How Students at Central Michigan University Afford College

Story by: Brooke DuVall

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many students at CMU are finding creative ways to finance their education. With the combination of scholarships, loans, and campus resources, students go out of their way to make their dreams of graduating a reality.

For first-generation college students, these challenges can be even more daunting. Zayna Goode, a senior majoring in neuroscience and psychology, said the financial aid office helped her secure loans to cover the remaining costs of her education. Despite receiving scholarships and a Pell Grant, she found herself needing to rely on additional financial aid to pay for the rest of her tuition and fees.

“I had my scholarships already set up, and then the pell grant paid a good chunk, so I had a lot left over to pay for,” she said. “The financial aid office was crucial in helping me find loans to cover the rest.”

In addition to loans, Goode also benefited from several scholarships offered at CMU. She received a Merit Scholarship, the First-Generation Scholarship, and a tradition grant for being an upperclassman. She also participated in the McNair Scholars program, which provided her with research opportunities and a scholarship.

Allison Strnad, a junior majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, agreed with Goode in the importance of scholarships in helping cover her educational costs. However, she does not qualify for the Pell Grant, so she relied heavily on private loans, including those from Sallie Mae, with a high interest rate.

“It’s upsetting to have to take out loans with such a high interest rate, but that’s what I’ve had to use to pay for college,” Strnad said.

Both students have found that living on campus and securing additional funding through jobs and resources have been helpful in managing their expenses. Goode works as a Residential Assistant, which provides her with room and board coverage, as well as the opportunity to connect with other students from different backgrounds. 

“Being an RA has been so helpful financially,” Goode said. “Having room and board covered has been a huge benefit, and I’ve gotten the chance to build connections and gain leadership experience.”

Strnad also found that saving money on campus was crucial. She makes use of the food pantry, which offers free groceries to students in need. 

“The food pantry is a great resource,” she said. “They provide items like Cheez-Its and other name-brand foods that I actually enjoy. It’s so helpful when you’re trying to manage rent and student loan repayment.”

The food pantry is open to all CMU students on campus who are in need of additional help with food, hygiene products and more. 

Goode said she completed a year of dual enrollment in high school, saving an entire year’s worth of credits. She believes that first-generation students need to be proactive and think ahead about ways to reduce costs.

“Thinking ahead as an incoming student is key,” she said. “As a first-gen student, you often have to be one step ahead of everyone else because resources aren’t always readily available to us.”

Logan Weaks, freshman majoring in finance said he applied for multiple scholarships outside of CMU. 

“Dr. Pepper had a scholarship I applied for,” he said. There was also this duct tape, prom suit one I saw as well.” 

In addition to scholarships Weaks sees FASFA as a crucial resource for all college students. 

“I don’t think anybody can really afford college without FASFA” he said. “It’s really important that we do have that.” 

Students at CMU are determined to achieve their educational goals, and will go to great lengths to do so, whether that means taking out loans or applying for a Dr. Pepper Scholarship. Many resources can help students afford college, but receiving them might be difficult.