Investing in You
Is it worth it?
An abundance of research suggests that securing a job that pays well and offers generous benefits largely depends on obtaining an education beyond high school.
Discovering how to pay for college can be difficult and confusing. Many worry about paying too much, being caught in a loophole, or being saddled with a large amount of debt.
The first step in the journey is to realize that college is an investment, and Colby Community College aims to help students from all economic backgrounds get the best return.
By offering academic programs that place students in high-demand industries, coupled with a knowledgeable financial aid staff, CCC graduates are able to manage their debt effectively. On average, CCC has one of the lower loan-default rates in the United States. This suggests that students are finding a sufficient means of income after graduating from Colby and can afford to repay their student loans. For example, CCC technical program graduates consistently rank near the top in earnings among peers from two-year public institutions in Kansas (Kansas Board of Regents).
College Financing Plan
The College Financing Plan, formerly known as the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet, is a standardized form developed by the U.S. Department of Education for prospective students to compare the estimated costs of colleges and the types and amounts of aid available. The example below contains an estimated College Financing Plan for a first-year on-campus student with maximum Pell Grant eligibility. The costs listed are subject to change, and aid is based upon the student meeting all eligibility requirements.
If you have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have completed the application process, you may log into Net Partner or contact the Financial Aid office for a personalized College Financing Plan. If you have not yet applied for federal aid, you may wish to use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the cost of attending Colby Community College.
Once you choose Colby Community College, start applying for scholarships. Contact our Financial Aid office, seek out federal aid, and then utilize private student loans to cover the cost of attendance.
Scholarships & Grants
Apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. The money you receive can be applied directly towards the cost of college, ultimately reducing out-of-pocket expenses and the amount you take out in student loans.
Where do you find scholarships? There are many places to look. You can visit your guidance office to find local scholarships, or search online.
Federal Student Loans
The next step in paying for college is securing as much federal aid as possible in the form of federal student loans. Federal loans are the most abundant type of student loan, and typically offer the best benefits and lowest interest rates.
Many recommend applying for the Stafford Loan first. The undergraduate Stafford loans offer reasonable interest rates, no application
fee, and no payments are required until six months after graduation. In order to be
approved for this loan, you must file a FAFSA, a Free Application for Federal Student
Aid. Find out more about filing a FAFSA on FAFSAonline.com. Another federal student loan option to consider is the PLUS loan. This loan is taken out in the parent or guardian's name and offers many great benefits,
allowing parents to borrow the entire cost of education at a low interest rate.
Private Student Loans (Not currently available at CCC)
If scholarships and federal financial aid fall short of providing sufficient college funds, the next step is to obtain a private student loan. Private student loans allow you to borrow from $500 up to the cost of education, and you do not need to complete the FAFSA. Some lenders will only offer private student loans for specific schools, and the terms and conditions of each loan may vary. Colby Community College does not endorse any specific lender or private loan product.
You can find and compare lenders on https://www.privatestudentloans.com/compare-lenders/. If you have questions, visit the financial aid forum at financialaidforum.com to discuss options with students and financial aid experts.
Student Employment
Federal workstudy funds originate from federal contributions and college funds. Jobs are limited,
and more students are eligible than can be paid a reasonable amount or placed in work
positions. Students must have financial need as measured by the FAFSA and Federal Methodology.
Colby also offers abundant job opportunities off-campus. Local newspapers, such as
the Colby Free Press and the Colby Workforce Center, may also be able to help.
Financial Aid Office
1255 S Range Ave
Colby KS 67701
financialaid@colbycc.edu
(785) 460-4679
(785) 460-4633
Scholarships
Colby Community College
1255 S Range Ave
Colby KS 67701
scholarships@colbycc.edu
(785) 460-4677