FAQ: How to Pay for College

As I've been talking to y'all lately, I've realized a major concern at the moment is paying for college.  Totally an understandable concern.  I'm still concerned with it!

The great thing is, we have options! 

The option that we all want is scholarships.  You already applied for BYU scholarships, and you should hear back from them by the middle of April.  Not going to lie, I've never gotten a BYU scholarship.  The only scholarship I've really gotten was from my college (Fine Arts and Communications) and it was $500.  Those aren't the only scholarships you can get, though.  Apply for local scholarships.  If you don't know how to do that, talk to your counselor because they can help you.  I applied for ten times as many local scholarships and national scholarships when I was a Senior.

Because of my lack of scholarships, I decided to "create my own."  Creating my own turned into a part-time job and even student loans.

1. Everyone wants scholarships.  You should be finding out about BYU scholarships sometime this month.  You can also ask your guidance counselor for local scholarships that may be easier to get and even give you more money!  For more information, look here: http://saas.byu.edu/ebrochure/BYU_Financial_Aid_and_Scholarships_Guide/Step_2__Financial_Opportunities_and_Options/BYU_Undergraduate_Scholarships.php. 
2. Part-time jobs will keep you busy, but may help you in school!  My first term at BYU, I didn't work at all.  I have worked every term and semester since, and my GPA was by far the lowest that first term.  Studies have shown that working can help improve GPA and feeling of belonging while in school.  Not only do you create an instant social network, but you also have less leisure time, which forces you into using your time more effectively.  It's great!  For more information, look here: http://saas.byu.edu/ebrochure/BYU_Financial_Aid_and_Scholarships_Guide/Step_2__Financial_Opportunities_and_Options/Working_Part-time.php. 
3. Finish your FAFSA soon.  To finish, your parents need to have their taxes done and you need to fill out the paperwork.  It doesn't take too long, but the grants and loans you can push you through college.  I personally use federal student loans to pay for my tuition and books.  BYU tuition is so low, I'm not concerned about paying my loans back because it is so minimal.  For more information, look here: http://saas.byu.edu/ebrochure/BYU_Financial_Aid_and_Scholarships_Guide/Step_4__Apply_for_Federal_Financial_Aid/. 

If you have questions about paying for school, check out financialaid.byu.edu.  You can ask me questions as well!