Using social media to figure out how to pay for college

Social media sites aren’t just a way to scope out your new roommate or make friends before setting on a college campus. Using these sites can also be a great way to navigate complicated aspects of the financial aid process.

Beyond 12 created a Facebook app called the Student Engagement Site to create dialogue between students and professionals about the college aid process. The app includes a financial planning worksheet for creating a budget, sample copies of financial aid appeal letters, and other financial literature. Check out the video below for more info:

The College Board also uses a Facebook application called “You Can Go” to attract first-generation college students. The app uses an interactive navigation system to explain why students should consider college and provides success stories of college graduates. Students can opt to post their “pledge” to attend college on Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn, allowing them to connect with other underserved students and become more engaged in the college process.

Social media can be a great way for parents and students to connect with financial aid professionals and other experts to learn how to prepare and pay for college. Make sure to check out this great article to learn more about how you can use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to better understand the financial aid process.

Don’t forget to like the CFG Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @cfgcollege to share your comments, questions, and concerns. We’ll share helpful articles, tips, and deadlines to keep it mind as you apply for financial aid and choose a college.