By Jamie Johnson: The money in your wallet keeps disappearing. The price of gas is higher, the cost of living has gone up, and soon breathing will be a dollar per breath. But why should your education be at stake? There are ways to make sure that you get an education without going broke at the same time.
The budget cuts to higher education are going to affect a lot more than just class expenses. Prices of books and supplies, which are already high, will be rising too. This, coupled with the economic downturn which raises prices of everything else, has put an obvious strain on people’s bank accounts. Financial aid and scholarships can help, and should be looked into by anyone needing financial assistance. Education does not have to be deferred because of money problems.
Several of the opportunities available at BC are grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Each alternative is a convenient way to get the money needed to take classes of your choice.
Grants do not have to be repaid as long as enrollment is maintained for the quarter, and they are easy to get. While this may seem the ideal way to get sponsored, satisfactory academic progress is required.
Satisfactory academic progress is a requirement for financial aid that must be upheld through the whole year. This means that a student needs to sustain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, complete the required number of credits, and complete at least 75 percent of all credits attempted.
The dreaded student loans are another accessible form of aid. The reason loans students don’t like loans is that the money must be paid back. Loans can be a problem for some students, but for others they help keep control in the hands of the student.
One of the most valuable forms of financial aid is work study at Bellevue College. Work study students receive 75 to 100 percent of their wages from a work study grant. Their employers pay the rest.
Students acquire priceless work experience need fewer student loans, and get an opportunity to sample different career choices while working in a professional environment. One of the best advantages is the community and involvement a student will feel with Bellevue College once integrated into its work force.
Scholarships are a popular form of aid that are based on ability and need. Scholarships are attained through outside organizations interested in funding a student’s education. You can find online help to begin the search for a scholarship that will finance your schooling, and provide you with the education you deserve.