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Bank tellers are the face of local bank branches. When you visit a bank in person, tellers welcome you in with a smile and help you with your transaction — whether you’re depositing a check or withdrawing cash from your savings account.

What are the job responsibilities like, and how much does a bank teller make an hour? Our in-depth guide to bank teller salaries and skills will help you determine if it’s the right career for you.

What Does a Bank Teller Do?

A bank teller’s job is to help customers complete financial transactions with their bank accounts. Tellers work in person at bank branches and can help with things like opening and closing accounts, and depositing and withdrawing funds.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Bank Teller Job Responsibility Examples

What might a bank teller do in their day-to-day? Here are a few examples:

•   Greet customers as they enter the bank or credit union

•   Complete transactions through the bank drive-through

•   Help customers open a new checking or savings account

•   Answer calls and emails to offer customer service

•   Prepare money orders, savings bonds, and traveler’s checks for customers

•   Record transactions throughout their shift

•   Count the cash in their drawers at the beginning and end of a shift

•   Explain the various financial products offered by the bank

Bank Teller Skills

Here are some of the skills you’ll need to be a successful bank teller:

•   Positive attitude

•   Patience

•   Customer service

•   Clear communication

•   Math and money management

•   Sales

•   Technology

•   Willingness to learn

How Much Do Starting Bank Tellers Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average hourly wage for a bank teller is $17.69, but those just starting out should expect to make less. According to Indeed, bank tellers with less than a year of experience make $15.89 an hour on average, but that varies by location.

What Is the Average Salary for a Bank Teller?

The average salary for a bank teller is $36,800, but this varies by level of experience and by location. For instance, the BLS breaks down mean bank teller salaries by state:

•   How much does a bank teller make in California? $42,120 a year

•   How much does a bank teller make in Texas? $33,820 a year

•   How much does a bank teller make in Florida? $37,920 a year

Bank tellers earn the highest average annual salary in Washington state ($43,500) and the lowest average annual salary in West Virginia ($29,600). Check out the table below for insight into how much bank tellers make a year, or switch gears and research the highest paying jobs by state.

State	Average Bank Teller Salary
Washington	$43,500
California	$42,120
Connecticut	$41,850
Massachusetts	$41,390
Rhode Island	$41,160
New York	$40,930
Colorado	$40,450
Alaska	$39,590
New Jersey	$39,500
Maryland	$39,500
Delaware	$39,180
Nevada	$38,910
Arizona	$38,640
Oregon	$38,580
Hawaii	$37,970
Florida	$37,920
Vermont	$37,840
North Carolina	$37,730
North Dakota	$37,670
Illinois	$37,630
Minnesota	$37,400
Virginia	$37,330
Wisconsin	$36,600
New Hampshire	$36,500
Michigan	$36,450
Maine	$36,310
Ohio	$36,070
Idaho	$35,960
South Carolina	$35,460
Indiana	$35,170
Pennsylvania	$35,010
Utah	$34,820
Nebraska	$34,620
Georgia	$34,600
Montana	$34,530
Iowa	$34,200
South Dakota	$33,990
Texas	$33,820
Tennessee	$33,820
New Mexico	$33,660
Wyoming	$33,500
Alabama	$33,260
Louisiana	$33,230
Kansas	$33,190
Kentucky	$32,300
Missouri	$31,730
Arkansas	$31,420
Oklahoma	$30,680
Mississippi	$30,670
West Virginia	$29,600
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022 data

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of a Bank Teller Salary

A job as a bank teller has some pros, but there are a number of cons, like a low salary, to consider:

Pros

•   Career growth: The average hourly rate of a bank teller may not be as competitive as other entry-level salaries, but there’s plenty of room for advancement as a bank teller. Some tellers move up to head teller positions. Others move on to supervisory positions, become loan officers, or transition to sales.

•   Benefits: Although employees may not earn super competitive pay, bank tellers who work full-time can enjoy nice benefits from the bank, including health care, retirement plans, and paid time off.

