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Applying to college can be both time-consuming and expensive — with some schools charging upwards of $90 just to apply. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process easier, and potentially cheaper.

The Common Application (or Common App) is an online college application platform used by more than 1,000 colleges that allows you to apply to multiple schools with one centralized application. The bulk of the application questions only need to be filled out once, though certain schools may require supplements, such as short answer questions. The Common App is free to use, but colleges may have an application fee for students submitting it, which may be waived in some cases.

How Much Does the Common App Cost?

Although the Common App is free to use, individual schools often have their own application fees that students must pay to apply. The average undergraduate application fee for U.S. students is around $48. However, some schools don’t charge application fees.

The Common App organization understands that some students are unable to pay application fees, and they don’t want this to be a barrier for students to be able to apply for college. For this reason, they have created the Common App Fee Waiver, which allows students to apply to schools without any fees.

Not every school will accept a fee waiver but thousands of schools around the world do.

How the Common App Fee Waiver Works

You can use the Common App Fee Waiver section of your Profile to request a fee waiver. If you select that you are eligible for the Common App fee waiver, you will not be charged any application fees when you submit through Common App.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

How to Apply

Students can apply for the Common App Fee Waiver in the Personal Information or Profile section of their application. There is a place in this section to select “Yes” to apply for the waiver and indicate eligibility.

In order to complete the application for a Fee Waiver, students must also have their college counselor submit a fee waiver form.

Many schools use the honor system and trust that a form from a counselor proves a student’s eligibility, but some schools may ask for electronic or hard copies of paperwork for verification of eligibility.

Recommended: Important College Application Deadlines

Who Is Eligible?

Students who fit any of the following criteria may be eligible to receive a Common App Fee Waiver:

•   Students who are orphans or wards of the state
•   Students whose family receives public assistance
•   Students who received or are eligible to receive SAT or ACT testing fee waivers
•   Students enrolled in or eligible to enroll in Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Programs
•   Students whose family’s annual income fits the eligibility for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
•   Students enrolled in local, state, or federal aid programs for low-income families
•   Students who are homeless, live in a foster home or in federally subsidized public housing
•   Students who get a written statement from a community leader, financial aid officer, school counselor or official

Each school decides whether to grant a student’s request for a Common App Fee Waiver.

Beyond the Application: Paying for College

Students and families applying for Common App Fee Waivers may also be looking into financing options to pay for college tuition. There are several options for parents and students who need help paying for college. These include:

Filling out the FAFSA

The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid, it’s a good idea to fill out this form. The FAFSA opens up opportunities for students to receive student loans, federal grants, school aid, and work-study positions.

Applying for Scholarships

There are thousands of private scholarships available to students, and the benefit of scholarships is that they don’t have to be paid back, unlike student loans.

Finding Affordable Schools

Although some universities cost tens of thousands of dollars each year to attend, others are much more affordable. Some schools are also more generous with student financial aid than others. Students may want to carefully compare the financial aid packages offered to them to figure out which school is the most affordable for them.

Applying for Work-Study Jobs

Students can work part time to help pay for college. The federal work-study program provides work opportunities for students to get jobs on campus.

Applying for Grants

In addition to scholarships, there are thousands of grants available to students. These grants are issued by the federal government, the Pell program, and individual states. Some are need-based, while others are merit-based. To find out if you qualify and to become eligible for grants, you need to fill out the FAFSA.

Saving Money in a 529 Plan

Many families put money aside each month to help pay for college tuition. One way to do this is using a 529 Plan, which is an investment account that offers tax benefits when used to pay for qualified education expenses for a designated beneficiary.

Taking Out Federal Loans

Federal student loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and may be subsidized (which means you won’t be charged interest while you are in college and for six months after) or unsubsidized (meaning interest starts accruing right away). Federal loans tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans.

To qualify for a federal loan, you will need to complete and submit the FAFSA.

