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When students take a gap year, they typically take a semester or year off between high school and college in order to take advantage of experiential learning. While extraordinary opportunities may be awaiting you, you may struggle to think of ways to pay for the experience.

If that’s the case, there are options that may help you pay for your gap year — beyond funding the costs out of pocket. Continue reading for more information on options you may want to consider should you find yourself in need of help funding your non-classroom experience.

Gap Year, Explained

First of all, what is a gap year and why do people take them?

Students may choose to take a semester or year off with the goal of getting a break from academics and prior to diving into postsecondary education. Students may choose to complete an internship, travel, study on their own, volunteer, or pursue other interests. Some students choose to pursue a gap year with the intention of discovering what it is that they want to major in or the career path they’d like to pursue.

Many students report a developed self- and cultural awareness, increased independence, and confidence after taking a gap year.

Students may choose to apply to colleges and universities during their senior year (and let colleges know of their plans to take a gap year), during their gap year or after they’ve completed their gap year. Waiting until later often gives them the advantage of being able to report on what they’ve learned during their time away from academics.

In some instances, a gap year may also be something for a student to do after college or in-between college and post-graduate study.

Planning Out Your Gap Year

It’s important to plan out your gap year ahead of time so you have a plan for how you’ll spend your time. It can be easy to waste time when you break from a traditional schedule. Having a plan ensures that you’ll have a better chance of achieving your goals — you might even curb expenses as well.

It may be helpful to break your plan down into measurable goals. For example, if you plan to travel, write down where you’d like to be on specific dates so you don’t miss any of your intended milestones. It’s also a good idea to budget for your gap year ahead of time so you know how much it will cost and the amount you’ll need per week or month to live on.

Options for Financing Your Gap Year

You can always finance your gap year with cash you or your parents have saved or with money from a well-meaning grandparent. However, not everyone has cash bankrolling their gap year. Let’s take a look at a few ways you may want to consider financing your gap year.

Gap Year Scholarship or Grant

A private entity may offer you a gap year grant or scholarship. A scholarship is free money that you don’t have to pay back that can come from a wide variety of entities, including clubs, organizations, foundations, charities, businesses, the government and individuals. It’s possible to find scholarships specifically for gap years, particularly for students who want to volunteer, improve certain skills, volunteer, develop a talent, or complete another type of experiential learning.

Grants are also a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. Grants may also help you fund your gap year without having to repay the money. However, it’s important to check into the fine print on both college grants and scholarships to ensure that you fit the criteria. (Some scholarships and grants require you to get college credit in order to qualify.)

529 Account or College Savings

If you or your parents have college savings set aside in a brokerage account, savings or checking account, or a certificate of deposit (CD), you may want to use this money to pay for gap year expenses.

A 529 plan is an investment account that offers investment opportunities and tax advantages when used to pay for qualified education expenses. You may take withdrawals from a 529 plan to pay for qualified educational expenses for tuition, room, board, fees, books, equipment for classes, and other supplies at an accredited institution. If you meet these requirements, you won’t pay federal income tax.

However, if you spend the money on an expense that doesn’t qualify as a higher education cost (such as your plane ticket to go overseas). Be careful when using your 529 savings unless you’re attending a specific program through an accredited institution.

Find a Paid Internship or Part-Time Job

Obtaining a paid internship or part-time job can help you float some or all of the expenses of a gap year. For example, if you plan to spend your year volunteering at soup kitchens throughout a major city, a part-time job may help you pay for transportation to get there and also other living expenses. On the other hand, if you intend to use your gap year to gain work experience to discover your career goals, a paid internship may help you take care of all of your living expenses.

Recommended: Jobs to Help Pay for School Expenses

Apply for Financial Aid

Financial aid can refer to a wide range of types of money to pay for credits at college or career school.

Some gap year programs offer college credit, so you may be able to apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA can give you access to grants, federal student loans, and other opportunities.

While you may have never had any intention of taking college credit during a gap year (you may feel that it defeats the purpose of a gap year!) but taking a college-credit class or two as part of your experience or doing a credit-based gap year program may help cover some of your costs.