•   Regular schedule: Many entry-level jobs, as in retail and restaurants, have unpredictable hours. Banks operate under normal business hours and are closed on Sundays (and bank holidays!). That means you’ll enjoy a more consistent schedule as a bank teller.

Recommended: Should We Raise the Minimum Wage?

Cons

•   Salary: While bank tellers can make good money — the top 10% make an average of $46,350 — the overall average falls below what the typical person with a high school diploma makes in a year in the U.S. Here are some of the best jobs without a college degree.

•   Job outlook: The BLS is predicting a 12% decline in job opportunities from 2021 to 2023. As more financial institutions switch to predominantly online banking experiences and shut down branches, job insecurity for bank tellers could be further undermined.

•   Draining job: Bank tellers must deliver an excellent customer experience every day. When customers are dealing with finances, it’s easy for them to become frustrated or upset — which can be draining for bank tellers who are trying to help. To be clear, this is not a job for antisocial people!

Recommended: What Trade Job Pays the Most Money?

The Takeaway

Bank tellers can make decent money, though there may be other jobs that require the same level of experience and education but pay more. However, hard-working bank tellers can often move up within the company and command better salaries.

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See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Which bank pays the most for tellers?

According to data from Indeed, the financial institutions that pay the most for tellers include Bank of America, Logix Federal Credit Union, Avadian Credit Union, Investors Bank, and Chase.

What is the highest teller salary?

The top 10% highest paid bank tellers make an average annual salary of $46,350 — that’s $22.29 an hour. Bank tellers in Washington state, California, and Connecticut are the highest paid, on average.

Is it hard to be hired as a bank teller?

Because of the rise in online banking, it’s becoming more challenging to be hired as a bank teller. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that bank teller employment will decline 12% between 2021 and 2031.

That said, you don’t need a college degree to become a teller, and training is all on the job. This makes breaking into the career field easier for those without a secondary or vocational education.

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Photo credit: iStock/Fly View Productions

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*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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The average salary for a construction worker in 2022 was $46,350, or $22.29 per hour. Construction workers are a crucial part of the labor force across the country, and the industry is expected to grow through the end of the decade. Without a formal education requirement, construction work can be a viable option for anyone uninterested in getting a college degree right after high school.

That said, construction labor can be grueling. The job is physically demanding and at times dangerous. You’ll need to consider your physical limitations before pursuing a career in construction work.

Knowing what your income will look like may be the most important consideration of all. We’ll break down the average construction worker starting salary, as well as their typical responsibilities and required skills, below.

What Do Construction Workers Do?

Construction crews work on building sites for new homes, multi-family units, commercial buildings, roads, and bridges. Following detailed plans, construction workers are responsible for taking apart old structures and erecting new ones.

Depending on the job site, construction workers may operate heavy machinery, use hand tools, and perform plumbing and electrical tasks.

Construction work requires significant strength, endurance, and tolerance for extreme temperatures. The industry also has one of the highest rates of injuries on the job, so construction laborers must be familiar with safety protocols.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

Construction Worker Job Responsibility Examples

What kinds of things might you be responsible for as a construction worker on a job site? Here are some examples:

•   Removing debris

•   Loading and unloading materials

•   Assembling bracing, scaffolding, and other temporary structures to help with the construction

•   Operating heavy machinery and using hand tools when building and taking apart structures

•   Digging trenches, compacting earth, and backfilling holes

•   Directing traffic

•   Driving work trucks (may require a CDL, or commercial drivers license)

•   Measuring and cutting materials

•   Conducting minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work

Construction Worker Skills

Though you don’t need a secondary education to be a construction worker, you’ll need to learn specific skills. You might learn some of these on the job:

•   Ability to use tools and operate machinery

•   Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, concrete, roofing, drywall, and/or demolition know-how

•   Knowledge of various safety protocols

•   Basic math and measurement

•   Hand-eye coordination

•   Physical strength and energy

In addition, construction workers must be able to problem-solve on the fly and must embrace teamwork. This is not a job for introverts!

