How do I pay for College?

College can be extremely expensive, especially when enrolling in graduate school. There are basically three ways to pay for school: scholarships, grants, and loans. Most schools also offer work study programs in which students work as graduate students in exchange for tuition reimbursement.

The first step is to find and apply to as many scholarships as possible that apply to you. Keep in mind most scholarships are for undergraduate students so carefully read the guidelines before applying.

Grants can be obtained from the federal or state governments. Grants are awarded based on your FAFSA information and you will be notified if you are eligible once your FAFSA has been processed. Remember most grants do not apply to graduate school students either unfortunately.

Loans are the principle way graduate students pay for school. These can be private, state, or federally based loans. The entire process begins by filling out your FAFSA. Fill out the FAFSA early and keep in contact with your school’s financial aid office to help stay on top of the loan process.

Answers to Common Questions

FAFSA?

• Completing Your FAFSA
  • Everything you will need to get started in your fun filled adventure of future debt!
Loans

• Compare the 3 main types of loans
  • Federal Stafford Loans – The First Loans Received
  • Graduate plus Loans – The second source of federal loans
  • Private Loans – Third source of loan aid

• Worried about eligibility?

• How do I accept my loans?

• When do I have to payback my loans?

• What is Deferment of Federal Loans?