5 Creative Ways for Students to Get Free Money

College is expensive, but students don't have to foot the entire bill themselves.

With a little effort, there are many ways for students to get free money to help pay for their education. This financial assistance can come from a variety of sources if you know where to look.

The most well-known option is to apply for scholarships.

Thousands are offered each year by schools, employers, nonprofits, and other organizations. Scholarships are essentially gifts that don't need to be repaid. All it takes is time and effort to search for ones you're eligible for and submit strong applications.

Scholarship search sites can match you to opportunities for free money for college based on your skills and interests.

Submitting the FAFSA is also key to accessing grants from the government.

The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants that are awarded based on financial need.

The Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant are two options students should look into. Some states and colleges also use FAFSA data to distribute their own need-based grants.

If you have academic, athletic, artistic, or leadership talents, inform the financial aid office at schools you’re applying to. Many colleges offer merit scholarships and grants for students they especially want to attract. These are essentially awards for your abilities and achievements.

For quick cash, entering contests and sweepstakes could pay off.

You can find plenty online that award prize money you could use for school. Sites like PrizeGrab let you enter daily contests easily. Sure it takes some luck, but you've got to be in it to win it.

Finally, investigate work study programs on campus.

These provide part-time jobs for students with financial need. You earn a paycheck for the hours you work, gain valuable experience, and reduce your student loan burden. It's a win-win for your time and your wallet. 

With a proactive approach, students can find numerous ways to score free money for college. Grants, scholarships, contests, work programs and more offer opportunities if you're willing to seek them out.

Get creative with your search and take advantage of any chances to get your education funded. The savings will add up, making your degree more affordable.