How Much Do Starting Construction Workers Make?

Construction worker entry-level salaries vary by state, but you can expect pay to be on the lower end when just starting out. The bottom 10% of earners in the industry bring home about $29,700 per year.

If you’re entering the construction industry with a degree, you will likely make more starting out. With an education, you might go straight into construction management. The bottom 10% of construction managers earn $62,210 a year. The average annual salary is $112,790.

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

What Is the Average Salary for a Construction Worker?

The average salary for a construction worker in 2022 was $46,350, but rates vary significantly across the country. The average hourly rate for a construction worker is $22.29 per hour. Total income is about the same whether you get a salary vs. hourly pay.

As you’d expect, areas with a higher cost of living (think California, New York, and Hawaii) generally have more competitive pay than areas with a lower cost of living (states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas).

How much do construction workers make in California? $56,210, on average. In New York, the mean salary is even higher, at $59,280 a year. But it’s Hawaii where construction workers make the most money on average: $66,650.

Check out the following table for additional state insights:

State	Average Construction Worker Salary
Hawaii	$66,650
Illinois	$65,590
New Jersey	$65,590
Massachusetts	$64,940
New York	$59,280
Washington	$56,630
California	$56,210
Minnesota	$54,150
Rhode Island	$53,820
Alaska	$53,270
Connecticut	$53,050
Missouri	$52,150
Ohio	$51,200
Pennsylvania	$50,150
Oregon	$49,250
Wisconsin	$48,540
Indiana	$47,850
Nevada	$47,550
Montana	$46,500
North Dakota	$46,480
Michigan	$46,020
Iowa	$44,740
Vermont	$43,680
New Hampshire	$43,260
Maryland	$43,120
Arizona	$43,060
Delaware	$42,950
Colorado	$42,870
Utah	$42,460
Kentucky	$42,310
Nebraska	$41,040
Maine	$40,760
West Virginia	$40,700
Wyoming	$40,450
Idaho	$39,950
Louisiana	$39,500
Kansas	$39,400
Oklahoma	$39,120
Tennessee	$38,590
South Carolina	$38,200
Florida	$37,690
Texas	$37,600
Virginia	$37,590
Georgia	$37,270
New Mexico	$37,170
South Dakota	$37,050
North Carolina	$36,760
Arkansas	$35,150
Mississippi	$34,240
Alabama	$33,140
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022 data

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Construction Worker Salary

Being a construction worker has some advantages, but there are also drawbacks to consider:

Pros

•   Higher than average salary: The average salary for someone without a college degree is just over $37,000. Construction workers earn more than $9,000 a year over that, without any formal education — and without any student loan debt.

•   Job growth: The job market is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031, meaning there should be ample opportunities available.

•   Flexibility: Construction jobs are available across the country. If you want to relocate somewhere else, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a job.

Recommended: Should We Raise the Minimum Wage?

Cons

•   Difficult work: Construction labor can be physically demanding. It may lead to injury and illness, and you can leave job sites tired and sore each day.

•   Less money: Construction workers make significantly less money than construction managers. If you’re able to get a bachelor’s degree in construction management, you may earn more money over your lifetime.

•   Long-term career options: As you age, you may become less equipped to keep up with the physical demands of the job. This could force an early retirement, right when you should be in your earning prime. You may instead need to look for a work-from-home job for retirees to ensure you have enough income until you’re eligible for Social Security benefits and other retirement income.

The Takeaway

Construction workers can make decent money over the course of their careers, and you won’t have to take out a student loan to get a degree to land a job. However, the work can be exhausting and lead to injury. Weigh all the pros and cons carefully before starting a career as a construction worker.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How much do most construction workers make?

How much money a construction worker makes depends on where they live and their level of experience. However, the average construction laborer brings in $46,350 a year.

Who is the highest paid construction worker?

