Graduated College

Student Resources

Scholarships

-Use scholarship websites! Some scholarship websites are not always efficient because they can be not so clear on the eligibility but for the most part these two websites are some of our favorites:

- Scholarships.com
- Fastweb.com

-Research for different opportunities where you can find scholarships both locally and nationally! For example, in Kansas, there is a website called Greater Kansas City Foundation that provides students with links to different scholarship opportunities.

Link: https://gkccf.academicworks.com/

-Check for opportunities in your state and community that offer scholarship/grants! Such as the Hispanic Development Scholarship, KC Scholars, etc. Keep in track of the scholarships that your college counselor provides to your senior class. Take a look at our Advice + Tips page to see how you can organize scholarship deadlines!

-Check in with your school’s Federal TRIO programs! Or if your school does not offer Federal TRIO programs, research for any campus resources on campus for First-Generation students on their academic website. They are there to help you during the college applying process and scholarships that are available for you in your state!

Financial Literacy

Budget & Healthy Spending

It is important to keep track of creating a budget while you are at college:

Know where your money is going

Prevent overspending

Stay out of/ minimize your debt

Save as much money as you can!

Make good financial choices, be mindful of your spending!

Getting started to Budget & Healthy Spending

Look at your bank account, take a look where your money has gone in the last month? How did you spend it? Download your bank’s app on your phone, it is helpful to see your financial stats!

Money in v. Money Out

How much has been deposited in your account from your work study job? How much have you spent (Ex: supplies, textbooks, printing, etc).

Try your best on organizing your spending into categories!
- Examples: books & supplies, transportation, person expenses, food, etc.

What bills do you have to pay between this paycheck and the next?

What projects do you have coming up for which you may need supplies?

Are there any textbooks or upcoming expenses that need to be taken care of?

Any events or plans that you have coming up that may require money? -Hanging out with friends, movies, etc.?

Any transportation needs? -Lyft, Uber, gas for your car?

How do you keep track of what is spent?

You can use an online checkbook that provides students with the ability to input budget each time you are paid!

Online checkbook: https://www.clearcheckbook.com/account

Understanding credit

Credit = The ability to buy something today and pay for it later

Why is good credit important?

May be eligible for lower interest rates on credit cards and loans. There is a better chance to get approval for credit cards and loans, better insurance rates, easier approval on rental properties

Student Loan Repayment

Federal student loans are automatically placed on In-School Deferment while you are enrolled at least half the time (6 credits).

Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are enrolled in schools.

Unsubsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are enrolled in school.

The interest rate of the year 2019-2020 is 4.53% , Keep in mind that the interest rate for each year may change.

After graduation, a borrower is given a 6 month grace period.

Your loan history can be found at, “https://studentaid.gov/”. Log in with your FSA Username and Password.

Responsible Student Loan Borrowing

Think about what you need and not just what you are allowed to borrow.

Consider your monthly expenses, make sure you keep track of them so they do not catch up to you last minute.

Consider your income, how many jobs do you have on campus?

How much do you make weekly and how do you save it up without spending your entire check?

References: Melissa Donahue, Associate Director, Student Financial Services Financial Literacy Presentation for Project Thrive.

Financial Information Resources

Getting Started

GradSchools.com
U.S Government Resource Information
- https://studentaid.gov/
NAGPS Guide to the ACA

Scholarships & Grants

FastWeb
- https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships
U.S. Scholarships and Grants
- https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types

Fellowships

U.S. Government Fellowships
- https://www.gradschools.com/financial-aid/graduate-fellowships-scholarships/fellowships-for-graduate-students
- Search for fellowship opportunities near you with your university, local non-profit, etc.

Loans

Discover Students Loans
- https://www.discover.com/student-loans/
Income-Based Repayment Info
- http://ibrinfo.org/
GradLoans
- https://www.edvisors.com/college-loans/federal/grad-plus/
SallieMae
- https://www.salliemae.com/
Simple Tuition
- https://www.simpletuition.com/

References:

http://nagps.org/benefits-resources/resources/

Job Seeking

Monster.com Database
- https://www.monster.com/
Jobs.com
- https://www.jobs.com/
Flip Dog
- https://www.monster.com/jobs?loc=world_US&srch=job&job=1
Higher ED Jobs
- https://www.higheredjobs.com/Default.cfm
University of MO Job Seeking Tips
- https://extension2.missouri.edu/find-your-interest/business-and-community/business-development/
USA Jobs: Gov’t Job Database
- https://www.usajobs.gov/

References:
http://nagps.org/benefits-resources/resources/

Helpful links for graduate students to access: