How Aid Works
Getting into Norman College can be a challenge. Figuring out how to pay for it shouldn't be. Norman College is more affordable than public universities for 100 percent of Americans, and international students receive exactly the same financial aid as American students.
We will work with you and your family individually to help you explore options and ensure that Norman College is an affordable option for your education.
Our financial aid staff will work closely with you and your family to determine your demonstrated need and your family's expected contribution. For many families, this represents between zero and 10 percent of family income. Because each person's circumstances are unique, it is difficult to summarize the many financial aid options and policies that exist. The simplest way to put it is this: we want Norman College to be accessible and affordable to everyone who enters, no matter what.
Ways to manage your money
There are many free online resources available to help students plan their budget, such as Which ? Budgeting websites for college students and the MoneySavingExpert Student Budget Planner. You can also find student-focused accounts on social media sites that offer tips and advice. However, you don't need to create a complicated spreadsheet to track your finances if that doesn't work for you. Below are some simple ideas to plan your budget effectively.
1. List your quarterly or monthly income. This should include any government or Norman College funding you receive, plus any other income you can expect from family support, savings or paid holiday work.
2. Deduct any large one-off payments for the semester or month, such as course fees or rent, plus any other regular expenses, such as monthly mobile phone direct debits.
3. If you're budgeting quarterly, set aside some funds for vacations whenever possible. If you are returning home, you may need to budget for transportation costs, and if you are staying at Norman College, you will need to plan for additional living costs or rent.
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​ 4. Calculate how much money will be left after the above deductions and, ideally, set aside a little more in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. You will then be left with your spending money and can calculate a weekly amount by dividing this figure by the number of weeks until your next finance payment is expected.
5. Consider transferring unspent funds to a separate account from time to time to avoid spending this money unnecessarily. Many banking apps now offer the option to put your money into different 'pots', which can be a useful way to define how much you have available to spend on different costs or save some money for future use.
6. Keep an eye on your finances and spending habits to avoid overspending. Here are some tips to consider:
Downloading a banking app or checking your bank balance online before making an online purchase are good ways to regularly check your available money; Or, if you withdraw money from an ATM, get into the habit of checking your balance first, so you know how much you have available before deciding how much to request; Saving your debit or credit card information in your web browser can make spending money online very easy, so you might consider not automatically saving these details when given the option. Having to pause to enter your card information every time you spend will give you additional time to consider whether a purchase is truly necessary.
Try not to make impulse purchases based on specific ads online or on social media. Wait until the next day and see if the item still seems essential before purchasing; Be wary of buy now, pay later options. If you can't pay for an item now, consider whether you'll be able to pay for it before the due date or whether you would buy it if paying later wasn't an option. If you decide to use buy now, pay later, update your budget to include refunds and avoid late fees. Consider reducing your spending on non-essential items, such as buying gifts, as well as reviewing your essential expenses. Some changes to your weekly spending, such as buying store-brand items from the supermarket or switching to a cheaper supermarket, can make your money go further.