Understanding Tuition and Scholarships

There is no doubt that when it comes to college, understanding the financial obligations as a student can be confusing. First, you and your family are likely comparing tuition and scholarships from one institution to another. Tuition cost is the price of attending, but it is usually displayed as a per semester cost, rather than a total cost. You also have read carefully because many universities have a difference in cost when it comes to in-state residents versus out of state. In addition, there are usually fees associated with the program that you are enrolling it, which increases the total cost of attending. For example, here is the tuition break down at Youngstown State:

The $10,410 in-state tuition cost is associated with our Penguin Tuition Promise, which ensures that you are locked into that rate for 4 consecutive years. The Penguin Tuition Promise also applies to students that qualify for the Affordable Tuition Advantage, which is a tuition reduction for students living in parts of Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia (typically, out-of-state tuition costs are much higher than the in-state tuition, Youngstown State has created this advantage to bring the out-of-state costs closer to the in-state for certain counties). Then, you see one last cost of $10,770 for out-of-state residents, which applies to those that do live in Ohio or one of the noted counties for the Affordable Tuition Advantage. That was a lot, and only one of our cost breakdowns.

How Do I Get an Exact Tuition Cost?

Most Universities will have a tuition calculator to help you determine what your exact tuition costs will be. When using these tools, be sure to look for any indication that there might be associated fees with your options.

How do scholarships work?

A lot of universities also offer scholarships to help offset the cost of attending. There are scholarships offered for a variety of reasons to incoming students. These may be offered by the university or outside organizations, but almost all scholarships will fall under one of the following categories:

  • Academic Scholarships
  • Athletic Scholarships
  • Community Service Scholarships
  • Employer/Military Scholarships
  • Identity-Based Scholarships
  • Need-Based Scholarships
  • Scholarships for Hobbies and Extracurriculars

This is where you are responsible for doing some homework to figure out what you might qualify for when it comes to scholarships. A helpful resource to assist you in your search is the Federal Student Aid website.

Let’s say you’ve done all the hard work and secured a scholarship- congrats! As an example, Youngstown State offers scholarships for students that meet a certain GPA requirement, or who might have done well on the ACT. In addition, if you are enrolling into a certain major – let’s say something in the STEM program, you might qualify for additional dollars that are provided through that program. Typically, these types of scholarships will require you to apply and fill out your FAFSA.

What is a FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (aka FAFSA) is a form you need to fill out to receive any financial aid from the federal government. Many institutions require it and it’s really to your benefit to take the time to fill it out ahead of your application process. This document is not only used to figure out your federal aid but also to see what you might qualify for within the University you are applying to. It’s essentially free money – meaning you do not have to pay it back!

How else can I help pay for college?

Many students find themselves looking for other ways to help pay for college and offset their cost of living while being in school. A great way to help supplement these costs is through student employment or internships within your field. As a university student employee at Youngstown State, you can find a department or office that is looking for students to work up to 25 hours a week while you are enrolled for a semester. This is a great opportunity to make money while earning your degree.

In addition, a lot of our degrees will actually require students to have an internship- this is a great opportunity to apply for paid internships through the university or outside companies, however, unpaid internships are another solid way to gain experience and earn course credits.

One last thought on scholarships and financial aid in college

At the end of the day, college is an investment in yourself. Maybe you are looking for a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree- regardless of which program you enroll in, any of these degrees will have an immeasurable impact on your life, career and your future. As a prospective student, there are countless scholarships and financial aid options available, and it’s important to take the time to research what applies to you. The other good news is that no matter how confusing this all might be, there are people that work at Universities that will help guide you through the process!

Have Questions? We Can Help.

Contact the Youngstown State Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships