Thursday, August 16, 2018

A Guide To Higher Education Fund Raising

By Larry Reed


The academic journey is an expensive one. Tuition is costly on its own. Add the cost of living and other study expenses such as books to that. While some families can afford to cover the tuition and everything else, others can only afford to contribute to a part of the living expenses. This forces the student into a part-time job situation. In some cases, this situation turns into a full-time thing and one may have to drop out of school. Regardless of the challenges, one is just not going to opt out of it. Thus, the many options available for higher education fund raising.

The most obvious option is a college loan. This is simple to get. Not too many complications. One can spread the payments over years and only pay a small portion every month or year. The interest rate is not exactly stifling. It is easy. But then, when one is starting out their career there is just too much going on. This alone might warrant a look into other options besides or in addition to the loan.

A grant is basically free money given for a specific reason. This money does not have to be paid back. The Federal government has a particularly popular one called the Pell Grant. This is in addition to hundreds of other grants run by the government. A simple internet search and one can find all the requirements and even application deadlines.

If one misses out on the above, they can look into scholarships. These may be merit-based. Where the principle looks at the academic prowess of the applicant. Is this person a top-notch scholar? Or will the money burn? Who among the applicants is the best at school? It may also be need-based. Who among the applicants needs this the most? Usually, a combination of both applies.

There are also other types of lesser-known ways for people to pay their way through school. A stipend is a monetary payment given in exchange for service. This is in addition to tuition waiver or break. The scholar will be expected to put in hours as a teaching assistant or in research at the institution. The stipend is expected to go towards living expenses.

Bursaries are very common for lower levels of study. They are also available for the advanced stages of academics. This is a lot like a scholarship. The money is not paid back. In some cases, the bursary will be specific to a field of study. It is also possible to get a tuition waiver as an institutional member of staff or active military. Spouses and dependents of the same are allowed similar perks.

To find out about any or each of these options, start at the college. There are usually aid advisers on staff who can help find all the possible options. They will advise accordingly but ultimately, the choice lies with the scholar. Of course, each option has its own merits and demerits. Some of these options do not get a lot of publicity but will always be communicated to the institutions.

The same aid adviser will help one match their qualities to the requirements. One will be adequately directed to the option for which they are most eligible. No sweat, something will work out.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment