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When it comes to paying for college, you need to see the big picture. But if the waters of financial aid and scholarships seem murky to you, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n
While many of the typical student costs are eliminated for Oregon State University’s online students\u2014such as nonresident credit rates, incidental and health service fees, campus living and meal plan expenses\u2014one of the biggest concerns for college students is cost, and according to Ecampus enrollment services specialist Celina Long, many current and future online students worry about hidden fees.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlanning ahead for the financial impact of earning a degree is very important because, as many students know, unexpected costs outside of school may arise at any time,\u201d Celina says.<\/p>\n
Even the most prepared students can benefit from a conversation with Ecampus enrollment services about the costs associated with admission, tuition and course materials, and those unique to distance students, such as proctored exams<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cProspective students are often pleased that we try to be very transparent about the cost of a degree by providing tools to help people plan ahead, like our tuition and fees calculator\u00a0<\/a>that can help estimate cost,\u201d Celina says. \u201cSome students are surprised they can apply for federal aid and scholarships even though they live outside of Oregon.\u201d<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re preparing to apply or well into your degree, read the tips below to shed light on how to save money while funding your education.<\/p>\n One thing to consider when enrolling in a degree program is how your education can impact your future earnings. When your hard work in school is done, how will it pay off?<\/p>\n According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, higher degree completion yields higher earnings. Those with a master\u2019s degree or higher earn 19% more than those who hold a bachelor\u2019s. A bachelor\u2019s degree recipient can earn 64% more than someone who holds a high school diploma.<\/p>\n Preparing for your degree program early is one of the best ways to avoid unexpected costs. Although it\u2019s common for students to change their area of study, investing time in understanding your desired degree and career path can help ensure that you only pay for the courses you need.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re weighing your options, the Ecampus undergraduate degree comparison tool\u00a0<\/a>can help estimate the overall cost and career outcomes for graduates of each major. Or if you\u2019ve already chosen a degree program, use the Ecampus tuition and fees calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although many Oregon State Ecampus degree programs allow students to begin during any term, you should plan to submit financial aid applications during the fall and winter months to maximize potential aid.<\/p>\n Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to become eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and work study awards. The application opens in October, and OSU\u2019s FAFSA priority deadline is Feb. 28. Because Oregon awards financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted, Oregon State students should submit the application as close to Oct. 1 as possible.<\/p>\n Understand important financial aid dates<\/a> as well as important course registration, drop and withdraw dates on OSU\u2019s academic calendar<\/a> to avoid late fees and partial tuition charges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Between November and February, admitted OSU students can also complete an OSU ScholarDollars\u00a0<\/a>application to be considered for more than 1,600 scholarship opportunities.<\/p>\n Once you are admitted to OSU, check with your academic advisor to find out if there are other scholarships available through your college.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>When your aid offer comes in, it\u2019s easy to get lost in the financial jargon. Be sure that you understand what each option means and what your responsibilities will be for maintaining eligibility or repayment.<\/p>\n Fine-tune your vocabulary with the Office of Financial Aid\u2019s list of terminology<\/a>.<\/p>\n The financial aid office also offers helpful online videos, including a step-by-step tutorial for accepting your financial aid award\u00a0<\/a>online and a series that answers frequently asked financial aid questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Your financial aid will change depending on your enrollment status and degree progress<\/a>. To maintain your financial aid award, review its terms and conditions as you register for courses each term.<\/p>\n A key challenge for online students is navigating their enrollment level, as many Ecampus students enroll in online courses part time to continue working or caring for their families.<\/p>\n Undergraduate degree-seeking students may be eligible for financial aid through OSU if enrolled for 6 or more credits per term. Graduate degree and certificate students need 5 or more credits per term to qualify.<\/p>\n To avoid aid disbursement delays, students enrolled less than full time (12 credits) must notify the Office of Financial Aid in advance with an enrollment revision request.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Whether personal, academic or financial, a setback does not have to be the end of the line for your education.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a current student and a sudden financial challenge threatens your academic progress, consider applying for the need-based Ecampus Financial Hardship Grant\u00a0<\/a>or a short-term emergency loan\u00a0<\/a>from the OSU Cashier\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n Current Ecampus students should reach out to an Ecampus student success coach\u00a0<\/a>or Oregon State\u2019s financial aid advisors\u00a0<\/a>at the first sign of financial trouble to brainstorm solutions.<\/p>\n1.\u00a0Before all else, choose the best degree program for you<\/h3>\n
2. Put financial aid application \u201cseason\u201d on the calendar<\/h3>\n
\nDon’t let tuition go to waste<\/h2>\n
3. Master the ABCs of financial aid<\/h3>\n
4. Stay on top of your eligibility<\/h3>\n
5. Don\u2019t face financial emergencies alone<\/h3>\n
\nReady to get started?<\/h3>\n