Make the Most of Ways to Fund College

As a St. Edward’s graduate, what’s the top advice you have for Hilltoppers about managing their college financial aid?

Meet and stay in touch with your Financial Aid Counselor every semester. My counselor, Annie Hinojosa, was my best resource for financial aid guidance — even in the year before I enrolled at St. Edward’s. She answered all my questions about aid for college and helped me see funding possibilities I didn't know about. Her support and encouragement were very reassuring to me and my parents throughout my college years.

What should students keep in mind about their financial aid as they get ready for the new academic year this fall?

I learned that the first step to take early in the fall semester is to complete the FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid]. The FAFSA opens up on October 1st. It’s something students can prepare for over the summer. This keeps them on track for federal scholarships, loans, grants and work-study, and lets them know what they’re eligible for. When I was in high school and applying to colleges, my mother went to a FAFSA workshop to help us learn the process for completing it the first time. It was easier and faster to complete each year after that. International students can create a CSS Profile and explore other options for financing, but will not complete a FAFSA.

What should students know about scholarships?

Be sure to keep your grades up in order to stay eligible for the academic scholarships you may already have, and be persistent about applying for other scholarships, too. There are many outside scholarships available that your financial aid counselor can point you to. I was able to get two private scholarships that made a big difference for me. Take the time to research scholarship options and apply for as many as you can.

You had part-time jobs on and off campus during your time on the hilltop. What did you gain from those experiences? 

Besides providing extra money to help cover my expenses, my jobs were great learning opportunities. For sure, they taught me career skills and how to manage my time between studies and other commitments. 

I had a work-study position my freshman and sophomore years with Student Financial Services. It gave me insights into the financial aid process. I learned to clearly communicate transaction processes to other students, like how to navigate the university’s website for payments, deposits and refunds. And I established connections with the counselors early on.