Are you worried about being able to afford your college tuition this fall? You’re definitely not alone, and there are actions you can take to try to make it a bit more affordable.
To raise money for college tuition, aim to create a budget and plan for improving your finances. This could include completing your FAFSA application, applying to scholarships, or crowdfunding.
Here’s how these and others could help you afford college:
Apply to Scholarships
It’s never too late to find scholarships for your college education. It’s not like college applications that are due in January, deadlines are throughout the year. Not all scholarships are solely for graduating high school students. Many are available to college students as well, and some, in fact, are only geared towards certain year college students.
Joining a scholarship database or searching for scholarships online is a great way to be notified of awards you may qualify for, now and in the near future.
Start Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding can refer to asking your family for money or joining a site like GoFundMe. Setting up a GoFundMe or similar crowdfunding account can make it easy for individuals or families to donate to you.
Complete your FAFSA
If you haven’t already, you should complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You could be eligible for need-based aid and grants from the government or your school. You won’t know until your try.
The sooner you complete your FAFSA application, the better. As it gets later in the cycle, schools can run out of grant money for students, even those who ask for financial need. And remember to fill out your FAFSA each year. They become available in October.
Apply to Jobs
If you can handle the workload, you may also want to start applying for jobs in your college’s city or town. Many will understand that you’re attending school and will schedule you appropriately. But it could make tuition and other college expenses more affordable.
If you filled out your FAFSA, you could also find that you’re eligible for work study. This is a program which helps students find jobs on campus that can be put towards tuition and school costs. The spots fill up quickly, though.
Affording college tuition can be stressful. Going in with a budget and ideas for raising money will help cut down on the debt. Your first steps should be completing your FAFSA and applying to scholarships you qualify for.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
|
|
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.
