Good ways to pay for college

Paying for college is on the minds of parents and students alike these days.  Here are some good ways for college students to help pay for college.

Co-op Wages

Fixed-Tuition Guarantee

Kettering University also offers undergraduate students a fixed-rate, guaranteed tuition, meaning that the tuition level paid by new students enrolling at the university will not change during their entire course of study. Kettering is part of a very small and prestigious group of forward thinking college and universities that are intentionally helping families better plan and pay for college expenses.  Fixed-rate undergraduate tuition

Grants and scholarships

Grants and scholarships are the best types of financial aid because you do not have to repay them!

What is a scholarship? What are scholarships typically given for?

A scholarship is money for your education that you will not be expected to repay. At Kettering
University, we offer the following types of scholarships:

• Merit-based – these awards are based on academic achievement and ACT or SAT scores.
• Need-based -these awards are based on the student and family's financial record and require applicants to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify.
• Student specific -These are scholarships where applicants must initially qualify by student-specific factors such as gender, race, geographic, family and medical history, involvement in high-school programs such as First Robotics, etc.

How do you get a grant or scholarship?

Having been a scholarship evaluator for more than 20 years, here's what Kettering University staff members look for.

• Be detailed on your application. We only know what your application and your letters of recommendations tell us. The more you tell us the more you will stand out among the other applicants.
• Make sure your application and any supporting documentation are complete and contain all the relevant information.
• Do not miss deadlines.

What is a loan?

A loan is money that is borrowed to help pay for the costs of a student’s education.

What are the different types of loans?

Federal Loans
Subsidized: for students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by federal regulations.  No interest is charged while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods.

Unsubsidized: not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods. 

PLUS: unsubsidized loans for the parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional students. PLUS loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.

Private loans are offered by private lenders. Eligibility for private student loans often depends on you or your parents credit score.

What is a grant? What are grants typically given for? How do I get one?

A grant is a type of financial assistance that is given to a student without the need to pay it back. Grants are typically given to undergraduate students who demonstrate the greatest financial need. Sources of grant funds are the Federal Government, State Aid and Institutional Aid.

Most grants will require you to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so that the school can determine your financial need.

Do you have any other advice and tips to help college students pay for colleges?

• The most important thing is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year; even if you think you will not qualify for any aid.
• Make sure you explore all types of financial aid.
• Research and apply for scholarships, there are many free online searches, such as Fastweb, or College Boards Scholarship search.
• Scholarships & grants do not normally cover the full cost of your education so if you need to borrow loans to offset your college costs, please borrow responsibly.
• Take advantage of the financial aid office, we are here to help you understand the financial aid process and assist you in finding sources to pay for your educational investment.