Paying for College: Insights from OBC’s Lead Financial Services Administrator

Paying for college can feel like a lot—confusing, stressful, and maybe even a little overwhelming. But it really doesn’t have to be!
At Ohio Business College, our Financial Aid Team believes that figuring out how to pay for school should be simple and doable. No headaches required.
That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From understanding your financial aid eligibility to actually putting a plan together, we’ve got your back.
OBC’s Regional Financial Aid Director has addressed some of the most common questions about financial aid. Check out what she had to say—you might be surprised how smooth the process can be.
- How does OBC help students navigate financial aid and paying for college?
Our Financial Aid Team meets with every student one-on-one to make the financial side of college easier to understand. The Financial Aid Administration will help guide you through completion of the FAFSA, walk you through your funding options, and clearly explain what it costs to attend Ohio Business College—and how tuition and fees can be covered.
As you get closer to graduation, our Financial Aid team will check in with you to complete Exit Counseling and help you plan your next steps. We’ll walk you through your student loan repayment options (if they apply to you), explain the benefits of staying on track with payments, show you exactly what you owe, and guide you through the repayment process so you feel confident moving forward
- Where can prospective and current OBC students go to find and apply for scholarships and grants?
The FAFSA is always the first step—and we’ll be right there to help you guide through completion. Based on your Student Aid Index, you may be eligible for federal financial aid like Pell Grants and/or Direct Student Loans.
Want to find even more opportunities to cover your Tuition and Fees? Check out sites like Fastweb.com, Scholarships.com, Careeronestop.org, and https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/. They’re full of scholarship opportunities—perfect for students willing to put in a little effort to cut down on costs.
- What additional information can you share with prospective and current OBC students about how to go about receiving scholarship money?
Most students are glad to learn they can afford school with traditional financial aid like grants and loans. Scholarships can also help, but they often take extra time and paperwork—which can be tough when you’re balancing work, family, and classes.
Still, scholarships are worth it. They’re free money (no repayment!) and come in all kinds—based on grades, talents, financial need, or even your background or field of study. Some cover big costs, others offer smaller amounts, but every bit helps.
There are thousands of scholarships out there from employers, organizations, and community groups. Just be sure they’re legitimate—you should never have to pay to apply.
Start your search with trusted sources like your financial aid office, school counselors, government websites, or scholarship search sites. Pay attention to deadlines, follow directions carefully, and apply to as many as you can.
If you receive a scholarship, let your financial aid office know. Funds may go directly to your school or to you, depending on the award—but either way, it helps lower your overall cost.
- Are there specific scholarships and grants that are only for career school students like OBC?
Absolutely! Please visit https://obc.edu/consumer-information/ then click on Institutional and Financial Assistance Information for Students.
Have more questions about paying for college? Visit Ohio Business College’s financial aid page and find additional information about the cost of attendance and why you can afford a degree from OBC.
