Dear Mr. Titan: Paying for College

by Mr. Titan · Published February 13, 2019 · Updated November 15, 2023

Dear Mr. Titan,

I can’t wait to go to college, but I’m just a little concerned about the cost. I don’t want that to be the thing that stops me from attending. How much will it cost me to get a degree? Is there anything that can help me pay for college?

Sincerely,
Financially Frustrated

Dear Financially Frustrated,

Trust me, I understand. Paying for college can feel like an extremely daunting task.

Luckily, Eastern Florida State College hasn’t raised tuition for the past seven* years, which makes us much more affordable than a lot of other colleges. Check out our current tuition page to learn more about resident and non-resident rates for each of our degree options.

Still not convinced? Don’t worry, we’re on your side. Let’s talk about resources that can help you pay for your degree. There are many different options — and you can even combine some of them!

Overall, “Financial Aid” is money provided to you to help you meet the cost of attending college. Sometimes there is a unique process in place to access these funds (such as going through the G.I. Bill, which provides educational benefits to active military, veterans and eligible dependents), but typically you apply for assistance through a school’s Financial Aid Office. To do so, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You don’t apply for a specific amount when you fill out the FAFSA, but good news! The amount you do qualify for can be used for tuition, fees, books and other college-related expenses.

The FAFSA is required to apply for any kind of Financial Aid including grants, loans, scholarships and work-study. Let’s break each of those options down:

Grants: A grant is money you receive from the state or Federal government to help you pay for college. It is need-based and does not have to be repaid. Learn more about applying for grants through EFSC.

Loans: A loan is money you borrow from the state or Federal government (or from a private lender) that does have to be repaid (with interest). Read more about the different types of loans here.

Scholarships: Scholarships are considered a gift, so you never have to repay them! We have many scholarships available here at EFSC, and our staff can also provide info about external scholarship opportunities. These are typically merit-based, so be sure to research which ones apply to you. High school senior? Don’t forget to look into Bright Futures Scholarships.

Work-Study: Work-Study is a Federal, need-based program that allows students to pay for tuition by taking part-time jobs on campus. At EFSC, there are many departments that offer work-study positions including Student Services, the Library and even Student Recruiting. The best part is that these jobs will always work around your schedule!

When it comes to making a decision about college, try not to let the cost get in your way. The staff at EFSC is here to help you. Even if you don’t think these options could work for you, come talk to us! I don’t really speak much, but the team in the Student Recruitment Office is amazing. They are always happy to answer your questions and walk you through anything related to Financial Aid.

Sincerely,
Mr. Titan

*As of the date of publication

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Mr. Titan

Mr. Titan is your favorite local mascot. You can find him at athletic games, EFSC events and spontaneously walking around campus interacting with students. He doesn't speak much, but he sure has some great advice to offer. Fun fact: When Mr. Titan prepares for a test, the professor stays up late studying!