Getting ready to head off to college next semester? If you’re running short on funds, you may scramble around trying to pay for books and other expenses. That’s never ideal because it can force you into bad decisions or desperation. What’s the real fix? Get the cash flowing into your bank account! Explore ways to save and earn money for your education in this helpful guide.
Feeling overwhelmed with upcoming expenses related to going back to school? Don’t put off enrolling because you’re broke. Use this article to find options that will help you put more money in your pocket before school starts, including getting the most out of FAFSA and finding the right grants.
Use These Valuable Tips to Get More Cash for School.
Get More from Student Loans and Aid
When an admissions counselor hands you a bill for several thousand dollars for tuition, it can feel daunting and downright scary! If you’re struggling to pay, they will often recommend applying for a loan to help pay for it. This process starts with filling out a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
If you‘re eligible, you may receive:
- Loans
- Federal grants for tuition and books
- Work-study programs to help you maintain income
Student loans offer a way to pay for college without having to go through a gruelling bank approval process, but they aren’t foolproof. Grants are often better because they don’t need to be paid back. Pick your options carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you need it.
Apply for Scholarships and Grants
If you’ve figured out exactly where you’ll be attending school, inquire about scholarship and grant opportunities through there first. Most programs start at the end of the fiscal year or within a specified time frame. Apply as soon as the application becomes available. You aren’t limited to a single program, so don’t be afraid to apply to all of them even though you may only end up with just one or two of the best-matched options. If you have any awards, any recognitions, it may even make you eligible for special targeted funding.
Help Other Students and Make Money
Nearly all campuses serve students who require special assistance or extra help. Many of these students hire assistants for tasks they struggle with, such as note taking and tutoring. If you’re organized and have a good attendance record, you can get paid for helping other students who need a hand by the school itself. Visit your prospective school’s office of accessibility to see if they can help you bring in some cash and make the world a better place.
Find a Good Side Job
Classes and deadlines can be backbreaking on their own; this can make the idea of having a job feel overwhelming. If you can find a decent side job that’s willing to work around your schedule and give you time off to attend classes, you may find working part-time is a good compromise. You can make a bit of side cash and some student-hiring employers will even reimburse you for tuition costs. Some of the most common corporations that support college-bound students include AT&T, Starbucks and McDonald’s.
Put Your Talent to Work for You
Do you have a special talent or skill you can use to make extra cash? If your first answer is no, you may be undercutting your own abilities. These days, people make money for everything from crafting to writing product descriptions on the web.
Try websites like Etsy and thredUp to sell handcrafted items, such as personalized stationery or jewelry, to a worldwide customer base. Make it fun and funky or take on a theme (video games and movies are big sellers) to excel.
Do you wish you had more cash for food and shopping? Sell your used clothing on thredUp and generate money from clothes and accessories you no longer wear. Use this to fund your food cravings or roll it back into new fashions so you can stay looking fresh always.
Your education is one of your most important assets. Don’t let lack of cash flow hold you back from fulfilling your future dreams. With a little ingenuity, and a willingness to dig deep and find the real opportunities out there, you can get educated with way less financial stress.
