If you plan on applying for school funded income based financial aid, you will have to file federal financial aid forms. Also, check with your school to find out if admissions are need-blind. If they are not, applying for financial aid can jeopardize your chances of admission if you are a borderline applicant. Private scholarships and interest free loans. These organizations range from local school districts and chambers of commerce to national religious organizations, from endowments in memory of a special person to multinational corporations.
Awards range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition, room, and board.
Choosing your path wisely. Even with a lot of aid, you may not be able to afford this cost. But there are other ways. If you would really like to graduate with a degree from a prestigious private college, consider spending a time at a public community or junior college first, then transferring. Even if you loose some credits or have to spend three years at community college for two years of credit, the cost will be much lower.