LETS TALK ABOUT MONEY
...the only thing more awkward to talk about than your grades
It seems you can't talk about higher education lately without addressing how much it costs to attend college...because it *is* expensive. Being a financially literate student is extremely important, and often can feel like a part time job itself. However, getting a handle on your finances is critical, and ISU is here to help! Not knowing how to pay for college, dealing with unforeseen financial issues, or just general financial ignorance can be extremely scary and stressful...but that can be alleviated through education. If you have a good financial handle on your college career, that can also help with your family dynamics (you'll see what I mean once you go home for winter break). Don't just assume you'll figure it out later - be proactive in learning how to manage your money and finances!
ISU's Student Financial Aid FAQ - Does it seem like everyone knows more about financial aid than you? Start here and get answers to common questions.
Student Loan Education within Financial Aid - Student loans are a reality for many students. Manage your loans responsibly, and get your questions answered by professionals, as opposed to your roommate.
Financial Counseling Clinic - gain or receive hands-on experience in financial counseling and planning. Learning sound financial principles can be a HUGE weight off your shoulders
Finally, if you don't know where to get your questions answered, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid, and they'll point you in the right direction. Don't put it off!
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Advice from an Honors Alum:
by Aaron Leppert, '21, Chemistry Education
College is expensive, as every student knows. On top of every 8AM, every night exam, every devastating CyHawk loss, most college students burden the following question: How the heck am I supposed to pay off this ding dang college debt? Certainly, it’s bad enough lugging the stress of academic life. Now, take this stress and add a layer of financial conundrum and we have ourselves a genuine gripe to grapple with. Keeping this in mind, I’m looking to share a few tips that have helped decrease my college costs.
Making Money Moves Tip 1: Applying for Scholarships
I know what you’re thinking- I’m the millionth individual to encourage writing thousands of essays and amassing hundreds of references which ultimately result in lost time, a waste of effort, and no money. Yeah, I used to think exactly the same… that was until I filled out Iowa State’s OneApp application.
Iowa State’s OneApp allows students to submit a single application and be considered for every scholarship on the Iowa State Scholarship database. This means that any scholarship that does not have additional requirements will automatically apply to your application. I have personally received several scholarships just from submitting my OneApp-- I didn’t even know I applied some of the scholarships I received. That’s how crazy this system is! You don’t have to spend your time making a thousand unique applications; instead, you just have to take the time to fill out a general application and- BOOM- you are thrown in the applicant pool. Participating in OneApp, in my opinion, is a must do as an Iowa State student.
Now, that being said, some scholarships do have requirements outside of the OneApp which can be viewed on Iowa State’s scholarship database. Still, as a first step to handling college costs, I would take an hour or two and visit the link above. This is an opportunity you will not regret.
Making Money Moves Tip 2: A Campus Job
The best way to begin chipping away at your college tuition, in my opinion, is to obtain a campus job. There are many campus jobs offered at Iowa State and the opportunities are constantly changing. Perhaps you will find work in a dining center, find a department office job, or become a Hilton Coliseum custodian.
Iowa State also offers students the “Student Job Board” menu item underneath the Student Tab on AccessPlus. The student job board is always in flux and there are plenty of options such as research, recreation, and web design. If you are intent on finding a campus job, be sure to periodically check the student job board throughout the semester.
Disclaimer: I’m a big proponent of personal happiness. Many students attack college tuition by adding jobs on top of jobs to their schedule, decreasing both study and relaxation time. If you are interested in obtaining a campus job, make sure the job does not place additional stress on your life. Pick a job that is fun or exciting- don’t jump at the first job opportunity just because it will merit a little money.
Making Money Moves: Best of Luck!
At the end of the day, whatever route you take towards mad money moves is your choice to make. It is my hope that these three tips add to your financial savviness! If you are interested in more financial tips, enroll in Iowa State’s Cyclone CashCourse or schedule an appointment with the Office of Student Financial Aid located in Beardshear. Now, I have nothing left to tell you! I’d close with a joke, but I know it wouldn’t make any cents!
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SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are obviously preferable to grants or loans because they are money you don't have to pay back. When searching for scholarships, be sure to consider all of the different layers of scholarship dollars - university-wide scholarships, college-wide scholarships, money offered by your own department (go talk to your department's front desk!), and private scholarships (from the community, or back home). DEFINITELY fill out your OneApp profile (see below)
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The FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), might seem like a torture tool designed to cause families to have awkward conversations about money...but it's actually a yearly form you need to fill out in order to qualify for any institutional and federal financial aid. In order to fill it out you need tax information, social security numbers, a host of bank statements and financial information, and lots and lots of patience. The yearly window for filling out the FAFSA is right now: the priority deadline for several ISU financial aid programs is January 3, 2023. No one likes filling it out, but you must do it in order to get any financial aid through Iowa State. This site is a good place to start: it tells you how to get various IDs and reminds you to make sure you have you For a quick tutorial, click here.
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What are Nationally Competitive Awards?
Nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships are prestigious and selective scholarships that are a Big Deal. Fortunately, ISU has Dr. John Milstead to help you navigate those waters. Check out the list here, and make an appointment to meet with John if one piques your interest (sign up for a meeting using Navigate).
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Did you know about: Student Legal Services?
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