Last Minute Tuition Assistance
Your admissions decisions are in and you’ve received your financial aid packages. It’s at this point that many students realize they should have taken the time to apply for more scholarships. The good news is there’s still time to get some last minute tuition assistance, but you need to act fast.
Photo by Borman818
I am presuming that you have filed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you haven’t, you need to do that right away. That is your best source for tuition assistance.
Here are a few other things you can do to possibly find a little more cash to help with tuition:
Go to your school’s counseling office. Find out if there are any scholarships you can still apply for. Sometimes local civic groups offer theirs later than others. The important thing is not to be picky about the amount. Any amount of scholarship money you receive will help you pay the bills.
Get a job. I know the job market is tough right now, but there are usually summer jobs available that are specifically meant for people your age (i.e. camp counselors, life guards, park & rec jobs). Because there are a limited number of these types of jobs, the positions tend to fill quickly so you need to start looking and applying right away.
Ask your employer. If you are fortunate enough to already have a job, this may be another possibility. Sometimes businesses offer scholarships or tuition assistance to their employees or may be willing to do so if asked. If you’ve been a good employee, they may see this as a way to recognize your hard work. It can also be great PR for them.
Talk to your teachers. If you are a good student, you could consider offering your services as a summer tutor for elementary students - or even underclassmen. Talk to your former teachers and let them know you’re available and what you are able to offer. You might end up with a regular gig that can provide a little tuition assistance for you every summer.
Reach out to your church and community. Often, senior citizens and other people are looking for someone they can trust to help with yard work or other household tasks. The key here is to get the word out. Let the people in your church office or community center know how you can help and that the money you earn will help you pay for college. Keep in mind that if you keep your rates reasonable, you will probably end up getting more work.
Whatever you decide to do to bolster your last minute “tuition assistance fund”, now’s the time to make your move.
