MIDVALE, UT — Higher education seems to be getting more and more expensive by the year. Some students resort to first and even second jobs, getting help from family, financial aid, loans, and scholarships to help pay for it. Paying for college will not be easy for most; the question is, what’s the most efficient way to pay for it?
Senior Elijah Santos says, “Sometimes scholarships and grants are the best way to afford college.” Not everyone has enough money to get them through college easily. Most people will have to work hard to get money for college, which can make many anxious.
According to the Utah System of Higher Education, some of the best scholarships and grants in Utah are the Opportunity Scholarship, Utah Promise Grant, First Credential Scholarship, and T.H. Bell Education Scholarship. So for students who are trying to figure out what scholarships to apply for, start with these ones.
Going to college will be scary for most and will have a big effect on the students. Going from living at home and having everything paid for by parents to living on your own, going to college, and working at the same time is a big change.
“I am nervous about having no money, and being broke,” said senior Sophie Peterson. Even after paying for tuition, students still have to pay for housing, food, and living needs. The only way to do that easily is to get as many scholarships and grants as possible.
Many students will also be getting jobs around campus to pay for their schooling. But it must be hard to balance school and work. Peterson says, “I’m going to try to have a lightish college schedule so I can work in between classes,” which is one of many ways kids can make money for school.
While students balance school and work, they will also have to be smart about their day-to-day life choices. They have to be smart with how they spend their money. It would help buying cheap food, thrifting new clothes, and making no big investments. Senior Damon Scarpett says, “I’m gonna be relying on ramen and Hamburger Helper during college.”
Being in college in today’s day will be expensive, but there are lots of ways to pay for it. Smart decisions and staying on top of school work will make your college life easier and safer.