Taking Out Private Loans

Another option for covering the cost of attendance for college is to take out a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates for private student loans tend to be higher than federal student loans, but borrowing limits are typically higher. These loans are not need-based and generally require a credit check. Borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit tend to qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind that private student loans may not offer the same borrower protections that federal student loans offer, such as forbearance or income-driven repayment.

The Takeaway

Applying to college can be expensive, especially if you are applying to several colleges or more. Fees average about $48 per school currently, but if you are using the Common App, you may be able to have the cost waived. Check the qualifications, and see if you may be able to apply to the colleges of your choice without a fee.

When it comes time to afford college itself, it can be wise to research grants, scholarships, and federal and/or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How to get rid of a fee waiver request on the Common App?

If you want to cancel a fee waiver request on the Common App, go to the “My Colleges” tab, select a specific college, and then navigate to the “Review and Submit” area. Once there, you can change the payment method from requesting a fee waiver to paying online.

How much is it to apply to college?

Currently, the average fee is around $48, but some colleges cost upwards of $90. If you are using the Common App, you can request a fee waiver if you meet the qualifying criteria.

How many schools take the Common App?

Currently, more than 1,000 schools accept the Common App. However, it’s worth noting that some have supplements, such as additional essays or short answers that are required to complete the application.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-122

Academic dismissal is when a student is asked to leave a school due to continued poor academic performance. It typically follows a period of probation, which occurs when a student is given a warning and a set amount of time in which they can try to improve their grades and avoid dismissal.

While academic dismissal may seem like the end of the world, it doesn’t mean that the student can never go to college again. It simply means they have to stop attending their current school, at least for a certain period of time. In addition, there are a number of ways to get back on track after a dismissal and either overturn the decision and return to school, or start on a new path that’s a better fit.

Reasons for Academic Dismissal

Everyone’s academic journey is different, and for some, the transition to college-level work can be more challenging than for others. A student may struggle with grades because they chose a major that’s not compatible with their specific skill set. Or perhaps they faced too many distractions, from personal events or hardships to an overwhelming list of extracurriculars.

When teachers and administrators notice a pattern of poor academic performance, including a GPA below 2.0 or a failure to attain enough credits (as a result of dropping or failing to complete enough courses in a semester), they may put a student on academic probation.

If a student fails to bring up their GPA by the end of their probation period, they may face academic dismissal. Academic probation is not meant to serve as a kind of punishment, but more as a wake-up call to students who are falling seriously behind.

Depending on the school, academic probation may make students ineligible for certain university activities. This makes sense, as probation is meant to be a time to focus seriously on grades in an effort to avoid eventual academic dismissal.

Academic probation or dismissal can also affect a student’s financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education requires students to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees to receive financial aid — which may include federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships; work-study; and federal student and parent loans.

There are still options for students who lose their financial aid due to poor academic standing, including some private student loans. Keep in mind, though, that your GPA can also impact your ability to get a private student loan. Each private loan is different, so there’s no one magic number for a student’s GPA. It can be worth shopping around and comparing options from different lenders.

Recommended: How Grades Affect Your Student Loans

How to Appeal Academic Dismissal

If a student ultimately faces the prospect of academic dismissal, there are multiple routes they can take to try and handle the situation. First, it can be wise to take a moment to reflect on what may have caused the decision to dismiss and reassess one’s priorities. Perhaps a student was up against too much pressure, was pursuing a subject area that didn’t suit them, or had a personal crisis.

If a student decides to appeal the decision, they should be prepared to present a strong and sincere case. Luckily, most schools will allow students to appeal academic dismissal. Most school authorities are receptive to select reasoning or excuses for a poor academic performance. These usually include extenuating circumstances like financial issues, psychological or mental issues, or a family crisis, including an unexpected death in the family.

Approach the case with understanding and humility instead of anger, and try to fight the battle without parents. Students may want to prove that they can handle the stress and academic rigor of college on their own, which involves a certain degree of maturity and independence.