Hawaii has the highest paid construction workers, with an average salary of $66,650. However, the top 10% of construction workers in New Jersey outpace the earnings of the top 10% in Hawaii, bringing home $101,360 a year. Across the country, the top 10% highest paid construction workers average an annual salary of $72,430.

What job pays the best in construction?

Pipeline transportation of natural gas is the highest paying job in construction, with laborers earning $81,670 a year on average. Other high-paying construction jobs include electric power generation, transmission, and distribution; construction support services; construction work for medical and surgical hospitals; and rail transport construction.

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Photo credit: iStock/damircudic

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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When you’re in college, you may want — or need — to do more than study and socialize. Working at an on-campus job can be a great way to stay busy, meet new people, learn new skills, and make some extra money.

You can find on-campus jobs on your own or, if you’re eligible, through the Federal Work-Study program. Read on for a basic guide to working on campus, including how work-study differs from regular part-time jobs, the benefits of working on campus, and a listing of top student job options you may want to apply for.

Work-Study vs. Part-Time Jobs

The Federal Work-Study program offers part-time jobs for undergraduate as well as graduate students who have financial need so they can earn money to pay for their education. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is the first step in applying for this aid. Not all colleges and universities participate in the Federal Work-Study program, so it’s a good idea to check with the financial aid office at your school to see if it’s an option.

Work-study jobs are open to both part- and full-time students, and the program encourages those who are awarded this aid to find work related to their major. For example, a science major may be able to get a work-study job as a lab assistant in the chemistry department. These jobs may be either on- or off-campus, the former usually in a campus department and the latter typically at a non-profit organization or a public agency. Students will earn at least the federal minimum wage, and their work-study award will be based on when they apply, their level of financial need, and their school’s funding level.


💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.

The Benefits of Having an On-campus Job

You can look for a regular part-time job on campus on your own. The pay will vary, and the job might not have anything to do with your major, but there are still benefits to working on campus. You can save money to pay for your education or any other expenses like food, transportation, and entertainment, plus you’ll get valuable work experience, no matter the field.

Both work-study jobs or regular part-time jobs that relate to your major can boost your skills, which you can list on your resume, potentially giving you a leg up in your post-college job search.

Jobs also offer socializing and networking opportunities. You can make new friends, as well as connections that might be helpful when you’re looking for internships during college and job after you graduate.

The Top On-Campus Jobs

1. Tour Guide

Being a campus tour guide through the admission’s office requires having great interpersonal skills and a willingness to commit a lot of facts and information about your school to memory. Campus tour guides take prospective students and their families on tours of campus while giving details about different majors, activities, events, and the many other things that their school has to offer.

2. Resident Assistant

A resident assistant, or RA, lives in a dorm on campus and supervises a group of students living in that dorm, often on the same hall. Their responsibility is to make sure students are following the dorm rules and to offer support if students need anything. Typically, an RA will get free or discounted housing.

Recommended: How to Save Money in College

3. Tutor

Students who excel in a particular subject may want to consider becoming a tutor. This on-campus job allows students to teach others what they are good at and help their peers have a better understanding of the subject.

4. Campus Newspaper Editor

Students who love to write, edit, and manage a team of reporters will likely enjoy working as a campus newspaper editor. This is typically not a job that students can get right away. They may have to work their way up after holding other positions on the staff in their freshman, sophomore, and/or junior years.

5. Barista

Some schools have a café on campus where students can go to get caffeinated and study well into the night for their exams. Being a barista will teach student workers people skills and how to make the perfect Americano.

6. Library Assistant

Another one of the on-campus jobs that students can apply for is library assistant. They will re-shelve books as well as help other students find and check out the books they need.

7. Admissions Assistant

Being a tour guide isn’t the only job students can take on in the admission’s office. They can also assist with data entry, communicate with prospective students and families on the phone and through email, and help out with any other administrative work around the office. Learning administrative work can be useful, since it’s a necessary skill for many different kinds of jobs.

8. Mailroom Attendant

As a mailroom attendant, students will sort incoming mail and help other students retrieve their packages.

