students eye their future college experiences, many parents have begun thinking about retirement. Students have a variety of loan options to cover their college expenses, but there is no borrowing mechanism for retirement. Before deciding on whether or not to pay for college or how much to pay for college, parents must also consider their own financial futures.

Reasons Parents and Students Should Split College Costs

While some parents believe they should pay for college and others think that parents shouldn’t pay for college, a third group is of the opinion that the answer isn’t black and white, but rather a compromise. Many parents either can’t afford to pay for college and/or feel that there’s some value to a student making an investment in their own education and agree to provide some financial support, such as splitting tuition or covering room and board.

This approach provides both the benefits gained by students with no financial obligation to pay for college and the advantages of students paying for college themselves:

Students Receive an Academic and a Financial Education

When a good chunk of their college costs are covered by their parents, students can put more time towards their studies and extracurricular activities because they aren’t as worried about working extra jobs or saving money to pay for school. However, paying for some of their college will teach them important lessons about being responsible with money. 

Even if students only cover part of the cost, it’s never too early to start learning about the importance of saving, budgeting, and investing, so this is a great way for parents to teach their children “real world” lessons while they are still in school.

Students’ Debt Burden is Lessened

Although students might still have to apply for loans and take on debt, if their parents help cover some costs, the amount of debt they acquire will be less than if the student had to pay it all themselves. This can make a huge difference for students later on in life. Interest rates for college loans are no joke and many people find themselves struggling to pay them off decades past graduation. Parents can help their children get a leg up post-grad by reducing the amount of loans students need to take out.

Parents Can Set Their Kids Up For Success

It’s safe to say all any parent wants is for their child to be happy and successful. Helping out with the cost of college is one of the biggest ways parents can provide their children with a whole range of future opportunities without sacrificing their financial security. The typical earnings for bachelor’s degree holders are 84% higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma, so supporting a child’s college education will open hundreds of doors for them.

Parents and Kids Can Stay Connected

College can be scary for both students and parents as it’s likely the first time you’ve been separated from each other for this long in 18 years. Even if it’s not a drastic physical separation, the idea of growing up and becoming an adult is typically associated with going to college, which can sometimes put a strain on family relationships.

 When both the student and the parents are involved in paying for college, it creates a common force to unite the pair. Paying for college shouldn’t become a way to blackmail kids into facetiming their parents more, but it does open up a channel for more communication and a shared interest in the student’s education.

How Much Should Parents Pay?

The question beyond should parents pay then becomes how much should parents pay? Obviously, the amount they can afford figures into the equation. The 2013 report from the American Sociological Review found that both students with financial support from their parents and those taking out loans let their grades slip and the group with the most success were students with scholarships and grants. The theory behind these findings suggest that the performance requirements tied to many scholarships and grants incentivized students to work harder.

Provided parents can afford it, perhaps the best answer to how much should parents pay for college? is best tied to how a student performs in college. The better grades a student brings home, the larger percentage of the bill parents pick up.

The rising cost of college shows no signs of slowing down and the sooner parents and children alike start planning for the expense, the better. Below are a few tried-and-true methods for controlling college costs.

Scholarships

More than $6 billion is awarded in scholarship dollars annually for everything from academic achievement to athletic ability to extracurriculars. Researching, applying for, and winning scholarships is a step students can take to lower the expense of college.

Start Saving

A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged savings account that provides parents a way to help students pay for college. Money in a 529 Plan grows tax-deferred and withdrawals are tax-free when used for eligible educational expenses. Even small contributions to a 529 Plan can accumulate quickly—just think, depositing $10 a week can add up to a few thousand dollars over a high school career.

College Choice

Where a student decides to go to college will have an enormous influence on college expenses. Community college offers an extremely affordable option to cost-conscious college-bound students. A popular cost-cutting strategy is for students to begin their college careers at community colleges and fulfill their general education requirements before completing their degree at a more expensive four-year college.