Bouncing Back After Being Dismissed

There’s a lot you can learn from an academic incident like probation or dismissal, and ultimately, it can help you become a better and more dedicated student.

Applying to college after academic dismissal can be a good idea, but only if a student has taken the time to reflect and is ready to make a fresh start. This is especially true if a student is re-applying to the same school.

Some schools will require that students wait at least a year before re-applying, and some will have students show that they’ve received a certain number of credits from community college while on hiatus from the institution. Research each school’s particular policy on reapplying before taking any specific measures.

It can be helpful to talk to professors and academic counselors to determine if going back to college is the right decision and if so, if a student should re-apply to the same school.

It can also be helpful to research schools that have lenient policies around past dismissals when looking to re-apply to school.

College is not for everyone. Other options may include getting a job, pursuing a trade at trade school, or completing an apprenticeship. There’s not one route to a career, so bouncing back may look a little different for everyone.

The Takeaway

It’s important to handle academic probation and dismissal thoughtfully and methodically, assessing all available options and identifying the issues that may have caused a student to fall behind in the first place. If college is still on the table, set a goal to improve grades, whether through tutoring, time management strategies, or a peer study group. Also look into what’s required in terms of getting or regaining financial aid.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is academic dismissal?

Academic dismissal occurs when a student is required to leave a college due to continued poor academic performance.

Will I be warned before academic dismissal?

Yes, typically a student is put on academic probation prior to academic dismissal. This is a warning period during which grades must be improved to continue as a student at the school.

Does academic dismissal mean I can’t go back to my school?

When academic dismissal occurs, some colleges may allow you to reapply after a specific period of time and by showing why you are now qualified to return to your studies. It’s worthwhile to check with a school about their policy if you are at risk of academic dismissal.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOISL-Q325-121

Many colleges require an application essay in addition to your high school record, GPA, and other ways of showing your qualifications for admission. The essay is your chance to pour your personality and point of view into a narrative that could shape the next phase in your life.

No pressure, right? It’s common for high school students to feel unsure about how to write a college essay. To help make the process a little less intimidating, here’s a closer look at what the college essay is all about, plus some simple tips for writing a compelling application essay.

How Personal Statements Differ By School

The number of colleges you apply to can impact how many personal statements you’ll need to write. Before you begin the essay-writing process, you’ll want to review the personal statement requirements for each school you plan to apply to. Some colleges have the same essay requirements, while others might request statements tailored to a school-specific prompt.

When looking at essay requirements from different school, here are some things to consider:

•   How long should this college essay be?

•   What is the essay prompt or topic asking?

•   What questions are they looking to have answered?

•   What does this college or university value?

Different schools will often ask applicants to respond to the same or similar essay topic. In this case, it’s possible to submit one personal statement to multiple universities. In other instances, you might simply need to make small tweaks to an already drafted essay.

Colleges that are all part of the same university system — such as state schools, like those under the California State University umbrella — tend to share applications and essay requirements. (In practice, this means applicants won’t need to write individual essays for each school within that system.)

Essay requirements for private schools can vary. If you’re applying to schools that don’t use the common app (more on that in a minute), you may need to submit a completely custom application to each school. Some private schools (such as religiously-affiliated schools) may look for shared values to be reflected in a student’s application and essay.

Fortunately, many schools accept the Common Application in order to simplify the application process and support time-crunched students. The Common App represents more than 1,000 public and private higher education institutions across the world. Its standardized application allows students to apply to multiple schools via a single platform. Practically speaking, this might translate into writing just one college essay that multiple schools can then access. Typically, the Common App offers seven essay prompts for a statement that often may not exceed 650 words.

College Application Essay Tips

Before putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard, it can help to understand what admissions offices look for in a personal statement, and how to write a college essay that gives voice to who you are. Some pre-planning can also make the application process feel less confusing and the essay-writing process more fun.

What follows are some useful tips for writing a stronger college application essay.

