by Melissa Brock | May 16, 2025 | Financial aid and scholarships |
If you’re the parent of a teenager in high school, you’ve probably already heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). But what if you don’t want to disclose your financial information or have doubts about your eligibility?
Whatever your situation, we always suggest that even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, it’s best to still submit the FAFSA, because your institution may put institutional funds on your financial aid award based on your income.
However, we’ll describe how to pay for college without the FAFSA if you really don’t want to fill it out, so read on.
What is the FAFSA? (And Why People Might Not Use it)
The FAFSA is an online form you can fill out to learn whether you’re eligible for government aid, like Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, work-study programs and more. Apart from the federal government, many colleges and states also use the FAFSA to give away their need-based financial aid.
Its importance notwithstanding, not every family is inclined to prepare and submit the FAFSA every year. Some of them are sure their reported income will exceed the eligible limits for any aid. Others opt not to share their financial information because they regard it as a very intimate subject. In addition, families who are unlawfully non-residents or have legal obstructions may be prohibited from applying.
If you do not use FAFSA for any particular reason, whether it be a free choice or otherwise, here’s how to maneuver college costs.
Step 1: Understand the true cost of college without FAFSA.
Before making any financial commitments, it’s essential to know what college cost lies under the surface, and it’s more than just tuition. The full cost of attendance (COA) also includes fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
The largest starting point for understanding the cost of college: Checking out the net price calculator on each college’s website. The net price calculator helps you to see the approximate amount of money it’ll cost you for each school. The tools give estimates of the out-of-pocket costs based on your income, assets, academic profile, and much more. The net price calculator is just an estimate, but it gives you a clearer picture of whether a college is within your financial reach. It can help you make sound decisions, help you secure further funds comfortably, so you’re not caught unawares later.
Step 2: Focus on merit-based scholarships.
If you don’t plan to file the FAFSA, you’ll want to focus on finding merit-based scholarships. These scholarships reward class performance, test scores, leadership, sports, or talent — not financial need.
Many colleges, mostly private colleges, offer large merit-based scholarships to attract the best students. For example, if your student has a high GPA, top SAT/ACT scores, or excels in the arts, sports, or community service, there’s a high chance that your child could qualify for a large scholarship.
Many colleges reveal their automatic or competitive merit awards on their financial aid pages. Most offer your child merit-based scholarships based on the application, without requiring an extra application or the FAFSA.
Don’t overlook the deadlines at each school — some institutions have early merit-based scholarship cutoffs. It’s not the end of the world if you miss a deadline (it’s not like your child has gotten expelled from college), but you’ll have to widen your search to other colleges.
Tip: Apply to schools known for giving out quality merit aid. Many colleges use these scholarships to entice students, so they are more likely to compete for your child’s attendance.
Learn more: Private vs. federal student loans for college
Step 3: Apply for private scholarships.
Besides merit-based awards that are granted by colleges and universities, you can also find private scholarships offered by companies, nonprofits and religious organizations, among others. The most attractive thing about these is that the majority of them do not require the FAFSA.
These scholarships can range from $500 to the whole tuition fee are awarded for academic excellence, volunteer work, leadership, your intended career path, ethnicity and more.
You can find scholarships through:
- Scholarship databases
- Local community organizations, such as Rotary clubs and PTA groups
- Your employer or your spouse’s employer, as many offer scholarships to employees’ children
- Banks and credit unions
Tips for success: Get started early, keep track of everything and rework your existing essays when possible. The more applications you fill out, the higher the chance that one of them will work out. Ask your child to treat scholarship applications as if they were a part-time job. Steadiness is the road to success!
Check out Dayna’s story:
Dayna worked with College Money Tips this past year and applied for three scholarships (two were family foundation scholarships, another was a scholarship for her dad’s job). She won a $400, $2,000 and a $1,500 scholarship — amounting to $3,900 — cha-ching! She also received merit-based scholarships and ultimately received $30,400 in private and merit-based scholarships!
Step 4: Consider tuition discounts and employer programs.
Familiarize yourself with programs sponsored by employers. Some companies provide employees with tuition reimbursement or scholarships for their kids. You can check to see if your child can get this by working part-time or check more to learn whether you can get this option through your full- or part-time job.
For example, a mom or dad who works for a national grocery chain can receive a tuition reimbursement of $1,000 to $5,000, even if they are in a part-time position.
Programs like this don’t usually require the FAFSA and can drastically decrease your bill.
Step 5: Use college savings or payment plans.
If you’ve set aside college savings using a plan, now’s the right time to utilize it. You can use a wide variety of accounts to pay for college, including ordinary savings accounts, 529 plans, children’s custodial accounts (such as a UTMA/UGMA) or investment accounts.
But what if you don’t have a tidy sum to pay? Most universities offer monthly payment plans, which is handy because you can break fees into six to 10 installments over the semester or academic year. These plans are usually interest-free, making them more affordable and cost-effective than either private student loans or credit cards.
Find out about the school’s payment plans and the fees (if any) related to them at the school’s financial office.
Pro tip: Using a savings and payment combo will help you maintain your cash flow and avoid unnecessary debt. Planning even a few months will give you the flexibility you need.
Step 6: Consider less expensive college options.
Finally, look into less expensive college options. Your child can achieve their goals without attending an expensive school.
Consider these substitutions:
- Community college: Attend community college for the first two years, then transfer to a four-year school. You can save a lot of money if your child spends two years at a community college.
- In-state public universities: In-state public universities usually give residents lower tuition fees and some merit money, even without the FAFSA. Learn how to get in-state tuition when you live out of state.
- Tuition-free colleges: Tuition-free colleges like Berea College and College of the Ozarks can be a great alternative to filing the FAFSA, but note that you’ll still pay for room and board.
- FAFSA-free colleges: Some colleges, such as Grove City College, do not give out government aid to students. These colleges can discuss how they can offer aid to your student in detail, so call the financial aid office to ask more questions.
