Sophia AlexanderLet’s be real—college isn’t cheap at all. Between tuition, books, housing, and other fees, the costs pile up fast. Some students can rely on their parents or guardians for financial support, but others might have to handle everything themselves.
If that’s you, don’t worry—you can still chase your dream career without draining your parents’ savings. But if you’re going this route, you’ll need to start early to snag as much free money as possible upfront and avoid taking out too many (or any) loans.
Ready to fund your education? Here are six ways to pay for college without your parents’ help:
Plan ahead
If you want to cover your college costs on your own, start preparing now to save cash.
Here’s how to get a head start:
- Take AP classes: If your high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, sign up for a few. These college-level classes let you earn credits early, so you can skip (and save money on) those courses later.
- Try dual enrollment: Enroll in community college or university classes while still in high school. It cuts tuition costs and gives you a taste of college-level work.
- Open a high-yield savings account: Start stashing money in a savings account with a great interest rate—some earn up to 15x more than regular accounts. Compare options and open one ASAP.
- Work summer jobs in high school: A summer gig helps you earn cash, gain experience, and even explore potential majors or careers—plus, it beefs up your resume and LinkedIn.
Decide what kind of education you want
Are you aiming for a two-year, four-year, or technical school? Knowing your path helps estimate costs.
Check the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard to compare tuition, graduation rates, grad earnings, and more.
Apply for scholarships
Don’t miss out on free money! Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Some schools automatically consider you for merit-based aid, but you should hunt for others too.
If you’ve picked a program, ask the department if they offer freshman scholarships.
Beyond school-based aid, search online—our free scholarship database lets you filter by gender, ethnicity, enrollment level, and more.
Fill out the FAFSA
While applying for scholarships, also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It opens doors to grants, work-study programs, and federal loans.
To apply, go to StudentAid.gov, create an FSA ID, and gather your driver’s license, Social Security number, and (possibly) your parents’ financial info.
Pro tip: The FAFSA opens October 1 each year, and some aid is first-come, first-served—so don’t delay! Keep submitting it yearly in college to maximize aid.
Look into private student loans
If financial aid doesn’t cover everything, private student loans could help. These come from banks, credit unions, or state agencies—not the federal government.
Some top lenders include:
- Sallie Mae
- College Ave
- Ascent
- ELFI
Just know: Private loans often have higher interest rates, and you might need a co-signer.
Work a part-time job or side hustle
If your schedule allows, pick up a part-time job. If not, try a side hustle like babysitting, DoorDash, or freelancing.
It won’t cover all expenses, but it’ll help with books, fees, or loan payments.
Final thoughts
College is affordable with the right financial strategies. If your parents aren’t helping, chase every free-money opportunity. Use these tips to fund your degree—and start now!
Appily’s scholarship database
Paying for college isn’t easy, but with effort and smart planning, you can cut costs and avoid heavy debt.
Remember, education is an investment—and there are plenty of ways to make it work. Start by browsing Appily’s scholarship database. We’ve got millions in vetted, scam-free scholarships ready to help you save.
Click below to create a free account and get personalized scholarship matches today!