9. Dining Hall Server

Students might find on-campus jobs at the dining halls on their campuses. They can serve meals and maybe even get to take home free food at the end of the day.

10. Bookstore Associate

Campus bookstores tend to be busy places, especially just before classes start, when students buy their textbooks and other school supplies. The end of each semester can also be a busy time, due to returns and memorabilia shopping. As a bookstore associate, workers will typically need to stock shelves with books and merchandise and learn how to use a point-of-sale system.

11. Lifeguard

Schools with pools need lifeguards to keep students safe. Students with summer lifeguard experience in their hometown may be able to sign up for this on-campus job when they go back to school in the fall.

12. Research Assistant

Department faculty may need assistants to help them with research. Duties of a research assistant can vary, but might include data collection, putting together grant materials, managing email, or maintaining a department website.

Recommended: What Is a Graduate Fellowship?

13. Fitness Center Attendant

If there is a gym on campus, students can apply to work there. They may scan student IDs at the check-in desk, wipe down equipment, sell healthy food and smoothies at the gym café, and organize the equipment when the gym closes for the day.

14. Administrative Assistant

Different offices on campus could be looking for administrative assistants. Tasks include everything from sorting mail to doing data entry and answering telephone calls and emails.

15. IT Assistant

Students who enjoy working with computers may find on-campus jobs in the IT department. They can help other students with computer issues, like not being able to connect to the school Wi-Fi or trouble using the campus printers.

16. Museum or Gallery Assistant

If a school has an art museum or gallery, they may employ students as assistants. Students majoring in art may enjoy this on-campus job, where they may give tours, work in the gift shop, and/or check-in visitors.

17. Marketing Assistant

College marketing departments create materials to promote the school. Students who are interested in marketing or communication may want to apply for one of these on-campus jobs and learn valuable skills like email marketing, social media marketing, and copywriting. They may write blog posts for the school website and create flyers for prospective students and families.

18. Lab Assistant

Students who are majoring in the sciences may be able to find on-campus jobs in their schools’ laboratories. They might help other students with lab experiments, set up and organize labs, and prepare chemical solutions.

19. Radio DJ

If a school has a radio station, students might have the opportunity to become radio DJs, playing music that they love and hosting different programs. Other duties may include ordering new equipment, securing rights to the music they play, and setting up and breaking down the station as necessary.

20. Endowment Office Assistant

Some schools might have internship or future job.


💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

Putting That Money to Work

Work-study students are paid directly by their school unless they request to have their earnings deposited into a bank account or applied to their school account (to cover things like tuition, fees, or room and board).

Whether you take on a work-study or regular part-time job, it’s a good opportunity to learn basic budgeting, putting most of your earnings towards necessities, some into savings, and spending some on fun. Earning money from a part-time job is a great opportunity to learn basic money management, which is an important life skill.

Even with income from a part-time job, however, you might still be stressed about money and how you will cover all of your college expenses. To be sure you’re getting all the financial aid you’re entitled to, make certain that you fill out the FAFSA every year. This will let you know if you’re eligible for grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized).

If you still have gaps in funding, you might also look into getting a private student loan. These are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Loan limits vary from lender to lender, but you can often get up to the total cost of attendance, which gives you more borrowing power than with the federal government. Interest rates vary depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Applying to college can be both time-consuming and expensive — with some schools charging as much as $75 just to apply. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process easier, and potentially cheaper.

The Common Application (or Common App) is an online college application platform used by more than 1,000 colleges that allows you to apply to multiple schools using one centralized application. The bulk of the application questions only need to be filled out once, though certain colleges and universities might also require supplements, such as short answer questions and/or essay prompts specific to that school. The new edition of the Common App opens Aug. 1 every year.

The Common App also provides students with valuable resources for the application process, including step-by-step application guidelines, information about financial aid and scholarship options, as well as how to get your application fee waived.

How Much Does the Common App Cost?

Although the Common App is free to use, individual schools often have their own application fees that students must pay to apply. The average undergraduate application fee for U.S. students is $56. However, some schools don’t charge application fees.