- Online programs: Accredited schools that offer online programs can save tuition and expenses on campus.
- Live at home and commute: Your child can also commute to a local university if it’s close to home. You’ll only pay for tuition and save a lot of money on room and board.
These can offer great alternatives if your child is unsure about their career path or if they want to have as little debt as possible at an early stage.
Final Thoughts: Is Skipping the FAFSA Worth it?
If you’ve decided not to fill out the FAFSA, ensure you’re not missing out on free money, because most colleges and universities will suggest that you fill it out for their internal processes. Some scholarships and colleges demand completing the FAFSA, even if you happen not to meet federal grant criteria.
Nonetheless, if you are unable or unwilling to use the FAFSA, there are still numerous strategic and productive tools to assist you in dealing with college costs. Merit scholarships, tuition discounts, private aid and payment plans can enable families to afford their children’s higher education without dependence on the government. (And it’s
Paying for college without the FAFSA is possible, though you may see a disappointing aid award. It just takes more research, planning, and resourcefulness.
FAQs
Take a look at our frequently asked questions if you still have questions about paying for college without the FAFSA or how to pay for college without loans.
What salary is too high for FAFSA?
FAFSA doesn’t have a formal salary limit. A modest background doesn’t guarantee that you won’t receive any financial aid. Many families whose income exceeds $100,000 can still receive scholarships, grants or work-study programs. Furthermore, your child will likely qualify for unsubsidized loans if they file the FAFSA, but it’s important to recognize that you must repay these because they’re loans.
What is the alternative to FAFSA?
The most recommended options involve taking advantage of specialized scholarships, non-profit private scholarships, university scholarships, employer benefits and university fee installment plans. Many of these sources are accessible to the general public and do not require financial need documentation besides the fact that funds can be directly applied for from the source, may that be institution-based, company-based or organization-based.
What happens if you don’t file the FAFSA?
By not filing FAFSA, you won’t be able to obtain federal student aid, such as the Pell Grant, subsidized loans or work-study. Moreover, you might forgo state and college financial aid that relies on the information on the FAFSA form. However, some options, such as private scholarships, merit-based institutional grants and other non-federal funding opportunities are still available to you.
by Melissa Brock | Mar 25, 2025 | Ask the admission office |
Neurodivergence is a term that includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other learning differences. It describes the challenges and opportunities that students with such conditions face.
Undoubtedly, your child must find a college or university that not only has the necessary support systems in place but also promotes:
- An environment of academic competence
- Opportunities for personal development
- Appropriate accommodations
- Individualized resources
This article reveals the best colleges for neurodivergent students and how to determine the right one for your child. Read on for more information about which programs to consider.
What Makes a College Neurodivergent-Friendly?
A neurodivergent-inclusive college offers full-fledged social, academic and emotional services for students. These institutions respect that neurodivergent students have special needs and they introduce elaborate programs that target those issues. They may offer:
- Dedicated support programs: Programs at these institutions may help with executive function coaching, social skills development, and special learning methods with the help of academic and personal support.
- Flexible learning accommodations: Neurodivergent-friendly colleges may offer expanded test-taking time options, note-taking support, private places to study and alternative assignment choices.
- Small class sizes: Smaller classes can help professors find time for each student and bring individualized instruction to their classes. Small classes can open new avenues for learning.
- Comprehensive career services: Goal setting, job placement and internships can specifically help neurodivergent students. These programs meet individual needs and contribute to an increased number of students from diverse backgrounds who embark on successful career paths.
- Social support and peer mentoring: Many colleges across the U.S. implement peer mentorship programs that give peer advice and create inclusive social environments. Choosing the right environment can help you construct a social environment that fosters a feeling of belonging.
- Assistive technology: Assistive tools, such as speech recognition software, organizational apps and adaptive learning platforms can make the learning experience much more efficient and push neurodivergent students to succeed.
Note that these options aren’t the only benefits for neurodivergent students.
Top Colleges for Neurodivergent Students
Many colleges and universities give excellent support to neurodivergent students. Here are some of the best schools for neurodivergent students, including a mix of big universities, small liberal arts colleges and specialized programs.
Landmark College
Location: Putney, Vermont
Perks for neurodivergent students: Devoted to students with learning differences (including ADHD, autism and dyslexia)
Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, is one of the very few institutions in the United States solely devoted to educating students with learning differences, including ADHD, autism and dyslexia.
A well-organized classroom is part and parcel of the school’s curriculum. The college adds personalization to individual differences, and all services are adjusted according to students’ requirements. The college also provides time management skills courses, tutoring and assistive technology for students. Students enrolled in these courses not only get support but also acquire specific skills to improve their learning efficiency. Small classes allow students to get all the attention they need and learn the best tactics to help themselves with academics.
Landmark College offers specialization in education and offers tremendous personal support to students.
University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Perks for neurodivergent students: Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center, academic coaching, specialized tutoring, social integration opportunities
The University of Arizona in Tucson is home to one of the most ingenious student support programs, the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center. The SALT Center offers “academic coaching,” a one-on-one executive function improvement skills class such as time management, organization and study strategies.
The program enhances the learning process by providing the necessary resources and specialized tutoring. Neurodivergent students at the University of Arizona receive a quid pro quo relationship with the university due to their acceptance in an environment where the faculty knows how to support students and give them the necessary accommodations, including combining academic support with social integration opportunities, including structural assistance.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Location: Rochester, New York
Perks for neurodivergent students: Spectrum Support Program, academic and social support, career readiness opportunities, STEM career development opportunities
RIT in Rochester, New York, provides a Spectrum Support Program, which is specially created to assist autistic students. The students can get academic and social support on a one-on-one basis. The college offers a special range of programs for neurodivergent students and the institution integrates the students into the environment by giving them hands-on projects and making them part of career readiness programs.
