HOW DO I BEGIN TO FIGURE OUT FINANCING
FOR COLLEGE?
College is one of the most expensive investments
in life. Whether the student or the parents foot
the bill, rather large sums are involved. One of the
most important steps in financing college begins by
talking to the college financial office. They would
be able to give information on available scholarship
money and the qualifications, work-study programs,
and grants.
Another important step is getting on the Internet
and doing a scholarship search there. A program
such as
will allow you to enter
family information and filter scholarships to
present programs which apply to your situation. An
important step is to take the PSAT test in October
of 11th grade. This test is the benchmark used to
determine National Merit Scholarships. Many states
have funds available for students who will attend
college within the home state; check with your state
Department of Education.
Parents with a young, growing family often begin
to put a small sum aside each paycheck for an
education fund. Such a fund begun at a new child’s
birth could amount to a tidy sum when college
time rolls around. Check with employers, your
parish and your diocese, as well as any professional
organizations or unions. They often have programs.
In addition, fraternal organizations, such as the
Knights of Columbus or the Elks, often have
scholarship opportunities for members’ children. Yet
another approach is for the student to plan on taking
a bit longer to finish the degree. By taking fewer
courses, the student would be able to work and thus
incur much less debt during the academic career.
BOB WIESNER
37
