How to Pay for College When Financial Aid Isn’t Enough

Contents

1. Ask for more financial aid
2. Think about taking a gap year to work and save
3. Work while in college
4. Apply for scholarships
5. Borrow smartly
6. Give crowdfunding a try
7. Look into employer tuition assistance programs
8. Use payment plans
9. Adjust your college plans
10. Check out Appily’s scholarship database

College is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, but with tuition costs rising and financial aid options sometimes falling short, many families find themselves stretched thin. If federal grants, merit scholarships, and standard aid packages don’t cover everything, it’s easy to feel stuck. But don’t worry—there are plenty of creative ways to bridge the gap. Here’s what you can do:

Ask for more financial aid

Did you know you can actually ask a college for more money? Many families don’t realize they can appeal their initial financial aid offer. There are two types of aid you can appeal: need-based and merit-based.

If your family’s financial situation has changed—maybe due to a job loss or unexpected medical bills—you can appeal for more need-based aid. Just reach out to the financial aid office, explain your situation, and provide documentation to back it up.

For merit-based aid, you’ll need a solid reason to ask for more, like a better offer from another school or improved grades. Sometimes, colleges are willing to adjust their offer based on new information.

Consider taking a gap year to work and save

If paying for college feels impossible right now, taking a gap year to work and save could be a game-changer. Plenty of students use this time to build up savings and gain work experience, which can help reduce how much they need to borrow later.

Gap years are becoming more common, and many colleges allow admitted students to defer enrollment for a year. Instead of traveling, you could use that time to work and save up for school.

Work during college

Believe it or not, students who work during college often perform better academically. Why? Because working forces you to manage your time wisely—you’ll learn to balance assignments, avoid procrastination, and schedule study time effectively.

There are three main work options for college students:

• On-campus jobs
• Off-campus jobs
• Paid internships

Any of these can help supplement your financial aid.

Apply for scholarships

A lot of people think scholarships are only for high school seniors, but that’s not true at all! There are tons of scholarships for current college students, too—many tied to specific majors or career paths (sometimes called grants or fellowships).

When my daughter needed extra aid, she reached out to her school’s financial aid office and career center. She even asked department heads about scholarships in her major—and found several she hadn’t applied for.

You can also search online for private scholarships using terms like “current college student.” A quick Google search will turn up plenty of options.

Borrow wisely

After exhausting all financial aid options and tapping into savings (like a 529 plan or family contributions), you might still need student loans. But only borrow what you absolutely need to cover the remaining gap.

Federal loans should always come first—they offer better rates, flexible repayment plans, and even forgiveness options. Here’s the best order to borrow in:

1. Direct Subsidized Loans (lowest rates, government covers interest while you’re in school)
2. Direct Unsubsidized Loans (not need-based, but you’re responsible for interest)
3. Private loans (usually require a cosigner—compare lenders for the best rates)

Your parents might also consider a Parent PLUS Loan to help cover costs.

Pro tip: Never borrow more than your expected starting salary. The average starting salary for 2022 grads was $60,028, but this varies based on your major, location, and school.

Try crowdfunding

Crowdfunding isn’t just for startups—you can use it to help pay for college! It might feel awkward asking for money, but platforms like these make it easier:

• GoFundMe – A trusted way to raise money for education by sharing your story.
• TakesaVillage – A newer site that sends funds directly to your school (no risk of misuse).
• GiftofCollege – Lets friends and family contribute to a 529 plan via gift cards.

Check employer tuition assistance programs

Some companies offer tuition help for employees (or even their kids). If you or a family member works for one of these employers, take advantage of it! Just keep in mind that some programs require you to stay with the company for a certain period.

Use payment plans

Many colleges offer tuition payment plans, letting you split costs into monthly payments instead of paying a lump sum. These plans usually last up to a year, have low fees ($100-$200), and don’t charge interest—making them a much better option than loans.

You can sign up through your school’s bursar or financial aid office.

Modify your college plans

If a traditional four-year college feels too expensive, consider these alternatives:

• Live at home – Save thousands by commuting.
• Start at a community college – Knock out basic credits cheaply, then transfer.
• Compare other schools – Are there more affordable options with better aid?
• Take CLEP tests – Earn college credit by passing exams (saving time and money).

Appily’s scholarship database

Paying for college isn’t easy, but with some effort, you can make it work. Every little bit helps—whether it’s scholarships, smart borrowing, or adjusting your plans.

For a great starting point, check out Appily’s scholarship database. It’s packed with legit, scam-free scholarships worth millions. Click below to create a free account and get personalized recommendations today!