The Common App organization understands that some students are unable to pay application fees, and they don’t want this to be a barrier for students to be able to apply for college. For this reason, they have created the Common App Fee Waiver, which allows students to apply to schools without any fees.

Not every school will accept a fee waiver but thousands of schools around the world do.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

How the Common App Fee Waiver Works

You can use the Common App Fee Waiver section of your Profile to request a fee waiver. If you select that you are eligible for the Common App fee waiver, you will not be charged any application fees when you submit through Common App.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

How to Apply

Students can apply for the Common App Fee Waiver in the Personal Information or Profile section of their application. There is a place in this section to select “Yes” to apply for the waiver and indicate eligibility.

In order to complete the application for a Fee Waiver, students must also have their college counselor submit a fee waiver form.

Many schools use the honor system and trust that a form from a counselor proves a student’s eligibility, but some schools may ask for electronic or hard copies of paperwork for verification of eligibility.

Recommended: Important College Application Deadlines

Who is Eligible?

Students who fit any of the following criteria may be eligible to receive a Common App Fee Waiver:

•   Students who are orphans or wards of the state
•   Students whose family receives public assistance
•   Students who received or are eligible to receive SAT or ACT testing fee waivers
•   Students enrolled in or eligible to enroll in Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Programs
•   Students whose family’s annual income fits the eligibility for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
•   Students enrolled in local, state, or federal aid programs for low-income families
•   Students who are homeless, live in a foster home or in federally subsidized public housing
•   Students who get a written statement from a community leader, financial aid officer, school counselor or official

Each school decides whether to grant a student’s request for a Common App Fee Waiver.


💡 Quick Tip: Federal student loans carry an origination or processing fee (1.057% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans first disbursed from Oct. 1, 2020, through Oct. 1, 2024). The fee is subtracted from your loan amount, which is why the amount disbursed is less than the amount you borrowed. That said, some private student loan lenders don’t charge an origination fee.

Beyond the Application: Paying for College

Students and families applying for Common App Fee Waivers may also be looking into financing options to pay for college tuition. There are several options for parents and students who need help paying for college. These include:

Filling out the FAFSA

The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid, it’s a good idea to fill out this form. The FAFSA opens up opportunities for students to receive student loans, federal grants, school aid, and work-study positions.

Applying for Scholarships

There are thousands of private scholarships available to students, and the benefit of scholarships is that they don’t have to be paid back, unlike student loans.

Finding Affordable Schools

Although some universities cost tens of thousands of dollars each year to attend, others are much more affordable. Some schools are also more generous with student financial aid than others. Students may want to carefully compare the financial aid packages offered to them to figure out which school is the most affordable for them.

Applying for Work-Study Jobs

Students can work part time to help pay for college. The federal work-study program provides work opportunities for students to get jobs on campus.

Applying for Grants

In addition to scholarships, there are thousands of grants available to students. These grants are issued by the federal government, the Pell program, and individual states. Some are need-based, while others are merit-based. To find out if you qualify and to become eligible for grants, you need to fill out the FAFSA.

Saving Money in a 529 Plan

Many families put money aside each month to help pay for college tuition. One way to do this is using a 529 Plan, which is an investment account that offers tax benefits when used to pay for qualified education expenses for a designated beneficiary.

Taking out Federal Loans

Federal student loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and may be subsidized (which means you won’t be charged interest while you are in college and for six months after) or unsubsidized (meaning interest starts accruing right away). Federal loans tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans.

To qualify for a federal loan, you will need to complete and submit the FAFSA.

Taking out Private Loans

Another option for covering the cost of attendance for college is to take out a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates tend to be higher than federal student loans, but borrowing limits are typically higher. These loans are not need-based and generally require a credit check. Borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit tend to qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind that private student loans may not offer the same borrower protections that federal student loans offer, such as forbearance or income-driven repayment plans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Can you help your child study for the SAT? Yes!

