By Teresa Harrison
Guest Columnist

We all know that attending college can be expensive. With the burden of student debt growing larger and larger, Paul D. Camp Community College is pleased to offer a great solution.

The college offers a variety of financial opportunities for students who need financial assistance; we’re already the best bargain in town in terms of cost comparison. With many options available, our goal is to provide the information you need to make the right choice for you.

It is our goal that no qualified student be denied the privilege of attending college because of the lack of finances if funds are available. There are a number of ways to pay for college, and I want to help you understand that you just may be eligible for one or more of them.

4Free aid (government programs): There are many categories of available funds. They include federal and state grants, such as the popular Pell Grant, Commonwealth Grant, Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, as well as Veterans Educational Benefits, to name a few. You do not need to repay free aid, as long as you meet all of the obligations.

Free aid (scholarships): Sources of free aid include the federal government, your state, your school, your employer, your community, religious organizations and others. Paul D. Camp Community College offers more than 30 different scholarships for varying areas of study. Check out www.pdc.edu/scholarships.

4Work-study employment: You can help pay for your education by working part-time while you attend school.

4Tuition reimbursement from your employer: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs through which they give money toward your education.

4Alternative sources: In our dedication to providing a debt-free education, we do not promote federal loan programs that require funds to be repaid later, but are pleased to offer alternatives.

For students who have recently been laid off, Opportunity Inc., Trade Adjustment Assistance, and On Ramp grants are some available options. In addition, savings programs such as the popular “529 Programs” in Virginia may help.

We also offer a tuition payment plan to break tuition up into smaller payments.

We have trained staff who help demystify the process. Help filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available during normal office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary; simply bring tax information, and allow 30 minutes for the application process.

Early applicants may qualify for additional grants beyond the Pell Grant. The college’s fall semester early enrollment is underway, and there is still time to file. Be sure to use the official website, www.fafsa.gov, to file the FAFSA.

If you need further information, please visit us online at www.pdc.edu/financial-aid. Call us at 569-6715 or contact us via email at pdc_financial_aid@pdc.edu.

 

Teresa Harrison is Financial Aid coordinator and a veterans’ certifying official at Paul D. Camp Community College. Email her at tharrison@pdc.edu.