RIT offers a social integration program and mentorship opportunities voluntarily that are designed to help students decide the course of their academic and personal lives. RIT is for students who are passionate about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as it strongly emphasizes career development in those areas.
University of Connecticut
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
Perks for neurodivergent students: Beyond Access Program, cognitive coaching, peer mentoring, extra support in organization, time management, self advocacy
The Beyond Access Program at the University of Connecticut in Storrs is an initiative that assists students with various neurodivergent conditions. Cognitive coaching and peer mentoring are the main instruments of the support program, which assist students in their academic work by enhanсing their time management and other skills.
The program fosters an atmosphere where everyone is included, thereby providing these students with the means to succeed. Moreover, the Beyond Access Program helps students seeking extra support with organizational abilities, time management, self-advocacy and so on. Neurodiversity is central to UConn’s broader mission of inclusivity and accessibility, which can appeal to neurodivergent students seeking a holistic education.
Drexel University
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Perks for neurodivergent students: Autism Support Program, learning specialists who offer career counseling and social skills training, internships and work placements
The Autism Support Program at Drexel University in Philadelphia supplies students with both academic and social talks, which can go a long way in enabling student success in their coursework. Students have access to a learning specialist, who can offer career counseling and social skills training.
Service learning (service while learning) fuels Drexel’s co-op program. Internships and work placements offer invaluable, practical real-world experience to neurodivergent students, which helps them grow in experience and get better job opportunities. Drexel displays a harmonious interplay of strong academic support and hands-on experience during co-op sessions.
Beacon College
Location: Leesburg, Florida
Perks for neurodivergent students: Committed to students with learning disabilities and ADHD, including small classes and individualized academic support
Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, is fully committed to students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The environment includes small class sizes and individualized academic support that prepares students for life after graduation.
Beacon’s teaching staff uses methods tailor-made for teaching, and that makes learning interesting for neurodivergent students. The culture focuses on student independence and the skills needed for a career in a highly supportive academic setting.
University of Denver
Location: Denver, Colorado
Perks for neurodivergent students: Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) to assist with executive functioning, academic support, social integration; offers peer mentoring
The Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) at the University of Denver helps neurodivergent students with executive functioning skills, academic support and social integration. The program serves as a personal academic coach that helps peer mentoring and conducts workshops set up especially for the student designed to help the student reach his/her goals.
The University of Denver’s belief in diversity and its provision for tailor-made academic support to every student is a serious pro for those looking for neurodivergent guidance.
Marshall University
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
Perks for neurodivergent students: College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing advising and career success in an inclusive, supportive environment
The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, offers academic, social and other functional skills support. The program creates opportunities designed to help the students become well-prepared for college life and develop relevant skills for independent living.
Marshall University emphasizes advising and career success and offers an inclusive, supportive college atmosphere, which makes it a better option for neurodivergent students looking for a well-structured support system.
How to Choose the Right College for Neurodivergent Students
You’ll need to consider a wide variety of considerations when choosing a college that will best suit your child’s needs. Here are some key aspects to evaluate:
- Class sizes and learning environment: Smaller classes can offer students special attention and can have an incredible impact on student success, so consider a school with smaller class sizes.
- Available accommodations: Verify that the college provides essential learning accommodations such as extra time on tests, assistive technology, and a support system that specializes in a specific area.
- Campus culture and inclusivity: Visit the college and decide whether the campus enables you to be part of a group of neurodivergent students.
- Academic support programs: Look for programs developed specifically for neurodivergent students and get information about the assistance provided.
- Coaching opportunities: Colleges that help students find mentors and offer coaching programs can help them work through a wide variety of academic and social issues.
Learn more: What is Rolling Admission?
Additional Resources for Neurodivergent College Students
Neurodivergent students can be more successful and have a better time in college if they get additional resources. Below are some useful tools and communities:
- Online communities and support groups: Websites like Understood.org, ADDitude and Autism Speaks offer suggestions and the opportunity to get support from peers.
- Scholarships and financial aid: Several groups offer financial support to ASD students, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) and the Autism Society.
- Assistive technology and study tools: Applications such as Grammarly, Kurzweil 3000, and Evernote can help your child with organization and acquiring knowledge.
Find the Right College for Your Neurodiverse Student
Every student wants to find the perfect college, and you likely want to find one that accepts and caters to your child’s needs. Research and explore various academic programs, visit college campuses, and pose the right questions so you and your student can make the most rational decisions.
Look for a college that fits your child’s study habits and support needs, visit college websites and talk to admission counselors and students on campus who study to get a nice peek into their academic community. The appropriate college fit can be a significant factor in self-support, self-assurance and the highest educational level of knowledge.
Learn more: How to Reach Out to Colleges
FAQs
Still have questions about the best college for neurodivergent students? Let’s take a look.
Which college is good for students with ADHD?
Generally, Landmark College, the University of Denver and Beacon College offer great options for students with ADHD because they offer focused educational options and enable individualized support. However, note that it’s important to visit college campuses before you make a final decision about which college fits your child.
Which college is the best for people with autism?
RIT, Marshall University and the University of Arizona offer awesome autism support programs centered on both students’ academic and social needs. Consider visiting these schools to ensure you choose the right option for your child.
Which college major suits an autistic person?
Autistic students might consider STEM fields, graphic design, psychology and special education with a structured and focused approach and focus on students’ personal strengths.
If a student with neurodiversity appropriately chooses a college with the different tools they need, college life can be an exceedingly positive journey for them, complete with formal training executive functioning skills.
by Melissa Brock | Feb 25, 2025 | College Money Tips |
Sending a child off to college can be challenging financially and emotionally, especially over significant distances. Independent living in college can help your child mature and grow, but it can also add a lot of extraneous expenses to their tuition that many families do not have. Even if your child secures a part-time job during school, it may not help pay for all of their room and board.
