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Whether you’re looking for a short program or one that will last years, education can get expensive. That’s why it’s important to offset the costs as much as possible through scholarships, grants and, where possible, benefits, which do not have to be paid back.

Wondering what to do once you start your scholarship application? We break down the secret to a successful essay in our blog!��

are funds that generally do not have to be repaid and are based on financial need. Federal Pell Grants and typically awarded to undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. In order to be considered for these grants, you must complete the FAFSA^® application.

If you or a family member have served in the military, it’s possible you qualify for financial benefits you can apply toward your education. Such military benefits include:

• Active-duty tuition assistance with the cost of tuition
• The Post-9/11����, which generally offers up to 36 months of education benefits for veterans
• Work-study programs

In some cases, qualifying for these programs is fairly straightforward. For example, active duty, National Guard and Army Reserve servicemembers, as well as veterans who have served at least 90 days on active duty since September 11, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which includes money for school tuition, living expenses and books.

Once you’ve done the work of researching, applying for and (hopefully) earning one or more scholarship or grant, it’s time to start drafting your financial plan. This is when you’ll figure out whether or not you’ll need something to fill the gap between the price tag of your education and the money you have (whether it’s your own or a scholarship or grant).��

Understand your rights and responsibilities when considering private loan options. Clear and accurate information can help you make informed choices, so you borrow only what you need and can reasonably repay.

The University encourages that all federal and state financial aid options are exhausted before private loans be considered. Private loans are made through third-party lenders and other financial institutions and are subject to a credit review and individual lender terms and conditions. Private loans are not subsidized or guaranteed by the federal government. For more information on the difference between federal and private loans, please visit the .

Private student loans may be available to both students and parents who are not eligible for federal financial aid or who need assistance beyond their financial aid eligibility. The lender determines eligibility, and amounts are limited to the cost of attendance minus other aid, including discounts and any other resources received.

Students may choose to use any eligible lender that offers private loans. The University does not maintain a list of lenders that offer private loans, nor will it endorse a particular lender.

A lot can happen while you pursue your education, especially over the course of a four-year program. The prospects for your chosen career path, for instance, are subject to market forces that are out of your control. Keeping yourself apprised of the latest news in your industry can help you make the necessary pivots for optimizing your education.

Understanding where and how you can be flexible goes a long way for this step of the financial plan. Talk to your academic advisor about policies relating to switching majors or taking on different courses. Getting this information ahead of time gives you the tools to be flexible, regardless of circumstances.

Research is a huge part of being prepared for the unexpected. Keeping up with what finances are available to you allows you to be more flexible when things don’t go exactly to plan. Chris Conway, director of financial education initiatives at ��ɫ��Ƶ, highlights this point”

“If students really put the effort into finding that free money [of scholarships, grants and benefits], and things do change, then federal loans can be a good fallback. If you’re trying everything else first, then it’s good to have that safety net in case you need it.”

If you want to make some kind of adjustment, it’s important to give yourself the flexibility to change course. Saving up money in case of emergencies is a huge help in this regard.��

Grants, scholarships and loans are not only available during the application stage. Researching and applying for these opportunities can happen even after starting your degree. In fact, you should be checking these resources regularly, especially those that you’ve previously applied for. In many cases, it can take several applications to receive a competitive grant or scholarship.

In other words, don’t give up — even if you don’t get it the first time.

Making a financial plan for your education is a sound idea, not a scary one. The more you do ahead of time in terms of researching and applying, the more confident (and well-funded) you will be as you begin your degree program.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at