Myth #1: I Just Don’t Have the Money for College Right Now
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Welcome to Myth #1 in our “5 Myths About Going to College” series.
It’s easy to feel like college is out of reach because of money. Maybe you’re working full time, supporting a family, or just trying to get by—and the idea of adding tuition on top of everything else feels impossible. But at Green River College, we believe no one should miss out on an education because of cost. That’s why we offer real, practical ways to help you pay for college—many that don’t require taking on debt. You’ve got goals. We’ll help you get there without breaking your budget.
A Conversation with Slater the Gator
Greg: Hey Slater, things aren’t going as well as I’d hoped. It’s already tough keeping up financially.Between my enormous rent and crazy inflation, what I make is barely cutting it. I don’t see how I can pay for college-even with financial aid.
Slater: That’s a very common situation. Did you know that Green River is far more affordable than a university?Lower tuition, numerous scholarships, and a wide range of funding options can make getting an education possible in even the toughest financial situations.
Greg: Ok, you have my attention. What kinds of funding are we talking about exactly?
Slater: Well, let’s break it down!
About the 5 Myths
Community college isn't second rate - it's a smart choice!
This series clears up common myths about community college...so you can decide what's right for you with confidence.
Ready for the Next Step?
Send Us a Question Take a Campus Tour Explore Areas of InterestDebt Free Money
To start with, Green River College offers or helps you connect with ways to pay for college that are more than just Pell Grants and student loan debt. Take a look at some of the different ways to get debt free money:
Scholarships and Grants
There are many scholarships available from the GRC Foundation and other sources. Even one of these could provide a significant part of your college fund. Each one has academic merit-based requirements and don’t need to be paid back.
GRC hosts or supports several programs offering funds from grants directly to students. These are often need-based and don’t need to be repaid.
Other Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
Scholarships:
- 400 Foundation scholarship awards available. Averaging $2000 per award
- Phi Theta Kappa scholarships (there are several)
- MyCAA Scholarship for veterans and spouses
- Washington College Bound Scholarship
- Automatically applies if you qualify when you fill out a FASFA application
- GRC’s Forestry and Cybersecurity programs have scholarships specifically for their students
Funding from Grants:
- Workforce Education
- Funding from Workforce Education Opportunity Grant
- Workfirst (through WFE)
- Worker Retraining funding
- Basic Food Employment Training
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- For students with exceptional financial need
- GRC’s Financial Aid department can help you apply
Cost Reduction
One of the great benefits of community college is that paying for it is a vastly different burden than other college. Even if your grand plan is to attend a university, starting out at community college can save you a lot of money and take years off of your debt burden.
Compare GRC Costs
The value of GRC: Simply choosing Green River College is the smartest way of investing your time and funds.
Text only version of the above infographic: First infographic: Used 2014 Chrysler Town & Country Touring, 94,119 miles, $9,888, Estimated $169 per month, Honda of Puyallup. Second infographic: Start here at less than half the cost per year, compared to starting at a university. Or stay here and earn a bachelor's degree and have money left over to celebrate! Cost per academic year: GRC $4,878, EWU $8,345, WSU $12,996, UW $13,093.
Filling in the Gaps
Help connect with other funding: GRC has many people on staff that can help you identify and apply for other sources of financial support outside of the College.
- Veterans Services can help you navigate the wide variety of G.I. Bill funding
- The United Way at GRC can help you navigate a wide variety of help through the Benefits Hub
- Financial education and planning
- Food access
- Housing
- FAFSA/WASFA coaching
- Utility bills
- Public transportation discounts
- Health care resource support
- Free tax preparation
- Indigenous Student Success and Resources
- Tribal scholarship & funding: assistance and guidance support
Student Employment: GRC’s student employment program can offset debt and give you resume-boosting work experience in a study-friendly environment.
- On-campus and some work-from-home positions available
- Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
Ask Financial Aid a Question: finaid@greenriver.edu
The Green River College Promise:
We commit to be an anti-racist institution where all students, faculty, and staff receive the access, resources, and services needed to achieve their educational, career, and personal goals. Green River College makes social and economic justice, equity, and inclusion our highest priorities.
The Green River College definition of equity encompasses all identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, economic status, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religion/spirituality, immigration status, age, and culture. We understand individual needs vary widely, and the effects of discrimination and historical oppression must be taken into account while aiming for equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.
Let this be a call to action to all members of the Green River College Community: everyone must contribute to this on-going effort to achieve equity for all.