Personal Loans

Taking out a personal loan involves borrowing money from a bank, online lender, or credit union that you repay in fixed installments. Personal loans are not backed by collateral, which also means they are called unsecured loans. (Secured loans, on the other hand, are backed by collateral, such as a house.) Personal loans often carry higher interest rates than some other types of loans. It may be difficult for someone to get a personal loan without a cosigner if they don’t have a long history of building credit.

It’s a good idea to be careful about taking out a personal loan due to these higher interest rates and having to bring a cosigner on board. That cosigner could end up paying for your loan if you default on the loan and ultimately, it could affect both of your credit scores.

Using Private Student Loans to Finance Gap Year

Private student loans are student loans that come from a bank, credit union, or other private lender. You probably cannot use private student loans to finance your time off from school if you plan to backpack across Europe, but if you do take a few classes as part of a gap year program, you may be able to use private loans to cover your costs. Check with lenders about their requirements before you apply and whether or not a particular program will qualify.

The Takeaway

A gap year can help “gappers” explore career goals, develop confidence, volunteer, and more. If you’re thinking carefully about a gap year, you also might be worried about the cost of taking that time off. Consider putting together a list of costs, goals, and plans so you can make sure that your gap year goes off without a hitch. From there, you can start planning how you’ll cover your expenses during your time away from the classroom.

Finally, don’t forget that you can always put together a combination of sources of funding. For example, you can pay for your gap year with a combination of scholarships, money saved, and internship money.

3 Student Loan Tips

1. Need a private student loan to cover your school bills? Because approval for a private student loan is based on creditworthiness, a cosigner may help a student get loan approval and a lower rate.
2. 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.
3. It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

FAQ

How much should I budget for a gap year?

The amount you should budget for a gap year depends on your personal circumstances. It also depends on what you plan to do. Living at home with your parents and volunteering in your community will likely cost less than hopping on a plane and spending a year abroad. No matter what your plan, it’s best to get an estimate of your expenses ahead of time and then use that as a basis for your budget throughout your gap year.

How can I get funding for a gap year?

There are many ways to get funding for a gap year. Depending on your situation and circumstances, you may consider tapping into scholarships, grants, a 529 account, college savings, through a paid internship or part-time job, financial aid, personal loans or private student loans. There’s no single way to fund your gap year, and you may also want to consider a combination of different sources to pay for it.

How long should a gap year be?

A gap year can be any length of time, but they typically last between two weeks and one year.

Photo credit: iStock/Pekic

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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If you’re getting a mortgage, one important consideration is the APR, or annual percentage rate, on your loan. This is something different from your interest rate: The home loan APR reveals the overall cost of your mortgage, reflecting both the interest rate and any additional costs that must be factored in.

Knowing the APR on a home loan is a key bit of intel which can influence your overall costs as you move towards homeownership. To help you better understand this concept and how APR is calculated, read on. You’ll likely be better prepared to know which loan offer best suits your needs, today and tomorrow.

What Is APR?

APR stands for annual percentage rate, and it’s used to measure the cost of borrowing money from lenders for various reasons, such as your mortgage loan. While it’s often presented at the same time as your interest rate, it isn’t the same thing.

APR is expressed as a percentage and takes into account not only the interest rate but also many of the costs that are associated with the loan. When it comes to borrowing a mortgage, these costs can include such items as these, among others:

•   Origination fees

•   Application fees

•   Processing fees

•   Discount points.

APR provides a more comprehensive picture of the total cost of the mortgage loan. It gives you an overall view of the fees and costs you would have to pay that are included in the finance charge. If you compare just the interest rate, the additional fees and costs aren’t represented, which could give you an incomplete picture when it comes to determining the actual cost of the loan. That could negatively impact your ability to budget accurately for your home loan costs.

Since not all lenders charge the same fees or interest rates, comparing APRs is usually a better way to compare the total cost of your loan from one lender to another.


💡 Quick Tip: Don’t overpay for your mortgage. Get a competitive rate by shopping around for a home loan.

Why Is APR Important When Taking Out a Mortgage?

Knowing the APR can help consumers be more informed while comparison shopping for loan products. Thanks to the Truth in Lending Act, lenders are required to disclose the APR of their loans, as well as all fees and charges associated with a loan.

The APR should include all finance charge fees, which can make it easier for borrowers to sort through loan comparisons to find the right mortgage.

How Are Interest Rates Calculated?

