Paying for college, simplified

College can be expensive, but making smart decisions can help you save. To make your schooling more affordable, consider these tips:

1. Always file your FAFSA, every year, even if you don't think you'll qualify for aid.
2. Search for scholarships and apply for grants.
3. Earn college credits in high school by taking AP classes
4. Compare college offer letters. Financial aid award letters show what each college is offering you in the form of work study, scholarships and other federal and institutional aid—and each college offers something different. Compare your offers side by side to see which college is giving you the best deal.
5. Consider attending community college for a couple of years. Many states have free or reduced cost community college.
6. Earn while you learn via either part-time jobs or work study if you qualify.
7. Spend practically by buying used textbooks, taking advantage of student discounts, and using your free campus resources.

Being aware of all the expenses you'll incur for college before you pick a school can help make the process of paying for college a little less daunting and you'll feel more prepared. Beyond your tuition and room and board, here are some expenses that you'll want to consider.

Before-college expenses:

• College application fees. You can generally expect to pay between $30-$90 per application.
• Standardized test fees. The ACT costs $68/test without the writing section and $93 with the writing section. The SAT costs $68/test to register.
• Campus visits. If you have to fly or drive to the school's campus, flight costs and hotel charges could add up.
• AP Exams. Each AP exam is $98.

In-college expenses:

• Every day expenses like eating out, hair cuts, gas for the car, traveling home for breaks, etc.
• Transportation and parking fees if you are bringing a car.
• Fees for clubs and organizations you join. They are fun, but not free.
• Greek life if you choose to rush. Costs range anywhere from $600 to over $4,000.
• Dorm necessities like bedding, extra storage, a mini fridge and more.
• Lab fees and other extra fees that your courses may require.
• Tickets to your school's sporting events or other activities.
• Emergencies. Cars break down, accidents happen. You'll want some extra money for when the unexpected happens.

Work study is a form of federal financial aid that allows students to earn money to put towards college expenses. To qualify for work study, students must:

1. Complete the FAFSA.
2. Demonstrate financial need. Colleges will use your student aid index (SAI) to determine if you are eligible for work study.
3. Be enrolled in a full- or part-time program in a college or an accredited vocational school.

The financial aid award letter from each college will let you know if you qualify for federal work study. If you do, you’ll want to start checking out available jobs as soon as possible as they tend to go quickly. You find work study jobs through your financial aid office, student employment job boards, or Handshake. Learn more about work study programs.

Here's what you can expect when it comes to receiving your financial aid:

• Federal Financial Aid: Funds like federal student loans and grants, including Direct PLUS Loans for Parents, are sent straight to your college or university. Your school will apply these funds to your tuition, housing, meal plans, and other fees.
• Scholarships and Grants: Awards may be sent either to you or directly to your school, depending on the organization or state program. If funds are sent to you, be sure to follow the scholarship's guidelines for how the money should be used to avoid any repayment obligations.
• Work-Study: Payments from work-study come on a regular schedule—monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly. You can choose to receive these funds directly or have them applied to your outstanding college balance.
• Private Student Loans: Some private lenders send loan funds directly to your school; others disburse funds to you, so you can manage your education expenses with flexibility. Learn more about private student loans and student loan disbursements.

As a general rule, your school will apply your financial aid first to your tuition, campus housing, fees, and related charges. If there are funds left over, you'll typically receive a refund within 14 days of disbursement. Many schools also offer the option to leave the balance with them, automatically applying it to future expenses, so you can focus on what matters most: your education.

It depends on the type of aid.

• Federal Aid received through FAFSA: You must renew FAFSA every year to continue receiving the benefits—including work study and federal student loans—of federal financial aid.
• Grants and Scholarships: This is grant or scholarship specific. Some scholarships are for every year and renew automatically, and others are one-time awards. Check with the issuer of the scholarship to find out what you need to do in order to maintain or reapply. If a scholarship can’t be renewed, you can always search for additional scholarships.
• Private Student Loans: In most cases, you’ll need to apply every year for private student loans. However, Citizens offers a Multi-Year Approval^ which means that, if approved, you’ll only submit one loan application for all four years of college. It’s best to always check with your lender to ensure you have the funds you need each semester.

If you've maximized savings, explored scholarships and grants, and tapped into federal aid but still need additional support, a private student loan can help bring your goals within reach.

Start by talking with a parent or trusted adult about cosigning your loan. Since building credit takes time, having a cosigner can make approval easier and help you secure a lower interest rate.

Next, take time to compare your options. Look for lenders who offer competitive rates and flexible repayment plans, and who don't charge unnecessary fees like origination, application, or prepayment penalties. Citizens offers exclusive loyalty^ and automatic payment discounts^ to give you more ways to save.

Once you choose the right loan and cosigner, gather essential documents like your SSN, recent tax returns, and financial information.

Ready to take the next step? See how a Citizens Student Loan can help make your college experience possible.