02-05-2026
The first look at your college expenses can be daunting. It's easy to feel unsure of how you’ll cover the breakdown: tuition, housing, textbooks and other living expenses. Financing your degree doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re willing to invest the time, advocate for yourself and use the resources available, college is more affordable than you might expect, and good news, 75% of undergraduates don’t take out loans. Approach the process with a resource-rich mindset: you have the FAFSA. Your guidance counselor can help you research scholarships. And, the Financial Aid Department at your school exists to help.
Ready to start? Here are some tips from the Mitch Daniels School of Business.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the foundation of most financial aid packages. It must be completed annually to receive grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and even some scholarships. While the FAFSA has a reputation for being intimidating, recent updates have made the application more straightforward and user-friendly. Though the FAFSA isn’t a “one-and-done” form, it can help you should your family situation change. Note that some scholarships require a current FAFSA on file for renewal or eligibility.
Admissions advisors recommend students and parents/guardians set aside dedicated time to complete FAFSA. Not only do parents need to enter household information, but walking through it together helps avoid errors and reduces stress. Don’t leave money on the table by not filling it out annually.
Pay attention to the deadlines. While the federal government deadline is in June prior to the school year, states have alternate deadlines. The sooner you fill it out, the more funding you may be eligible to receive.
One of the most overlooked opportunities in the scholarship process is applying for smaller awards that require essays. Many students skip these because the dollar amounts seem low or the prompts feel tedious. In reality, these scholarships are often less competitive simply because fewer students apply. Start by talking to your guidance counselor, who will know the best local opportunities and can help you decide which scholarships are reliable and credible.
$500 or $1,000 scholarships can add up quickly, and they can make a real difference. Students who are willing to invest time in writing essays often see strong results. The key takeaway is that the more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to receive funding. You won’t win every scholarship, but you won’t win any if you don’t apply.
Daniels School of Business students are automatically considered for Daniels School-specific scholarships as long as they apply by Purdue’s November 1 Early Action deadline. There is no separate scholarship application required for these awards.
In addition, students should explore Scholarship Universe, which is accessible through the application portal. This platform matches students with external scholarships nationwide based on their profile. Many students don’t realize this tool exists, but it can open the door to funding opportunities beyond Purdue.
If your financial aid offer doesn’t reflect your family’s current financial situation, speak up. Start a conversation about what you can afford as soon as you receive your package. The earlier you advocate for what you need, the more options may be available. Asking questions is not a weakness; it’s an essential part of navigating college affordability.
The best place to start is Purdue’s Division of Financial Aid (DFA). Their team can help with FAFSA issues, merit scholarships and financial aid awards. For questions specific to the Daniels School of Business, including Daniels School-specific scholarships, students are encouraged to reach out directly to the Director of Undergraduate Student Recruitment, Quinci Miller. Having the right contact can save time and ensure your questions are answered accurately.
Feeling overwhelmed by financial aid is normal. This is an exciting season of life, but it’s also a big, huge step into adulthood. As with all of life, it’s a process, not a single decision. Students who stay organized, meet deadlines, ask questions and apply broadly for scholarships put themselves in the strongest position for success. At the Mitch Daniels School of Business, staff will connect you with the tools and opportunities to help; you just have to take the first step.
Tip: Legitimate scholarships, grants and funding sources do not require you to pay to apply.