A number of four-year colleges have also taken steps to ease the financial burden placed on students and their families. Some colleges now offer students financial aid packages that don’t include student loans —instead, they rely on grants and scholarships (which don’t require repayment) along with work-study to meet the financial need of students. Other schools guarantee to meet 100% of the financial need of students, although the financial aid packages they offer may include loans.

In general, colleges and universities that provide no-loan financial aid packages and guarantee to meet all of their students’ financial needs are highly selective. Applying to less selective schools where a student’s profile is particularly strong is a smart strategy for receiving a generous amount of merit aid and ultimately lowering the cost of college.

CollegeVine’s free chancing engine can help you better understand your odds of admission at hundreds of schools across the county—estimating your odds of acceptance at schools with no-loan policies and providing you with insight into what schools might offer a handsome amount of merit aid. Our chancing calculator can even show how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile, regardless of whether your parents are paying for college or not.

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Paying for University Essays

by Neeraj Mehra (New Delhi, India)

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Studying Relevant Subjects at University

Modern societies need specialists in certain fields, but not in others. Some people therefore think that governments should pay university fees for students who study subjects that are needed by society. Those who choose to study less relevant subjects should not receive government funding. Would the advantages of such an educational policy outweigh the disadvantages? An education policy that states, the government will pay the tuition of pupils who will become specialists in a certain field and not pay the tuition of pupils that study less relevant subjects can be damaging to society. I will outline why in this essay. The advantages of government funding for studying certain fields of study is certainly a great opportunity for some students. Especially those families who would otherwise not have been able to pay for their children to study. These students will be able to concentrate on their studies and not have to worry about the payments every semester. This will also allow people to become a specialist in the fields we need in modern society because the expense will not be a problem for them. Although this is great there are some disadvantages to this amazing opportunity. The downfall to this policy will be that these fields of study will become more popular and therefore have a lot of students applying to them. If that does happen then in a few years’ time the job opportunities for these students will become less because of the amount of people with the same qualifications. Furthermore, people need to study what will make them happy. If only certain fields of study are paid for by the government, students that are not able to pay the fees for what they want to study may study something that they do not like because of the financial implications. To conclude, it is evident that the advantages of funding by the government are great and can create amazing opportunities but, if it is for only certain fields of study there will be complications that arise and therefore does not outweigh the disadvantages.

Free Education for All Essay

by Le Hoang Bao Ngoc

Some people believe that everyone has a right to have access to university education and that governments should make it free for all students no matter what financial background they have. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Due to the rapid development of our society, humankind can now get access to new applications. However, there is still an influx of people who could not afford to pay for their higher studies to keep up with these changes. It is argued that we ourselves can all pursue tertiary education or even be entitled to university without any fee, no matter how wealthy or poor we are. While this thinking is valid to an extent, I believe that the governments should not waive the tuition because this will lead to an explosion of numerous dangers. There are many compelling reasons why some think that the provision of free-of-charge education should be allowed in universities. Standing a chance to keep pursuing higher education, the bachelor's degree holders, especially those who could not afford the tuition, have more opportunities to land a high-paid job and bettering their quality of life. However, these thoughts seem not always true. If there are more and more people exquisite the tertiary degree, this will lead to a large number of the unemployed, which would cause a wealth of serious consequences. As aforementioned drawbacks, I would contend that publishing a free-college policy is not likely a smart decision for both students and society. On the individual level, not having to cover the tuition fee would have a bad effect on students themselves. As usual, the majority of students must pay their tuition fees in order to attend college, so they will make an effort in absorbing information. Hence, waiving tuition, in some cases, does not put a strain on them to keep going. Therefore students' academic performance goes down in an easy way. With an influx of poor-quality graduates, society might not push it to the limit. Taking everything into consideration, while waiving tuition makes it seem like a good idea, I believe that this will cost a high price for global development.