When it comes to gearing up for college, parents can play a major role in supporting their child’s success. Of course, ultimately, it’s the student who’s applying for admission. So, most of the heavy lifting — like practicing for the SAT — will fall to the high schooler. But, as your child goes through the process, you can serve as a couch, cheerleader and time-manager — assisting with test prep, scheduling practice sessions, and maintaining motivation.

Read on for simple guidelines on how you can help your child with SAT practice and help ensure they put their best foot forward on testing day.

Wondering Where to Begin?

You may want to start by familiarizing yourself with the college testing options. The SAT and ACT are the two most widely accepted standardized tests used in U.S. college admissions. Is one a better fit for your child? While similar, there are differences in how each test is structured and scored. For parents and students who want a better feel for the two tests, you can find free online practice assessments for both the SAT and the ACT — including sample questions and scoring.

If you took the SAT back in high school, keep in mind that the test underwent major revisions in 2016. And, in 2021, the College Board (the nonprofit organization that administers the test) dropped the essay and subject tests.

Generally, the College Board advises first-timers to take the SAT in the spring of their high school junior year. This way, they can try again in the fall (if they want or need to improve their score) and still meet most colleges’ application deadlines. Parents can find information about SAT test dates and deadlines, test-center locations, and costs on the College Board site.


💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

Creating a Plan for SAT Practice

With the exact test and date chosen, parents and students might next turn their focus to SAT practice. Practice can span activities like taking sample tests, understanding the sorts of questions that are commonly asked, and figuring out how the test is scored.

Setting Baseline and Goal Scores

When starting out, many students choose to take a free practice test. This gives them a baseline score and can help identify tough topics they need to brush up on. Practice tests can also help you and your teen pinpoint the specific types of questions that tend to trip them up over and over.

Knowing the practice-test score can help students set an ambitious-yet-realistic goal score for the official test. Other supportive figures on your child’s “SAT team” (relatives, teachers, guidance counselors, mentors, or tutors) can also help them identify an achievable and motivational target score to work towards.

Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?

Creating an SAT Prep Schedule

Beginning SAT practice earlier can help alleviate your teen’s anxiety in the buildup to the scheduled test. The nonprofit Khan Academy, which partners with the College Board to help students prepare for the SAT, recommends starting test-prep about three months before taking the official test.

Months of SAT practice might seem a tad extreme, but it’s key to remember that some students need longer than others to get up to speed on the subjects covered in the SAT. Building in a cushion of prep time also gives teens ample time to adapt to the standardized test format — allowing them to sniff out the common types of questions asked and get used to the time constraints required by the SAT.

Some students can cram last-minute for the SAT and still earn a solid score. But many of the best test-taking and SAT study strategies call for repeated practice over multiple weeks. Given months instead of a few weeks to get ready, you can set up practice sessions that mimic test-like conditions, encouraging your child to further hone their time-management and concentration skills.

Leading up to the test date, families may also benefit from a shared calendar that includes important SAT deadlines as well as other school, work, and social events. A shared calendar can help students dedicate regular study windows — when they’ll work alone, with a parent, or with a tutor — that won’t clash with prior commitments.

To Push or Not to Push?

Some teens are disciplined studiers and may already have a test-prep routine that works for them. Others might need occasional encouragement (or more concrete guideposts) from a parent or educator to set aside adequate time for SAT practice.

Some students also respond well to personalized pointers provided by a test-prep service or tutor, whereas others value a more DIY or independent approach to SAT prep — perhaps working off a commercial study guide or online testing site. (Khan Academy, for instance, offers tailored practice plans, videos, test-taking tips, and other official content created in partnership with the College Board.) In either scenario, parents can help their child determine which method of test-prep works best with their study habits.

Recommended: College Planning Guide for Parents

What About Paid SAT Prep Services?

