Navigating Higher Education Costs & Scholarships. Below are resources tailored to assist both students and parents/guardians in managing Higher Education expenses and exploring options effectively. There are many avenues available to finance their education.

• Scholarships and grants are excellent starting points, as they do not require repayment.
• Federal and private loans are also available, though they accrue interest over time.
• Work-study programs allow students to earn money while studying.
• Apprenticeships offer practical experience and sometimes even compensation, which can help offset tuition costs. Apprenticeships, in particular, provide hands-on training and a direct path into certain professions, often in skilled trades, which can be a valuable alternative or complement to traditional college pathways.
• Technical colleges present an alternative to traditional four-year universities, often with lower tuition fees and focused, career-oriented programs that can lead to immediate job opportunities.
• For those planning ahead, 529 plans offer a tax-advantaged investment option for future education expenses.
• Navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial, as it opens doors to various financial aid options.

There are many avenues available to finance additional education.

• Use this activity to help K-2nd graders and 3-6th graders learn different ways to pay for college.
• Try ‘My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College—Workbook’ for middle and junior high school students with information on how to prepare for and pay for education beyond high school.
• Talk with your high school student about the videos found in this ‘Paying for College Toolkit’ playlist from the Utah College Awareness and Financial Aid YouTube channel.