Paying University Course Fees Essay

by Mariachiara

Some people believe that governments should pay the full course fees for students who want to study in universities. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Applying in universities is one of the major costs that falls on the shoulders of students. A vast majority of them has to request a loan in order to pay for universities' fees. Hence, I strongly believe that governments should help students by paying full course fees. It happens quite often that students find themselves in front of the choice of giving up a university's course because of its fees. People who do so watch fade away their right to education. By paying full course fees, the government would make an important investment from which either the students and the state itself would benefit. Students would be given the chance to apply in courses which satisfie them the most and not rely on a replacement choice. On the other hand, governments could benefit from that since there would be an increasing commitment in working hard to create a successful career which may generate cash flows to the state. Although in most countries there is the opportunity of applying to public universities, those ones still require considerable costs to sustain. In Europe one of the countries with the lower fees for public universities is Holland, while, in most others countries, governments invest little or nothing in education. Nevertheless, even if public universities do not require large sums, there are still other educational costs (e.g. books) that can not be cut off. In conclusion, I firmly believe that governments should give everyone a chance to apply to universities, especially to students with a lower income. The right to education should be sustained and enacted by each country. Could anyone give me a feedback?

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15 Ways to Pay for Your Education If You Don’t Have Money

Ikenna Odinaka

May 12, 2023

If you are looking for alternative means to pay your tuition fees and/or living expense, this article is for you. I’m going to share with you 15 possible ways to get financial aid or financial education to pay for your education.

Most people want to further their formal education but funding is a major challenge. Not everyone pursuing higher education has rich parents to pay their school fees and living expense. Also getting a scholarship or bursary is not exactly easy.

Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada - See if you are eligible

There is also the option of securing a student loans which you’ll start repaying after you graduate. A lot of students get scared at the mention of “study loan”. But after helping many graduate students secure international student loans to study Master in US and Canada , I can assure you that it’s not always as scary as it seems. I’ll discuss this and more in this article.

The concern about money is a major cause of stress for aspiring college and graduate students. It is why students drop out before they can complete their education. My intention is to draw your attention to as many options as possible.

Table of Contents

 1. Student Loans

In the past, it was difficult for African students to access loans to study abroad due the rigid and far-reaching requirements. But that has changed. Today, Emeka in Nigeria can get up to $100,000 loan to study for his master program in US, UK, Canada, even Australia and Ireland without providing collateral or cosigner. Keep reading to learn how you too can do the same.

To clarify, student loans are usually offered by government and/or financial institutions (local or foreign banks) to students to study at different levels of education and program in the country or to study abroad . Loans are usually offered for profit. Hence, you will have to repay the loan with interest over an agreed period after you graduate – typically 10 year duration.

The major obstacle for students, especially those from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries, from accessing such loans is that they often require that you provide a collateral and/or a cosigner.

A collateral is an asset pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.

A cosigner is someone that is willing to take full responsiblity for paying back a loan, along with the primary borrower. A cosigner is obligated to pay any missed payments and even the full amount of the loan if the borrower doesn’t pay.

Now you can see how this made it impossible for most students to access student loans. Because, how many students have relatives that are financially capable and willing to accept such risky responsibility.

The goodnews is that there is an alternative – MPower Financing . Mpower Financing is a lender based in the United States, offering up to $100,000 international student loan to students including African students – without requiring a collateral and a cosigner. MPower access students based on their future career potential using AI and data analytics. And then make loan decisions – approval or rejection – based on the students career projection.

As an MPower partner, After School Africa have helped a number of students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt and several other African countries secure up to $90,000 student loan to study for Masters in US and Canada.

We provide guidance and support to African students who have applied or have been accepted to study for Master in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) or MBA degrees at any of MPower partner universities in US and Canada to give you the best chance at getting your loan approved.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this MPower does not offer student loans to other countries outside US and Canada. They don’t offer loans to students going for bachelors program since loan is only approved for maximum of two year program.

Other than that, I’ll recommend you learn more about MPower student loan here to see if it fits right for you.

 2. Scholarships

Scholarship , a form of financial aid, is awarded to deserving students and applicants. It is based on various criteria given by the donor/sponsor of the scholarship awards. Scholarships are the most common and well-known form of financial aid. There are various types of scholarships and different ways they are awarded by various organizations and individuals. Some of the common types of scholarships are outlined below:

• Merit-based scholarships : These scholarships are awarded to deserving students based on a number of criteria, ranging from academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, and/or affiliations with various groups or careers, such as medicine or engineering . These merit-based scholarships are usually offered by the federal and state governments , large corporations or organizations, businesses, professional organisations or even the university bodies. These merit-based scholarship holders are usually exempted from tuition fees and they may be given monthly living allowances too. This type of scholarship is likely to last for a few months, probably up to nine months.
• Sports scholarships : this is another form of scholarship awarded to students who are into sports and want to be a member of the college or university team. Most of these sports scholarships are offered by the college or university. You don’t necessarily have to be a professional or be very good at the sport you practice. Most times local sports groups or various sports organisations may offer these sports scholarships and they usually look at certain criteria before the scholarships are awarded.
• Specific scholarships : these specific scholarships are awarded to students with certain ethnic backgrounds or affiliations. These types of scholarships are awarded to benefit a specific gender or various ethnic minorities. Examples of these types of specific scholarships are the ones awarded to only Africans, African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics or the female gender. These scholarships are also meant to help minority students pursue an education in different academic fields of their choice. Still under this category of specific scholarships, are the ones offered to students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and debilitating health conditions. These scholarships are mainly awarded by various NGOs and organizations.

See List of Scholarships for International Students

3. Grants or Bursaries

Often called need-based scholarships or gift aid. The grants or bursaries are basically money free, that is, the financial aid rendered is not to be paid back. These types of financial aid are usually based on the financial circumstances of the person who is requesting, but there may also be other factors which can be considered before been awarded the grant. These other factors could be the physical state or mental disabilities of the person requesting. In the US, the Department of Education offers countless federal grants to students who are attending a four-year course in colleges or universities or even career schools, for example, catering schools. Also in Germany, different types of Bursaries or grants are awarded. Each institution awarding the merit grants are to decide the number of grants to be given out and the duration as well.

4. Student Prize

Student prizes are the prize awards given to deserving students and it is usually represented by a certain amount of money. Although, these may not be enough to fund your studies, it can serve as financial aid. Student prizes are a one-time award. Student prizes can be awarded for several reasons including;

• For academic achievements
• To reward your performance in certain examinations
• It may also be awarded based on the results of your coursework and public examinations
• For being the best student and getting the best paper in a subject or course
• For rewarding an outstanding work submitted for a dissertation or thesis, as well as for overall excellent performances.

Also read 7 Writing Contests with Huge Cash Prize

5. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is an innovative method to earn your tuition fee for college. You can start by setting up a crowdfunding account, then seek help from your family and friends to support you. You can also start a campaign to raise donations on your account. The common crowdfunding platforms include; GoFundMe and IndieGoGo .

6. Employer Training

If you are an employee and want to further your studies for master’s or postgraduate level, some companies offer a means of upskilling their workers by investing in their education. After which they come back and continue working for them. Approach your Human Resource manager at your company and find out what options your company has for such funding.  It is also becoming a trend for companies to pay back some of their employees’ student loans when they start working for them.

7. Study and Work

While you study, you can also work by taking up part-time jobs and internships to save for your education. Studying while you work is one of the most encouraging sources of financial aid, as you don’t have to struggle to get scholarships or grants. And you don’t have to pay back student loans . When looking for a job in school , you should try to find a job that is flexible , do not require you working late hours and offers a decent wage. It is an added advantage if your job allows you to learn about a field you are interested in or studying in school. Some of the jobs you can do while in school includes;

• Apply for a paid internship in your field
• Drive for Uber or bolt
• Tutor in a subject you excel in or know how to tutor well
• Freelancing
• Babysit for families
• Sell your old belongings you don’t use or need anymore and so on.

Also read How to Graduate with a First Class

8. Take Online Classes

You can decide to take online classes . These are cheaper and more affordable than attending a physical college or University. Most of these online institutions offer classes like normal schools and certificates that are accepted worldwide. You can attend your classes at your convenience and work if you need to. Make sure you are attending an accredited and acknowledged online institution. Take a look at the online colleges you want to attend, and check if your credits would transfer.

