Below you will find some of the most common components utilized by Gettysburg parents in financing a Gettysburg education. There are many financial options which parents can incorporate into financing their contribution to college costs. We encourage you to review these options in the context of what will work best for your family and financial circumstances.
Things to Remember
- You can adjust your financing options each year.
- If there are significant changes in your family's financial circumstances (i.e. loss of job), we encourage you to contact us.
Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan
One of the financial tools most utilized by Gettysburg families, our payment plan distributes your out-of-pocket cost.
Absolutely interest-free, and everyone qualifies. For a low enrollment fee of $35 per semester, you can turn education costs into affordable monthly payments.
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.
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When a student is ready for college, the money accumulated in a 529 Plan account can be withdrawn to pay for qualified higher education expenses at Gettysburg College.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.
Private College 529 Plan
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 parent or step-parent may borrow through the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, 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: 9.083% (fixed) as of July 1, 2024
- Origination Fee: 4.228% (may change after October 1, 2024)
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
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 institution for current interest rates and information.
Outside Scholarships
Gettysburg students typically receive over $1.4 million in outside scholarships from their high school community, local and national organizations, or based upon their activities and interests.
High school students should check with their guidance office. To assist in the search for scholarship opportunities, Gettysburg College encourages students to visit the following free websites.
If a scholarship looks “too good to be true” or requests a fee to process the application, it may be a scam. Contact your high school guidance office or the Office of Financial Aid with questions.
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. Please contact your Financial Aid Counselor for more information.