Money For College - Where Is It And How Do I Get It?
By Vanessa McHooley, Sat Dec 10th

Money for College – where is it and how do I get it? College isexpensive – but money is available to help you pay the way! Bydoing a little research and filling out a few forms, you canfind money through scholarships, grants, loans, and tuitionassistance such as work study. Scholarships There are more thanone million scholarships available each year to reward studentswho have distinguished themselves academically, athletically,musically, or in some other way. Scholarships pay for some orall of a student's college costs through cash or tuitionreimbursements. The primary government counterpart forscholarships is the Reserve Officers' Training Corp (ROTC)program. Through ROTC, military branches offer full scholarshipsto students who agree to serve in the military for a certainnumber of years after graduation. Religious groups, professionalassociations, and civic organizations are other sources ofscholarships. Grants Grants are financial aid awards that do notneed to be repaid. There are Federal, state, and private grantsavailable. Federal: There are two main types of Federal grants:-The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program. Itprovides up to $3000 per year based on financial need -TheFederal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant provides from$100-$4,000 per year, depending on when you apply, your level ofneed, the funding level of the school you're attending, and thepolicies of the Financial Aid Office where you attend schoolSpecial grant programs through the National Health ServicesCorps and the Armed Forces are available for students enteringthe health and medical field.

State: All states provide some type of grant, scholarship, ortuition assistance programs. Your state's higher educationagency can give you information about state grants, includingthe State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) Program. This programis funded jointly by individual states and the U.S. Departmentof Education. Private: Many private grants are available. Youruniversity may offer institutional grants from its ownresources. Loans Once you have exhausted all the scholarshipsand grants available to you, it is time to look at loans.Federal loans are the largest source of financial aid available.Check the information below for information about the majortypes of Federal loans: A Perkins Loan is need-based and youmust be at least half-time student. The interest rate is fixedat 5 percent and you can borrow up to $3,000 A SubsidizedStafford Loan is need-based and you must be at least half-timestudent. The interest rate is variable with 8.25% cap. You canborrow

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up to $2,625 year 1, up to $3,500 year 2, and $5,500 foryears 3-5 An Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is available for anystudent who is at least a half-time student. The interest rateis variable with 8.25% cap. You can borrow up to $2,625 year 1,up to $3,500 year 2, and $5,500 for years 3-5 A Parent PLUS Loanis for the parent of a dependent attending at least half-time.The interest rate is variable with 9% cap and it can cover thecost of attendance less total financial aid offered. It isavailable year round and can even pay for back expenses. If youdon't qualify for Federal loans, private loans are alsoavailable through banks and credit unions. Work Study TheFederal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate andgraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earnmoney to help pay education expenses. So how do I get all thisfinancial aid? Your first step in applying for any governmentmoney, whether federal or state, is to complete the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For moreinformation about the FAFSA and how to apply, you can visitNextStudent's “FAFSA On The Web” section located here:https://www.nextstudent.com/fafsa/fafsa.asp . Other ways to findout about financial aid sources include: -Check with stateagencies in both your home state and the state in which you willattend college to find out about grant opportunities -Check withyour college Financial Aid Office about institutional grants andscholarships -Check with your high school career counselor aboutgrants and scholarships you may be eligible for -Search theinternet for student loans, scholarships, and other financialaid opportunities -Check with the your parents' employers to seeif they offer any scholarships -Check with the advisors of anyclubs you belong to, about scholarships that might be availableAs you can see there are many ways to get money for school. Makesure you cover all bases and try to get the free money first,and use student loans if the need arises, and you will end uppaying for school in the most efficient manner possible. Thisarticle is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, webelieve that getting an education is the best investment you canmake, and we're dedicated to helping you pursue your educationdreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We inviteyou to learn more about how to get money for college atNexStudent.com.

About the author:Vanessa McHooley from San Diego California.