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Furthering your education comes with immense sacrifices. You will devote your time, and most importantly finances, to pursue your future career. With the rising cost of college degrees, we know that finding the means to pay for college are not always feasible. Christy Garrett-Jones, director of financial aid at Baptist Health College Little Rock, has five tips to help you pay for college. 

1. Fill out your FAFSA. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application students fill out to receive government financial aid. This application determines your eligibility to receive grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans. Delegate one hour to fill it out and make sure you have your Federal Student Aid ID, Social Security number and income and asset information readily accessible. 

“Completing your FAFSA is the first step to helping us determine what aid you’re eligible for,” Garrett-Jones said. “Even if you think you or your parents make too much money for you to receive a Pell grant, I encourage you to complete the FAFSA. A completed FAFSA is often times an eligibility requirement for state and institutional grants and scholarships”

Make sure you add Baptist Health College Little Rock’s (BHCLR) school code – 031052 – to your FAFSA.

2. Apply for state aid. 

For students in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) website at sams.adhe.com. State aid includes the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, Military Dependents Scholarship and the Arkansas Future Grant. 

Did you know that our Patient Care Technician, Practical Nursing, Traditional Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography and Surgical Technology programs are all eligible for the Arkansas Future Grant? This state grant is specifically for students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering and math. Students can use this grant to get their tuition and fees paid for at BHCLR. 

“The Arkansas Future Grant is great for students who plan to stay in Arkansas after graduation,” Garrett-Jones said. “This grant will pay in full tuition and mandatory fees. Our office works closely with the ADHE to get all eligible BHCLR students awarded. For Fall 2024, we awarded over $395,000 in Arkansas Future Grant funds to 87 BHCLR students.” 

3. Apply for scholarships at your school. 

Research scholarships specific to students enrolled at your school. These could be in the Financial Aid Office or within specific departments or programs. At BHCLR, we have two scholarships specifically for BHCLR students – the BHCLR Academic Scholarship and Baptist Health Foundation Scholarship. 

The BHCLR Academic Scholarship is for entering students with a minimum ACT composite score of 24, or Nursing and Practical Nursing students with a minimum TEAS composite score of 74. These scholarships are awarded upon acceptance into a BHCLR program and are awarded for one semester only. Scholarship awards vary and are based on availability of funds.

BHCLR is grateful to the donors who generously contribute to the endowed scholarships through Baptist Health Foundation. Foundation scholarships are awarded each fall and spring semester. Awards vary based on eligibility, criteria and availability of funds. The online scholarship application opens on the BHCLR Financial Aid website prior to the fall and spring semesters. Visit our website bhclr.edu for more information. 

4. Apply for outside private scholarships.

There are several websites, not affiliated with BHCLR, where students can search for private scholarship opportunities. These scholarships will vary in award amounts, criteria, deadlines, etc., but can be worth the student’s time and effort. Careeronestop and fastweb are just a couple of those sites. For additional private scholarship resources, contact the Financial Aid Office at (501) 202-7486.

“I’ve seen a student get a $7,500 outside private scholarship, that was renewable as long as they kept a 2.50 GPA. That’s enough to pay the tuition for a semester at BHCLR,” Garrett-Jones recalled. “Searching for outside private scholarships can be time consuming, but it can definitely pay off in the end if you’re willing to put in the work.”

5. Seek part-time employment.

Working part-time while in school can help cover personal expenses and reduce the need for loans. Look for flexible jobs that accommodate your academic schedule, such as an PRN position at a hospital, retail or food service. 

“With the high costs of education, I understand that many students work and carry a full-time course load, oftentimes while also raising a family,” Garrett-Jones said. “Sometimes that can be overwhelming, and when it is, I want our students to feel comfortable talking to us so we can see what other options might be available. Loans aren’t always ideal, but they are an option, and they’re something my staff and I can discuss with students so they can make informed decisions on.” 

Take advantage of every opportunity to get your tuition and fees paid for so you can focus on pursuing your life-changing career. To learn more about financial aid opportunities or to ask questions, contact Garrett-Jones at christy.garrett-jones@baptist-health.org.