How to Pay for College

Before you consider taking out student loans for college, you should first pursue grants and scholarships. Both can help you pay for college, and neither require that you pay any money back. Grants are generally awarded based on need, whereas scholarships are often based on merit (think academics or athletic ability). Grants and scholarships can be awarded by the federal government, your state, your school, or even a private organization or individual.

Not everyone has college savings to help fund their education. If you don’t have much savings — whether it be your own savings or your parents — you still have options. Beyond grants and scholarships, you could also consider doing a federal work-study program, or even taking on a part-time job while you study at college. If that’s not enough, you may need to consider applying for student loans.

Whether or not you need federal student loans, you should fill out the FAFSA each year. It’s what the government uses to determine your federal student aid package — including grants and work-study. If you’ve maxed out your federal student loan options, private student loans may be the best choice. To get the best deal, you can compare top lenders in Purefy’s rate comparison tool, and once you select a lender, you will be taken to their website to apply.

A full ride scholarship is one that covers the entire cost of attending college. The reality is, that even if you have a great SAT score and GPA, these types of scholarships are hard to come by. In fact, only 1.5% of bachelors degree students get enough scholarships and grants to cover the full cost of attendance. The number of students who got enough scholarship and grant money to cover 50% of the cost of attendance is still only 19%.

For 2018–2019, the average tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year schools was $10,230. For out-of-state students, the average was $26,290. If you’re going to a private non-profit four year school, the average jumps up to $35,830. As you can see, school choice makes a big difference in the cost of your education. Choosing a private college over an in-state college could cost you more than three times as much money.

If you’re an out-of-state student hoping to get in-state tuition, the chances are slim, but it’s possible. In general, if you can attend a high-quality in-state school in your home state, that will be your best bet — but it won’t work for everyone. That said, the rules for getting in-state tuition vary by state and school. Some states have agreements with nearby states to allow in-state tuition reciprocity, especially if you live near the state line. Other schools or states may allow you to establish residency and reduce your tuition after your first year (this is tougher for dependent students whose families will stay in their home state). Check the rules and don’t be afraid to ask your potential new school — you may be surprised.