9. Take Part-Time Classes

There is no reason to devote all your time and money to a full-time education if you can’t afford it. You can take a few classes at a time if that is all you can afford. That way you can keep working, too. Each school offers different levels of involvement. You could go part-time or you could just take one class at a time.

10. Payment Programs

Just because you don’t have all the money for tuition at once, doesn’t mean you can’t attend a higher learning institution. Many schools have payment programs that allow you to pay over the course of the school year, rather than in one lump sum. You can pay your tuition fees in installments rather than at once. Some schools offer installment plans, while others might offer monthly payment plans. Discuss your individual needs with a financial aid advisor at your school and find out if this option is available.

11. Source for Money From Close Friends and Family

When the need arises to study and you have no money, you can also source for money to finance your studies by meeting your family members and close friends to help you out. You can also come with your mentor to guide you on how to go about asking for help. He or she may help you in funding your education as well.

12. Start a Business

You can start a business while you study, this can be an online business or physical. You can start small and be economical about the business. Remember that the aim is to make money as fast as possible to finance your studies. So try to start a business that will bring in quick cash the short term. 

Also read How to Move From Idea to Start Your First Business

13. Tuition Reimbursement – Program

You can find out if your school has a Tuition reimbursement program to cut off some expenses or pay part of your tuition fee. Some institutions and colleges can pay you to graduate on time. But this does not mean you should rush through your studies. The payment program is often available for final year students to help take care of their remaining college expenses.

14. Work Remote Jobs

You can work remote jobs as a freelancer or even as a virtual assistant . This will help you focus more and have enough time for your studies. These remote jobs are basically online and there are a lot of companies now online in search of remote workers.

15. Apply for Outside Scholarships

You can apply for outside scholarships from various organizations that provide scholarships to students. These awards can make a difference in paying your tuition fee. The application process may be tedious and not accessed on time. It is important to sharpen your essay writing skills when writing and requesting for a scholarship. Some of these outside scholarships require you to write an application letter, and submit your transcripts and a recommendation letter .

Watch this video on ‘7 New High Paying Skills That Require No Degree’

Ways you can save money while in college or the university.

While in college or the university, students are often in need of money to take care of expenses. If you are on a scholarship, some scholarships give monthly allowances and some don’t. Here are some ways you can save money while in school:

Also read 3 Stages of Money You Need to Become Financially Free

• Tutor your mates : if you are very good in a course and have to ability to tutor your peers, you can do so and earn money from it too. You can organize an evening class, ask your mates or even juniors to pay a little token and then you teach them.
• Do online jobs : there are some online jobs which you can take up as a student. Some of these online jobs take up a few hours of your time, therefore you can still study, attend your classes and earn money as well.
• Work and study in school : you can always check your school’s website or post-board for in-school jobs. Most colleges and universities place adverts for different job vacancies which students can be able to handle, so look the website up often for some of these job adverts and you earn too.
• Work during the holidays : during the holidays, when most students are travelling, get a job you can do for the duration of the holiday. You can sign up for a paid internship in your career field and then you can learn and also earn money during the break which you would save up and use when another school session resumes.
• Limit your spending : when you are in school, there is so much for pay for and so much that you would need, it is then advisable to limit your spending. You can take rent a little room or look for a partner to share a room space with thereby, saving the extra money you get on other things. Also, you can look for your seniors in school and get their previously used textbooks and handouts to use for yourself instead of buying them afresh. You will have a lot of money to use for your other needs in school.

Also read 24 Common Habits Every Student Should Break Before You Leave School

Quality education is an investment that doesn’t come cheap at all for anyone. Even if you are being sponsored by your family or you have your money saved up before starting school. When you want to further your studies but don’t have the means to do so, it can be discouraging and break your spirit. Taking a gap year or leaving school may seem like your only option, but there are always different ways you can finance your studies even when you don’t have money or your family can’t afford it. You can result in getting scholarships, grants or even by creating an account on a crowdfunding website to pay for your tuition and other school needs.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Tuition — Should The Government Pay For The University Fees

Should The Government Pay for The University Fees

• Categories: College Tuition Inequality in Education University

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Published: Jun 20, 2019

Words: 1492 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

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• PTE Sample Essay 5 – Payment of College or University Fees

In some countries, students pay their college or university fees, while in some others, government pays for them. Do you think the advantages that government pays the money outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons and examples.