As we’ve discussed, APR and interest rate aren’t the same, but your interest rate does impact your APR. So, how exactly are interest rates calculated?

Your interest rate is a percentage of your mortgage rate. What that percentage will be depends on what type of mortgage loan you have.

•   With a fixed-rate mortgage, you’ll pay the same interest rate for the entire time you have the loan.

•   With an adjustable rate mortgage, on the other hand, your rate will fluctuate throughout the life of the loan.
Also, keep in mind that any unpaid interest gets added to the mortgage principal. This means you’ll have to pay interest on that interest.

Your lender will determine your specific interest rate based on your financial specifics, such as your credit score, as well as the current economic conditions and market interest rates. Lenders usually use their own unique formula to calculate interest rates, which is why your rate can vary from lender to lender — and why it’s important to shop around for rates.

Recommended: APR vs. Interest Rate: What’s The Difference?

How to Calculate Your APR

When you’re getting a mortgage, you may want to be extra thorough and calculate the APR yourself. There’s a way to make that happen. But be warned, it’s not necessarily a super fun math project, but hey, where there’s a formula, there’s a way, right?

•   To get started, you’ll have to know the approximate monthly Principal and Interest (P&I) payment on your loan. Maybe your lender has already told you what it would be, but if not, you could calculate it with an online mortgage calculator or by hand.

•   You’ll need to have a loan amount, interest rate and a term in years.

•   Once you have the monthly P&I payment calculated, you’ll then be able to calculate the APR, which you can do with an online calculator. Keep in mind that because you don’t know what your applicable APR loan fees will be, it can be wise to use a ballpark estimate. If the loan costs that will impact your APR are 2% of your loan amount and your loan amount is $200,000, your loan costs for calculating the APR will be $4,000.

💡 Quick Tip: Lowering your monthly payments with a mortgage refinance from SoFi can help you find money to pay down other debt, build your rainy-day fund, or put more into your 401(k).

Why You Need to be Careful When Using APR to Compare Mortgages

When you’re getting a mortgage, you will likely have the APRs for all the mortgage offers you’re considering. Your APR is important to consider because it factors in the expense of additional fees over the life of your mortgage. If you’re applying for a 30-year mortgage, those fees are spread over 30 years.

But do you plan to live in your home for the full 30 years of your mortgage and never refinance your mortgage? If you sell your home after five years, rather than staying for the duration of your 30-year loan, you’ll still have to pay for the loan fees (such as origination fees).

That’s why it’s important to consider and compare APRs when choosing a mortgage. If you plan on living in the home for a limited time, a lender that offers fewer fees might be a better choice than a lender with a low APR but lots of fees. You may want to consult with your financial advisor before making this decision.

When you’re mortgage shopping, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer, you also may want to proceed with caution when comparing the APRs of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages if you are using an online calculator. The APR on adjustable-rate loans may not be an accurate representation of the cost of the loan since some calculators cannot anticipate the frequency or amounts of the interest rate changes.

Recommended: Tips When Shopping for a Mortgage

The Takeaway

When getting a home loan, your interest rate and APR, or annual percentage rate, are not the same thing. The APR can reflect the overall cost of the loan, including various fees, for instance.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your home-buying journey, the first step is taking stock of your mortgage options. Comparing each loan’s APR is a quick and easy way to see how your offers stack up although it isn’t the only factor to take into account.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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 Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

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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Scholarships can be a great way to get help paying for college, but unfortunately the competition for these awards can be intense. Many college scholarships require writing an essay as a part of the application process.

Writing an exceptional college scholarship essay stand out is just one thing that can help set your application apart from the rest. Continue reading for tips on crafting a strong college scholarship essay.

1. Plan Ahead

Let’s start with one of the most practical tips for writing a scholarship essay. The first step to success when writing a college scholarship essay is to not procrastinate. Plan ahead to make sure there is plenty of time to write the essay, review it, and edit it.

It’s also important to write down the deadline and to set reminders as that deadline nears. If you’re applying for multiple scholarships consider setting up a tracker with important deadlines and application requirements so you can stay on top of the needs for each application.

Allowing enough time to write and edit can help you improve the quality of the essay, instead of trying to cram at the last minute.

2. Write to Your Audience

All scholarship providers are looking for students who meet certain criteria. Often this criteria includes students who have experiences or interests that match the mission of their organization.

