DEVELOP A PLAN

"If you aren't pinching pennies now, you should be! School is not getting any more affordable, so fill out the FAFSA, and look for scholarships or other means of paying for school, other than contributions from your parents or from loans. Definitely consider getting an on-campus job; sometimes you can do your homework during it- staff are extremely understanding of a student's schedule and you won't waste time commuting." - Robyn Shemwell

Figure out your finances – apply for FAFSA, consider an on-campus job

College can be a challenging time so help alleviate some of the stress by making your financial situation easier.

• All students and families are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid every year. The first step in the process includes filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This should be done online at [www.fafsa.gov].

• March 1 is UWM’s priority filing date for enrollment that begins the following fall. However, many funds are limited, so you are encouraged to file as soon after January 1 as possible.

• Visit the Career Development Center to develop or edit your résumé. This will help you apply for jobs, internships and scholarships. Students working 20 hours or less a week on campus have higher levels of student-faculty interaction and engagement in active and collaborative learning [cdc.uwm.edu]

• PantherJobs is UWM's primary resource for connecting UWM students and alumni with local and national employers. Whether you are a current student looking for a part-time job, internship, co-op or full-time position or an alumnus looking for a new opportunity, PantherJobs has something for you! [http://www4.uwm.edu/cdc/get_hired/panther_jobs.cfm]

• Consider applying for scholarships to help alleviate the overall cost of your education.[http://www4.uwm.edu/current_students/financial_information/scholarshipinfo.cfm]

• Money, money, money, mon-ey. This may be the first time you have to balance your own budget or pay your own bills. You can also learn more about what credit cards and student loans are all about in the one-credit course Economics 110: Economics of Personal Finance. Not only does this course help you be successful in money management, it will teach you all about your future financial needs, as well.

• Attend the Campus Jobs and Money Management Fair on Wednesday, September 12 in the Union Ballroom. Speak with departments on campus that hire students and attend informational sessions about understanding your financial aid, living on a student budget, managing your finances, finding scholarships, and much more! 

If you are struggling to pay for college, ask for assistance. There are lots of resources at UWM to help you afford your education to make the investment in your future.