Tip #1: Start Early

The sooner you can begin writing your college essay (or in some cases multiple essays), the more time you’ll have to polish and refine. The time it takes to write a college essay will vary greatly by the student, as well as which schools they are applying to. You may need to only write one essay that you can submit to multiple schools, or you may need to write half a dozen custom essays for your applications.

Generally, it’s a good idea to start the process at least two months before your first deadline — that should give you ample time to brainstorm, write, and edit your essays. Ideally, you’ll want to start the process over summer vacation. This will help alleviate stress during the school year and give you even more time to perfect your essays.

Starting the personal statement earlier not only gives you extra time for finetuning the wording, it also allows ample time for starting over (if need be). Starting over may sound like the last thing you’d want to do when applying to college, but it’s an option that many value — a chance to rework their personal story.

A lot of college applicants know exactly what they want to write about. But, after beginning the essay-writing process, some realize that the topic they picked just isn’t strong enough to stand on its own. Alternatively, some applicants find that starting on a given prompt actually leads them towards a topic or essay idea.

Either way, starting early helps ensure you have enough time to mull over what to write about and how exactly to say it in a clear and compelling way. It also gives you time to simply sit and brainstorm essay ideas and create a few potential personal statement outlines.

Even with clear essay prompts, you may need a little extra inspiration to jump-start the essay-writing process. You may find it helpful to search online for and read college essay examples that helped real students get into their dream schools. These real-life examples can serve as models for how to present a personal story and organize an essay that commands attention.

By starting the writing process in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to ink a few drafts, ask for feedback from family and teachers, and make any necessary tweaks — something that’s especially key when applying to schools with different essay requirements.

Recommended: Important College Application Deadlines

Tip #2: Step Away From Your Application

When writing a personal statement for college applications, it’s a good idea to consider carefully who will read the essays (and what the admission committee is looking for). Try to put yourself in the shoes of the admissions counselors. After reviewing the non-essay portion of your application, admissions officers will typically have a clear sense of your previous coursework, grades, volunteering, and extracurricular activities.

So, when deciding which essay topic to write about, it can be helpful to ask yourself: “Would they already know this about me just by reading the rest of my application?” The whole point of the personal statement is to humanize the accomplishments that get listed elsewhere in the application. Because of this, it’s often advisable to go beyond repeating the resume items mentioned in other sections of the application in the essay.

College admission counselors want to get to know the person behind those accomplishments (not to read another laundry list of achievements). The essay is your chance to share who you are and how you view the world.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Tip #3: Identify What Type of Essay You Need to Write

Typically, college applicants will encounter three different types of essay questions:

•   the “you” prompt

•   the “why us?” topic

•   the “creative” question

The “you” style question tends to ask students to share more personal details or life experiences in the essay. Such personal narratives can help colleges and universities to learn what drives, inspires, and shapes individual applicants.

The “why us?” prompt seeks to understand why a student is choosing to apply to a specific school. The admission officer here is trying to gauge how committed each student is to their individual institution. It’s a chance to demonstrate an understanding of a school’s core values and for the applicant to specify why they want to attend that university in particular (and not another one).

The “creative” prompt usually serves to evaluate a student’s creative thinking and writing skills, all while reviewing an applicant’s knowledge base and education.

Before writing any college essay, it’s important to identify exactly which type of question you’ll be answering and how best to communicate who you are in a concise, non-cliched way.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Liberal Arts Colleges

Tip #4: Focus on What Matters to You

To really wow admissions officers in the college essay, you might try to tap into your passions, personal experiences, and interests that go beyond high school academics. It can be helpful to step away from school accomplishments and bring up topics such as a life experience that left a lasting impression, a cause you care deeply about, or a personal relationship that shaped you.

It can be important to reflect — not just recount or summarize — during the essay writing process. In order to stand out amongst thousands of other talented applicants, you may want to go beyond a factual retelling of your experiences to craft a thoughtful assessment of why a given topic matters to you as an individual.

