Ideas for raising money for college tuition and expenses?
Question by Schlav!!: Ideas for raising money for college tuition and expenses?
I am currently a senior in high school. With college looming over the next bend, the financial aspect has become a major dillema. Does anyone have any advice for ways to raise money for college? As far strectched or creative as they may be? I try to read all the college finance tips, and am constantly looking for scholarships, but college is alot. My school is until 5:30 and because i travel i dont get home till late so i cant take a job. Any good ideas out there?
Best answer:
Answer by swbiblio
Senior in high school – if you’re planning on paying for it youself, you left it kind of late. Have you decided where you want to go yet? Your best bet is to find a good state university (the tuition is usually cheaper for residents), and talk to their financial aid office. They may be able to direct you toward scholarships and grants that are specific to that school. There’s also the student loan route, which will depend on your income and your parents income. It’s based on how much they think your parents should be able to pay. With student loans, you don’t have to start paying them off until after you graduate, and the interest rates are usually fairly low. Most schools also have on-campus jobs.
The other thing you can do, if you don’t care what college you attend, is look for really strange scholarships for specific skills, ethnicity, family affiliations, etc. For example, there are scholarships for being left-handed, for being tall, for wearing duct tape to your prom, for writing an essay on The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The college I attended offers scholarships up to a full 4-year tuition for people who can play the bagpipes.
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August 20th, 2011 at 9:35 am
There are a couple of things you can do now to prepare.
First, go to the high school guidance office because they have a list of scholarships and grants available for those who attend your high school.
Second, go to the college financial aid websites of the places you want to attend. Often they list scholarships awarded by other places than they do.
Third, register and join free scholarship websites online. Some are updated on a regular basis.
Fourth, early next year, apply at fafsa.ed.gov. It will help you tap into the grants and scholarships attached to the college and university.
Fourth, go over the website of the scholarship granting organization thoroughly. It will give you clues into what the organization’s philosophy and beliefs are, and they can come in handy for the essay portion of the application. The essay is key to getting the scholarship.
Finally, pay attention to the deadline. Send your application well in advance of the deadline. Each scholarship and grant will list the deadline on its application and website.