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As you’re exploring the job market after college, you may be at a crossroads, wondering whether a master’s would be beneficial in increasing your salary potential or if a certificate program could make sense.

A certificate program typically requires the completion of three to five graduate-level courses and can cost thousands of dollars. However, it can prove highly specialized competency in certain areas and open doors to further professional opportunities.

Read on for more information on post-grad certificate programs so you can assess whether one fits with your financial goals.

What Is the Value of a Post-Grad Certificate Program?

A post-grad certificate program is a program that provides specialization in a field. While the program may not take as long to complete as a master’s degree and may be less expensive, it can also be intense, requiring a significant amount of time set aside to study.

Post-grad certificate programs can be found in all fields, from medicine to economics to marketing. These programs may cost anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. People may complete these certificates because they may be quicker and less expensive than a degree, and may either boost income or boost your competitive value as a job candidate. Post-grad certificate courses may be done online, in-person, or a combination of both, and often, people balance managing a certificate program with working full time.

Because a post-grad certificate can be beneficial, you may find that employers may potentially be willing to subsidize the cost of training. It may be worthwhile to ask your manager or your HR department to do so.

It can also be beneficial to talk to people who have done the certificate program to hear about any pros and cons. Understanding the level of commitment required in the program and how people have managed to set aside time to study for any testing can be valuable intel. You likely want to hear that the certificate can lead to expanded career prospects versus just accruing more knowledge for its own sake.

Graduate Certificate vs Master’s Degree

If you’re right out of college, you may be wondering what the next step is, professionally. While that depends on your career goals, many post-grads find it helpful to explore the professional lay of the land by getting some work experience right after their bachelor’s degree. Also, if the labor market is tight when you get out of college, there can be advantages to looking for a job immediately after graduation, before you get any higher degrees or pursue certification. In some cases, employers may subsidize or help pay for higher education.

A certificate program tends to be in a niche area, so it may be good to explore your field and decide whether that certification is right for you. A master’s program may be more intense, but of course, can be a requirement if you want to pursue a job in a certain field, such as law.

Bottom line: No certificate or graduate degree can “guarantee” that you’ll make a certain amount of money or get a certain kind of job. Every career path is different. That’s why it can be helpful to speak to alums of certain programs or people who have received certain certifications, to hear their experience and advice.

Recommended: How to Pay for Grad School

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Whether a graduate certificate is equal to a master’s degree depends on how you define “equality.” The two are different paths that help you achieve certain goals. In general:

•   A certificate is less expensive than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate takes less time to complete than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate provides targeted knowledge and a specific skill set about a certain subject area. Generally, a certificate may be about 10 to 15 hours of coursework compared to the 30+ required for graduate programs. Requirements vary based on school and program.

•   A certificate generally requires a less comprehensive application process.

•   A graduate certificate may or may not be affiliated with an accredited degree program. In some cases, certificate coursework can count toward degree hours for a higher-ed degree.

•   Not all graduate certificate programs qualify for federal student loans. You may be able to use a private graduate student loan for a certificate program.

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

A graduate certificate can be worth it, especially if you’re passionate about the field. It can be helpful to get some “real world” knowledge under your belt and understand exactly how the certificate will benefit you and your career goals.

Because a graduate certificate can be a lot of work, it’s also important to make sure you carve out time to be able to do coursework, study, and complete the certificate exam. Asking any questions prior to applying for the certificate program, or asking to speak to people who have completed the program, can be helpful.

Because graduate certificates can be expensive, and may not be covered by federal aid, you may be wondering how to pay for it. Some financing options include:

•   Subsidization through your current employer

•   Saving up to pay for the program

•   Applying for scholarships or financial aid through the certifying organization

•   Exploring other scholarship programs that may be available for you (such as graduate scholarships for military veterans)

•   Considering federal or private student loans for a certification program

Some certification programs may be eligible for federal student aid, including federal student loans and work-study. If this is the case, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what types of aid they qualify for.

Private student loans may be another option for students to consider. These loans don’t always offer the same borrower protections (such as deferment or forbearance options) that come with federal loans. But some private lenders do offer student loans for graduate certificate programs.