Know that admissions committees sometimes caution against writing about the 5 D’s (namely, death, drugs, disease, divorce, and drama) since those topics tend to be overused.

Tip #5: Find a Trusted Reviewer

As part of your college planning, you don’t necessarily have to shell out big bucks on a private tutor or writing coach to review your college essays (although there’s nothing wrong seeking one out ). Before submitting an essay, you may want to invite a trusted teacher, family member, or friend to read the essay over and offer comments or questions. When asking for detailed feedback, here are some helpful questions to ask a reviewer to keep in mind:

1. Are there any spelling or grammar mistakes I need to change?

2. Is the organization of my essay easy to follow?

3. Did you have any questions while reading that my essay didn’t answer?

4. Did the content capture your attention or was it difficult to finish the entire essay? Why?

5. Where is there room for improvement?

6. Is any section confusing or unclear?

Having a handful of trusted eyes review your essay can help you draft a more impactful personal statement. However, you may want to avoid inviting too many editors to comment on an essay that’s still being drafted. Writing is somewhat subjective. So, receiving a lot of competing opinions might leave you feeling flustered or confused about what to change.

You Got In. Now What?

Congratulations! All that hard work and planning paid off. Your college essay really knocked the socks off the admissions officers. Once you’ve received all of your college acceptance offers, you’ll be able to decide which college is the best option for your future plans. It’s likely how much it will cost to attend college might play a factor in your ultimate decision.

Colleges and universities offer different financial aid packages, which will impact your cost of attendance. Financial aid may include grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans (which may be subsidized or unsubsidized). Your financial aid package is based on the information you provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If there are still gaps in funding, you also have the option of seeking a private student loan. These are available through private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness — that automatically come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

If you’re hoping to attend an Ivy League college, you’ll want to consider each school’s admission rate, along with its particular academic program and financial aid statistics, to determine which is the right school to apply to.

However, it can be helpful to apply to a range of schools, both in terms of admission standards and tuition costs. This will give you options in case a school’s financial aid package isn’t as generous as you hoped.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How to start a college essay?

When you are starting a college essay, it can be wise to come up with a “hook,” a captivating line that grabs attention and draws the reader in, versus simply a straightforward statement about what you are about to share.

How long are college essays?

The length of college essays can vary by school, but the Common App typically caps the length at 650 words.

What are the 5 D’s of college essays?

The so-called 5 D’s of college essays refers to topics that admissions officers may advise students to avoid in their personal essays. They are death, divorce, disease, drugs, and drama. These topics can be overused in college essays and therefore it can be wise to focus on something else.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

SOISL-Q325-115

Taking college classes at night can be a convenient option for students, especially those who are balancing work and school. However, doing your coursework in the evenings can be a big adjustment, especially if you’re used to taking classes during the day. Staying focused after a long day of work and excelling at learning at night can be challenging.

Whether you’re gearing up for a degree’s worth of night school or a one-off evening class, take a look at these tips to survive night classes.

What Are Night Classes?

Generally speaking, night classes take place between 5pm and 10pm. College night classes typically follow the traditional semester schedule, though there may be shorter timelines for special-interest topics or certificate programs.

Because night classes are geared toward nontraditional students with family and work obligations, they typically occur once a week for two to four hours, but it depends on the course credits and subject matter.

Although this condensed format may mean fewer trips to campus, it can also make for much longer days. Students may want to keep the following issues in mind.

Controlling Caffeine Cravings

When feeling tired, it may be a natural inclination to grab a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage to get a boost of energy and keep going. While this may help a student get through a night class or hammer out an assignment at the last minute, it can disrupt sleeping patterns, creating further fatigue the next day and inhibiting your ability to study in college.

Caffeine can last up to 12 hours in the system after consumption. Even for night owls, a coffee (or energy drink) after lunch could keep them awake well beyond when you want to go to bed.

