If you're over 20 and NOT in the military, this guide probably won't help you. Actually, it won't help you at all. But there are a lot of people around 17 and 18 wondering what to do about college, and this is perfect for those just going into their junior and senior years of high school.
If you're outside the USA, this guide won't help you either.
This is a guide to no-loan, no-help-from-parents college life.
1) Apply to private instutitions that are KNOWN for giving large scholarships. I applied to Fordham University and Babson College and they offered me over $40,000 a year. Here's a list of em: Best Value Colleges | Great Schools, Great Prices | Top National Universities | US News Best Colleges
One catch though: You'll need to be smart to get into these schools. Like, 2000+ SAT scores and over 90% GPA, smart. You'll also need to have parents that are not rich ($200,000+ a year). But if they make that much they can afford to send you to one of these without a scholarship anyway. I did very well in high school, but not everyone does. Luckily, there's a solution for that!
2) Be in a state that has great scholarship programs for high-performing students. Most of these require a 80%+ GPA, which really isn't that hard if you tried in high school. Florida offers a full ride to one of their state universities to students who perform at a certain level in high school. One catch: you need to do equally as well in college. My home state of Delaware also offers two years free at community college for students that get more than a 80% GPA in high school, and an automatic admission to the University of Delaware as a junior (not free). They don't offer these to out-of-state applicants, however, so if your state doesn't have one of these, go to the next option!
3) Be a scholarship collector. One of my good friends did this. He searched and applied to pretty much every scholarship in the state and he got almost all of them because nobody else applied. This requires a bit of actual work, though. Big tip: unless you are super-smart and you know it, don't just apply for the big reward scholarship. A thousand dollars here and $500 there will add up quickly, and some of the rewards roll for each year you are in school! People give out scholarships for the silliest of things and you'll find local philanthropists willing to help anyone who wants it. Use the Internet to find these, or ask your school guidance counselor.
4) Join the military. Do your four years of active service, join the reserves (the branch doesn't matter) and enjoy your GI Bill benefits. Don't go to a for-profit college, though. Or, if you have a parent who is in the military, piggyback off of their unused benefits. That's how I'm able to go to my current university pretty much for free. In fact, if you did not do well in high school, this is probably your best option.
5) The old fashioned way: figure out your cheapest option in-state, work and save up, and work your way all throughout college, taking advantage of on-campus jobs (be a resident assistant after sophomore year! Free housing) as well as school-based grants and financial aid. If you're from a state like Delaware that offers free or discounted community college for two years, that gives you ample time to save up for your next two years at a university. This requires living frugal, but you'll have time to party, even if it is only a few times a month. Also, live with your parents if you can.
So stop bawling about how college is 'just too expensive'. Most colleges are too expensive, but if you want the experience you'll find a way to afford it without taking out loans and screwing yourself for the rest of your life.
If you're outside the USA, this guide won't help you either.
This is a guide to no-loan, no-help-from-parents college life.
1) Apply to private instutitions that are KNOWN for giving large scholarships. I applied to Fordham University and Babson College and they offered me over $40,000 a year. Here's a list of em: Best Value Colleges | Great Schools, Great Prices | Top National Universities | US News Best Colleges
One catch though: You'll need to be smart to get into these schools. Like, 2000+ SAT scores and over 90% GPA, smart. You'll also need to have parents that are not rich ($200,000+ a year). But if they make that much they can afford to send you to one of these without a scholarship anyway. I did very well in high school, but not everyone does. Luckily, there's a solution for that!
2) Be in a state that has great scholarship programs for high-performing students. Most of these require a 80%+ GPA, which really isn't that hard if you tried in high school. Florida offers a full ride to one of their state universities to students who perform at a certain level in high school. One catch: you need to do equally as well in college. My home state of Delaware also offers two years free at community college for students that get more than a 80% GPA in high school, and an automatic admission to the University of Delaware as a junior (not free). They don't offer these to out-of-state applicants, however, so if your state doesn't have one of these, go to the next option!
3) Be a scholarship collector. One of my good friends did this. He searched and applied to pretty much every scholarship in the state and he got almost all of them because nobody else applied. This requires a bit of actual work, though. Big tip: unless you are super-smart and you know it, don't just apply for the big reward scholarship. A thousand dollars here and $500 there will add up quickly, and some of the rewards roll for each year you are in school! People give out scholarships for the silliest of things and you'll find local philanthropists willing to help anyone who wants it. Use the Internet to find these, or ask your school guidance counselor.
4) Join the military. Do your four years of active service, join the reserves (the branch doesn't matter) and enjoy your GI Bill benefits. Don't go to a for-profit college, though. Or, if you have a parent who is in the military, piggyback off of their unused benefits. That's how I'm able to go to my current university pretty much for free. In fact, if you did not do well in high school, this is probably your best option.
5) The old fashioned way: figure out your cheapest option in-state, work and save up, and work your way all throughout college, taking advantage of on-campus jobs (be a resident assistant after sophomore year! Free housing) as well as school-based grants and financial aid. If you're from a state like Delaware that offers free or discounted community college for two years, that gives you ample time to save up for your next two years at a university. This requires living frugal, but you'll have time to party, even if it is only a few times a month. Also, live with your parents if you can.
So stop bawling about how college is 'just too expensive'. Most colleges are too expensive, but if you want the experience you'll find a way to afford it without taking out loans and screwing yourself for the rest of your life.
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