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How to Pay for College

Colleges post their tuition and fees on their website - the “sticker” price. This can seem like an overwhelming amount! But most students get financial aid to help pay for college so they don’t end up paying full price. You can use a net price calculator to get an estimate of what your actual cost might be.

There are many ways to pay for college. This can include financial aid, job earnings, savings, support from parents or family, and earning college credit while in high school.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants - Money from the state, federal government, or the college. This is need based aid that does not need to be paid back and is accessed by completing a financial aid application (FAFSA or ORSSA). See our FInancial Aid section on the menu to find out details about these applications and helpful links to complete the applications. 

Scholarships - Colleges or organizations give money for good grades, community service, athletic ability, or other unique personal qualities. See our Scholarships section on the menu to find many scholarship resources.

Work Study - Provides part time jobs, often on campus, to help pay for college costs. Work study opportunities are accessed by completing a financial aid application (FAFSA or ORSAA) and if a student qualifies they will earn through the financial aid award provided by their colleges they have been accepted to.

Loans - Money to borrow for college from the federal government, bank, organization, or person. These funds need to be paid back with interest. To qualify for Federal Loans (Direct Subsidized Loans should be taken first before other loans) a student must complete a FAFSA application. The student is the borrower on Federal Direct Loans.

Note - loans that parents take out for students including Direct Plus Loans will do a credit check, adverse credit history may affect qualification. Parents/Students may also take private student loans with the parent as a cosigner. Compare Federal student Loans vs Private Loans.

Other ways to Pay for College/Save on College Costs

Earning College Credit While in High School - At Hillsboro High School students have the opportunity to earn college credits through International Baccalaureate Courses and Dual Credit Courses. Each credit earned in high school is a credit not taken in college where it costs money. Students who complete the IB Diploma can earn enough credits to start as a sophomore at some colleges/universities. This can be a savings of tens of thousands of dollars.

Consider Going to a Community College and Transfering to a 4 Year School - Start your 4 year college experience with 2 years at PCC and transfer to the 4 year school of your choice. Community College has the least expensive tuition and for many of our students with Financial Aid and the Oregon Promise Grant tuition is free. This can save thousands of dollars in your 4 year college journey. 

This is also a great option if you do not meet the acceptance criteria for a school right out of high school (low GPA, etc). When you transfer to a 4 year school from a Community College they will look at your community college grades rather than your high school grades in the application process.

Living at Home While Attending College - Families may not be able to provide direct financial assistance, but providing food and housing for a student while attending college can provide a significant savings in the total cost of a college degree. 

College Savings Accounts - It is never too early or late to start saving money for college. There are many types of college savings accounts. Discuss options with a bank or financial institution. Common types include:

Military Service and College - Attend a service academy At these highly competitive schools all tuition and room and board are paid. Attend a senior military college and participate in the ROTC program there and receive financial aid. Enroll at a college or university with a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program and receive financial aid. Some ROTC students can qualify for full ride scholarships (competitive). The Oregon Army National Guard and the Oregon Air National Guard offer tuition assistance and pay while on active duty. Students can receive full tuition for Oregon Public Universities through the National Guard.

Other Resources - There are other ways to help pay for college. These include:

  • Earnings from part time or full time jobs
  • Other savings
  • Money from parents or family
  • Employer tuition reimbursement
  • Become a residence advisor in a dorm at your school after your freshman year. Residence Advisors get Room and Board paid for. This can greatly reduce your college costs

Paying for College Presentation (Video)

Financial Aid Comparison Chart