Navigating College Finances

Navigating the world of finances as a college student is tricky. At 18 or 19 years old, you may feel that people expect to know how to manage your finances. It is always a good idea to plan how you will need to manage money in college, but you are not alone in it. College is expensive. DePaul’s tuition, room and board, meal plans, and other additional costs total over $50,000 a year. While that number is scary, taking advantage of the right resources can help you pay for college. First and foremost, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Regardless of whether you think you will qualify for federal aid, the FAFSA is a must as many scholarships from outside of DePaul require that you fill out the FAFSA for consideration. In addition to federal aid, DePaul has a website with scholarships open to people of certain ethnic groups, backgrounds, identities, and circumstances. The best resource for finding financial aid in any capacity is DePaul Central.

 Not only are they in charge of financial aid and scholarships, but they also offer financial fitness programs to teach you how to manage money. In addition to the money you’re spending in college, you will encounter extra costs such as textbooks for classes. Also essential to keep in mind is you are also a college student in Chicago! Chicago is full of different experiences ranging from various restaurants to museums, and you will want to be able to experience these things without putting a strain on your finances. Get ahead of your finances, and use your resources! College is a significant financial burden, but with adequate planning and management, you can have a college experience that will not leave you with student loans for the rest of your life!

– Christopher