Paying for college can be one of the most challenging aspects of continued education. The average cost of attending a university has risen nearly 27 percent in the last decade, and many potential students find that they are unable to afford their education on their own. Fortunately, there are a number of grants, scholarships, and loans available to those planning on attending college. Many require the student meet certain criteria such as ethnicity, religious affiliation, or academic performance.
Why is Financial Aid is Important?
In a recent study, College Board cited that the average cost of in-state public college for the 20112012 academic year was $21,447, and $42,224 for a private college. In addition, college students can expect to spend another $1,000 to $2,000 on textbooks, and even more on transportation, housing, and entertainment. That's a lot of dough to fork over. Fortunately, there are ways for college students to finance their education. Through monetary gifts based on need or merit, or scholarships, and loaned money (grants and loans), your college investment can be manageable.
Why Pursue Financial Aid?
There are nine federal, 605 state student aid programs, and more than 7,000 post-secondary institutions who provide merit-based financial assistance. Financial aid is abundant, but it is up to you as a prospective college student to research what's available and find the scholarships, grants, and loans that fit your credentials.
Here at CollegeOnline.org you will find a comprehensive listing of scholarships, grants, and student loans given according to which of those three categories it falls under. Whether you are a traditional college student, or are looking to obtain an online degree, the resources are aimed to inform all types of students.
A scholarship is a grant-in-aid that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships can be issued based on merit or need, or are college or career-specific. There are multiple scholarship opportunities available, so be proactive and find the opportunities that suit you.