As college tuition costs continue to rise, finding ways to make money for college becomes increasingly important. If your parents are unable or unwilling to shoulder the cost of your college expenses, you will need to take advantage of ways to obtain money yourself. There are several ways you can get the money you need for tuition, books and other college expenses without the help of your parents.
Step 1
Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for federal student loans. Federally guaranteed student loans such as the Stafford loan are not need based, and do not require credit checks. Under the Stafford loan program, you can borrow up to $3,500 for your first year of undergraduate studies, $4,500 for your second year, and $5,500 for each subsequent year. Some types of Stafford loans require you to pay interest while you are you are in school, while others allow you to defer payment of interest until after you leave school, according to the Online Education Database website.
Step 2
Obtain a part-time job, either on or off campus, advises the Money Smart Life website. Most universities have positions available for students--on-campus positions may be in food service, tutoring, maintenance, library services or other areas. Part-time opportunities are also available through the Federal Work Study Program, in which about 3,400 universities participate.
Step 3
Apply for financial scholarships and grants. The U.S. federal government offers assistance such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplement Education Opportunity Grant, which are income-based and need-based grants that you do not have to pay back. You also can find scholarships and grants based on academic performance, religious affiliation, ethnicity, disability and other factors, according to the Online Education Database website.
Step 4
Start a part-time freelance business. You can find freelance writing opportunities both online and offline. If you are a photographer, you can sell stock photography online, according to the Money Smart Life website. Other freelancing opportunities include website design, graphic design, computer programming and video editing and production. You also can offer online or offline tutoring in your field of expertise on a freelance basis.
Tips and Warnings
- Take advantage of multiple financial sources to pay for your college expenses. This will give you a financial buffer in case one source dries up, or is insufficient to pay for your expenses.
- Avoid relying on loans to pay for the majority of your college expenses if possible. The more you borrow, the more you will have to pay back when you get out of school. High student loan payments can be unmanageable when you are just starting out in your career.
Things You'll Need
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Scholarship application forms
- Federal Work Study program application
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