As a cost-saving alternative, it’s not unusual for parents to purchase a home near campus to remain close to their children during their college years. Not only does buying a home near your child’s college help you stay close and involved in their lives, but moving during college can be a smart financial decision in many circumstances. While this option isn’t suitable for all families, you may want to consider the potential economic benefits before making a firm decision.
Daily Commute Savings
Depending on you and your child’s schedule and transportation methods, relocating to their college town can save them (or you) a ton of money on the commute. If your child needs to use public transit or ridesharing to travel long distances, those costs can add up during the semester. If you’re there to provide rides or cars for them to use, those travel expenses can be saved. You can also provide a safe and sober means of transportation for your child, which is never a bad thing; moving closer to them can help with this.
Reduced Housing Costs
Paying for your child to live in a dorm or rented home near campus can cost a lot of money. While you’ll pay similar costs per month for a mortgage (unless you are paying in cash), the money goes toward a home you’ll own—an asset. If you and your child are living in the house together, you won’t have to worry about separate lodging expenses.
Depending on the home, market, and mortgage, you may even pay far less for a new home per month than your current living situation. In order to lock in an ideal mortgage rate, be sure to compare lenders and rates, understand your mortgage options, and research homebuying programs in the state or county you’ll need to buy. Getting loan insights from Mr. Rate can also help you make a more informed decision about smart home purchases. You’ll also want to see what type of homebuying programs are available to you as a new resident; you may save a ton of money on your down payment, interest rate, or closing costs.
Less Long-Distance Travel
When a semester ends and a lengthy break starts, they may want to come back home to save money or visit you. Depending on how far the college is from your home, this can cost a lot of travel money, especially if airfare is involved. Round-trip airfare can cost hundreds of dollars, and if they study overseas, you’ll have to spend thousands per trip. Fare doesn’t even include travel purchases like hotels, airport meals, baggage, parking, car rentals, and more.
Your time together will also be limited to short semester breaks; your child may miss out on birthdays, vacations, or other important dates. When you live near campus, your child doesn’t have to worry about traveling on a break. You won’t have to spend hundreds or thousands on airfare or train fare. Living nearby will help your wallet immensely while allowing you to see your child more often.
Lower Cost of Living
Do you live in an area with a high cost of living? Groceries, property taxes, and insurance rates can make saving for retirement or college difficult. If your child’s college is in a state with a lower cost of living, you can save a lot of money and enjoy more expendable income. Compare the cost of living in your current state to your child’s college state. Many college towns are more affordable to accommodate the young student population, especially when compared to larger cities. When you pay less for daily expenses, you can focus more on savings, supporting your child, or spending more on fun.
Meal Savings
When your child lives independently on campus, they will need to pay for groceries or college meal plans themselves in many cases. These meal plans are expensive, as they provide food for entire semesters. Even if room and board includes meals, these living costs can add up to thousands of dollars each semester. When you live near your child’s campus, they can come home for meals, and you’ll see much lower meal costs. Sharing the grocery bill is beneficial for both of you, especially if your child has specific dietary needs, preferences, or restrictions. You will no longer have to worry about meal plans or expensive room and board costs since you provide the room and board for them!
Rental Income Potential
You may have the space for your child to host roommates in your new campus home, which can be a great opportunity to generate rental income to offset the purchase. If you only live in the home for a portion of the year, you can also allow short-term rentals when the house is unoccupied. You can live rent-free with the right amount of rental income! When your child graduates, you can continue to receive rental income even when you both move out. College towns make it generally easy to find tenants, as college students and families will always need lodging each year. Keeping the home and renting it out may earn you more income over time than selling it entirely.
Potential Tax Benefits
Depending on where you currently live and where your child’s college is, you may have additional tax benefits when you relocate. Some states have no state income tax, like Florida. Other states may have lower property taxes to help you save money on your new home. If you decide to rent out the house, you will likely be able to claim tax deductions that lower your tax bill each year. Compare the tax benefits of where you currently live and the state you’ll be moving to in order to see if you’ll see some financial benefits with a move. States like New Jersey are notorious for high property taxes, and you may save money with a move away from areas like these. You may see fewer tax benefits when you relocate, so research is key.
Scholarship Access
While many scholarships are offered regardless of a student’s location, some exclusive scholarships are provided to local or state residents only. When you and your child move closer to the college campus, you may see an increased amount of scholarships to help your child afford some or all of their tuition. Scholarships are financial rewards offered by the university or third parties to help cover tuition costs. Usually, scholarships will have a certain requirement, such as writing a compelling essay, having a certain major, or belonging to a certain minority group. Sometimes, location can play an access. Local companies may offer scholarships to local students. Research the school’s scholarship options to get a good idea of the requirements. Keep in mind that scholarship requirements and amounts often change each year.
Job Access
Unless you’re moving from a major metropolitan area, a college town will likely have more job access for your whole family. Colleges provide plenty of employment opportunities in many fields, including medical, teaching, and hospitality. Regardless of your area of expertise, you’ll likely find some ideal opportunities in a college town. When you move, you may need new employment, so job access is crucial. Even if you don’t need employment options, your child may want to start working to help provide spending or saving money. College towns also thrive on providing ideal part-time jobs where students can easily balance school and work. These roles may also be beneficial when you retire and want some extra income.
Lower Healthcare Costs
Major college towns typically have excellent medical centers affiliated with the university. These college medical centers often offer more affordable healthcare as part of their student training programs. From hospitals to dentists, universities will offer much lower healthcare rates to allow recent graduates and training students to learn from real patients. The healthcare you receive will still be of the highest quality and safety, but you’ll find more attractive rates. Health insurance companies may even offer exclusive discounts for using campus medical facilities. Even outside of campus, medical costs are generally lower in college towns, especially when compared to larger metropolitan hubs. Healthcare providers may offer healthcare savings plans or exclusive discounts for college students, too.
