Paying for College
Most students think paying for school is going to be their biggest challenge. Well, it is definitely in the top five. Money is a big issue, but there are lots of ways to find the funding to go to school. You just need to have the information and determination to find it. It can sometimes take a lot of work. You may have to pursue the money through grants, scholarships, and waivers. It may not be as simple as applying for a loan. Your hard work in the beginning is worth it. You don't have to pay back grants, scholarships, or waivers. Everyone who relies on loans has to pay them back. So, if you are up for the challenge, the money is out there.
Possible Funding Ideas
One way to get your school paid for is through a waiver. Waivers may apply to tuition or tuition, fees, and books. It depends on who gives you the waiver and why. Vocational Rehabilitation Services, for example, may waive tuition if the college courses relate directly to an employment goal.
With negotiation, you may be able to get multiple agencies (e.g., Developmental Disabilities and Department of Education) to come up with a way to fund educational classes. One-Stop Career Centers, funded by the Department of Labor, have Individual Training Accounts (based on financial need) that allow for training to increase employability. Also, check with a Benefits Counselor to help develop a Plan for a Achieving Self-Support. This service is sponsored by the Social Security Administration and allows you to save money for career-related items without losing SSI benefits.
If you are still in high school, you may want to try dual enrollment, which lets you attend college while still in high school. That way your school district will support some of the costs of college.
Note that with these ways of paying for college may take a while to set up - you need to start planning 1-2 years before you enroll. It takes a lot longer to get because you need so many people's help. So you must start looking earlier.
Other possible places for money for college- Scholarships are another great way to get money for college. There are scholarships for practically everything. You just have to find the right thing. Your school probably gives out scholarships, your parent's workplace probably gives out scholarships, and your uncle's Kiwanis Club gives out scholarships. If you look on the web, and there are several links below, you will find several scholarship resources.
- Any postsecondary school that receives government money has to offer work-study programs. Work-study is a great way to get financial aid. You become an employee of the college you are attending. It's a good way to get to know people and earn money at the same time.
- Your parents may help you pay for college. It is pretty much assumed that parents, to some extent, will help pay for your college.
- Finally, you are expected to help pay for your college. Use your savings, get a summer job, work during school. You need to help pay your way through school.
"I need a job so I can open a savings account, and save up for college."; -- Adrian Martir, 19
The average student works 31 hours a week during college to help cover the costs. What is your plan? Even if you only plan to go part time you will still need to contribute.
Helpful Links
Web Links to Scholarships for Students with Down Syndrome
U.S. Dept. of Education: Explore Financial Aid
GWU Institute for Education Studies: Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Mapping Your Future: Explore financial aid options
MSN Money: Family and College Finances Center
The College Scholarships, Colleges, and Online Degrees page
QuintCareers.com: Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources for College and College-Bound Students
University of Washington: College Funding for Students with Disabilities
