Financial Aid: Searching for college funds, high and low!
Besides financial scholarships, are other kinds of college aid available? Here are some ideas:
- Student loans
Of course, the federal PELL grant is a possibility as are other types of student loans. Loans are a tough way to go in this recession, because students fear ending their college careers deeply in debt and with diminished job prospects. But loans are still a tried and true way to get through school and in the long view of things, whether from PELL or a local banker, well worth while. Search for the lowest interest-rate and the longest payback terms you can find. - Work-study
Some colleges, states, and the federal government offer work study programs which can help you pay your way through school. Unlikely to pay off all of your expenses, these programs can still be a huge aid. - The military and national service
If you have served in the military or in certain national service programs, you will have access to educational awards for college and other post-secondary education expenses. - Taco Bell
Seriously, check it out. Some corporations sponsor contests and drawings for college scholarship monies. Some take talent (Miss America) and some are just luck. Taco Bell awards scholarship money as do many other major companies, but look at your local small businesses as well. - Rebates and savings
. If college is still in the distances, rebate programs are also available. Check out upromise at www.upromise.com. This program allows your expenditures at certain merchants to end up funding a college savings program for you. It's a great way to save, as is conventional bank saving.