Affordable Amenities
College towns are packed with fun things to do and sights to see, from concerts to sports games. To draw in the college student audience, many of these amenities are provided at lower costs than in larger cities, and sometimes, they’re even free. You can include more leisure activities in your budget without spending a ton of money. If you’d like to get more education under your belt, some adult classes or seminars are free and convenient to get to due to your proximity to campus. Many universities offer enriching art museums, community gardens, history exhibits, art fairs, and other campus events that you won’t find in other towns. As a bonus, many of these excursions are completely free.
Post-Graduation Investment
After your child graduates, you both may wish to relocate when no longer tied to the college campus. Buying a home isn’t necessarily a bad choice in these circumstances; the house will be a valuable asset for you or your child to rely on. You can sell it to pay off the mortgage or help your child get on their feet. Homes near college campuses are hot and can sell for ideal rates, or you can collect substantial rental income as an alternative. Regardless of what paths you or your child take post-graduation, buying a home can help keep your finances on track. If you’re interested in real estate investment, you can consider it part of your portfolio! You may even want to buy additional real estate in the same town to enjoy the college student rental income.
Retirement Benefits
Some states are financially friendlier toward retirees than others. Buying a home near your child’s campus may yield some of those benefits if you stay in the home long-term. Some states don’t tax retirement benefits, allowing you to save more during your golden years. College towns offer a lot of amenities and walkable areas without having to pay a ton of money for expensive retirement towns. Even if your child leaves the state post-graduation, you may find the area attractive to retire in. When you don’t have to spend money on retirement, you can save more and enjoy similar amenities.
Will You Relocate to Your Child’s College Town?
Not all families will want to purchase a new home in their child’s college town. Some families may have multiple children going to different colleges, so living nearby isn’t viable for everyone. Purchasing another home may not be affordable for all. Other families may not want to live in their child’s college town for various reasons. It’s important to assess your current lifestyle and financial situation to determine if buying a home close to your child’s campus is right for you.
Another point to consider is the fact that living at home may limit your child’s ability to learn about independent living in their college years. If you’re concerned about your child’s growth and independence, you may want to find other methods to save money during college. They can also take advantage of different opportunities to live independently, such as summer camps or travel groups.
In conclusion, you should compare your current living situation to your child’s college town. Compare property tax rates, home prices, job access, and other costs of living. While purchasing a home near your child’s college can be a very smart move financially due to job access, lower living costs, and fewer travel purchases, you’ll want to put your family’s goals and needs first to make the most informed decision.
by Melissa Brock | Feb 24, 2025 | College Money Tips |
College tuition costs continue to rise. Parents often struggle to manage the costs even with substantial financial aid, and students are (justifiably) fearful of the debt they’ll amass trying to pay their own way. The hope of course is that action will ultimately be taken to reduce student debt burdens and lower the cost of college. For the time being though, lots of families need to find creative solutions — including parents adopting side hustles to pay tuition.
Benefits of Side Hustling to Help You Save for College
Chances are, if you’re familiar with the term “side hustle,” it’s primarily with regard to young adults working full time for the first time. These days, we often expect young people to be working “day jobs” and “side hustles” simultaneously as they look to save up money and establish financial independence. But this isn’t the only use for a side hustle. It can also be a worthwhile venture for a mom — and perhaps a single mom in particular — looking to manage college tuition costs.
Usually, conversations about managing those costs begin with talk of savings, and this is perfectly logical. If you’re a mom hoping to pay for some or all of your child’s (or children’s) tuition costs, you should be looking for ways to save. If you start early, you can take advantage of a variety of methods that help to build on savings over time, and ultimately establish very useful funds that can be applied to tuition checks when the time comes. At the same time though, savings options do fundamentally draw money from your existing income. They are effectively costs that affect your bottom line, perhaps for years at a time.
This speaks to the key benefit of adding a side hustle to your tuition plans. While savings drain your core income, a side hustle provides you with extra income — allowing you to make additional money that you can funnel directly toward payments (or perhaps directly into a savings account, deepening on timing and arrangements). Of course, a side hustle still requires time and effort. But it’s fair to think of it as a way to make extra money for tuition, rather than to further drain the core income you depend on as a working mother.
The other key benefit, as we just alluded to, is that by generating extra income, you may be able to add generously to a savings account or similar, stable investment that can appreciate over time. If, for instance, you are managing a 529 plan for college costs, the money within that plan grows by a small percentage each year. Funneling side hustle earnings into the plan gives you more money that can appreciate over time, rather than just more raw funds.
Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of side hustles for moms looking to manage college tuition costs, let’s look at some of the best specific jobs worth considering. It’s important to note that a strong, well-crafted resume can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Moms often have limited time yet still want their applications to stand out. In such cases, turning to CraftResumes can help you present your skills and experience in the most compelling way.
Side Hustle 1: Crafting
With so many ways to sell goods online today, a lot of moms will develop profitable side hustles simply making and selling their own goods. Whether that means homemade tee shirts, jewelry, household decorations, or Christmas ornaments, if the products are well made they can be sold online.
Side Hustle 2: Blogging
It takes strategy and diligence to make a profitable blog. But if you know what to write, you speak to a particular audience, and you learn some SEO basics, you can generate enough attention to make some money simply writing in your free time.
Side Hustle 3: Proofreading
Students and professionals alike are always in need of proofreading services, and today you can easily link up with clients for this kind of work through freelancing sites online.
Side Hustle 4: Transcribing
Like proofreading, transcription services are always in demand on freelance platforms (such as Upwork and others like it). It tends to be easy work to perform in free time, and while pay isn’t lucrative, it does add up.
Side Hustle 5: Taking Paid Surveys
There are all sorts of opportunities to answer paid surveys, and some of them take only minutes at a time. This is a job a working mother can do in a carpool line, at the park while younger kids play, etc.
