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Published June 18, 2008 09:52 pm - By Trent Moore trentm@cullmantimes.com There are a lot of options out there to help pay for college, the only problem is that many students may not know where to look. Paying for college Plenty of options for those needing assistance The Cullman Times By Trent Moore
trentm@cullmantimes.com There are a lot of options out there to help pay for college, the only problem is that many students may not know where to look. Wallace State Director of Financial Aid Becky Graves said anyone planning to further their education should start by asking themselves one question: “How am I going to pay for this?” The three basic types of assistance available to pay for college include scholarships, grants and loans. Wallace State and other colleges offer various scholarships based on academics and community service already, but Graves said there are more local options beyond that many students don’t know about. “There is a lot of money out there to help,” she said. “In addition to scholarships offered by the school, there are also a lot of cash scholarships awarded in the community.” Graves recommended checking with local civic and service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and Lions Club, which often award annual college scholarships. In addition to community organizations, Graves said many employers have programs to help pay for college. “Check where your parents work and see if they offer any scholarships,” she said. “If you already have a job, ask your employer if they have any type of program to pay for an employee to go back to school.” Scholarship money awarded to a student does not have to be paid back. Another option is a government pell grant based on financial need, family size, income and how many family members are currently attending college. Grants, which do not have to be paid back, are awarded at different amounts depending on eligibility. The government decision to award a pell grant depends on many variables, and all a student has to do to be eligible is fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Though filling out the form does not guarantee a grant will be awarded, Graves said it is worth the effort, even if the student only gets a small amount. “Every student should file one,” she said. “You never know if you’re eligible until you try.” For recent advanced diploma high school graduates, an Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) can help give their pell grant a boost. Graves said students should check with the financial aid office to see if they are eligible. 
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