If cold turkey seems like too drastic a change, you might want to try experimenting with less-caffeinated beverages, such as some types of coffee substitutes such as tea. Everyone is different, and the goal is finding the sweet spot between staying awake and engaged during night classes and not losing precious sleep later on.

Staying Nourished and Hydrated

Staying focused during night classes can take practice and preparation. Packing healthy snacks and water is one way to maintain energy and feel comfortable as class discussions and lectures progress into the later evening hours.

If a professor doesn’t permit eating in the classroom, a student can likely squeeze in a quick bite beforehand or during break time.

Remaining Active

Between work, studying, class time, and other obligations, exercising may seem like a luxury that there isn’t enough time for. This can feel especially true on days when a full day at work is followed by a three-hour night class.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Broken down over the whole week, that’s about 20 minutes of exercise a day.

If you’re really in a pinch, fitting in a brisk walk before night classes start or during the midway break in a three-hour seminar can help with your energy and work toward meeting the 150-minute goal.

Befriending Classmates

Night classes can draw a diverse student body. For discussion-oriented classes, this can enrich the conversation with more perspectives.

It is also an opportunity to network and find a study buddy or two. Because night classes usually meet only once a week for a 15-week semester, even one absence could lead to falling behind or missing out on critical information. Classmates can be a resource for sharing notes and staying in the loop on what happened in class.

Also, becoming friends with classmates could make lengthy night classes more fun and add motivation to keep up strong attendance.

Recommended: Should I Go to Community College?

Creating a More Flexible Work Schedule

Even full-time students can expect to have at least one or two nights free from scheduled classes. If you have a flexible work schedule, you’re already in a position to craft an ideal balance of work, school, and social life.

However, if you’re working some version of the standard 9-5 schedule five days a week, the days with back-to-back work and class can feel like a marathon. Getting an education takes work, but you may not get the most out of it if it becomes something you dread.

Redistributing work hours to accommodate your night class schedule might prevent burnout. For instance, being able to come in an hour later on mornings after night classes and make them up later in the week can spread out the workload and help in catching up on sleep.

Talking to supervisors may feel intimidating, but if your college night classes are providing skills and knowledge to perform better at your job, you can make a case for getting some wiggle room at work while you finish school.

Recommended: Is it Possible to Take Online Classes While Working?

Avoiding Procrastination

As school traditionally runs from morning to early afternoon, conventional wisdom dictates completing homework and assignments the night before, at the latest. With night classes, the window to procrastinate can be extended later in the day.

Planning can help a student avoid a situation that requires picking between going to work or completing an assignment for class. Mapping out assignment due dates at the onset of the semester is one method to stay on track.

Managing Time

Between exams and papers, college classes often have a steady stream of readings and assignments to keep up with from week to week. Setting aside specific time frames to study for each class may counteract an urge to slack off between major assignments. Repetition can also improve knowledge retention, compared with cramming at the last minute.

After taking care of other responsibilities, such as an internship, job, or team practice, it may be difficult to recall readings and information at the end of a long day. Finding a moment before night class to review your notes could better prepare you to participate in discussion or ace a quiz. Creating a brief study guide covering key themes and topics for each week could help if you’re pressed for time.

Pacing Yourself

Before going full steam ahead with a full course load, you can consider testing the waters with one or two night classes. Education is a financial and career investment, and figuring out what’s right for your work-life balance could be the difference between burning out and graduating.

Keep in mind that whether you study full time or part time could affect financial aid or scholarships.

Exploring Night Class Options

Night classes are offered at community colleges and four-year universities alike. Researching multiple options could help a student find an ideal balance of cost, reputation, student body demographics, and campus environment.

Online courses are another option to consider. Synchronous courses may still have online lectures and discussions but allow students to participate from the comfort of home.

Paying for Night Classes

Education comes at a cost. Beyond tuition, taking night classes may require buying textbooks, paying for a parking pass, and other associated fees.

