Keia Brown
Financial Literacy & Higher Education
The cost of college tuition has increased by 1000% since 1973. Financial Smarts for Students offers a FREE financial literacy workshop for students, parents and families in the early stage of the college process.
As an advocate for reducing student loan debt, I am traveling throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia providing FREE workshops on “FInancial Smarts for Students”. I am offering 45-minute presentations on financial aid eligibility, spreading your financial aid through the semester, student loan borrowing the smart way, and repaying student loan debt through volunteerism.
Having worked in the higher education field in financial aid and scholarships offices for the past 10 years, I witness many college students overwhelmed with the high cost to pursue a degree; and the amount of student loan debt they will incur in just four (4) years. I can relate to their dilemma having had to rely on student loans myself while pursuing my bachelor and current master’s degree.
If your school, college, university or group is interested in scheduling a workshop or having me attend your next event, contact me at missdcinternational@gmail.com
Borrow Only What You Need!
It's important to know your options when borrowing student loans. Most colleges and universities will award students the maximum loan amount each year. Get into a habit of only borrowing the amount you need to cover your higher education expenses. You will be happy you did, once the repayment period begins.
Rent or Borrow Textbooks
Textbooks cost on average: $600 per semester for a full-time student. Today there are options, rent or purchase e-books online to reduce the amount you spend on college textbooks. Take the time to research the books you are "required" to use for classes to find the most reasonable price.
Research Free Money Options
Free Money options such as grants, scholarships and stipends can help you to reduce the cost of your college tuition & fees, room & board, transportation, books, etc. Make it a priority to locate these funds through civic groups, non-profit organizations and online sites.
Federal Work
Study Program
Locating a flexible job while in school may be challenging to accommodate your schedule. A federal program called Federal Work Study allows students to work on their college campuses. Funds earned are directly awarded to the student and may be used for any educational purpose (i.e. transportation, computer, textbooks, etc.)
State Aid
Programs
State funding is also available to college students who apply for the FAFSA by their state priority deadline. In addition to state funds, senators and delegates have their own scholarship and grant funds in which students may apply for through a separate application process.
Net Price
Calculator
Utilize the Net Price Calculator, found on the Financial Aid section of most college websites, to estimate your "net price" to attend colleges on your TOP 5 list. The calculator evaluates the students financial aid eligibility at specific schools. This helps students better compare their out-of-pocket expenses from one college to another.