Side Hustle 6: Selling Art
This is a terrific side hustle for working moms who happen to have a talent for art, naturally. But here again, the internet and social media have made it much easier to sell valuable work. In time, a mother with talent in this space can even develop what is essentially a personal business, generating more and more meaningful income as attention and appreciation for the work spread.
Side Hustle 7: Selling Photos
Everything we just noted regarding art applies to photography, for those who have more skill in this area. Here too though we’ll also note that stock photo sales can make for a handy side hustle, because profits can be generated for work already done. That is, even if you’re only making $1 per download on a photo, those dollars may keep coming in for months or years.
Side Hustle 8: Selling Baked Goods
For those moms who have a talent for baking (or making any sort of treat, really), there is also some potential to generate meaningful side income. Whether through online or local sales, there’s always a market for tasty goods!
Side Hustle 9: Testing Products
Numerous services exist that help to pair willing participants with product-testing opportunities, both digitally and in person. Simply by trying out a product in your own time and offering your thoughts on it, you can earn some decent payments.
Once in-person shopping returns to a normal activity level (after the pause of 2020), secret shopping will be an option that some will actually have fun with. This is basically a practice by which a company will pay people to browse through its stores and report on the quality of the service.
Side Hustle 11: Altering Clothing
This is another option in the craft and artistry department. But for moms who are skilled with alterations, there is always the option of setting up a part-time local business.
Side Hustle 12: Tutoring
Tutoring is an excellent part-time option that can sometimes involve fairly appealing rates. Sometimes online but particularly in person, a skilled tutor can reasonably ask for $50 an hour or more.
Side Hustle 13: Assisting With Test Prep
This is very similar to tutoring. But for those moms who want more guaranteed business, test prep is a sort of tutoring niche that makes for a great side hustle. There will always be kids seeking help with standardized testing, and helping them with the process is both rewarding and profitable.
Side Hustle 14: Teaching Private Lessons
It’s a broad category, but teaching a skill — be it in music, sports, art, etc. — is also an excellent side hustle. Here, as with tutoring, $50 or more per hour is a reasonable ask, meaning the extra funds can really add up.
Side Hustle 15: Teaching Online Courses
In a similar vein to tutoring and teaching private lessons, moms with expertise in certain subjects also have the option of setting up full online courses. This can take a fair amount of work, as it involves conveying expertise and doing the marketing work that will attract paying students or subscribers. But the real appeal is that a well-made online course can be used repeatedly to generate more profits from new students.
Side Hustle 16: Personal Training
For moms with experience in fitness, personal training is also an excellent option. Particularly if there’s an opportunity to take on a few client at one time, side income from an activity like this can quickly add up.
Side Hustle 17: Coaching or Refereeing
Moms who enjoy sports can also have a little bit of fun with a local side hustle participating in youth sports. At parks and community centers and the like, there is often a need for children’s team coaches or referees. These can sound more like demanding jobs, but the truth is they usually involve just a few hours’ work each week.
Side Hustle 18: Web Design
Web design is always in demand, and a mom with particular skill (and a track record or examples to prove it) can command very competitive rates in this department. Whether through a personal website advertising services or through freelance platforms, regular, high-paying side work can be generated.
Side Hustle 19: Accounting
Accounting can be a little trickier than some of these options in that you’ll typically need qualifications to get good, paying work. At the same time though, a working mother today has the option of pursuing an online accounting degree today, and acquiring those qualifications cheaply and affordably. This can lead to substantial income through remote, freelance accounting work for companies in need.
Side Hustle 20: Tax Advising
As with accounting, tax advice is something people tend to look to the experts for. However, if you can prove understanding and capability — and offer more competitive rates than professional CPAs — it is possible to generate good business. Plus, a mother who does good work advising others on taxes can quickly accumulate referrals and good reviews that in turn lead to more business.
Businesses today need to maintain social media activity to remain competitive, and a lot of them are looking for help doing it. Finding even one company that will pay to have its accounts maintained can make for a very profitable side hustle
Side Hustle 22: Babysitting
This idea more or less speak for itself. But for mothers who may have a few hours to spare in a given week, it’s still a great side hustle option.
Side Hustle 23: Pet Sitting
Even more manageable than babysitting is pet-sitting! Particularly for moms who may work at home, taking on a pet or two to help out a neighbor or friend can result in what is almost passive income. A few walks and feedings are easy enough in exchange for a nice chunk of change
Side Hustle 24: Driving An Uber (or Lyft)
Driving for ride-sharing services has become a very popular side hustle. Not all moms will have the time or flexibility for something like this, but those with older kids may be able to work in a bit of of driving in early evenings or on the weekends. The money isn’t lucrative, but it does add up.
Side Hustle 25: Driving for Delivery Services
It’s difficult to say whether or not delivery services will remain as popular once the pandemic is behind us (this article being written in early 2021). But for the time being, driving for grocery and product deliveries (through services like Postmates, DoorDash, etc.) is a nice, easy way to earn some extra cash.
Side Hustle 26: Cleaning Homes
For those moms who don’t mind the work (or even enjoy tidying things up), cleaning others’ homes is always an option too. It’s not at all unreasonable to charge $100 or more for a few hours of cleaning, such that even doing this a few times a month can add up to a nice bit of side income.
Side Hustle 27: Doing Yard Work or Gardening
For moms who love to be outside, or enjoy working on gardening and landscaping, this is one side hustle that can be the best of both worlds! Lots of people will pay handsomely to have their yard and gardens spruced up, particularly for those moms who will offer more competitive rates than larger landscaping services.
Side Hustle 28: Becoming a Virtual Assistant
This is a relatively new concept in the side hustle world, but one that can provide quite a lot of reasonably well-paid work. Ultimately, tasks for virtual assistants can range from managing appointments, to doing remote reception duty, to arranging travel, and more. But the general idea is to become an all-purpose virtual go-to for a given company’s need during defined hours.
