Nancy Etz Shares 5 Ways to Save Money While Going Back to School

College is expensive. Tuition fees, housing costs, and much more add up to a hefty price tag for the average student to pay each year. With so many expenses and books and supplies, it can be hard to save money while going back to school. However, there are some steps you can take now which will help ensure you have enough funds when it comes time for your next semester! This article will explore five ways students can save money while going back to school- from budgeting wisely before the semester starts to negotiating textbook prices with your professor.

Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Having a scholarship or grant to pay for college will greatly help you save money. Many students are eligible to receive these funds but don’t know about them. Since there is no guarantee that you will qualify for any of the scholarships available, it’s important to start applying early and often! Scholarships like the Nancy Etz Scholarship are open to many so apply early.

Some tips to help ensure your scholarship or grant application gets noticed:

• Make sure all information in the form is complete and accurate (including your name!)
• Follow directions when filling out applications. If they ask for a letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well, do not submit one from your best friend unless specifically told. They may also want letters written on specific stationery rather than just sending a copy by email – make sure it matches their guidelines exactly!

It can take time for scholarships that apply directly to what you’re studying. For example, if you’re a business major, it would be beneficial to apply for scholarships offered specifically from businesses or local organizations in your area related to the topic of your degree.

Compare the cost of Public versus Private

Many students choose to go to college at a private school because they feel like it will give them better opportunities, but the cost of tuition alone is often higher than other options. Make sure you compare all costs, including direct expenses such as housing and food, and transportation since many public schools have campuses in cities while private schools do not.

Just because your family might be able to afford to send you away for school doesn’t mean that it’s always worth paying more money when there are ways around doing so! For example, if you’re interested in studying business, attending a local community college may save thousands compared to enrolling directly into an expensive university one year before transferring. While taking classes part-time at first helps save money, you still have the chance to explore your interests and determine whether or not it’s something that is right for you.

If money is tight but you’re passionate about continuing with higher education, then attending a public school might be just what you need! Remember that scholarships are available at both types of institutions- so start applying if costs are an issue.

Take Advantage of Financial Aid Programs

Just because you might not be eligible for a scholarship doesn’t mean there aren’t other options available to help you pay for your education. Many financial aid programs can give students money to go back to schools, such as grants and subsidized loans (loans where the government will cover interest charges while enrolled).

Be sure to fill out all paperwork accurately since schools determine what kind of assistance each student may qualify for! If you’re unsure about filling something out, then ask an admissions representative or someone else at the college who has more experience with these types of applications.

Since some forms like FASFA require information from tax returns, make sure those have been filed first before submitting anything! It’s never too early to start thinking about this process but make sure you don’t leave it until the last minute or miss deadlines.

Consider an Online Program or Night Classes

While it might not always be possible to go back to school, there are ways you can continue your education without having to quit your job. Some schools offer online courses or even classes that meet at night after work is over for the day- so check and see if this could help you out!

If working full time during the week isn’t an option, then these options won’t either. However, otherwise, they’re a great way of continuing with higher education while still contributing financially towards rent/household expenses.

When considering what kind of course schedule works best for you, consider how much time each type takes up, and any other obligations such as family commitments since balancing everything may mean taking longer than expected! Talk with someone who has done the same program before to see what they think is possible, or contact a representative from your school.

Use the Textbook Exchange Program

If you’re set on attending the best school possible, don’t ignore how expensive textbooks can be! Even renting them can end up being nearly as much as buying new ones. Instead of spending your money, try using the textbook exchange program that many schools offer, allowing students to rent or even sell their old books.

Since some professors may not want older editions, it’s important to ask about this beforehand by contacting someone in the department for more information! You might also negotiate to get a lower price on brand new copies if certain parts of the book you think you will never need again- it doesn’t hurt to ask, especially since most college stores have flexible return policies.

You don’t have to go broke while you’re going back to school. These five tips will help save your money so that you can focus on the important things, like getting an education and making a better future for yourself! Now get out there and start saving some money!