Recommended: FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA

Estimating the Value of a Certificate Program

You may wonder how much a certificate will increase your market value as an employee. And of course, that answer depends on your field and the certificate program you are pursuing. To estimate the value of a certificate program, it can be helpful to:

•   Read review sites and salary ranges on employers you’re interested in.

•   Talk to people who have done the certificate program.

•   Talk about your career trajectory with your current manager or HR department.

•   Speak with the career development office at your alma mater for their perspectives on potential certificate programs.

But in addition to financial value, there’s also the educational value. Is this a topic you find interesting and feel you can lean into? Does the material inspire you and excite you? Because you’ll be spending a significant amount of time working on the material, it can be important to have some motivation to do so.

Costs Associated With a Certificate Program

It can also be important to carve out associated costs with the degree program. In addition to the certificate program itself, you also may need to pay:

•   Application fee

•   Exam fee

•   Certification fee, which may be several hundred dollars and may be required that you renew your certification annually

•   Fee for any materials, including textbooks

Making sure you know exactly what is required of you financially before you enroll can be helpful in planning how you’ll cover the degree.

Recommended: How to Pay for a Grad Certificate Program

How to Decide on a Certificate or Grad Degree

So how do you know which path to take? The answer depends on, you guessed it, your individual goals. But answering these questions may help you decide:

•   What do I want out of my studies?

•   What do I want my work-life balance to look like as I study?

•   What do I hope to gain out of my degree/certificate? What would be the best/worst-case scenario?

•   What are my short-term professional goals?

•   What are my long-term professional goals?

•   What do I like about my work right now? Is there anything I want to dive into more deeply?

•   What is the lack of a degree holding me back from?

•   How will I pay for it? Am I already juggling student loans from undergrad and how comfortable would I feel adding to my debt?

These can be some big questions, and it can be helpful to get perspective by speaking with a mentor, career coach, or someone from your school’s career development office.

You could also consider a certificate program that could go toward credits for a master’s degree. This can be helpful in allowing you to lean into the material and have a head start if you do decide you’d like to pursue a full master’s degree.

The Takeaway

A post-grad certificate can involve challenging coursework and an investment of time and money, but it could potentially set you up on the path to success and can help you further define your career goals.

Because certificates can be expensive, consider having a discussion with your employer and see if they would be amenable to paying for part or all of your certificate. Also, depending on the certificate program, students may potentially qualify for federal aid, including federal student loans. If that aid isn’t enough, however, some students may look into private student loans for qualifying certificate programs.

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

Are post-graduate certificates worth it?

The answer is, it depends. In some cases, a postgraduate certificate can be a valuable investment for career advancement and greater earnings, especially when targeted to a specific field or skill set. It’s wise to research how certificate holders have benefited in their chosen fields.

Do employers look at graduate certificates?

An employer might indeed focus on your educational credentials to determine whether you’re well-qualified for a job. If a position requires certain degrees, certificates, and diplomas, having those listed on your resume could help you secure a job.

What are the cons of a post-graduate certificate?

A post-graduate certificate can require the investment of time and money, which may be a negative. Also, not all post-graduate certificates will open doors career-wise; some are more impactful than others, depending on your profession.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

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.

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-Q325-134

College is expensive, with tuition and fees currently averaging $41,540 for students at private universities — that’s $166,160 for all four years. Tuition and fees at public colleges were lower, but still steep — averaging $29,150 for out-of-state students and $11,260 for in-state students.

Keep in mind that these numbers don’t include all the other necessary expenses of college life, such as room and board, books, supplies, clothing, and entertainment. At the same time, it’s difficult for college students to earn a lot during these years, given the demands of school.

Fortunately, there are numerous options for financing the cost of higher education, plus ways to trim your expenses while you’re in college and save money. Read on to learn how.

Saving Money as a College Student

Luckily, once you adopt a money-conscious mindset, you’ll likely find there are many ways to save money in college. Plus, building the habit of budgeting now can serve you well as you move on to life and enter the real world. Here are some tips for how to save money in college.

1. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Lots of businesses and service providers offer special deals to students. You can buy clothing, shoes, and furniture for your dorm or apartment for less at certain retailers with a valid student ID.

