How to Afford College
Apr 22 2025 - 12:37pm
By: Southwestern Adventist University
Paying for college is a challenge many students face, but there are resources and strategies to help lighten the load. Whether you're applying for financial aid, looking for scholarships, or considering loans, it's essential to know your options and plan ahead. To guide you through the process, we reached out to four experts in our Financial Aid office to offer their insights.
Student Employment Opportunities: Balancing Work and Academics
By Dulce Alvarado, Financial Aid Counselor
On-campus jobs and internships offer students the chance to manage their finances while gaining valuable work experience, often in areas related to their major. Students who participate in these programs can work up to 25 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters (or up to 20 hours for international students). These positions help students cover tuition costs while providing the flexibility to prioritize classes and study time.
In addition to earning wages, on-campus jobs provide a safe, friendly work environment with no transportation costs and opportunities to engage in physical, spiritual, and social activities. For students looking for even more financial support, the Work Match Scholarship is available for those who work in the cafeteria, custodial, grounds, and maintenance departments. By committing to work between 100 and 200 hours during the semester, students can earn a matching scholarship at the end of the period.
Students working through federal and institutional work studies have different benefits. Federal Work Study students receive 100% of their wages directly into their bank accounts. No payroll deduction can be applied, without student consent. The maximum they can earn is $2,200 per academic year. For those who qualify for Institutional Work Study, wages are subject to the 80-20 rule. If a student chooses to participate in this program, 80% of their Institutional Work Study earnings will be automatically directly applied to their tuition, while the remaining 20% is paid directly to the student; payroll deductions will happen every pay period.
With these flexible work opportunities, students can better manage their finances while staying on track with their academic commitments, setting them up for long-term success both financially and professionally.
Finding Scholarships: How to Start and Stay on Track
By Stephanie Campos, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Starting the scholarship search early is one of the best ways to reduce college costs. It's never too soon to begin looking for opportunities. Websites like Scholarship America and Fastweb are great resources for finding scholarships. But don't forget about your local community too—many local businesses and organizations offer scholarships with fewer applicants, so you might have a better chance of winning!
Before you start applying, make sure you have your high school or college transcripts, a couple of letters of recommendation, and a personal statement ready to go. Always read the scholarship criteria carefully—if you don't meet the requirements, it's not worth your time to apply. And most importantly, never miss a deadline. Scholarship deadlines are strict, and late submissions usually aren't accepted.
Getting rejected can be tough, but don't give up! The more applications you send out, the better your chances. Make it a goal to apply to several each week. It's all about persistence—each scholarship is another chance to help fund your education.
Borrowing Responsibly: Making Smart Decisions About Loans
Loans are sometimes a necessary part of paying for college, but it's important to borrow wisely. Think of loans as an investment in your future—but like any investment, you need to be strategic. Start by applying for scholarships first. Even small scholarships, like $500, can make a big difference. That's $500 less in loans (and future interest) to pay back.
Before borrowing, make sure you understand the loan terms—things like interest rates, repayment plans, and your loan servicers. It's crucial to keep track of your loan documents, especially the Master Promissory Note. You'll also want to be mindful of how much you borrow. Borrowing just what you need for your education can help reduce the burden later on.
Planning ahead also means managing your time. If you can, try to get a summer job to reduce your borrowing needs. Every little bit helps. And don't forget to keep track of your loan balance over time. Staying on top of how much you owe will make it easier to make smart financial decisions down the road.
Planning Ahead: First Steps Toward Financial Success
By Duane Valencia, Director of Financial Aid
The first step we encourage students to take when considering their higher education choice is to plan for it in prayer with God. The next step is to fill out the financial aid applications available to them (FAFSA/TASFA or Institutional Financial Aid Applications) as early as possible. The sooner you apply, the more time you will have to plan for the upcoming school year.
Once you have your Financial Aid results and have had a conversation with your Financial Aid counselor to review your financial aid, have an honest conversation with your parents regarding the expected financial obligations. This will allow you to plan accordingly on what you can count on from your parents.
Planning early allows you to be among the first students to be considered for need-based or academically competitive financial aid; this allows you to plan for your summer, knowing what your financial obligations will be and when they are due.
Visit Apply for Aid to Learn More