© Can Stock Photo

College is an investment. I know you have probably heard that often, but it’s true. My advice to you as your family begins to research colleges and universities is to not let the cost or the sticker price shock you. It is very rare that people pay that exact cost because of the many financial aid opportunities available. When I say “financial aid,” that doesn’t only equal loans.

Don’t limit your college options, because of the cost. Here are ways to reduce that sticker price:

1. Apply to colleges early. Don’t wait until March or April. Often times, departments have already awarded their scholarships.
2. File the FAFSA (ed.gov).
3. Don’t be afraid of student loans.
4. Always seek out additional scholarships outside of the university you plan to attend. Never stop applying for outside scholarships, even while enrolled in college. Every little bit adds up and helps.
5. Take summer classes at a local community college. This will save money and time, especially if you plan to double major or are a student athlete, musician, etc.Be sure to check with your school’s registrar and academic advisor that the credits will transfer accordingly before you take any classes elsewhere.

Be proactive (not reactive) to the college admission process. I’ll say it again: Do yourself a favor and file the FAFSA. You’re only doing a disservice to yourself when you choose not to explore all avenues for possible financial aid. Filing the FAFSA won’t hurt you. It allows you to truly maximize all financial opportunities at each school.

The post All about FAFSA appeared first on Next Step Money.

© Can Stock Photo

Many students limit the options for college based on the high cost of tuition and funds available. There are many resources and options that one should consider for paying for college and an early research and plan can be an important step in determining if one can pay for the schools that are on your list.

NextStepU has been in the college and scholarship planning business for more than twenty years and has put together the following 10 ways for you to pay for college.  In reviewing these, it is a good idea to make a list of all those options that might be a good fit for you and to make a plan for the steps needed for each item.

Here are the top 10 ways for your consideration:

1. Apply for work study.
2. Search for and apply for scholarships.
3. Fill out the FAFA.
4. Get a job.
5. Find an Internship.
6. Look for company awards.
7. Think about military service.
8. Consider student loans.
9. Ask your family for help.
10. Apply to NextStepU.com for Win Free Tuition and any other special scholarship offerings such as STEM or International Scholarships.  

Be proactive and set reasonable goals for yourself and remember that it doesn’t hurt to start early.

The post How to Search for Scholarships appeared first on Next Step Money.

Many students limit the options for college based on the high cost of tuition and funds available. There are many resources and options that one should consider for paying for college and an early research and plan can be an important step in determining if one can pay for the schools that are on your list.

NextStepU has been in the college and scholarship planning business for more than twenty years and has put together the following 10 ways for you to pay for college.  In reviewing these, it is a good idea to make a list of all those options that might be a good fit for you and to make a plan for the steps needed for each item.

Here are the top 10 ways for your consideration:

1. Apply for work study.
2. Search for and apply for scholarships.
3. Fill out the FAFA.
4. Get a job.
5. Find an Internship.
6. Look for company awards.
7. Think about military service.
8. Consider student loans.
9. Ask your family for help.
10. Apply to NextStepU.com for Win Free Tuition and any other special scholarship offerings such as STEM or International Scholarships.  

Be proactive and set reasonable goals for yourself and remember that it doesn’t hurt to start early.

The post Top 10 Ways to Pay for College appeared first on Next Step Money.

College is an investment. I know you have probably heard that often, but it’s true. My advice to you as your family begins to research colleges and universities is to not let the cost or the sticker price shock you. It is very rare that people pay that exact cost because of the many financial aid opportunities available. When I say “financial aid,” that doesn’t only equal loans.

Don’t limit your college options, because of the cost. Here are ways to reduce that sticker price:

1. Apply to colleges early. Don’t wait until March or April. Often times, departments have already awarded their scholarships.
2. File the FAFSA (ed.gov).
3. Don’t be afraid of student loans.
4. Always seek out additional scholarships outside of the university you plan to attend. Never stop applying for outside scholarships, even while enrolled in college. Every little bit adds up and helps.
5. Take summer classes at a local community college. This will save money and time, especially if you plan to double major or are a student athlete, musician, etc.Be sure to check with your school’s registrar and academic advisor that the credits will transfer accordingly before you take any classes elsewhere.

Be proactive (not reactive) to the college admission process. I’ll say it again: Do yourself a favor and file the FAFSA. You’re only doing a disservice to yourself when you choose not to explore all avenues for possible financial aid. Filing the FAFSA won’t hurt you. It allows you to truly maximize all financial opportunities at each school.

The post Avoiding the “sticker shock” with college costs appeared first on Next Step Money.