It’s the final countdown. You’ve applied to all the schools you wanted, waited anxiously for decisions, and finally received your acceptance letters. Now it’s time to get ready for college. But there’s one problem: you don’t have enough money saved up. While you may feel helpless, there are ways to get last-minute money for college. Here are four expert-approved tricks to help you afford to go to the school of your dreams.
Submit Special Applications
The first thing you can do is apply for grants, scholarships, and other financial aid. Start by researching your options thoroughly. Look into federal, state, university, and private programs that offer need-based funding. Additionally, many businesses have scholarship programs designed specifically for employees or their families. Check with your employer to see if they offer any of these types of programs.
Consider Applying for Late-Deadline Scholarships
If you think applying for some scholarships is way too late, you probably need to think again. Many scholarships have late deadlines, so don’t be afraid to apply for them. These awards are typically smaller than traditional scholarships, but they can still provide much-needed assistance with funding your college education. Not only that, but the competition for these scholarships is usually much less fierce, so your chances of getting one may be increased. You can find these opportunities by searching online or talking to your school’s financial aid office.
Get a Side Hustle
It’s true that trying crowdfunding or setting up a GoFundMe page can be time-consuming, but you can also explore other money-making options, like starting your side hustle. Get creative with ideas like running errands for busy people, tutoring students in academics or arts, providing pet services such as walking and boarding, or using your talents to create products you can sell online. In fact, you can also start hitting the road as a food delivery guy. Depending on your area and demand, this can generate up to $20 an hour.
Explore the College Payment Plans Available
Depending on the college you’re attending, a payment plan may be available that allows you to spread out the cost of tuition over time. Colleges and universities generally offer payment plans, but some private lenders also offer their options. Before committing to any plan, make sure you understand all of its terms and conditions. Some plans require an up-front down payment, while others may have higher interest rates.
Raising money for college can be challenging, especially if you’re left with last-minute options. However, by utilizing these four expert-approved tricks, you’ll have a better chance of getting the funding you need before it’s time to enroll in your dream school. If you’re lucky, you can get more money than you initially thought. So don’t give up hope: with some hard work and determination, you can find the financial resources necessary to pursue your college education.…