Finance & Flourish: Funding an Effective Education

Have you ever gone shopping and seen something you love marked with a price tag you hate? Suddenly you’re rethinking whether you need that item and if that need outweighs the steep price. 

This is an experience prospective college students face each year when they look for the perfect college fit. Often, students are deterred by the cost of higher education, which can push them away from an experience that could have put them on an incredible career path. Don’t be discouraged!

While the price of education can certainly influence your choice, there are plenty of resources, experts, and options available. Instead of giving up on your goals because of the first price you see, consider these tips for ways to bring your long-term goals within reach while saving money and time.

Peel Off the Price Tag

If there’s one takeaway from this article, it’s this: When you’re exploring options for college, the initial program price may not necessarily be the price you’ll pay if you enroll. Financial aid programs exist to help students afford their educational journey by providing attainable alternatives to traditional payment plans. Eligibility of financial assistance is based on both a need- and merit-based level and could include everything from scholarships and grants to loans and work-study programs. Now more than ever, students are taking advantage of the ever-growing number of financial aid options available. The percentage of students receiving financial aid has increased by 18.8% in the past 20 years. Herzing and other schools have financial aid offices specifically for students who are looking to save money without sacrificing their skills development. Financial aid advisors work with you to find solutions to many of the most common financial obstacles standing between you and graduation day.

Fawn Over FAFSA

The best way to determine your financial aid eligibility is to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. By filling out these forms, you’re taking a step toward efficiently financing your education, and it pays to fill out your FAFSA — literally! 36.7% of undergraduates borrow an average of $8,285 in federal loans annually, made possible by their completion of a FAFSA form. But you shouldn’t wait. While the FAFSA was previously available beginning January 1, that timeline has recently been adjusted to October 1! 

Scope Out Scholarships

Another opportunity to earn valuable financial aid is through scholarships. A misconception surrounding scholarship money is that it’s only awarded to superstar athletes or those with perfect test scores. This isn’t the case! There are plenty of scholarships that can be earned with personal essays or sharing some of your background and goals. It’s just a matter of finding them. Scholarships are available on a local, regional, and national level, and are more accessible than you think. Take time to explore all your options and submit scholarship applications whenever you can. Consider it a gift from present You to future You!

Believe in Yourself

The various obstacles between you and your career goal can seem daunting and affordability is a leading concern. Still, you do have all the tools at your disposal to make affording higher education easier and less stressful. Think of earning a degree as a return on investment and set yourself up for success by laying the groundwork for funding your education by exploring your options as soon as possible. Small steps today will ultimately pay off in the long run. It may seem like a lot of work, but the results are priceless. 

Herzing University helps to provide students with accessible financial aid options for a variety of in-demand programs. Learn more about how Herzing is a partner in helping you reach your academic and professional career goals by visiting herzing.edu.