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The Inside Scoop - Funding Your Education at Thiel: A Quick Guide

In addition to my own experiences, I’ve had the chance to speak with many students about how they financed their time at Thiel. Today, I’d like to share some essential tips to help you navigate the financial aspects of obtaining your degree.

Make a Plan

One common thread among every student I've talked to is the importance of planning. Start as early as possible, be as innovative as you can (I’ll share easy ways to do that—keep reading), and use every resource available to cover college expenses.

First and foremost, determine how much money you really need. Begin by looking at your chosen college’s cost of attendance page.

Next, have those critical conversations. Do you have family members who can support you financially? Has anyone been saving for your education? Can they start saving now? And what about you—can you contribute?

Understanding the answers to these questions is the first step to developing your financial plan.

Explore Local Scholarships

Many students I’ve spoken to begin their funding journey with local scholarships. While national scholarships with large payouts can be appealing, the competition is fierce. Instead, focus on local opportunities. Organizations like your local Rotary Club, charities, and other community foundations often have scholarships available.

Zoom in: Are there local businesses connected to your intended major? Don’t hesitate to ask your school counselors, teachers, parents, or friends’ parents for leads.

Several students have successfully secured funding through these avenues, often covering their costs completely or significantly reducing their expenses. For more insights, Thiel’s Financial Aid Office can talk to you about recent graduates like Emily, whose Thiel journey included a debt-free degree from Thiel. Others, like Pittsburgh native Marcus, have benefitted from Thiel’s robust scholarship program.

Submit Financial Aid Applications Annually

I won’t dwell on this too long, since I’ve covered it in detail in a previous blog post, but submitting your financial aid applications is crucial. As a rural, first-generation student, Ryan said, “Financial Aid wants to work with you. To get the best package, they need to know your financial situation.” These applications are key to unlocking eligibility for loans, grants, and scholarships.

For students like Marcelle, financial aid made attending Thiel a reality, especially when he found that it ultimately offered the lowest overall costs despite competitive offers from other schools.

Consider Internships

As you accumulate knowledge, internships can help cover costs while also enhancing your resume. You might pursue these during the summer or for a full semester, either alongside classes or independently, with varying time commitments.

Coming Full Circle: Planning

In summary, you have a range of options available. Start searching for scholarships now and explore opportunities that can provide additional support.

If you need loans, estimate how much you’ll truly require—you may not need to take the maximum offered, which can save you money in the long run.

I know this process can feel overwhelming but remember that you have a supportive community behind you, whether it’s family, your school, or your hometown, cheering you on as you pursue your goals. If you’re eager for more guidance on applying for financial aid, I highly recommend contacting the Thiel College Financial Aid Office at finaid@thiel.edu or 724-589-2116.

So, until next time, get out there and start planning!

Go Tomcats!

Libbi

P.S. For the 2026–27 cycle, the FAFSA is scheduled to open Oct. 1, 2025; always check studentaid.gov for the current year’s date.