Won't God Provide?

My parents are so worried about the cost of college. I tell them God will provide, but they say the money has to come from somewhere. I always thought my parents were strong Christians, but they sure lack faith when it comes to paying for my education. Am I being unrealistic by thinking God will find a way for me to afford college?

I think it's fair to believe that God will provide. But he may provide through opportunities like a job, scholarships and/or loans, and all those will require some effort on your part.

Search for scholarships. Libraries and school counselors have books full of scholarship possibilities. Apply for as many as you possibly can. Get a job and start putting money away. At the same time, invite God to make college a possibility for you. Think of yourself as cooperating with God. Work hard, all the while trusting that he is the giver of all good things.

Before you hang your whole future on God meeting your needs in exactly the way you want, take time to pray and to listen to him. Talk with your parents, too, and with others whom you trust. Keep your mind and your heart open. God may have other ideas for you—a different school, another experience or a job instead of school. Be sure you continue to listen to him even as you work hard and trust him to provide.

By the way, be gracious in your attitude toward your parents. It may seem like they have little faith, but part of it may come from a concern that you aren't doing everything you could be doing, that you've been sitting around waiting for a miracle. Don't judge them. Rather, be an example of a person of faith to them (1 Timothy 4:12). When they see you trusting God and actively seeking ways to pay for college, they may look for ways they can help. Together you may become part of God's answer to your prayers.

Anything for "Average" Me?

I've never been good at sports, and my grades are not so great. Are there any scholarships for "average" students like me?

There are many sources of funding for college, basically in two categories. First, there's financial aid available for those who qualify based on their level of need. That's different from scholarship money. Be sure to check with the college of your choice about need-based financial aid and how to apply for it. There's also non-need-based aid. Some of it is, as you pointed out, for athletic or academic achievement.

There are, however, scholarship dollars available for many other reasons. One of your parents may have a program through their employer for dependents who are attending college. Many communities have fund-raising programs to support, to some extent, all of the local students who are going to college, even those who aren't the valedictorians! Special interest groups in your home town may sponsor scholarships for high school graduates who exhibit leadership or serve the community. There are also scholarships out there for particular areas of interest, such as music and art.

I encourage you to keep working on those "not-so-great" grades. Getting them up as high as you can will help you get into the school in which you are most interested, and makes it more likely that you will be awarded some scholarships.

Be aggressive in pursuing scholarships. There are often more scholarships available than applicants. Be sure you get in line by actively seeking and applying for any that fit you.

How Do I Find a Job?

My parents are bugging me to get a part-time job so I can start saving money for college. But I have no idea where to start!

Think of things you really enjoy doing. Do you like being with people? Try joining the wait staff at a local restaurant. Do you enjoy working with children? Sign up to do day camps with your local parks and recreation department.

You may want to talk with a school counselor—or with others who know you well—about what fits you. If you start asking questions, you may even get a job offer from a friend's parent, a church member or a neighbor.

Your parents may have some good ideas, too, and they'll be encouraged that you are warming up to the idea of getting a job! Be sure to keep talking to them, even though you say they are "bugging" you about this issue. They probably just want to be sure you will get to go to college. Once you get a job, they'll probably relax a little and cut you some slack—that is, if you show them you're wisely saving a good portion of the money you earn. Show them you're a responsible spender and saver, and before you know it, they'll stop bugging you and start bragging about you!

Will I Qualify for Aid?

Because of a long-term family illness and enormous medical bills, my parents can't afford to pay for my education. Do schools or the government take this into consideration when they try to figure out how much college will cost me?

Yes. You may very well qualify for significant financial aid from your college, and from state and federal aid programs. Your eligibility for aid will be based initially on the FAFSA form (see "Terms to Know" on page 10) that your family will file, reporting your family income. Generally speaking, the greater the identified need, the more aid you will receive.

The financial aid people at the schools in which you have an interest should be especially helpful. Share your concerns and the realities of your circumstances with them. They are empowered by the federal and state agencies to adjust your grants based on a reconsideration of your need. Medical crises are the most common reasons adjustments are made. I hope everything works out for your family and that you will be able to go to school!

Should I Work During College?

I'm considering getting a part-time job during college. But I'm afraid it could hurt my social life and my grades. What do you think?

College students who work a reasonable number of hours (usually 10-12 a week) at a part-time job actually do better in their classes. Students tell me it's because they have to spend their time more wisely, and their study time is more focused because it's limited.

Try to find a job on campus that fits your schedule. Often you can squeeze some hours in between your classes and create blocks of time for work and class, freeing up time for study and socializing.

Speaking of socializing, some kinds of campus jobs create opportunities for you to get to know more people than you would otherwise. Imagine getting a part-time job when you're at college with all these benefits: meeting more people, getting better grades, work experiences that will prepare you for other employment opportunities, expanding your experience base for future employment, saving on transportation costs and time, and putting money in your pocket!

A word of caution here: A part-time job should never take precedence over your studies. If you're having trouble balancing work and school, cut back on your hours on the job—or consider quitting the job altogether. If you do cut back or quit, don't use the extra hours to goof off, but to concentrate on your studies.

Feeling Guilty About College Costs

Sending me to a Christian college is going to be really hard on my parents financially and I feel guilty. I've considered going to a state school to make it easier on them, but they insist I go where I really want to go, which is an expensive Christian school. So how do I deal with the guilt?

Give up the guilt, and thank God for the gift your parents want to give you. They're doing this out of their love for you, not to make you feel guilty. So accept their offer and show your gratitude by making the most of your college experience.

Sit down with your parents and talk about ways in which you can contribute. Offer to take some financial responsibility for buying all your books, or working for your spending money. If you invest some of your own effort and hard-earned dollars into the costs of college, you are less likely to feel guilty and you're more likely to appreciate your education.

Judy Moseman is Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Bethel College (MN).

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