Step 4: Put your hands on some cash

Put Your Hands on Some Cash

“I can’t afford it” shouldn’t be an excuse for not going to college. Money is available to help you pay for college – but you’ll need to apply!

How much will college cost?

As you read in Step 3, Nebraska has nearly 60 four-year colleges, community colleges and trade schools. Before we explain how much it will cost to go to these different types of schools, it’s important that you understand the following words:

Tuition – the amount of money a college charges for courses you will take.

Fees – the amount the college charges for services like computer labs, the fitness center, and career services.

Books – the college will require you to purchase textbooks for most of your classes.

Room and Board – If you live on campus, the college will charge you to live in a residence hall and for the meals you eat in the college cafeteria.

College Cost Chart

While it does cost A LOT to attend college, there are ways you can make college affordable.

Ways to pay for college

  • Financial Aid

Financial aid is money that comes from the federal government, state government and from the college to help you pay for college. It can include money you don’t repay such as scholarships, grants and work-study (on-campus job). It can also include low-interest student loans that you will have to repay – but not until after you graduate from college.

How do you get financial aid?

When you’re a senior in high school, you’ll complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) indicating your family’s income and assets. The results of the FAFSA will determine the types and amount of financial aid you’ll receive.

  • Tuition Assistance Programs

Some colleges offer programs that help cover the cost of tuition for students whose family income is below a certain level. They include College Bound Nebraska at all campuses of the University of Nebraska and the Advantage Program at Chadron State College, Peru State College and Wayne State College.

  •  Scholarships

Scholarships come from national donors, state and local organizations, and from colleges. Here are ways you might earn scholarships.

To find state and local scholarships, see ScholarshipQuest. You’ll also find links to national scholarship search sites.

  • College Savings Plans
     
    • Start a savings account. If you have a part-time job, save much of what you earn for college. If a relative gives you birthday money, stash it away.
       

    • Invest in the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust. This “529 Plan” offers tax benefits for parents and others who invest money toward your education. Find details at nest529.com.

    • Consider a Certificate of Deposit. The interest rate is usually higher than a savings account. Shop for the best rate and terms.
  • Community College Transfer Program

If you’re striving for a four-year degree, consider starting at a less expensive community college for basic courses and then transfer to a four-year college.

  •  Live at Home

Room and board at a four-year college runs about $7,000 a year. If you live at home, that money can go toward tuition, fees and books.

  •  The Military

All branches of the military offer educational benefits for college. Talk to a recruiter for all the details.

 

Looking for the answers to the “Snack Attack” activity? Click here!