How to Survive the Budget Cuts

Published on Sunday, March 20th, 2011 by Ryan Collins Category: College Scholarships And Grants

San Francisco, CA (CollegetoCareers.com) – With the continuing cutting trend among government and universities toward college budgets, students are right to feel anxious about their academic futures.

Manifesting this trend, the University of Washington recently raised tuition rates by 10 percent for students in attendance. The University of Arizona proposed a massive 22 percent hike in tuition Survive Budget Cuts rates. At the lower end, Utah State University recommended a 2 percent tuition increase for its students – but the universality of the trend suggests that students will soon feel the pinch everywhere.

Topping it off, the Obama administration announced a budget in March that slashed funds for the Pell grant – a move decried by many students who rely heavily on the federal funds. The juxtaposition of increased costs for college attendance and decreased financial aid opportunities presents students with a startling reality: college is suddenly less affordable, and the way to financial stability is even less clear.

So how can you survive the budget cuts, pay for your education, and leave with a degree – without all the debt?

Below you will find a list of common recommendations for the cash-strapped student:

Work all day, study all night – and take advantage of state assistance

There is no shortage of rags-to-riches stories that involve people who worked two, even three part-time jobs and worked their way through college. Follow in their footsteps and enroll in night and online classes to make college expenses much easier on your wallet and financial future. If all else fails and your rent keeps you from enrolling in class, swallow your pride and learn more about the possibilities for state benefits like food stamps and welfare programs.

Go to private sources for cash

When federal and state governments fall short, it’s time to look at the alternatives – namely, private foundations and, yes, lending institutions. Students widely prefer the latter, and visit sites like FastWeb and College Scholarships to apply for the many financial opportunities available. When all else fails, see a banking representative about college loans for students – but only as a last resort. Read the fine print and know your interest rate.

Make the grade

The best way to qualify for financial aid, grants, and scholarships at a time when scarcity prevails and competition increases is to do as well in high school or in a community college class as possible. Coupling financial need with the ability to do well and surpass expectations at a four-year university will earn you high marks with scholarship committees, financial aid counselors, and other gate-keepers.

Ask your family for help

A lot of students find themselves dependent on family members, even those outside the traditional unit. There’s no shame in asking your grandmother, grandfather, even a rich uncle or aunt for assistance sometimes.

What do you think? Are there any other tips you would like to add for cash-strapped college students at a time when fiscal austerity measures continue to increase? Leave your comments below.

For more ways to pay for college, sign up for our college scholarships newsletter on our sidebar.

Share the knowledge: