What should you do if you cannot afford tuition or school supplies?

Struggling to pay for tuition or basic school supplies is more common than many people realize, and there are concrete steps you can take. The key is to act early, ask directly, and use the systems designed to help students in exactly this situation.

Start with your school

Your first call should be to your school's financial aid office (for college) or your school counselor and front office (for K-12). Explain your situation plainly. Schools have discretionary funds, emergency grants, payment plans, and fee waivers that are not always advertised. For K-12 families, ask specifically about fee waivers for activities, testing, and supplies, and whether the school has a supply closet or a partnership with a local charity.

For college and trade school

1. Complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to federal grants, work-study, and federal student loans. It is free to file at studentaid.gov. Many states and schools also use it for their own aid.
2. Ask about emergency aid. Many colleges have emergency funds for students facing sudden hardship. Ask the dean of students office or financial aid office.
3. Request a professional judgment review. If your family's income has dropped since you filed, financial aid offices can sometimes adjust your aid package. Ask for a special circumstances or professional judgment review.
4. Apply for scholarships. Use your school's scholarship portal and reputable databases. Small local scholarships often have less competition.
5. Consider work-study or part-time work. Work-study is a federal program that places students in jobs, often on campus, that accommodate class schedules.
6. Explore payment plans. Most colleges offer monthly payment plans that spread tuition over the term without interest, though fees may apply.

For school supplies

• Ask your teacher or school office if they have extra supplies or can connect you with a supply assistance program.
• Check community organizations, libraries, churches, and local nonprofits that run school supply drives, especially before the school year starts.
• Look for free or low-cost digital alternatives: open educational resources, library textbooks on reserve, and free online tools.
• Buy used textbooks, rent them, or use earlier editions when your instructor confirms it is acceptable.

What NOT to do

• Do not ignore the problem and hope it resolves itself. Unpaid balances can block enrollment, transcripts, or graduation.
• Do not take on high-interest private loans or payday loans without understanding the full cost and repayment terms.
• Do not pay for FAFSA help. Filing is free, and paid services are unnecessary.
• Do not assume you are ineligible for aid. Many students who could receive aid never apply.

When to seek extra help

If you are at risk of dropping out, losing housing, or going hungry, contact your school's basic needs center, a counselor, or a local social services agency. These are signs that you need broader support, not just tuition help.

Take one action today: call or email your school's financial aid office or counselor and explain your situation. Ask what options exist. You do not have to solve this alone.