Side Hustle 29: Work as a Doula
The work of a doula can seem like professional medical care at times, but the truth is you do not actually need certification or a degree to perform this role. It might be reassuring to clients of course, but it is possible for a mom seeking a side hustle to step right into doula work. It won’t be the most regular work, but it’s rewarding and profitable, and can of course be done alongside other side hustles.
Side Hustle 30: Renting Out Your Car
Just as Airbnb has enabled people to rent out their homes, there are now services that temporarily rent out cars as well. For any mom with the flexibility to manage this, it can be an excellent opportunity for passive side income.
Side Hustle 31: Brewing Coffee
This is an idea for which it’s important to be careful about weighing costs versus profits. But the opportunity to brew one’s own coffee can be quite a lot of fun, and can even result in something of a home business. Sourcing beans, working out a specific recipe or gimmick, and marketing fresh-brewed coffee locally is side hustle some moms will enjoy exploring.
Side Hustle 32: Life Coaching
Life coaching may be somewhat vague, but it’s also a fairly in-demand service. For those moms who feel they can inspire or motivate, or who have personal stories of overcoming obstacles in life, it’s certainly another option to explore.
Side Hustle 33: Writing Books
Writing a book takes a lot of work, and can certainly become a full-time job. However, thanks largely to self-publishing options and online sales avenues, a lot of people find that they can generate relatively modest profits on simpler projects. That might mean writing a personal guidebook regarding a given experience or skill; it might mean penning an original children’s book. Whatever the case, if it goes well it can result in at least a few thousand dollars to put toward a college fund.
Side Hustle 34: Illustrating Books
Similarly, some moms with a talent for drawing or graphic design may also find work illustrating books. A lot of authors ultimately wind up seeking illustration help, either for covers or for pictures within books, and some of hem (or in some cases their agents) will pay well for the help.
Side Hustle 35: Starting a Podcast
Podcasts aren’t easy to make a lot of money on, but they can generate some profits through subscriptions, patronage or even ads. So moms with good ideas in this department may as well give it a shot!
For an easy and effective way to start podcasting, you could create an online radio station like Radio Cult to provide all the necessary tech and guidance to get your station up and running smoothly, making it the best solution or anyone looking to enter the world of radio broadcasting.
Side Hustle 36: Starting a Food Truck
This is a little bit more of a side business than a side hustle. And as with brewing coffee, it’s an idea with which it’s important to measure costs versus revenue to ensure profitability. For a mom with a talent in a certain area of cuisine though, starting a food truck can produce meaningful side income.
Working as a performer — be it through music or something similar — is also a good way to bring in some cash now and then. On a busy city sidewalk or in a town public square, a talented performer can sometimes gather anywhere from $20 to $50 in an hour of work!
Choose the Right Side Hustle
So there you have some interesting ideas! Choosing the right side hustle for you will of course depend on your own talents, abilities and circumstances. But hopefully the breadth of suggestions above inspire you to give it some thought. You can choose from all kinds of side hustles for moms that can help with college costs. Some of them are even enjoyable or rewarding as well!
by Melissa Brock | Jan 23, 2025 | Ask the admission office |
Looking for strategies to help your child manage college academics and social life? Many students struggle to balance academics and extracurriculars. College is a wonderful time of growth, new friendships and academic success, but juggling everything may be difficult. Without a strategy, your child may get lost in textbooks, spend too much time socializing and — gasp! — ignore their academics. (Every parent’s worst nightmare, right?)
After reading this article, you can help your child learn practical ways to manage time, prioritize, and balance work and life.
Time Management: The Foundation of Balance
Time management is key to collegiate balance. Talk to your child about taking charge of their day to balance academic and social obligations. Without adequate planning, you likely already know that your workload can overwhelm you. A systematic strategy might make managing schoolwork, project deadlines and social time with friends easier. Time management maximizes every moment, reduces stress and boosts productivity.
Prioritize Tasks with a Planner
College students need planners to stay organized, and it’s a good idea to update and review it every day. A thorough schedule, whether they use a notepad or Google Calendar, is essential. They can list their classes, assignments, examinations and personal commitments, such as social gatherings and relaxation time. It reduces stress and boosts productivity by allowing them to plan every hour of the day, and it also helps maintain consistency.
Dedicating study or club meeting hours eliminates disagreements and last-minute surprises. Reminders and color-coded categories help your child visualize their obligations in digital planners. Traditional planners allow them to check off accomplished activities, which might motivate them physically. This habit keeps your child on track and provides them with the confidence to juggle school and social life.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals is essential to time management. However, creating reasonable and achievable goals is important to success, and I love this quote: “The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.”
Your child can divide big goals into manageable steps. For example, they can divide a 10-page research paper into steps like topic selection, research, outlining, drafting and editing and leave enough time for delays and adjustments when setting step deadlines.
Talk to them about how unrealistic goals can cause dissatisfaction, exhaustion and procrastination. If your child is a night owl, they might consider scheduling difficult work at night instead of waking up early. Finally, encourage small rewards like coffee or a walk with friends. You can tell them that if they tell you, you can have something small sent to their dorm rooms. Goal-setting builds confidence and a routine, not just productivity.
Maintain Academic Focus
Academic success takes more than attending classes and doing homework. It involves using methods to improve learning and keep you motivated. Focusing is difficult with many distractions, but the correct tools and habits may help. It’s a good idea to have a framework to support all goals, from study methods to campus resources without sacrificing fun.
Optimize Study Sessions
Does your student really know how to study?
Good learning is about quality, not quantity. Consider short, high-intensity intervals instead of marathons. Pomodoro, which involves 25 minutes of study followed by a five-minute break, helps maintain concentration and reduces fatigue. This method promotes serious study and breaks for recharging.