Entertainment is another area where you can save. Some movie theaters offer student discounts at some locations or on certain days. Some museums and sports events offer discounted access to students as well. You may also find discounts on certain music and video streaming sites. And you can save on travel with discounts at certain car rental and car insurance companies, as well as on trains and buses.

2. Buy Your Books (and Other Necessities) Used

Renting or buying used textbooks is a classic way to save money in college. You can find used books at many campus bookstores and through online retailers.

Used books often come at a fraction of the price of a brand new book, and many are in perfectly good condition. Plus once you’re done, you can try to resell the book.

You can save by buying other items second-hand as well. You might try looking for used clothing and furniture at thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, or on sites like Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace.

Recommended: 33 Ideas for Saving Money While Dorm Shopping

3. Cook Meals at Home

Food can eat up a big chunk of your college budget, since students with limited cooking skills and small kitchen spaces may be tempted to eat out for every meal. But restaurant tabs can add up quickly.

Shopping wisely for your own ingredients and making simple meals in your living space can help you save a lot of money — and leftovers from one home-cooked meal can be lunch the next day, for even more savings.

4. Serve as an RA

Becoming a resident assistant (RA), can not only be rewarding but also help you cut down on living expenses. RAs are a sort of big brother or sister in dorms, organizing social events, advising younger students, enforcing rules, and mediating disagreements. Many RAs receive free or discounted housing and meals, and some also get a stipend.

5. Cut Out the Extras

One of the best tips to save money in college is to look for areas in your budget where you can trim by choosing a less expensive option.

If you frequent coffee shops, for example, perhaps you can brew your own java a few days a week, or find a less fancy option with free refills. Instead of always going out to bars with friends, maybe you can take turns hosting get-togethers in your on- or off-campus apartments. If you belong to a fancy gym, you might search for lower-cost options on campus, join a sports league, or jog/run outdoors to stay on budget.

Instead of a spring break trip to an all-inclusive resort a plane-ride away, consider a group camping trip or sharing a house at a nearby lake. Get creative — the trip will likely be just as fun.

6. Pay Your Bills on Time

When you pay all of your bills by the due date, you can avoid unnecessary fees and help keep interest from piling up. If you’re worried about forgetting, you may be able to set autopay through your credit card, the service provider itself, or your bank.

Staying on top of bills not only avoids added costs but may also help keep your credit report in good shape. That could help you qualify for better terms on loans and credit cards down the line.

7. Take Advantage of Family Discounts

You may have left home, but maybe don’t cut the cord completely just yet. Many phone and car insurance plans are cheaper if you sign up with family members, rather than as an individual. If your family is on board, this can be one of the easiest ways to go about saving money in college.

If you’re under age 26, you should be eligible to stay on your parents’ health insurance plan, which may be less expensive than purchasing your own. You might also see if your parents will unofficially keep you on various “family plans” by sharing their logins for things like video streaming services.

8. Sign Up for Cash Back Credit Cards

If you’ve decided to use a credit card, you might as well earn some cash back while you’re at it. As long as you pay your bill in full each month to avoid fees and interest, you may benefit from a reward credit card. You could earn points that can be applied as a statement credit, sent to you in check form, or put toward merchandise or gift cards.

When signing up for a cashback credit card, look for one with a low or no annual fee that offers the highest amount of cashback possible. And remember, any benefits will likely evaporate if you do not pay your balance in full every single month.

9. Frequent the Library

Instead of purchasing books, look for them at your local or on-campus library. Your library may also offer magazines and movies so you don’t have to spend money on those, either. Many public libraries now offer digital loans you can download and enjoy instantly on your favorite device.

You might also consider using the library as a free and quiet place to study instead of spending money at the local coffee shop. To make your library experience even more enjoyable, invite friends to form a study group.

10. Give Up Your Car

If you live on campus, you may not actually need a car and all its associated monthly costs (insurance, repairs, gas, and parking, to name a few). Look into free campus shuttles and public transportation to get you where you need to go.

If you need to use a taxi or rideshare service, you can comparison-shop to find the cheapest option, and if you’re looking to take a longer trip, split the cost of a rental car with friends.

11. Look Into Work-Study Options

Work-study is a need-based federal program that provides student-friendly, part-time jobs to help cover school expenses. As a bonus, the work experience may benefit you when it comes time to jump into the job market.

To apply for work-study, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate that you would like to be considered for work-study. Selecting this option, however, doesn’t automatically mean that you will receive work-study as part of your financial aid package. Acceptance depends on a few factors, including when you apply (earlier is generally better), your level of financial need, and the school’s funding level.

12. Look for Discounted Banking Products

Some banks offer college savings and student checking accounts that don’t charge the same types of fees or have the same balance requirements as normal accounts do.

It’s a good idea to shop around and look into different banks (including banks with local branches and online banks) and compare what kinds of benefits they are offering to college students before making your decision.

13. Take Advantage of Free Campus Activities

Colleges often host a number of different activities for students throughout the week. There might be dances, plays and musicals, sporting events and more, all for free.

By choosing these activities instead of going off-campus, you can save money without sacrificing on fun.

14. Stay Focused

Though college can be a lot of fun, you also need to keep your eye on the prize (graduation) and stay on top of your schoolwork.

Taking more than four years to graduate could blow your higher education budget and negatively impact your earning potential. Some hyper-focused students even graduate in fewer than four years.

Recommended: Return on Education for Bachelor’s Degrees

15. Buy in Bulk

This one requires a little price sleuthing, but for nonperishable items you use a lot of, you’ll typically save money buying in bulk. This is true whether you have access to a membership at a bulk goods store like Costco or Sam’s Club, or you’re choosing between package sizes at a superstore like Target or Walmart. If you can’t use or store an enormous quantity of, e.g. toilet paper, consider going shopping with a friend and splitting the goods.

16. Turn in the FAFSA Every Year

Every year, you need to fill out your FAFSA form to qualify for financial aid. If you don’t turn it in, you could be throwing away free money.

While in the past the form was long and somewhat complicated, a new, simplified FAFSA form recently debuted. There were also some changes in financial aid eligibility rules, making it easier for some families to qualify — so definitely don’t skip the FAFSA.

17. Sell Your Textbooks

Once you’ve completed your courses for the year, you can take the books you purchased and resell them to get some of your money back.

To get the best possible price, compare quotes from your campus bookstore against the going online sale rate. Websites like BookScouter help you compare prices before you list your books for sale.

18. Consider Printing Expenses

You may already pay for use of on-campus printers with your student fees. Don’t spend additional money on printers, ink, and paper if it’s cheaper to utilize the printing resources at the library or other places around your campus.

19. Look Into Local Restaurant Deals

To enjoy a nice meal out while saving money, keep your eye out for deals at local restaurants. Many establishments offer happy hour specials or special discount nights.

You may also be able to access valuable coupons by downloading the restaurant’s app, signing up for their emails, and/or filling out surveys printed at the bottom of your receipts. There are also sites that offer restaurant coupons, such as Restaurant.com.

20. Find the Free Food!

You can’t get cheaper than free. Departments and organizations on campus will often offer free food like pizza and sandwiches to entice students to attend their events.

Keep an eye out for signs around campus. You could score some free dinner and you might find some interesting people or a new hobby while you’re at it.

💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

Other Ways to Finance College

Saving can get you far. But you may still need help coming up with the full cost of attendance for college. Fortunately, by filling out the FAFSA, you will automatically be in the running for federal financial aid, which may include grants, scholarships, work-study, and subsidized federal loans.

It can also pay to research private scholarship opportunities online and apply for any you think you might qualify for. Though each award may be small, if you are able to get a few scholarships, it can add up to a significant sum.

You may then want to fill in any gaps in funding with different types of student loans, such as unsubsidized federal loans and, if necessary, private student loans.

Private student loans are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Loan limits vary by lender, but you can often get up to the full cost of attendance, which is more than you can borrow from the federal government. Interest rates may be fixed or variable and are set by the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, however, that private student loans typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, and they lack the protections of federal loans, such as deferment, public service loan forgiveness, and forbearance.