Work-study programs, scholarships, and grants could cover all or part of these qualifying expenses, but some students take out loans to pay the remaining cost for their degree or night classes.

Filling out the FAFSA form can be an important first step to see what kind of federal aid you may qualify for.

Federal loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized and come with protections, such as income-driven repayment and forbearance in certain cases.

When federal loans and other aid aren’t enough, private student loans are an option to consider. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

The Takeaway

Taking night classes can be a way for students to manage their college courses, especially if they work during the day. However, taking these classes, which typically meet once a week for two to four hours, can cut into free time and be challenging to stay alert for. Good time management and self-care habits can be critical to success. If you are feeling overloaded by night classes plus a job you have taken to help pay for school, you might consider student loans to help with funding.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How to succeed at night classes?

When taking night classes, it can be helpful to focus on time management, preparation, and self-care. Also, remembering that taking night classes is a temporary situation can ease the stress some students experience.

When are night classes scheduled?

Night classes are typically scheduled between 5pm and 10pm. They may meet once or more per week.

How long is a night class?

The length of a night class can depend on how many times it meets and for how long. Typically, however, a student can expect a night class to last between two and four hours if it meets once a week.

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Adult learners — students who are age 25 or older — are an increasingly common sight on college campuses. Going back to school (or attending for the first time) at a later date, however, comes with some challenges. One of the biggest is finding a way to cover the cost of your education, since you may not be able to rely on Mom and Dad to foot some or all of the bill.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to pay for college as an adult learner, from scholarships and grants to good old-fashioned student loans.

To Start, Look at Scholarships and Grants

Whether you’re starting school or going back to college, it’s always a good idea to look into scholarships and grants early in the fund-finding process. After all, these are financial aid options that the recipient typically isn’t responsible for paying back.

Although most scholarships won’t pay the entire cost of college, they can potentially offset thousands of dollars in costs — and when it comes to an expense as hefty as education, every bit helps.

It’s a good idea to check with your prospective school’s financial aid office to see if the college offers any grants or scholarships for adult learners, but there are also third-party programs worth looking into. Consider adding these to your list.


💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.

Executive Women International Scholarship

Offered through local chapters of Executive Women International, the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarship awards $2,000 to $10,000 to “adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities.”

For full application details, contact your local chapter.

Award From Imagine America

The Imagine American Foundation offers a scholarship specifically for adults who are attending a career or trade school for a career shift or returning to school after time away. Called the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP), this scholarship offers a one-time $1,000 award to students over the age of 19 who are enrolled in a participating college.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship

Open to low-income women 35 or older who are pursuing a technical/vocational education, an associate’s degree, or a first bachelor’s degree at an accredited college, the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund offers scholarships of up to $2,500 annually. The award is distributed directly to recipients and is renewable for up to five years.

Women on Par Scholarship

The Women on Par Scholarship provides financial assistance to “nontraditional” female students (over age 30) pursuing higher education for the first time. Winners are selected based on need, personal and professional goals, and their personal stories. Three awards are typically given each year: One for $4,000, one for $2,000, and one for $1,000.
There are many other national and regional adult-specific scholarships available, so it’s worth doing a Google search to look for more opportunities that might be a good fit for your situation.

Recommended: University of South Florida Tuition Guide

Employee Education Benefits

If you’re employed, you may want to take a second look at that sheaf of paperwork HR sent you on your first day. These days, an increasing number of companies offer employee education benefits as part of their compensation package.

Three common types of benefits are tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment. Each of these works a little differently, but all of them can help offset the out-of-pocket costs of an education.

With tuition assistance, your employer may partner with specific colleges or universities to bring you discounted, or even free, classes — particularly if those classes will improve your performance at work.

Starbucks, for instance, is famous for its tuition assistance program, which covers 100% of employees’ out-of-pocket cost for first-time undergraduate students enrolled in Arizona State University’s online program.

