So you've applied to college, been accepted, and gotten a look at your financial aid package. You do the math and realize you are short of paying for everything. What are you going to do?
Well, you can ask the financial aid office for another look, maybe a better offer. Click here for tips on getting more financial aid.
After that, there are a few things the college student can do to make the bottom line look better.
First thing is to be first in line. Apply early. Colleges have a more limited supply of funds to give out and may run out if you delay.
Think about changing schools, if it's not too late. Many colleges are offering out of state students money as an incentive to come to their college. Some large private colleges actually have more money to give out. So even though the cost is higher, it will be cheaper for you in the long run.
Don't overlook the scholarship search. It may take some of your time, but working on finding scholarships in this economy is worth it. And there are many scholarships that go overlooked. You can do a free college scholarship search here, or learn ways of finding scholarships here.
Colleges have what they call merit scholarships to current students who have high GPAs. So, pump up your studying and get good grades.
And the easiest way to make up a shortage of college money. Spend less. This means everything from transportation, to books, and dorms to food. Read 30 ways to cut college costs.
The bottom line, is that your bottom line may look deep, but with a little extra work, you can make up for a college cash crunch.
