How to Find Financial Aid for College Bound Students

With the rising costs of higher education, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to afford to get a college degree. And, with the highly competitive job market, a degree is more important now than ever.

So, how can you help defer or off-set the expenses so that the dream of college can become a reality? Once again, it’s a Living Frugal Tip … you need to be resourceful and uncover all of the available financial aid, college scholarships, grants and loans that are available. You’ve got to dig deep and search at the Federal level and state level. You’ve got to search by subject areas (ie, teaching, nursing, banking, etc.), and you need to look for financial assistance that is awarded based on nationality, minority status, as well as various athletic scholarship opportunities.

I’ve compiled a list of valuable financial aid resources for finding college scholarship, grants and loans and other financial aid. I’ve steered clear of sites that require fees, long forms or participation in something to gain access to information. Here are the top picks:

• Federal Student Aid — An office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school.

• U.S Department of Education — An unbelievable wealth of financial aid resources. Find and Pay for College – Explore Financial Aid is a great starting point within the site.

• The Federal Pell Grant Program — This is the official site for information regarding Pell Grants that are need-based and offered to low-income students.

• U.S. Department of State — An official government site with extensive listings on scholarships, financial aid, internship opportunities and other useful resources.

• CollegeScholarships.org — This is a great resource that is free and does not require you to fill out long forms to search for information. You’ll find resources for finding scholarships, grants and loans by state, subject area, minority, athletic interest, as well as federal programs.

• 101 Grants You’ve Never Heard Of — A page worth calling out on CollegeScholarships.org that breaks out grant opportunities for states and by profession, You’ll also find grant award based on gender and if you have certain diseases.

My road to college was self-paid. I sold my car, got a Pell Grant, took out loans and worked two jobs while going to school full-time. Lunch and dinner consisted of Ramen Noodles (I’ve not eaten them since) and credit cards were used for emergencies.  My saving grace was that an old boss suggested a Cooperative Education Program. Basically you work within your field while going to school. I landed a job at a large advertising agency and worked my school schedule around my flexible work schedule. I made good money and got great experience. When I graduated college I had two years of full time experience in the business and this catapulted my career, not to mention significantly helped pay for school.

At the time I was completely unaware of all the financial aid resources and opportunities that were available. But, through the help of a boss and a guidance counselor I made it work. I graduated with loans and credit card dept, but they are all paid off now.

I’d love it if I can make it easier and help the process along for others.  As I come across other resources I will update this post. Also, please submit any other useful resources that you have come across.