College Financial Aid
Deciding whether to go to college, to continue in education for 4 more years, is one of those really big crossroads decisions that people face in life. It is an emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual and fundamentally a financial decision. It is an investment decision, because you are putting money into your brain asset now in order to earn far greater (hopefully) returns throughout the rest of your working life. The risk with this investment is of course debt. Some fortunate folks start out with enough money, from parents or whoever, to finance their intellectual investment without borrowing. Most folks however will have to take on some debt. Private colleges can mean up to $100,000 or more. It is always best to have an investment repayment plan worked out ahead of enrolment and college financial aid offices can help.
One of the best college financial aid strategies, especially if attending a private college, is to get as many scholarships as possible. Scholarships are a lot more attractive than loans since scholarships represent free money; it never, ever has to be paid back. Most colleges offer both need-based and merit-based financial aid. Need-based aid is usually based on how much money your parents make and how many siblings you have, since your parents are expected to help pay for your education and the education of your siblings. Even if your parents aren't helping to pay for your education at all, the system still stipulates that they do.
The second grant type is that which is awarded on what you may have achieved previously in your education and is given for academic, sporting or other excellence. It is more likely that you will be able to try for this type of scholarships if you plan to go to a private school as these types of establishments are more likely to have wealthy connections, old scholars and similar who set up these grants and which bear their name. The sums involved can be significant and may help you considerably with your yearly fees
Grant can be found in other places so keep your eyes open and be aware. Charities and local societies may have some funds set aside for people going to college and you may qualify for their help. These type of funding sources may be hard to find and may only give out small sums but even small sums mount up and if they are given without you having to pay back that makes them even more valuable.
Any savings you have should be used only when all other monies have been put into your education. Why? Well because they continue to earn interest of course. But surely the time will come when you need to take a loan. First port of call has to be the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). There you will find out which loans you qualify for and you can then work out a repayment plan. A good tip when doing investment planning is to estimate your future income, then reduce it by 20%. Then estimate your expenditure and increase it by 20%. This will ensure that your expectations are never high to cause anxiety when not met.
One of the best college financial aid strategies, especially if attending a private college, is to get as many scholarships as possible. Scholarships are a lot more attractive than loans since scholarships represent free money; it never, ever has to be paid back. Most colleges offer both need-based and merit-based financial aid. Need-based aid is usually based on how much money your parents make and how many siblings you have, since your parents are expected to help pay for your education and the education of your siblings. Even if your parents aren't helping to pay for your education at all, the system still stipulates that they do.
The second grant type is that which is awarded on what you may have achieved previously in your education and is given for academic, sporting or other excellence. It is more likely that you will be able to try for this type of scholarships if you plan to go to a private school as these types of establishments are more likely to have wealthy connections, old scholars and similar who set up these grants and which bear their name. The sums involved can be significant and may help you considerably with your yearly fees
Grant can be found in other places so keep your eyes open and be aware. Charities and local societies may have some funds set aside for people going to college and you may qualify for their help. These type of funding sources may be hard to find and may only give out small sums but even small sums mount up and if they are given without you having to pay back that makes them even more valuable.
Any savings you have should be used only when all other monies have been put into your education. Why? Well because they continue to earn interest of course. But surely the time will come when you need to take a loan. First port of call has to be the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). There you will find out which loans you qualify for and you can then work out a repayment plan. A good tip when doing investment planning is to estimate your future income, then reduce it by 20%. Then estimate your expenditure and increase it by 20%. This will ensure that your expectations are never high to cause anxiety when not met.
About the Author:
Jimmy Johnson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. For more about Loan Calculators visit Money Talks for informative articles and discussions.
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