If you're a college student, you know that money can get tight, Especially with the rising cost of tuition and textbooks. Its really hard to fathom that these institutions expect a kid straight out of high school to dish out the big bucks for what can seem like another eternity of school. Granted, the money that comes out of your pockets is more of an investment if you actually go through and get a degree and a career, but you need money to invest in the first place. If you were fortunate enough to have your parents put away some money for your college fund, more power to you! But what about the rest of us who don't have it as easy? Two words: Financial Aid.
Believe it or not, a scholarship is not the only way to get help paying for college. I came right out of high school with a scholarship and I thought I had everything made. I got a job to pay for my textbooks and supplies. When my scholarship ran out, I didn't know what to do next, mostly because I wasn't fully informed. I had an assumption that any type of grants or financial aid was only for people from poor families. My family is not poor, but my family is also not rich. It felt like I might be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Then I finally got around to actually applying for financial aid. Call it pride, but I never got around to it because it felt like I was applying for welfare or food stamps (nothing against those things, I just did not like the feeling).
To my surprise, I actually qualified for some financial aid. I wasn't too optimistic because the first time I applied they told me that my parents make just enough money that I don't qualify for any aid. I wish someone would have told them that that doesn't belong to me... Anyway, they finally saw the light and decided to help with my schooling. I must say, the relief on my pockets has been unbelievable!
With financial aid, every bit helps. They probably won't pay your whole tuition, but with the extra money that you DO save, you have the opportunity to spend a little money on the present, not just the long-term future. Another plus with financial aid is that you don't have to write an essay to receive some money. Less pressure. And the biggest plus of them all: YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY BACK THE MONEY YOU GET!! Student loans are great way to get you through college, but after college is when it starts to hurt. This is my opinion but, I would rather not owe any money to anyone after getting a degree. Chances are you won't have a high paying job just yet, so those loans might put some heavy stress on you.
I looked at financial aid and thought:
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