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Financial challenges are a part of life. Whether you are just starting your education, or you are graduating and embarking on a new career, you may face financial challenges. The more you know about what to expect and how to plan for life’s expenses, big and small, the more successful you will be.
Worcester State University is committed to providing all students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in and out of the classroom. Worcester State has put together these resources to help you learn how to manage your personal finances and avoid some common financial missteps. Prudent financial decision-making skills will help you answer important questions like how much to borrow or spend while in college, and when to use credit cards, checking accounts and other financial management tools. They will help you map out a plan for managing your finances now and in the years to come.
Borrowing for school has become a common practice for college students. But before you take that step, make sure you have researched all potential sources of scholarships and grants.
Many students begin by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filing early and before important deadlines may qualify you for optimal financial aid packages—putting you in a better position to pay down student loans after graduation.
According to the Institute for College Access and Success’s Student Debt for College Graduates in Massachusetts in 2019-20, 56% of Massachusetts college graduates had student loan debt with an average debt load of $33,457. Compare that to the average federal loan debt for a Worcester State University student of just $29,051, as reported by the US Department of Education.
Bear in mind that debt can be expensive. Interest payments mount up and can significantly impact your future income.
While you should look at borrowing to help meet educational expenses as an investment in your future, you should use common sense and good personal financial practices. Do not feel alone if it seems like there is never enough money to make ends meet. There are people and organizations ready to help.
Worcester State’s Financial Aid Office is a great resource that you can use to help find ways to pay for school.
Creating a budget may sound complicated, but all you need to do to get started is set aside some time and get organized—the benefits will make the effort worthwhile. Visit Federal Student Aid for information on creating and managing your own budget.
Many people think that credit cards are “free.” In reality, you pay for the use of credit cards in every purchase you make. The merchant providing the service pays the credit card company and charges you in the price of the goods and services you buy (1.5 % to 3% or perhaps more). If you pay your credit balance each month, that is all you pay. If you carry your balance forward, you will also be charged interest of up to 19% or more on your balances.
Credit cards can be a very handy tool for students if used correctly. If not, they can become a burden and can cost you a great deal in the interest that you pay the credit card companies. When applying for a credit card, look for the best deal. All credit cards are not the same.
Paying balances in full at the end of each month is the best way to make sure that credit card debt does not get out of hand.
Avoid using credit cards to buy things that you could not afford to buy if you did not have one.
Even small card limits of $500 to $1,500 can seem enormous when you do not have the money to pay your balance and interest charges begin stacking up every month.
Stop spending money on things you do not need. If you can, live at home for a few months after graduation to save on rent. Do not use your credit card. If you have a summer job, work overtime or get another part time job and pay off your credit card debt.
Remember, you can only spend your money once. After that, you are spending the credit card company’s money and they charge you for the privilege.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a free nonprofit foundation, available to help you manage your debt. Call 800-388-2227 or visit the CCCS website.
Maintaining good credit will help you:
Signs that you might have a problem with too much debt are:
Keep all copies of loan, credit card, and checking account paperwork. Keep all notification from lenders, guarantors, and servicers. Keep all copies of utility bills, etc. to help in making an accurate budget. Read and respond to all mail.
A college education is an investment in oneself. The benefits of a college education are secured through a valuable education, with relatively low costs and high quality education. To afford this investment, some students choose to use student loans to assure their college experience is affordable. Most Worcester State students find their college loan debt to be less than their peers and are able to pay down those loans after graduation. Information about student loan debt and Worcester State’s cohort default rate can be found on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides food purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people, including students. The monthly benefits are used to supplement the participant’s food budget. You can learn more and even apply online at the DTA Connect website, or you can go to the SNAP office in S-129 to learn more about the program and participant eligibility. Visit Thea’s Pantry to learn more about the SNAP office and Thea’s pantry or call 508-929-8957.
From September to May (but not between semesters), the Financial Aid Office sends mail to students via their residence hall mail box, if they reside on campus, or to their home address, if they do not reside on campus. During the summer months everything is mailed to the home address. Whenever possible, the Financial Aid Office also sends announcements to students through the regular What’s Up at Woo University emails.
