Families pursuing educational goals may be focused on how they will pay for their program. Staff can support families in determining the cost of pursuing education and navigating the variety of financial aid, scholarship, and grant options available to make higher education more attainable.
Ideas for Action
1. Determine the whole cost of education.
Higher education costs include things like tuition and fees, but also include the cost of lost wages and increased child care costs. Staff can support families in determining their costs and brainstorm how to cover them.
Start the Conversation
- "What are your concerns about paying for college?”
- “What costs are you planning for other than tuition?”
Resources for Families
- How much will it cost? (information)
2. Complete the FAFSA® and determine if student loans are a good choice.
Staff can support families in completing the FAFSA to ensure they have the option of federal financial aid. Staff can also help families research the pros and cons of taking out student loans.
Start the Conversation
- "What would your loan repayments be like?”
- “What kind of trade-off would you be making?”
Resources for Families
- Complete the FAFSA Form (online tool)
3. Apply for scholarships, grants, and other aid.
Staff can help families identify other ways to finance their education. Staff can share financial aid search databases, CareerOneStop’s Scholarship Finder to support families in the application process.
Start the Conversation
- "As a parent, you may qualify for specific types of aid! Would you like to discuss that?”
- “Where else might you find out about scholarships?”
Resources for Families
- Scholarship Finder (online tool)
4. Learn about tax credits for students.
There are tax credits for students that can lower the taxes they owe and result in a refund. Staff can provide families with information about these tax credits, and help them compile a record of their educational expenses at tax time.
Learn More with These Resources
- Career OneStop: Financial Aid (article)
- StudentAid.gov (resource collection)
- Helping Parents Finance Their Education and Training Goals (video)
Last Updated: September 29, 2023