The Takeaway

College can be a very expensive proposition, but you can do your part to minimize costs by saving money while pursuing your degree. Tactics can include using your student status to snag discounts, buying in bulk, and snagging cash back, among others. As you budget for college, it’s wise to look into funding via grants, scholarships, and federal and 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

What is the 50/30/20 budget rule in college?

The 50/30/20 budget rule can be applied to life in college and after. It says to put 50% of one’s cash toward the musts of life, 30% toward the wants, and 20% toward saving or additional debt payments.

How to save the most money while in college?

It’s possible to save money when in college using a variety of techniques. These can include using student discounts, cutting back on discretionary spending and finding free food and entertainment on or near campus, snagging cash back rewards, and exploring work-study options.

How can I get more help with college costs?

To save on college costs, file the FAFSA every year to see what grants and scholarships you may be eligible for; also check with the financial aid office. Consider work-study and RA opportunities as well. Look for discounted goods and services just for students, too, such as fee-free banking and reduced student prices at stores near campus.

About the author

Kylie Ora Lobell

Kylie Ora Lobell is a personal finance writer who covers topics such as credit cards, loans, investing, and budgeting. She has worked for major brands such as Mastercard and Visa, and her work has been featured by MoneyGeek, Slickdeals, TaxAct, and LegalZoom. Read full bio.

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.

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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

SOISL-Q325-138

Some prospective undergraduate students will take part in an admissions interview, which, like other aspects of the get-into-college process, can require some preparation. Doing your homework can help you know what to expect and feel more confident. Here are things to get a head start on, including common college interview questions.

How Important Is a College Interview?

Before deciding whether or not an interview is worth the time and effort, students should know how important this step can be to the admissions process. The importance of the interview depends on whether it’s informational or evaluative.

Not all colleges will refer to the interview as “informational” or “evaluative.” Students should pay attention to the wording their schools use for interviews. If the school “strongly encourages” or “highly recommends” that a student schedule an interview, it may be an evaluative interview and an important piece of the application process.

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are usually optional and mostly for the benefit of the student. These generally exist to allow students to learn more about the school and to show the college that they’re seriously interested in attending.

It’s not required for admission to book an informational interview, but it can help a student demonstrate a strong desire to attend the school and give the school a more multidimensional view of the student.

Informational interviews can also help to figure out which school is the best fit. Doing an informational interview gives students a chance to ask any questions they may have about the school and could give them a more complete picture of what life on campus looks like.

Evaluative Interviews

Evaluative interviews are usually conducted by selective colleges and universities such as most Ivy League institutions, and can affect admission. During an evaluative interview, a write-up of the students’ responses will be added to their application materials.

Whether the interview is evaluative or informational, the following college interview tips apply.

Booking and Practicing

These days, many U.S. schools don’t require interviews in the admissions process. Some schools don’t do them at all. Students who are looking to participate in interviews should check with the schools they’re applying for and see which ones are willing to conduct interviews. This is the first step in the process.

After students have determined schools where they can interview, they will likely need to make an appointment. The most common time to interview is during the fall of one’s senior year, but sometimes a student will be able to interview as early as the summer before senior year or as late as February of senior year. This will vary among schools, so students will want to check with each school individually to see when they’re booking admissions interviews.

Applicants should start preparing as far in advance as possible and will probably want to practice with friends, family members, or even teachers. They should give themselves enough time to schedule these practice interviews and incorporate the feedback given in between each meeting. The amount of time needed to prepare will vary from student to student.

More About Preparing

It’s wise to go into an interview well prepared so you’re not caught off-guard by questions and can feel more relaxed and confident about the process. Here are some tips on how students can prepare for college interviews.

What to Take With You

Show up with just a pen and paper? Transcripts? Applicants don’t need to stress too much about this. Some schools provide students with a list of things to bring with them, and if they don’t, there are some commonly recommended items to take just in case:

•   Two copies of one’s resume

•   SAT/ACT scores

•   A list of AP classes the student will take in spring semester

•   A copy of the completed application

•   A notebook and a pen

•   Questions about the college to ask the interviewer

What Questions Will You Be Asked?

