by April Snider

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2009

A college education is becoming more popular than ever. With more highly skilled people out there and employers requiring experience for good jobs, we could all use a college degree. For some of us, that seems overwhelming, considering the cost. What you might not realize is that there is lots of financial assistance out there strictly for college students. There are federal pell grants, federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, federal work-study, state and local scholarships, and don't overlook businesses and organizations. Colleges in the US report that on average 85 percent of their students receive some type of financial aid.

The best avenue to receive financial aid is by filling out a FAFSA (free application for student aid). This is offered by the federal government. You can apply for grants and loans with this form. This is where the majority of student aid comes from. You can apply on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure you know the terms of your loan should you decide to go this route. They will offer you a pell grant and then you can choose to borrow up to a certain amount to cover the rest.

There is also a federal work-study program where you work at the college to help pay for your education. They will work around your schedule so it is a win-win situation. You already have to be there so why not earn a little to help pay your expenses?

Many states also offer financial assistance for college but you have to apply for this separately. Be sure and check with your financial aid office and see if your state offers any type of assistance. There are usually lots of state scholarships. You may not be eligible for all of them, but every little bit helps.

Your school's financial aid office should offer a scholarship book in their office at the beginning of the year. But don't procrastinate. The deadlines are as early as February and March in most states. These books will usually have lots of scholarships listed in them with instructions on how to apply. They will all have different deadlines so be sure and check!

Local businesses and organizations offer lots of scholarships too. If you're not sure which ones offer them, call and ask. If they do then ask for an application. This can help get you lots of additional funds for your education. Be sure you ask if there are any certain requirements so you don't waste your time applying for scholarships you won't qualify for.

Be sure you submit all necessary forms and information by the deadline or your application might get trashed. Getting scholarships can seem like a lot of work but they are well worth it. Take the time to investigate what types of scholarships are available to you. Don't get scammed by emails offering financial aid either! Make sure it is a legitimate scholarship and that they are the company offering it or it is probably a scam. If you're unsure check with your school or the BBB to see if they are legit. Once you've completed all your apps just sit back and wait for the approvals to come. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

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