728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › College Information › The Next Step

The Next Step

5 Creative Ways to
Help Finance College

By Melinda Copp

Pages:  1  2  3  

"If a student goes somewhere where they are above the average, the school might woo them with a better financial aid package," Hammond says.

Look for Little-known Secrets
If your child is interested in a particular type of program or major, you may be able to find money-saving options within some schools. For example, Cornell University is a private school, but their College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Human Ecology are public. So although some families may overlook a school like Cornell altogether because they think the school is out of reach financially, they may be able to find affordable options within the expensive schools.

Other little-known secrets include five-year Master's degree programs. These offer students the opportunity to obtain both degrees in five years, rather than getting the Bachelor's Degree in four and going back for the Master's after a few years in the workforce. And many Ivy League schools have started offering free tuition for students from families that meet financial requirements. But doing your research and finding out about these little-known secrets ahead of time is the key.

"Learn about these programs in high school when you're doing your research so you don't have to switch later,"Hammond says.

Ask for More Financial Aid
Typically, when a college offers a financial aid package to a student, they offer everything the stuent qualifies for. But if something happens in your family in the months between applying and actually starting school, like a job loss or other extenuating circumstance that affects your finances, you may qualify for more.

"If something changes, call the financial aid office,"Hammond says. "If you've had a major change, they may be able to offer you more."

Pages:  1  2  3  


Want to see more?