Wondering how to afford college? Start here

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to rely on massive loans or your parents’ income to make it work.

From scholarships and grants to budget-friendly hacks and free campus resources, this guide covers everything you need to stay on track financially and stress less while you do it.

First things first: Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you think you won’t qualify, completing FAFSA opens doors to:

• Federal grants (like Pell Grants)
• Low-interest federal student loans
• Work-study job eligibility
• UC-specific financial aid packages

Pro tip: Add UC’s school code, 003125, and complete the application as early as possible each year. For help, visit UC's Financial Aid Office.

There are scholarships and grants for college that you can get without ever paying a dime back. These come from a variety of places, including:

• UC’s scholarship search tool
• National sites like Scholarships.com and Bold.org
• Local community foundations or employers
• Your high school guidance office

UC students should also explore the Cincinnatus Scholarship, awarded to incoming first-year students with strong academics.

Need personalized help? Reach out to financial aid or admissions.

Read more: Grant vs. scholarship: Understanding the key differences

The University of Cincinnati offers affordable pathways and free resources to help students manage costs, especially first-generation, transfer, or under-resourced students.

Explore:

• Bearcat Promise Career Studio: Personalized career and financial planning for every UC student
  

• College Credit Plus: Earn college credits for free while still in high school
  

• Enrollment Services: Your central hub for financial aid, billing, registration and payment plan options

If you’re eligible for federal work-study, you can earn money in a flexible, student-friendly campus job. If not, there are still tons of ways to make money:

• UC Handshake: Your go-to site for jobs, internships and co-ops
  

• Paid real-world experience or co-op opportunities through your college or major
  

• On-campus jobs in housing, dining, rec centers, libraries and more

Bonus: Many of these positions are conveniently located and understand your academic schedule.

Knowing how to save money in college is key to staying financially afloat. Here are a few tried-and-true college affordability tips from fellow Bearcats:

• Split rent with roommates or consider UC-affiliated housing
  

• Use your Bearcat Card for discounts on transportation, food and more
  

• Buy or rent used textbooks through the UC Bookstore or digital sources
  

• Take advantage of free tutoring, tech help and wellness support

Don’t pay out of pocket when UC has these resources available to you.

You’re not alone if you're figuring out how to afford college without your parents. You still have options:

• Submit a Dependency Override request if you have unusual circumstances
  

• Look into tuition reimbursement from part-time employers (some UC-area employers offer this!)
  

• Look into AmeriCorps programs that reward service with education grants for your service
  

• Try crowdfunding your tuition through sites like GoFundMe

Read more: How to pay for college: Strategies for success

Learning basic financial planning for college students now can prevent serious debt later. Create a monthly budget using tools like:

• Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget)
  

• UC’s net price calculator financial tool
  

• Excel or Google Sheets templates

Track your spending across categories: housing, food, supplies and personal expenses, and set realistic limits.

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but it’s far from impossible. The key? Start early, ask questions, and take full advantage of the resources available to you. From scholarships and grants to work-study jobs, budgeting tools, and free campus support, there are real ways to manage costs without massive loans or parental help.

Whether you're just starting your college journey or figuring out how to make ends meet this semester, UC is here to guide you every step of the way.

Need help navigating your next step? Visit Enrollment Services or the Financial Aid Office.