Financial Aid for Summer Classes

Taking summer classes is a smart way to decrease college costs, especially if taking classes at your local community college. (Just make sure the credits will transfer.) If you qualify, the Federal Pell Grant is a great way to pay for your summer classes. Also look at institutional grants and scholarships that may be available for you. Some states have a summer grant program for in-state students. Federal parent PLUS loans and private bank loans for students are other ways to pay, but unlike grants, must be repaid by the borrower. IMPORTANT: Most schools count their academic year as beginning with the fall semester and ending with the summer semester, BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS. You may have to file an additional FAFSA for the previous or upcoming year in order to qualify for financial aid.