Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan

One of the financial tools most utilized by Gettysburg families, our payment plan distributes your out-of-pocket cost over either 10 or 12 months. 

Absolutely interest-free, and everyone qualifies. For the low cost of a one-time fee you can turn education costs into affordable monthly payments.

529 College Savings Plans

When a student is ready for college, the money accumulated in a 529 Plan account can be withdrawn to pay for qualified higher education expenses at Gettysburg College.

Many families chose to use a portion of their child's 529 Plan savings annually as part of the family contribution.

Student Employment

Nearly 45% of Gettysburg students have a job on campus, typically 5-10 hours per week. In addition to gaining professional experience, students can use their bi-weekly earnings to pay for daily expenses.
Students do not need to receive financial aid to work on campus.

Alternative Education Student Loans

Alternative Loans (sometimes referred to as private loans) are available through various lending institutions and are not guaranteed by the federal government. Eligibility is based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and/or co-signer. 

Interest rates, fees, repayment periods, etc. can vary by lender and loan program. For more information, enter "alternative education loans" into a web search engine.

Prepayment Options

Gettysburg College offers a prepayment plan through which families can prepay for four year's tuition at the current tuition rate of the student's entering year. Contact Student Accounts for more information. 

Gettysburg College is also a participant in the Private College 529 Plan. This Plan allows you to prepay for tuition today and use it later at more than 270 participating colleges and universities. Accounts must be held for a minimum of 36 months before they can be redeemed for tuition.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

A popular option, a parent or step-parent may borrow through this government sponsored loan program administered by Gettysburg's Office of Financial Aid.

The parent-borrower must be "credit worthy" and a credit check will be conducted. Deferment of principal payment is available.

• Repayment Period: 10 years
• Interest Rate: 7.9% *
• Origination Fee: 4% *

       * for the 2012-13 academic year

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a form of credit for which your home is pledged as collateral. Generally, home equity loans offer a fixed interest rate and a fixed monthly payment and are paid off over an extended period of time.

Contact your local bank or financial insitution for current interest rates and information. 

Outside Scholarships

In 2012, Gettysburg students recieved over $1.3 million in outside scholarships from their high school community, local and national organziations, or based upon their activities and interests.

High school students should check with their guidance office. We also recommend that students search on Fastweb, a scholarship search tool.  

Financing College in the News

• Get Smart About College (Wall Street Journal, 9/19/2011)
• Kindergarten to College: Financial Planning for Every Step (Fox Business.com, 8/26/2011)
• 7 Pitfalls to Avoid When Paying for College (Kiplinger's Personal Finance, 9/3/12)

Changes in Family Circumstances

If family financial circumstances change at any time during a student's enrollment at Gettysburg, the Office of Financial Aid is available to help students and their families.

We will work with you to locate funding sources and understand additional options which may be available.