Dealing with FAFSA and Tuition
By: Olivia Aragon
Photographed by: Yolanda Diaz
Many college students today struggle with finances. Often, amounts received through programs like the FAFSA can make or break whether or not you have student loans, how long you have student loans, etc. This can be an extremely stressful situation for most students.
A couple of weeks ago current George Fox University (GFU) students received an email stating how much financial aid and/or scholarships they would be receiving for the following school year. Director of Student Accounts Jenny Getsinger said the single most important thing students can do to assure they get as much financial aid as possible is to file as soon as they can.
Jenny Getsinger photographed by Yolanda Diaz
“File early,” Getsinger emphasized. “This weekend. Seriously, every year there are students who could have qualified for the Oregon Opportunity Grant and didn’t because they didn’t file the FAFSA early enough.” Getsinger said. “Once awarded, I recommend that students accept all of the offered aid, knowing they can change their minds later if they don’t need the loans.”
GFU also recently sent out an email communicating to students that tuition would increase next year, despite the fact that last year it was frozen. This may cause worry for some students, especially those who are paying tuition themselves, or who are taking out loans to do so.
If you are concerned about the cost of tuition, Getsinger suggests looking for scholarships. Places where you can find scholarships are Scholarship Owl and FastWeb; both make it easy to find scholarships for which you qualify. She also suggests exporting your bank account.
“My advice would suggest that you export your banking records and get a look at how you are really spending your money,” Getsinger said. “My husband and I just did this and discovered we spent way too much on small luxuries and non-necessities. A ridiculous amount! It’s easy to spend a little here and there and not miss it. My advice is to save a little here and there instead.”
Paying for college can be tough and stressful, and hopefully through finding scholarships, filing FAFSA early, and saving wherever you can, the experience can be smoother.
Also, if you have any questions regarding your award package you should email financialaid@georgefox.edu. Financial aid counselors are available to discuss student questions and advise the application process face-to-face.