In many countries, whether students or the government should pay for college or university fees has triggered a heated debate among the public. In my opinion, both views have their arguments.

Obviously, there are many advantages if the government can shoulder this responsibility. One such major advantage is that it would encourage young people to receive higher education. Provided that the government can pay for the university fees, students from low-income families would be encouraged to continue their study instead of working after their high school, which would benefit their career prospect. Another benefit is to create more talents for a country. With the free education provided by the government, more students can go to colleges and universities to broaden their knowledge and specialise their skills. As a result, in the future the country will have sufficient professionals and skilled labour to develop economy and public services.

However, there are some disadvantages. To start with, it lays a huge financial burden on the government. In order to pay the tuition fee for each student, the government has to allocate a large portion of budget to education, thereby causing a significant deficit to a country. Moreover, it would be a waste of resource if students are simply encouraged to go to university only because it is free rather than pursuing their own interests. This waste could also impede the development of other important areas such as infrastructure and medical services to a country because of the limited resources the government have.

In conclusion, although it may cost a large sum of money, I still think the government should pay college and university fee for their citizens. This is because this investment in education can benefit both individuals and the whole country.

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High fees paid by international students help US universities balance their books

The US is the world's top destination for higher education, with more than 1 million international students generating over $40 billion each year. Their families save up for decades — with their full-fare tuition dollars going to subsidize US students. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks to The Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Karin Fischer, who writes the weekly "Latitudes" newsletter that covers international higher education.

• By Omar Duwaji

In this file photo, graduates of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government hold aloft inflatable globes as they celebrate graduating during Harvard University's commencement exercises, May 30, 2019, on the school's campus in Cambridge, Mass.

Steven Senne/AP/File photo

More than 1 million international students study in the US, making up about 6% of all university enrollment.

They contribute $40 billion to the economy annually, and most of these students pay full fare. US universities and colleges have come to depend on tuition fees to keep the lights on, though only some students are wealthy.

Karin Fischer, who covers international education for the Chronicle of Higher Education, joined The World’s host Carolyn Beeler to explain.  

Student protesters block the entrance to a parking garage outside a meeting of the University of California Board of Regents Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, in San Francisco. A committee of the Regents approved Janet Napolitano's proposal to raise tuition by 5 percent in each of the next five years unless the system gets more money from Sacramento.

Eric Risberg/AP/File photo

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

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Should the government pay education fees? Essay

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In the 21st century, more and more educational technologies are being invented everyday. That is why school and universities have to spend a great deal of money on purchasing modern facilities and equipments. This leads to the increasing educational fees and become a burden for the government. Therefore, some people suggest that students should pay for their own education. However, in my opinion, despite the increase in educational expenses, the government should continue supporting students financially because of the benefits of education investment and the potential bad consequences of leaving students to pay tuition fees by themselves.

Although education is getting more and more expensive, investment in education must still be given top priority for the valuable benefits education brings to the society both economically and socially. Education helps to promote economic growth through improving the quality and the working skills of the labour force. In addition to economic benefit, education also contributes to the social security. The reason if that the more educated people are, the less likely they are to commit crimes.

Moreover, the government’s failure to support students to finance their education will bring about many bad consequences including the rising inequality in education and the decreasing education quality. Firstly, without the government’s help, students from poor families cannot afford education and only rich families can send their children to school. Secondly, because only rich students are able to attend to school, the educational environment will become less competitive. As a result, the quality of education will fall significantly.

In conclusion, education clearly benefits the whole society and if students have to take the full responsibility of paying tuition fees, the quality and equality of education will be badly affected. Therefore, the government should continue supporting students to pay for their education. Besides, they should also call on private sponsors to share the burden.

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Should the government pay education fees? Essay. (2018, Jun 13). Retrieved from https://artscolumbia.org/should-the-government-pay-education-fees-52239/

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CHAPTER 1: GUIDANCE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Essay

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