Paying for College
So at some point in a college student's life, whether it is at the start of one's college education, or already in the midst of their studies, there might come a time where the financial worries of going to college overwhelm the worries of studying for the next big exam. I found myself to be in such a debacle.
Ironically, when I first started out in college, the idea of financial aid never much phased me. I had a scholarship, and I always assumed that my parents would be able to cover the rest. That's what they're there for, right?
After going to college (at that time a different university) for about a year, it was time for a serious wake-up call. I'll say, once one is out on their own, not pampered at home, having all expenses paid for, the value of money seems to become oh so greater. I can't even begin to describe what a miser I turned into. It was then that I made the decision to transfer schools, to one that offered a more affordable cost of attendance, while offering excellent value.
Seeing as I am now a Student Ambassador at UAF, it is safe to say that my final stop, concerning my college education, is UAF. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to come here (I am a proud Nanook). Ah, but then the issue of financing my education, even at a more affordable school became a bit of an issue.
Here's the deal... I have such wonderful parents, who have supported me all through college (encouraging me and financially supporting me), that they decided they wanted me to be debt free by the time I graduate. This means no loans- period. Yes, you read right; I have never taken out a loan of any kind to support my college education. However, as one might imagine, money had become tight. I can't even begin to explain how LUCKY I was when the Post 9/11 GI Bill became effective on August 1,2009.
Although the benefits of this bill originally belonged to my father (who is in the Army), he transferred his benefits to me (military can choose to transfer their benefits of this bill to their dependents). Thanks to my father and this bill, my entire education is financed through the VA. My tuition and fees are paid for, I receive a housing allowance, and a yearly books and supplies stipend of $1,000. It is a rush of relief not having to worry about paying for my education.
Overall, I just want others to know about this latest and great form of financial aid. If you want to read more about it you can visit:
http://www.uaf.edu/veterans/benefit_programs/
or
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Post-911.htm
Other than that, I hope that if you didn't at least learn a lesson by reading about my past financial experiences, that you might have learned about a form of financial aid that may be of use to you.
Anne :-)
Ironically, when I first started out in college, the idea of financial aid never much phased me. I had a scholarship, and I always assumed that my parents would be able to cover the rest. That's what they're there for, right?
After going to college (at that time a different university) for about a year, it was time for a serious wake-up call. I'll say, once one is out on their own, not pampered at home, having all expenses paid for, the value of money seems to become oh so greater. I can't even begin to describe what a miser I turned into. It was then that I made the decision to transfer schools, to one that offered a more affordable cost of attendance, while offering excellent value.
Seeing as I am now a Student Ambassador at UAF, it is safe to say that my final stop, concerning my college education, is UAF. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to come here (I am a proud Nanook). Ah, but then the issue of financing my education, even at a more affordable school became a bit of an issue.
Here's the deal... I have such wonderful parents, who have supported me all through college (encouraging me and financially supporting me), that they decided they wanted me to be debt free by the time I graduate. This means no loans- period. Yes, you read right; I have never taken out a loan of any kind to support my college education. However, as one might imagine, money had become tight. I can't even begin to explain how LUCKY I was when the Post 9/11 GI Bill became effective on August 1,2009.
Although the benefits of this bill originally belonged to my father (who is in the Army), he transferred his benefits to me (military can choose to transfer their benefits of this bill to their dependents). Thanks to my father and this bill, my entire education is financed through the VA. My tuition and fees are paid for, I receive a housing allowance, and a yearly books and supplies stipend of $1,000. It is a rush of relief not having to worry about paying for my education.
Overall, I just want others to know about this latest and great form of financial aid. If you want to read more about it you can visit:
http://www.uaf.edu/veterans/benefit_programs/
or
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Post-911.htm
Other than that, I hope that if you didn't at least learn a lesson by reading about my past financial experiences, that you might have learned about a form of financial aid that may be of use to you.
Anne :-)
Leave a Comment