Sending your child off to college is a momentous occasion filled with excitement and anticipation. However, the looming cost of college can quickly turn excitement into anxiety. Fortunately, with careful planning and smart budgeting strategies, you can navigate college expenses and ensure a smooth financial transition for you and your student.

This blog provides practical tips for preparing for college. We’ll explore budgeting strategies, financial aid options, and resources available through DEXSTA’s partnership with Banzai Financial Literacy.

Building a Realistic College Budget: The Foundation for Success

The cornerstone of any financial plan is a well-defined budget. When preparing for college, a realistic budget considers living expenses and tuition fees like housing, food, textbooks, and transportation.

Here are some steps to creating a comprehensive college budget:

Gather Information

Research the average cost of attendance for your target schools, including tuition, fees, room and board, and estimated living expenses. Many colleges provide net price calculators on their websites to help with this step.

Factor in Additional Costs 

Remember to account for expenses like travel, personal care items, entertainment, and potential technology upgrades.

Consider Financial Aid 

Estimate the amount of financial aid your child might receive through grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Use the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) estimator to get a starting point.

Calculate the Gap

Once you have a clear picture of total college costs and estimated financial aid, subtract the aid amount to determine the remaining gap you’ll need to fill with savings, loans, or a combination of both.

Financial Aid Strategies: Maximize Your Resources

Financial aid can reduce the financial burden of college. Here are some tips for optimizing your financial aid options:

Complete the FAFSA® on Time 

The FAFSA® is the key to unlocking federal and state financial aid. To optimize your chances of receiving aid, file it as early as October 1st of the year before your child starts college.

Explore Scholarships and Grants

Colleges, universities, private organizations, and even local businesses offer research scholarships. Encourage your child to apply for scholarships that match their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.

Consider Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs offer on-campus jobs that can help students earn money while attending college.

Building a Savings Plan: Every Dollar Counts

While financial aid can make a significant difference, it may only cover some expenses. Developing a savings plan is crucial. Consider these strategies:

• Start Early: The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to build compound interest.
• Set Realistic Savings Goals: Determine a realistic amount you and your child can contribute towards college expenses, and set up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account.
• Explore Savings Options: DEXSTA offers a variety of savings accounts with competitive interest rates, helping your college savings grow faster.

Preparing For College Is an Exciting Journey

By creating a budget, exploring financial aid options, and establishing a savings plan, you can set your student up for financial success. DEXSTA Federal Credit Union is committed to your financial well-being and offers a variety of resources to help you navigate the college planning process. Visit your local branch, contact us today, or explore our website to learn how DEXSTA can empower you to achieve your financial goals.