Productivity also depends on the environment, and it’s worth talking to your student about the following study spaces:
- A quiet library
- Study lounges
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Instrumental music
Productive study sessions involve both learning and application. Active recall and practice tasks strengthen understanding. Optimizing study methods will help them finish more in less time, freeing up time for socializing.
Leverage Campus Resources
Most colleges offer several academic resources to help students learn, including writing laboratories, tutoring facilities and subject-specific workshops. Encourage your student to use these resources to make difficult assignments easier:
- Writing centers, which help with essays and research papers
- Tutoring can explain complex themes
- Many colleges encourage students to organize or join study groups, which increase academic achievement and allow for peer collaboration.
- Faculty office hours are also useful. Professors can provide personalized help and in-depth course discussions.
- Academically invested individuals
Ask for Help When Needed
One of the most ignored academic success methods is asking for help, which shows strength. If your child has trouble understanding a lecture, falls behind on tasks or feels overwhelmed, getting help can save time and frustration. They can contact lecturers during office hours — they’re happy to help and appreciate students who ask questions. Teaching assistants can also offer practical guidance for acing specific courses. Classmates and study group members might also provide new views or simplify topics.
Additionally, services and tools like essay helper can support your child’s academic journey by assisting with structuring and refining written assignments, saving them time while enhancing their work. Asking for help improves your comprehension and solidifies relationships with supporters, keeping you on track and building community.
Nurture a Healthy Social Life
A fulfilling social life is crucial to college. This includes making friends and building genuine connections that improve your life and give you a sense of belonging. Spending time with people provides emotional support, reduces stress and produces lasting memories. However, achieving this balance takes work, so encourage your child to choose activities that match their interests. Their commitments will help them balance their social life and academic obligations.
Join Clubs and Organizations
Campus groups or organizations offer a systematic means to meet people with similar cultural, athletic, academic or creative interests. For example, joining an environmental club helps a good cause with like-minded people who can become friends. Many clubs offer activities, workshops and outings to relax and socialize outside school. Group leadership may teach your child collaboration, communication and problem-solving, which are useful in school and work. They can also start a club if they can’t find the right one. Extracurricular activities create a sense of belonging and balance, making college productive and fun.
Communicate Boundaries
Healthy relationships require clear, respectful communication when balancing academic and social obligations. For instance, communicating with friends about major assignments or exams respects your child’s time and lets them focus guilt-free. Planning a group outing or coffee break during slow times can help them avoid feeling disconnected — trust and respect allows academics and a social life to coexist.
Strike the Right Balance
Balance doesn’t mean dividing your time equally between studies and socializing; it means letting neither dominate. Balance requires awareness, adaptability and constant change. You must prioritize, manage energy and make decisions that support long-term goals. Striking the right balance lets your child succeed in every aspect of college, from saying no to extra commitments to self-care.
Learn to Say No
The ability to say no is a powerful skill that many college students struggle with. Overcommitting to satisfy others and spreading yourself too thin can cause stress, fatigue and poor academic and social performance. Saying no doesn’t imply you’re uninterested or cruel; it shows you know your boundaries and can prioritize your health.
Communicating your decision respectfully and firmly without guilt is key. Learn to identify overcommitment, such as many leadership roles or extracurricular activities. Setting boundaries and focusing on what matters will give your child more time and energy for goal-aligned commitments.
Schedule Time for Yourself
College life makes self-care easy to overlook. However, remind your child that self-care is essential for physical, emotional and mental wellness. Simple self-care can include walking quietly, reading a beloved book, or meditating for ten minutes daily. Schedule frequent self-care to be energized for academic and social commitments. They can add yoga, running, or gym routines to their schedule to increase mood and vitality or refocus and feel purposeful in quiet moments. Prioritizing sets your child up for college success in all areas.
Build a Strong Support Network
Some college students need a strong support system to succeed. People who support and advise college students provide emotional stability and practical advice. College interactions, whether from mentors providing professional advice or friends assisting them through tough times ensures they’re never alone during struggles and successes.
Seek Mentorship
Mentorship is a crucial collegiate resource. A professor, advisor, or older student with comparable obstacles can mentor your child. Mentors assist you in choosing courses, internships and careers by assessing academic and personal improvement, such as:
- A professor may suggest research opportunities
- An advisor may help choose career-related classes
Your child can take advantage of mentorship by asking questions by attending office hours, networking events and college mentorship programs. These ties boost your child academically and emotionally during challenging times. A great mentor-mentee relationship can boost your child’s confidence and resources to succeed.
Rely on an Inner Circle
Remind your child about your family and others who inspire, encourage and support them. These interactions provide comfort and motivation during hard times. Remind them to say touch even when busy. Simple gestures like texting or planning an activity can deepen your relationship. You’ll both have somebody to lean on, even if your child is hundreds of miles away at school!
Help Your Child Find a Rhythm that Works
Balancing academics and social life in college isn’t about perfection but finding a rhythm that works. They’ll ace it some days and might feel overwhelmed during others, and that’s okay. What matters is staying adaptable, learning from missteps and making small, consistent improvements. Whether they’re studying or socializing, they can take breaks and enjoy light-hearted activities — play Plinko now for a quick breather that keeps things fun without derailing focus. Remember to check in on your child regularly with great questions: Are you prioritizing what truly matters? Are you taking time to recharge? And, most importantly, are you enjoying yourself?
If there’s one last tip, it’s to embrace flexibility. College life is unpredictable, and the ability to adjust plans without guilt is a skill that will serve your child well long after graduation. Flexibility is key to sustaining balance, whether it’s pivoting your study schedule to accommodate a spontaneous outing or stepping back from a commitment that no longer aligns with your child’s goals.
Relationships, lessons and experiences will form your child’s college experience. Encourage your student to stay open to chances, approach each day with intention and enjoy wins—big or small. Balance is a practice, not a goal, to create a rewarding, personalized college experience.
