The Mom Kind Are you the parent or guardian of a child graduating from high school and heading toward college soon? Do you already have a college fund set up, or are you looking to figure it all out? If so, you might wonder how you and your son or daughter will pay for their college experience. Every family is different, and every journey through higher education funding has its strategy and challenges.
How to Finance Your Child’s College Fund
Here are some ways to make sure you and your student have a plan for funding their education. The best private student loan can help.
Check Out FAFSA Options
When looking into college funding, your first stop should be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form to apply for financial aid for college sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid. This starts your search for available financial assistance.
Don’t neglect to research all your options. For example, your student may qualify for special college programs. Some of these programs offer reduced in-state tuition rates and other special offers.
Go through the FAFSA resources online to understand how the federal government can help fund your student’s education.
Assess Scholarships
Maybe your son or daughter excels in a particular area. They might use that skill and experience to qualify for a scholarship to a favorite school.
Along with the best private college loans, there are many scholarships available. Some are awarded based on financial need, while others reward expertise in sports, music, or academics.
Look for Government-Backed Loans
The government has established various student loans that help keep interest rates down for those pursuing higher education. Look into these to find the best private student loan. Do your research on how to fund college and refinance student loans for savings.
Programs like the Federal Perkins Loan Program will have their application processes and may offer more opportunities than private college loans.
Consider More Affordable Schools
This can be a significant component of your college funding strategy. Some schools cost less than others. Also, you can talk to your child about a strategic plan to start at a less expensive school, such as a community college, and transfer credits to a more expensive school later. Meanwhile, look for the best private student loans available.
Credits usually transfer, and you can plan to refinance student loans later. With low tuition rates at community colleges, you can save money while your student lives at home. This also helps your child ease into the college experience and prove their ability to make efficient use of tuition money.
Choose the Best Private Loan
The best private student loan options have interest rates and ramifications for college students. Always be sure to research how financing works for a particular college loan (and student loan refinance rates), and think about the long term — how your student will pay after graduation. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your child to work together to devise a strategy for financing college and paying back any loans.
College Fund 101
These tips will help you and your child navigate college funding and set up a sustainable plan for future finances. Do some good planning upfront on student loan refinance rates, and you’ll be more confident about your child’s education and college experience.
