Pay for College

Finance your Future

Interested in attending College or but unsure how you can afford it? Do your parents/guardians make too much for you to be awarded any Federal Aid? Financing your future can seem overwhelming, but here are some resources and options to streamline the process.  

What are some resources I can explore to learn more on how to pay for college?:

Big Future

Bright Futures

Common App

Federal Student Aid Where you fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Want to get an estimate of what you could qualify for without completing the FAFSA? Click here: Federal Student Aid Estimator

U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

U.S. Department of Education Paying for College

What are different options to help pay for college?:

1. Scholarships

Money awarded that does not need to be repaid (example-Bright Futures).

• Merit-based (academic, athletic, artistic, leadership)
• Need-based
• Community and civic organization scholarships
• Employer-sponsored scholarships
• College-specific scholarships
• Identity-, major-, or career-specific scholarships

Tip: Encourage students to apply for local scholarships, which often have smaller applicant pools. Be sure to join Archer University College and Career Corner Archer University College and Career Corner to receive the latest scholarship notifications. Email Ms. Overbaugh at soverbau@pasco.k12.fl.us for more information on joining.

2. Grants

Free money that typically does not need to be repaid.

Examples include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• State grants
• Institutional grants from colleges and universities

Most grants are awarded based on financial need.

3. Federal Student Aid

Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal aid programs.

Federal aid may include:

• Grants
• Work-study
• Federal student loans

4. Work-Study Programs

Allows students to earn money through part-time employment while enrolled in school.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedules for students
• Income to help cover educational expenses
• Work experience and skill development

5. Student Loans

Borrowed money that must be repaid, usually with interest.

Federal Loans

• Direct Subsidized Loans
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• PLUS Loans for parents and graduate students

Private Loans

• Offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders
• Typically require a credit check or cosigner
• Usually considered after exhausting federal aid options

6. Savings and Investments

Families may use:

• 529 College Savings Plans
• Education savings accounts
• Personal savings
• Investment accounts

7. Parent and Family Contributions

Many families contribute through:

• Current income
• Savings
• Parent loans
• Support from extended family members

8. Employer Tuition Assistance

Some employers help pay for education through:

• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Professional development benefits
• Educational assistance programs

Students should check with their employer or a parent's employer.

9. Military Benefits

Eligible students may use:

• GI Bill benefits
• ROTC scholarships
• Military tuition assistance
• Veterans' educational benefits

10. Payment Plans

Many colleges offer monthly payment plans that allow families to spread costs over the semester or academic year rather than paying a lump sum.

11. Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs

Students can reduce overall college costs by:

• Earning college credit in high school
• Taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses
• Participating in dual enrollment programs

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Overbaugh at soverbau@pasco.k12.fl.us