Spending some time researching the organization offering the scholarship can help give essay writers the ability to customize their essay to their unique audience. If their writing can illustrate an alignment of values, their essay may be more memorable.

3. Read the Instructions and Follow Them

Before starting an essay, students should take their time to carefully read all application instructions and make a plan to follow them. No matter how strong an essay is, if the applicant fails to follow the instructions they may find themselves disqualified from the competition.

4. Pick a Topic You Care About

Because scholarship application essays can feel like a lot of work, it’s helpful if the writer chooses a topic they are really passionate about. Their essay will come across as more genuine and meaningful if they care about what they are writing about which will make a stronger impact on the scholarship committee than if they chose to write about a more generic topic.

5. Crafting a Strong Introduction

The introduction is the first chance the student has to capture the attention of their essay reviewer. It’s a good idea to spend some extra time crafting a compelling introduction so that the reader is interested, and excited, to finish the essay.

6. Pay Attention to Style

College scholarship essay reviewers will be more impressed by essays that take spelling, grammar, and general style into account. Read and re-read your essay to ensure that the tone of voice is consistent and there are no grammatical errors. Get some other opinions on the writing too. Consider asking teachers, counselors, or trusted friends or family members to review the essay before submitting it. A second set of eyes can go a long way in catching spelling, grammar, or style issues.

7. Follow a Pre-Planned Structure

To avoid having a messy essay, starting with an outline can help. Sit down and create a pre-planned structure before starting to write the actual essay. It can be helpful to think about how to incorporate the following messages into the outline.

•  Who are you? And why are you who you are?

•  What have you accomplished?

•  What are you hoping to accomplish in school and after school?

•  Why do you need a scholarship?

•  How will a scholarship make a difference?

8. Show, Don’t Tell

Another key scholarship application essay tip is to show, not tell. What do we mean by that? Instead of telling the reader exactly what they need to know, show them what they need to know.

For example, if a student wants the reader to know they are committed to their community, instead of saying “I am committed to my community” they can show this by saying, “I volunteer at my local dog shelter and beach clean up organization to help improve the life in our community for all residents and pets.”

9. Sell Yourself

It’s important to use the space in a college scholarship application to highlight achievements and how the scholarship will make it possible to achieve future goals. Pick a few select accomplishments or traits to focus on so the essay isn’t too heavy handed, but don’t shy away from being complementary.

10. Reread and Spell Check, Spell Check, Spell Check

We mentioned paying attention to spelling and grammar earlier, but as a friendly reminder don’t forget to do one last spell check at the end. This is one of the most important scholarship essay writing tips to keep in mind.

Our eyes get used to seeing what we type, so print out the essay and review it on paper to catch typos you may have missed on the screen. This is another time it’s a good idea to ask for a second set of eyes to look at the essay and to flag any errors. Be especially careful to double check the spelling of the name of the scholarship or organization.

Alternatives to Scholarships

Scholarships generally don’t need to be repaid and finding this free money for college can be an incredibly helpful resource for students trying to pay for college. Spending time applying for scholarships is well worth it. In addition, students may also rely on alternative funding sources to pay for college.

Some common funding sources include grants, federal student loans or private student loans. To apply for federal financial aid, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year. This application will allow students to find out if they qualify for federal grants, scholarships, work-study and federal student loans. Some colleges use information provided on the FAFSA to determine institution-specific awards. Continue reading for more information on alternatives to scholarships.

Grants

Similar to scholarships, recipients of grants don’t usually need to pay back the money they’re given. Students can check with their college’s financial aid office to learn more about available grants and can fill out the FAFSA annually to see if they qualify for any grants.

Financial Aid

Alongside grants and scholarship, students can also consider pursuing other types of financial aid such as work-study jobs designed to help students earn money to pay for school. Those who served in the military or are the spouse or child of a veteran may be eligible for aid and students who are studying internationally may qualify for unique types of financial aid.

As mentioned, to apply for federal financial aid students will need to fill out the FAFSA each year they are in school.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans come from a variety of different financial institutions and they can help fill any financial gaps left after using financial aid and federal student loans to pay for college. To apply, students will need to file applications directly with the private lenders.