Another important piece of preparing for an interview is finding out what questions are commonly asked during college interviews. Once students find out what questions they can expect to be asked, they’ll be able to rehearse their answers, making the actual interview less intimidating.

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling , these are some college interview questions that students should be prepared to answer:

•   Tell us about yourself.

•   What are your favorite classes?

•   What extracurricular activities have you been involved in?

•   What special programs are you interested in?

•   Why are you considering our college?

The interviewer will be trying to get to know the prospective student and understand why he or she is interested in the school. If students had a challenging academic year as evidenced with grades on record, they should be ready to discuss that as well.

Questions may vary from one school to the next, but this list can help students get started and have a good idea of the types of questions they’ll be asked.

What Questions Should You Ask?

An interview does not involve questions coming from one side only; applicants will be expected to ask the interviewer questions as well. Showing up with questions ready to go will show the interviewer that the student has done research and is genuinely interested in attending the school.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling also recommends students ask questions during interviews. It includes the following:

•   What is the admissions process for the school?

•   Are there opportunities to participate in special programs like study abroad and first-year seminars?

•   What social options are available?

•   What are some of the school traditions?

•   Can you tell me about dorm life?

Students can ask questions about their prospective majors, campus life, class environments, and anything they’d like that will help bring them closer to deciding on the right college. They should have a list of their questions written down before the interview.

Rehearsing the Interview

The last step of preparing for an interview is to practice it with others. Interviews are like conversations, and there’s no way to predict exactly how it will go. Practicing with a variety of partners will help students feel more confident in their answers.

After practicing the interview, students should ask their partners for feedback. This will give them concrete ideas for what they need to practice more and where they can improve.

It can also be beneficial to schedule the interview for their top choice school last, if possible. This can give them time to interview at other schools first, providing more opportunities for practice and improvement.

Interviews can be stressful, so students can prepare by getting a good night’s sleep and talking to someone for guidance — essentially, employing strategies and habits that they probably used to get this far in the college application process.

Financing Your College Education

Getting into college is a feat in and of itself, but getting accepted is just one piece of the puzzle. If students don’t know how to finance college, they may struggle to attend the school of their choice.

Here are some key options so students can start their financial planning now.

Federal Aid

Every student should fill out the FAFSA®, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to determine eligibility for federal aid for school. Eligibility for undergraduates is usually based on the parents’ income. If students are eligible for aid, there are a couple of types they may receive.

Federal aid can come in the form of grants or loans. Grants don’t need to be repaid, whereas loans do. Federal loans usually come with benefits that private loans don’t, such as income-driven payments and lower fixed rates. It’s recommended that students take federal aid before turning to private loans.

Scholarships

Generally, there are lots of scholarships available to students. Scholarships can be need- or merit-based. The eligibility requirements vary for each scholarship. They can be given out by colleges, corporations, or local community organizations. Students should see what resources their school has available in terms of scholarships. Often schools have a scholarship office or information about scholarships at their financial aid office.

Private Loans

Private student loans are another way that students can help fund their college experience. Each lender will have its own set of terms, including the interest rate and repayment methods. Students should make sure to do thorough research on the institution’s terms before choosing to take out a private loan.

There are many ways to finance a college education. Students who start their research early will be better equipped to find the right financial plan for them.

The Takeaway

Some colleges may offer informational or evaluative interviews as part of the application process. For students who want to take advantage of this option, knowing what to expect and practicing can be important steps to being well prepared and confident.

Another key way to prepare for college is to research how best to afford the cost of attendance. Options include grants, scholarships, and federal and 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

What are the 5 P’s of an interview?

In terms of interviews, each of the 5 P’s stands for a facet of interview success. Specifically, these are: preparation, practice, presentation, positivity, and performance. Focusing on these areas can help a student be organized and confident.

What do colleges look for in an interview?

College interviews usually aim to get details on a candidate’s background, academic interests, extracurriculars, and reasons for wanting to attend the college. The interviewer may also ask questions about how you might contribute to the campus community.

How to prepare for a college interview?

To prepare for a college interview, spend time doing your research into the school, deciding how best to express your interest in the school, and practicing your interview skills with different trusted advisors. Also develop some questions to ask college interviewers.

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.

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