by Mercedus Long

Created on: January 22, 2010   Last Updated: January 23, 2010

After much thought and consideration, you have decided embark on the mission of higher education.  A college education will open previously closed doors and most important those open doors will contain ladders. Ladders that with additional education and training can take you right to the top of your field. Now that we know you have the will, let's help find the way.

There are a myriad of scams out there promising to have you job ready in six months or that all you have to do is enter a contest and your whole tuition will be paid for. The easiest thing to do is to look at the schools you are considering attending. By working with your financial counselor for your school you will find a variety of options available to cover tuition now and later.  For example University of Phoenix has a section to assist students in their search of financial aid. Simply click on the Tuition and Fees tab and then on the Financial Options tab. On this page you will find the acceptable ways to pay for your education to this particular school. While there may be a few differences in the exact offerings many of them will remain the same.

If you are going to apply for assistance through the Pell Grant, Perkins or Stafford Loans programs you  will need to fill out your FAFSA. Should you be eligible for any of these, your college will automatically be notified of pending amounts. Another great resource for college funding the college website) is FastWeb. This website does not focus mainly on getting you to sign up for scholarship or grant programs; they make it a habit to teach you how NOT to sign up for these programs. Many people do not realize that scholarships and grant programs are offered year round. There is a scholarship or grant program for everyone, single mothers, orphans, Native Americans, African American, Christian, Jewish and many others The site also provides resources for finding a job or internship. Those with a military background may find extra money or credits they may be eligible for. Every class you take in the military is worth some college credit. From basic training through tech school and even those classed taken to achieve higher ranks.

Private Loans are another way to finance your education. Many school education loans are deferred until 6 months to a year after graduation. Private loans are also used to supplements grants and scholarships you may be eligible for. However, a better option would be to look into your employee benefits to see if your employer is willing to help pay for college. Many companies offer a tuition reimbursement plan.

The key to financing your education lies in paying for a little as possible.Do not forget their are many scholarships and grants that are active all year round. Do not give up the search simply because you have completed the initial paperwork, check back into FastWeb often to find out what new programs are available. Also be sure to keep a great grade point average. I say great not good simply because a 3.5 or 3.8 is a better qualifier for some programs than a 3.0 or 2.8 would be. Keep abreast of new programs by checking with your financial counselor as well, they may have programs that are offered only to those in specific degree programs. With a little leg work and a lot of research you will certainly find funding programs that suit your educational needs.

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