Just about every resignoffers online tools that endhelp you plan and pay for college.
As you look for scholarships, financial aid and the perfect college fit, in that locationare a lot of familiar resources. These include encyclopedismsearch engines, the federal student aid database and lavishlyaimand college websites. But one useful source that plenty of studentsneverthink about is their state's powerfulnessof higheducation.
Checking knocked out(p)the office in your home state, as swell upas the states where you mogulgo to college, should be part of your summer to-do list. Resources and the office's key outvary by state. You can start with this list.
Wherever you go, look for associateto student and family resources. Once you find those, focus on the pursuitfive valuable options.
[Follow these simple steps to maximize the summer scholarshipsearch.]
1. Online guidance and planning tools: While websites differ, just about every state features online tools that can help you plan and pay for college. One of the high hatis Kentucky's KnowHow2GoKY site, which offers education planning advice for exclusivelyages.
The Iowa College Student Aid Commission's I take onA Plan site provides a wide view of everything from careerexplorationand test prep to financial aid and postgraduate activities.
Even if your state doesn't have a dedicated planning tool, it will apt(predicate)have a student resource page, like this one from Massachusetts, where you can lowerstarted.
2. In-person and offline events: One advantage of these offices' local focus is that they can gallopresidents more face-to-face opportunities to connect and learn. The Minnesota Office of highEducation will soon be supplementing its online tool mendwith "College Knowledge Month," a series of college planning and application events for high school seniors crosswaysthe state.
The Maryland Higher Education guidanceconducts monthly financial aid presentations at high schools and colleges. And higher education offices across the nation are lotsclosely involved with College closingSunday efforts in January and February.
[Avoid making these costly college savings mistakes.]
3. Loan, grant and savings information: Most states entreateducation loans and grants to qualified students. These funds are usually managed by the higher education office, as are the states' college savings plans,knowas 529 accounts. Minnesota provides a straightforward 529 website for students and parents, as well as offers a detailed look at the state's down in the mouthinterest rate SELF Loan program.
Washington's thorough state site covers all things 529 and features a wide array of grants and loans under the "Opportunity Pathways" banner.
4. Scholarship searches and applications: Washington as well asoffers a unique resource called The WashBoard, which allows resident students to find scholarships from unexclusiveand private-sector providers across the state. While this is the most ambitious search we've found, otherstates do feature online applications for government-funded programs or listings of statewide scholarships.
[Get advice on usescholarships as a college financial aid tool.]
5. Resources for military and veteran students: The U.S. girdForces provides a wide array of educational benefits to active-duty servicemen and women, reservists and veterans. But those benefits often come with confusing paperwork, restrictions or deadlines.
If you're a veteran or currently serving, your state higher education office can help you make sense of it all. Some states, like North Carolina and Massachusetts, have easy-to-find resources on their websites. If you can't find the information you need, reach out to your state's office.
No matter what your needs are, we recommend you contact state higher education offices with questions. Many are now active on social media, substancea tweet, a Facebook message or an email can help you learn what you need to from these often-overlooked resources.
Matt Konrad has been with Scholarship America since 2005. He is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota and a former scholarship recipient.
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Materials taken from US News
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