Starting a degree is a serious financial decision. Use these resources to learn and prepare for this important step in your professional journey.
New to the subject of higher education?
Check outthis post on applying to collegeto learn important vocabulary and discover organizational tools that help compare schools and programs.
Understanding financial aid
Financial aidrefers to loans, grants and other forms of financial assistance that help a student or their family to pay for college.
Federal aid
Federal aid (also often referred to as FAFSA) may be offered in the form of a grant, work-study program, scholarship or a federal loan. Use theFederal Student Aidportal by the US Department of Education to learn about all options of financing your education.
To submit a FAFSA form and review your federal aid eligibility, you will need:
- your social security number (SSN) and basic contact information
- your tax filings from previous year (or tax records of your parents) and current financial asset information
- the list of schools you are applying to
Watchthis video playlist on tips for how to fill out a FAFSA form.
Colorado state aid (CASFA)
In 2022, the Colorado General Assembly passed new legislation securing financial aid for undocumented Coloradans. The newly established CASFA process is the next best option for accessing financial aid for those who are unable to complete FAFSA. Check outthe CASFA pageto learn about eligibility requirements and application process.
Grants and scholarships
A grant is a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. A scholarship is a form of recognition of prior academic success (good grades), athletic achievement or financial need. Use thissearch tool by the US Department of Laborto find grants and scholarships to match your unique situation.
Financial aid alternatives
Private loans
If federal or state aid does not meet your financing needs, you might be able to get a private loan from your bank or a local credit union. Beware: private student loans cannot be consolidated and must be repaid even in cases of bankruptcy! Interest rates and borrowing terms are also less favorable than those offered by federal loan servicers. Read theseprivate loan recommendationsbefore borrowing.
Protect yourself from predators
一些学校可能会推动你使用他们的噢n lending products or be vague about the actual costs of the degree. Learn more on how to spot scams and red flags in thisarticle from NerdWallet.
Tuition reimbursement
If you are planning to work and go to school at the same time, check with your employer for tuition reimbursement benefits.Many companies offer partial or full tuition reimbursementas a work perk. An employee first takes the course, receives a good grade and then submits invoices and receipts from school to their employer to get some of their expenses compensated. Check out this list by Built In Colorado to discoverlocal companies that offer tuition reimbursement.
Savings plans
Colorado 529 savings plans allow parents to save up for their child's education through tax-free payroll deductions. Use the Colorado state-runCollege Invest websiteto find out more.
Free and low-cost learning options
Not all education has to cost a lot of money. Consider these free and affordable options for getting a degree or learning a skill.
Zero-cost training for high-demand jobs
The Colorado Community College System offers many zero-cost job training programs in healthcare, education, construction, law enforcement and other high-demand fields. Students still need to file FAFSA or CASFA applications, but all costs will be covered starting from the Fall 2023 semester. Get thelist of participating schools and programs, opens a new windowhere.
Upskill for free with library resources
Use the Arapahoe Libraries virtual resources to learn valuable work and business skills. Find the following learning platforms in ouronline library:
- Treehouse Web Development
- Gale Courses
- Learning Express
- Rosetta Stone
- LinkedIn Learning
- Grow with Google
Find affordable learning in the community or online
There are plenty of in-demand careers where training with virtual or community training available for free or at low cost. Consider these programs:
- Registered Behavior Technician training from the Autism Partnership Foundation(免费)
- Patient Navigation courses from the Patient Navigator Training Collaborative(免费)
- Career Training programs from MiCasa Resource Center(free and stackable)
- Google certification through Coursera($49-$79/month)
- Medical interpreter training through Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning($595 for 1 week)
- Medical interpreter training through the Colorado Language Connection($650 for 1 week)
Looking for support navigating these resources?
- Submit anAsk-a-Librarian form, opens a new windowto schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of the librarians.
- Sign up and attend one of thehigher education workshops, opens a new windowat the library.
- Just getting started with higher education? Check out our blog postsWhat Should I Study?, opens a new windowandHow Do I Apply?
