Paying for College

Ways You Can Pay for College

There is no single way to pay for college. The good news? There are lots of options.

Most students use a combination of free college programs, grants, scholarships, work-study, payment plans, and sometimes loans.

Start with free money and opportunities available to you then build from there.

Free College

Free College

You might qualify for free college. Yes, really.

If you live in Massachusetts and you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to attend 4Cs with tuition and fees covered

Free College at 4Cs

Financial Aid

If you’re going to be coming to 4Cs, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most students that apply get some level of award and it’s a requirement to be eligible for Free College. Apply ever year, even if you don’t think you’ll be eligible for anything.

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Scholarships

The Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation awards more than $200,000 in student scholarships every year. Many are designed to help students in specific programs or with particular life circumstances. Most students fit the criteria for at least 5 to 10 scholarships so it’s worth checking out every February/March to see if there’s any that are a fit for you.

• Open to current and incoming students
• Award amounts and criteria vary
• Scholarships do not need to be repaid
• Most students fit the criteria for at least 5-10 scholarships.
• Applications typically open in late February or early March

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Education Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

These loans must be repaid, so borrow only what you need. These include:

• Subsidized loans
  • Based on financial need; no interest accrues while you’re enrolled at least part-time
• Unsubsidized loans
  • Not based on financial need; interest accrues while enrolled

Federal loans require completion of the FAFSA, enrollment in at least 6 credits, loan counseling, a signed promissory note, and meeting of College satisfactory academic progress standings.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent students.

• Not based on financial need
• Requires credit approval
• Parent is responsible for repayment
• Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits

Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid.

Private Education Loans

These loans are private or alternative education loans available through outside lenders. Consider federal loan options before considering private loans.

• Require credit approval
• May require a co-signer
• Interest rates and terms vary
• Maximum amount is the cost of attendance minus other financial aid

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Massachusetts Sate Financial Aid

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has financial aid support systems and opportunities that are different than the FAFSA, including MASSGrant and MASSGrant Plus.