Tips for Saving and Paying for College

It’s no secret that the life of a college student can be expensive, but the cost shouldn’t be a barrier to you getting your post-secondary education.

It’s no secret that the life of a college student can be expensive, but the cost shouldn’t be a barrier to you getting your post-secondary education. We’ve put together some tips to help you save and pay for college.

1. 1. Budget! Budget! Budget! Make that your mantra before you even arrive at George Brown. Be honest about the money you have coming in (part-time job, OSAP, scholarships) and what’s going out (tuition, rent, groceries etc.).
2. Have a rainy-day fund: No, this isn’t the money you use for delivery when you don’t want to walk in bad weather for groceries. Things come up unexpectedly and having a little cushion can make emergency situations a little easier.
3. Apply for OSAP: This is the Ontario Student Assistance Program that provides financial aid through grants (money you don’t need to pay back) and loans (money you have to pay back six months after you graduate or leave full-time study). See if you’re eligible at osap.gov.on.ca.
4. Don’t forget about scholarships and awards: Naturally student awards focus on financial need, but they also take things like academic achievement and community involvement into account. There are many scholarships available and you can easily apply for them via STU-VIEW. It may take a bit of time, but that extra cash will definitely be worth it!
5. Get an on-campus job: If you’re looking for a job that truly understands what it’s like being a student, why not apply to work on campus? The Work Study program allows eligible* students to work up to 15 hours a week at minimum wage. These jobs are designed to help students earn some extra money without interfering with their school schedule.