Private student loans don’t necessarily offer the same benefits as federal student loans — like deferment options or income-driven repayment plans. For this reason, students generally consider private student loans after thoroughly reviewing all other options.

Federal Student Loans

Whether someone is an undergraduate or graduate student, federal student loans — which are funded by the U.S. Department of Education — usually have better interest rates and terms than private student loans do and they come with unique federal protections like income based repayment plans.

The Takeaway

Scholarships are a great way to get some financial relief when paying for school, but students shouldn’t expect scholarships to cover all of their higher education expenses. Many students will use a combination of scholarships, grants, savings, and student loans to pay for their education.

When federal student loans and other sources of funding aren’t enough to fully foot the bill, private student loans can be an option to consider. SoFi private student loans have absolutely no fees and allow borrowers to select one of four flexible repayment plans.

FAQ

How do you start or address your scholarship essay?

To start off a college scholarship essay, it can be helpful to address: what, what, when, where, and why. This way the reader will know the basics of who the student is and why they are applying for the scholarship.

What is the most important thing to avoid in a scholarship essay?

Unnecessary mistakes are the most important thing to avoid when writing a scholarship essay. Double check for spelling or grammatical errors, make note of any key deadlines, and be sure you are fulfilling all application requirements.

How long should scholarship essays be?

All scholarship essays will have different length requirements. Double check the desired word count for the essay before submitting it.

Photo credit: iStock/InspirationGP

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.

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.

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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A degree in finance can open doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to work as a financial analyst in a private business, an accountant for a nonprofit, or help individuals achieve their retirement goals, enrolling in a collegiate finance program can give you the tools you need to succeed.

But the tools of higher education don’t come cheap. Even with an online finance degree program can cost $24,000 to $75,000. Fortunately, there are many available avenues in the way of loans, grants, and scholarships that can support your dreams and ease financial anxiety.

What Is a Finance Degree?

A finance degree program focuses on the study of money management, investing, and market trends. It can prepare you for a job in the economic sector, or lay the groundwork for graduate studies in business or law.

Undergraduates enrolled in an accredited four-year program typically obtain either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts, depending on the area of focus. Introductory coursework can include the fundamentals of economics, statistics, business law, and accounting. Some people interested in working in finance may also consider pursuing a math degree.

Is a Degree in Finance Worth It?

Good News: Entry-level compensation in the field of finance tends to top the national median salary. The employment rate in this sector is expected to grow 8% “from now until 2030.

While jobs in the financial realm are competitive, there is an expanding need for more accountants, strategists, and market analysts. Most of these ground-floor opportunities require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance. Another big bonus of a business finance degree program is connections—the alumni and internship possibilities that could lead to employment.

What Kinds of Finance Degrees Are There?

Educational institutions can offer a Bachelor’s in finance, Associate’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees (including MBAs), and Doctorate programs. Wondering what to do with a finance degree? Popular subfields within a finance program include financial planning, management, and accounting, which could help steer you in a career direction.

Financial Management

A student pursuing a degree in financial management learns how to make informed financial discussions for nonprofit businesses and corporations. Students can take classes in business economics, data analysis, financial reporting, and business law.

Financial Planning

A degree in financial planning prepares you to assist businesses, individuals, and families in creating monetary plans for the future. Course topics can be in retirement strategies, investment portfolios, tax planning, healthcare, estate planning, and risk management.

Accounting

While a degree in accounting offers a more specific focus than a general finance degree, the employment opportunities are far from limited. There are an estimated 135,000 job opportunities projected each year. Students take courses in auditing, tax preparation, and qualitative analysis.

What Can I Do With a Finance Degree?

From analysts to money managers, to a think tank researcher or top government economist, a degree in finance can pave the way to a world of job opportunities.

Loan Officer

Loan officers work for banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. They are instrumental in helping businesses and individuals acquire a home, a business loan, or new car. A loan officer usually holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business.

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors work with individuals and families to reach their economic goals. They assist with investment portfolios, navigating tax laws, and can help make retirement dreams come true. Financial advisors may be required to complete certifications, acquire licenses, or complete ongoing education requirements. Requirements may be dictated by your specific career path, employer, or state.

Financial Examiner

Banks and other institutions rely on financial examiners to help keep them out of trouble. A financial examiner helps businesses comply with current laws and regulations, making sure all their transactions follow mandated guidelines. They can specialize in risk assessment, keeping companies fiscally secure, or in consumer compliance to protect customers.

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst works for banks and investment companies assessing market trends to inform investment choices and strategical direction. They help create financial forecast models, fiscal reports, and then recommend a course of action.

Financial Manager

A financial manager oversees the financial well-being of a business. Responsibilities include supervising company cash flow, keeping tabs on expenses, submitting financial reports, and developing long-term fiscal goals for investment institutions, banks, or insurance companies.

How to Pay for a Finance Degree

A degree in finance can help put you on a career path to success, but the journey usually isn’t free. In 2020, 64% of college grads took out loans for school. An undergrad program can cost you, and a graduate degree only adds to the educational price tag.

Fortunately, there is federal aid, private student loans, scholarships, and other options that can help alleviate the fiscal burden of higher education.

Federal Student Loan

Applying for a federal student loan is usually the first stop on the quest for college funds. With a current interest rate of 3.73% for undergraduates, federal loan rates are fixed and lower than most private loans. They also don’t require a credit check or cosigner. You don’t have to start repayment until after college, so you can worry about your coursework vs. a monthly bill.

The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid “Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine how much financial aid you can receive. This application is used to determine student eligibility for federal financial aid including scholarships, grants, and work-study, in addition to federal student loans.

Private Student Loan

When federal loans and things like scholarships aren’t enough to cover the cost of a finance degree program, a private loan for students can be one option to fill in the gaps. These loans are issued by banks, online lenders, or credit unions. The lender will check your credit score and financial records to determine the loan amount and terms for which you qualify.

Younger applicants who don’t have a credit score or have limited employment history may consider applying with a cosigner, typically a parent or legal guardian, to pledge responsibility for your loan. Rates for undergrad and graduate student loans can vary, so be sure to do your homework and shop around at various lenders to find the best loan for your situation.

It’s a good idea to research the pros and cons of federal vs. private student loans to determine how they can work best for you.

Credit Card

Most colleges and universities accept credit cards for tuition payments. But while it may be tempting to rack up those travel points and cash back rewards, be careful. Many schools will charge you a convenience fee. And even if you have a 0% interest card, that rate can jump up to 12.99% to 24.99% after 18 to 21 months. Might be wise to check out other ways to get that finance degree before paying with plastic.

Borrow from Loved Ones

Borrowing from a loved one for your finance degree may allow for lower interest rates (if any) and generous repayment arrangements. But be sure to spell the terms of the loan on paper to legally protect you and the lender, and to avoid potential confusion, argument, or future resentment.

If a parent or guardian is unable to loan you money directly, they could consider borrowing a Direct PLUS Loan from the government or a private parent student loan.

Pay Cash

“Cash is king!” as the saying goes. No educational institution will turn it down. By working as much as you can during school and summer vacations to help pay for college, you can avoid borrowing interest-accruing loans.

Scholarships

College scholarships mean free money gifted from numerous organizations. They can be based on financial need or merit — awarded for grades, test scores, talent, ancestry, or special interests.

Scholarship money does not generally have to be paid back. You can find information from government resources, a college financial aid office, a high school counselor, or this state-by-state scholarship guide. Pay attention to the submission deadlines and application requirements so you don’t miss your chance to qualify.

Grants

One difference between grants and scholarships is that grant money is typically awarded solely based on financial need, and often by government agencies. For example, the Federal Pell Grant is gifted to undergraduate students from low-income households. Like scholarships, grants do not have to be repaid.

The Takeaway

The job rate in the finance sector is growing, with higher than average entry-level salaries. There’s an optimistic chance a degree in finance could yield good returns in the future. With all the potential funds from federal and private student loans, scholarships, and grant money, pursuing a degree in finance doesn’t have to be a high-risk investment.

FAQ

What does a finance degree do?

A finance degree can prepare you for employment in the financial sector—as an analyst, accountant, manager, financial planner, or loan officer.

What is the best degree for finance?

Any kind of degree from a finance program could set you up to succeed in your desired field. Some of the higher paying finance jobs are in financial management and analysis.

How can I pay for a finance degree?
Investigate federal and private student loans, grant money, and scholarship opportunities.

Photo credit: iStock/Nuthawut Somsuk

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