Figuring out Financial Aid

It's no secret that the cost of education is on the rise, and it can sometimes be hard to swallow the expense you may incur if you decide you want to attend college. Here at Granite State College, we offer affordable college study that is flexible and convenient. 

That being said, your education here at Granite State College is still an investment, so it is important to make sure you are ready to make the financial commitment associated with going to school.

Here are a few tips to help manage your expenses:

1. Think about the degree program you are interested in. How much does a career in that field usually pay? This is important to consider, because it will give you an idea of what you should realistically borrow if you need to use loans to pay for your education. By knowing roughly what you will make in your career field once you graduate, you can make sure to borrow responsibly so you do not end up having more loans than you are able to handle financially when the time comes to pay them back.  

2. Always have an idea of how much you have already borrowed. Some students graduate and have no idea that they have been using loan money to pay for their education. By having a handle on how much you have borrowed, you will be able to prepare for making payments when the time comes.  Want to get an idea of what you payments will look like? Use the FinAid Loan Calculator.

3. Try to avoid using your refund checks for living expenses, if possible. I know this is easier said than done with the economy the way it is, but this will make a huge difference when the time comes to start paying back your aid, since typically these checks are made up of Stafford Loan money. If you do not need the money, it is always wise to send it back to your school, or use it to pay your lender directly in order to keep your loan amounts down.

If you need to supplement your income while going to school, consider participating in the Federal Work Study Program. This program allows you to work part-time at the school, or participating companies, and earn a pay check while giving you the flexibility to set your schedule around your classes. The pay is typically pretty good too, which is always a bonus! For more information on the Federal Work Study program, visit our website.

There's not doubt that trying to pay for college can be stressful; however, with proper planning, it doesn't also have to be a burden. Let us help you budget your expenses today! Feel free to contact the Granite State College Office of Financial Aid with any questions or concerns.