When deciding whether to pay for a test-prep service, families may want to ponder a few factors. You might begin by comparing a child’s baseline score (on a practice test) with the goal score they’re hoping for on the actual test day. This might help you decide if investing in a professional SAT prep course would be worth the cost (some services cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars). Another factor to consider is the average SAT scores of applicants at your child’s target schools (compared to their current scoring range).

You might also want to investigate whether any test-prep services are already offered at your child’s school or any local educational organizations, which may be free or low cost.

When looking at paid prep services, you may want to consider the best study conditions for your student’s personality and academic strengths — some approaches offer more guidance, while others stress independent practice.

Also consider: Would your child benefit from a structured schedule and in-person classes? Or, would they prefer a more independent study approach? You might want to consult with a guidance counselor or teacher for input before signing up and paying for a private SAT prep service. Family friends with children already in college might also offer an opinion based on their previous experience. (But, be sure to double-check this advice with any recent changes to the SAT.)

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

What Else Can Parents Do for SAT Practice?

Perhaps the most important role parents can have in helping their children prepare for the SAT is to do what they’ve always done — and that’s to support and encourage their child’s growth. Here are some ways parents might motivate students, helping them to stay on track toward that college-admission goal.

Avoid Adding to the Stress

Students can feel a great deal of pressure when preparing for the SAT. They may fret about disappointing their parents’ or teachers’ expectations. Some might dread feeling embarrassed if they score lower than a sibling or classmates. And, if a student has dreamed about attending a specific college or pursuing a precise career path, they may worry that the “wrong score” will sabotage their future plans.

Given the potential for SAT practice to turn into a psychological pressure-cooker, you may want to remind yourself that your words and deeds can lessen or intensify a child’s stress. Raising “concerns” about your teen’s current scores and/or pushing your child to excel or “do better” could increase your child’s test anxiety (and potentially make it harder for them to learn new material).

To minimize the at-home testing drama, you may want to avoid showing disappointment or frustration about practice test scores. It may be more helpful to celebrate incremental successes during weekly or daily practice sessions — honoring the progress being made towards the goal, not the distance still left to run. Gentle reminders that it’s possible to retake the SAT might also reduce a child’s overall testing anxiety.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

Studying late into the night or having a jam-packed schedule can leave high schoolers feeling burnt out. To avoid SAT practice burnout, consider instituting a regular “timeout” from test prep — whether it’s a quick snack break or carving out down time for a walk around the block. Parents can help kids stay healthy by providing nourishing meals, scheduling time for exercise and other social activities, providing plenty of water and nutritious snacks, and helping their teens get ample rest each day.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Providing a Good Study Space

To help your child set up a focused study environment, you’ll want to first identify a quiet space for studying and practice sessions. Next, you can help your child gather all the study guides, calculators, pencils, paper or computers they’ll need to prep.

In addition, you may want to encourage your child to download an SAT prep app — this will allow them to practice during free time or when they’re riding the bus. Many apps offer practice problems or a “question of the day.” If time is tight, a student can still squeeze in some studying in down moments.

Recommended: How Much Does GPA Matter When Applying to College?

Keeping Things in Perspective

Parental pep talks can help test-engrossed students to keep things in perspective. Although an SAT score is a significant factor in many college admissions decisions, it’s not the only (or primary) factor universities take into consideration when evaluating applicants. Most admissions committees review a student’s academic record, school and community involvement, personal statement, and letters of support.

Some schools have even moved to a “test optional” admissions policy in recent years. This means students are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score with their application. Open communication about the college admissions process can help students to focus on the short-term tasks at hand.


💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

Getting Started

The SAT isn’t the only aspect of college planning students might want or need help with. You may be enlisted to lend a hand with researching schools to apply to, choosing a major, making college visits, and proof-reading essays and applications.
Your child will also likely need your financial help to cover the cost of attendance at their selected college. Fortunately, both students and parents have a number of resources that help make college more affordable, including financial aid.

To apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will let you know if you are eligible for aid, which comes in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized). If those do not cover your costs, you may be able to fill in the gaps with a private student loan.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or parent cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment — that automatically come with federal student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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