How to mix scholarships, grants, and campus work

The most successful financial aid strategies don't put all their eggs in one basket. Instead of hoping for a full-ride scholarship or maxing out student loans, smart students create diversified funding packages that combine merit scholarships, need-based grants, and part-time campus employment. This approach not only reduces overall debt but also provides greater financial stability throughout your college years.

• Scholarships as your foundation. Start with renewable merit scholarships that last all four years. These provide predictable funding and often have GPA requirements that motivate academic excellence. Apply to both large national competitions and smaller local opportunities.
• Grants fill the gaps. Federal and state grants like Pell Grants don't need to be repaid and automatically renew each year you file the FAFSA. Institutional grants from your college can bridge the difference between scholarships and total costs.
• Campus work provides flexibility. Federal Work-Study and regular campus jobs offer manageable hours that fit around classes. The income covers variable expenses like textbooks, meals, and personal costs while building valuable work experience.

The key is finding the right balance for your situation. If you have strong academics, prioritize scholarship applications early. If your family qualifies for need-based aid, ensure you file the FAFSA by priority deadlines. And regardless of your aid package, plan for 10-15 hours of weekly campus work to handle unexpected expenses without taking on additional loans.

Real students, real strategies

Meet Sarah, who combined a $5,000 annual merit scholarship, $3,500 in Pell Grants, and 12 hours per week as a library assistant to cover her state university costs. By her sophomore year, she added two smaller departmental scholarships worth $1,000 each. Her strategy? Never rely on just one source, and continuously apply for new opportunities even after starting college. This diversified approach kept her debt-free while allowing her to focus on academics and graduate with a 3.8 GPA. The campus job also led to her first career connection—her library supervisor became a key reference for graduate school applications.