How to Pay for College Without Parents

The idea of paying for college without help from family can feel overwhelming. The cost of higher education is only growing, and often, aspiring students assume their dreams come with a price tag that’s out of reach.

But here’s the truth: you can pay for college on your own.  With the right strategy, including scholarships, grants, and financial aid, it’s possible to fund your education without taking on a mountain of debt.

Here’s how to pay for college without help.

Apply to As Many Scholarships as You Can 

If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: apply for scholarships!

Each year, millions of dollars in scholarship money goes unclaimed simply because students don’t apply. Don’t let that be you! Whether you have strong grades, a unique talent, or simply meet the right criteria, there’s a scholarship out there with your name on it.

Where to Find Scholarships

• Online Scholarship Databases: There are hundreds of online scholarship databases that often automatically filter out scholarships perfect for you based on certain criteria.
• Your College’s Website: Schools often have scholarships specifically for incoming and returning students.
• Local Organizations: Community foundations, small businesses, and even grocery stores offer scholarships.
• Your High School Counselor’s Office: They’ll have a running list of scholarships that have benefited students from your school.

There are so many different opportunities available, we’ve got a whole web page on how to find scholarships. Also, while applying for scholarships with a larger payout is a no-brainer, don’t forget to apply for smaller, local scholarships. Not only are they less competitive, but there are more of them and they add up fast.

Pro Tip: Watch out for scams! Any “scholarship” that requires payment to apply, or is asking for your credit card number, banking information, or social security number is suspicious. Always stick to trusted sources when applying for scholarships. 

Always Claim Your Financial Aid

Did you know that billions of dollars in financial aid go unclaimed every year? That’s right — just like scholarships, a lack of applicants means there’s a lot of funding left sitting at the table.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is your key to unlocking federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Even if you think you won’t qualify for much, fill it out anyway. Many schools and private organizations also use FAFSA information to award additional aid, grants, and work-study programs. 

What You Need to Know About FAFSA

✔️ It’s free to submit at FAFSA.gov.
✔️ The earlier you apply, the better; aid is often first-come, first-served.
✔️ You’ll need your tax information (or your parents’ if applicable), so gather those documents early.

In addition to federal aid, check your state’s financial aid programs. Many states offer their own grants and tuition assistance. Visit NASFAA’s state aid map to explore your options.

Look into Grants

Grants are another great source of free money for college, and unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back.

For example, you may be familiar with the Pell Grant, which can award students in need up to several thousand dollars per year. Many states and colleges offer additional grants, so be sure to research what’s available in your area.

How to Get Grants

• Complete the FAFSA: Most grants are awarded based on FAFSA data.
• Check With Your State’s Education Department: Many states have additional grant programs. Just remember to check your state’s official government website!
• Your School’s Financial Aid Office: Many schools have available grants listed on their website. You could also give them a call; they want to help make college affordable!
• Seek Out Private Grants: Some non-profit organizations and foundations provide grants based on demographics, career interest, and other factors.

Some grants, particularly those from non-profit organizations and foundations, require separate applications, so don’t assume you’ll automatically be considered for all of them when you fill out the FAFSA. Make sure to apply for everything you’re eligible for!

Work-Study and Part-Time Jobs

These days, it’s not realistic to believe you can cover your tuition with a part-time job. However, it can help fill the gaps, ridding you of unnecessary debt. If you qualify, federal work-study programs allow you to earn more money while gaining experience in your field. As an added benefit, your earnings won’t count against you on the following year’s FAFSA, which can help keep your financial aid intact.

How to Get Work-Study Positions 

✔️ Check the box on your FAFSA application that says you’re interested in work-study.
✔️ If eligible, you’ll receive an offer as a part of your financial aid package.
✔️ Contact your school’s financial aid office to secure a work-study job. Positions are highly sought after and fill up fast!

Even if you don’t qualify for work-study, on-campus jobs (like working at the library or student center) or flexible part-time gigs (like tutoring or freelancing) can help you stay afloat financially by covering not only tuition, but other non-school related expenses.

Pro Tip: If you want to find work off campus, prioritize jobs that offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships as a part of their employee benefits. If you want to go the extra mile, try snagging a position that provides networking opportunities in your career field. 

Pursue Community College First 

Did you know that starting at a community college can save you thousands of dollars while still putting you on a path towards your degree? It’s something to consider if you’re trying to pay for college on your own.

Too often, students overlook community colleges because they assume they’re not as “good” as a standard four-year university. In reality, community colleges offer affordable tuition, smaller class sizes, and flexible schedules, making them an excellent choice for students looking to save some money. 

Why We Love Community Colleges

• Lower Tuition Costs: The average tuition at a community college is a fraction of what four-year universities charge. In some states, students can even attend for free.
• Smaller Class Sizes: Community colleges often provide more one-on-one support from professors compared to large lecture halls at universities.
• Flexible Schedules: With night, weekend, and online classes, community colleges make it easier to work while pursuing higher education.
• Transfer Programs: Many states have articulation agreements, allowing students to start at community college and transfer seamlessly to a four-year institution to complete their degree. Always check to see which credits are transferable.

Not interested in going to community college first? Traditional four-year universities may still be in reach! Here’s how to determine if your school of choice is within your budget. 

You Can Do This!

Paying for college on your own might seem daunting, but it’s an extremely achievable goal to set for yourself. The key is taking advantage of every opportunity available to you.

Whether it’s applying for scholarships, filling out the FAFSA, or opting to attend community college first, you have more control over the cost of your education than you might think.

Need more guidance? Check out ACT’s paying for college resources for step-by-step help.