Tuition reimbursement, on the other hand, means your company will repay you for out-of-pocket educational costs up to a certain limit.

Home Depot offers a tuition reimbursement program that allows employees to attend the university or college of their choice and receive up to 50% of tuition, fees and other approved expenses. The following maximums apply: $5,000 (for salaried employees), $3,000 (for full-time hourly workers) or $1,500 (for part-time hourly workers) per year.

Finally, some companies offer student loan repayment programs that help employees repay the loans they’ve taken out from third-party lenders.

Many of these programs have specific eligibility requirements, such as working a minimum number of hours or maintaining a certain GPA, so be sure to double-check the fine print.

Also keep in mind that certain colleges offer course credit for work and life experience, which could help you save money by cutting down on the total number of classes you need to take (and pay for). Check with your university to see if it offers this perk.

Federal Student Loans

Even if you successfully apply for scholarships and get employee education benefits, you may still be left with more college expenses than you can pay for out of pocket.

That’s where student loans come in — and generally, the first place to look for student loans is the government.

Despite the common misconception that federal student loans are only available to traditional-age college students, there’s no upper age limit. And unlike many private student loans, applying for federal student aid doesn’t require a credit check.

Depending on your income, you may be eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans, which give you a break on interest while you’re enrolled at least half-time and for six months after you graduate. (The Department of Education pays the interest during those times.)

You’ll pay interest on the loan when monthly payments begin, but that subsidy can mean substantial savings over time.

The U.S. government also offers Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which start accruing interest immediately but carry fixed interest rates that are often lower than those from a private student loan lender.

Whichever type of federal loan you take out, you generally don’t have to start making payments until six months after you graduate. With some private student loans, payments begin right away.

To apply for federal student loans, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

Many colleges will also require you to fill out the FAFSA in order to qualify for institution-specific forms of financial aid. Applying can also help qualify you for work-study programs.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Private Student Loans

Along with government-sponsored student loans, a wide variety of private student loans are available, many of which may be easier to qualify for as an adult with a more robust credit history.

While traditional-age collegians often need to enlist the help of a cosigner to apply, adult learners may not need to, and might also score better terms if they have good or excellent credit.

That said, it’s important to understand that private student loans sometimes carry higher interest rates than federal loans, and the rates can be variable.

Deferral and income-driven repayment are available to eligible borrowers of federal student loans, but such options may be limited for private student loan holders, depending on the lender. It’s always important to read all the fine print up front.

The Takeaway

Paying for college as an adult learner may feel daunting, but it’s far from impossible. By combining funding sources — such as scholarships, grants, employer education benefits, and federal or private student loans — you can create a financial plan to fit your circumstances.

Start your research early, ask plenty of questions, and don’t overlook options like credit for work or life experience that can reduce both the time and cost of earning your degree. With persistence and smart planning, you can pursue higher education without letting the price tag hold you back.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How do adult learners pay for college?

Adult learners often combine several funding sources to cover tuition and expenses. Common options include federal and state financial aid, scholarships specifically for nontraditional students, employer tuition reimbursement, and private grants. Many also use savings, payment plans, or part-time work to reduce debt.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a good place to start, as it can unlock grants, low-interest loans, and work-study programs, even for students who have been out of school for years.

What is the $7,000 grant for college students?

The “$7,000 grant” often refers to the federal Pell Grant, which provides need-based aid to eligible undergraduate students, including many adult learners. For 2025-26, the maximum award is $7,395. This money does not need to be repaid and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Award amounts are based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Students must complete the FAFSA® to apply.

What income is too high for FAFSA?

There is no set income cutoff for the FAFSA®, as eligibility depends on multiple factors, including your family’s income, assets, and living expenses. While very high incomes may reduce or eliminate grant eligibility, many middle- and upper-income families still qualify for federal loans or work-study. Even if you think you earn too much, filling out the FAFSA is worthwhile — some scholarships require it regardless of income level.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.