15 Best Housing Programs For College Students 2023
Housing programs for college students are initiatives designed to provide affordable and convenient housing options specifically tailored to meet the needs of students pursuing higher education. These programs aim to alleviate the financial burden of housing expenses, create a supportive living environment, and enhance the overall college experience.
One of the major problems facing college students is the cost of housing. Housing is expensive and contributes to one of the heaviest costs for college students, especially those situated in urban areas. Although some students get financial aid from the federal government, there are several housing programs college students can take advantage of.
These housing programs are designed to meet the housing needs of college students. It comes with furnished units and leases tied to the academic calendar.
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In this article, we will look at the 15 best housing programs for college students in 2023 and how to apply for them.
What Is Student Housing Program?
Student Housing is a subset of residential real estate, situated in college areas specifically for college students.
These housing programs come with amenities and features tailored to the needs of college students, such as study areas, furnished units, individual leases, and roommate matching. A major feature of this student housing program is that students can be employed as community assistants to support their fellow student residents.
Here are some common housing programs for college students:
- On-Campus Residence Halls/Dormitories: Most colleges and universities offer on-campus housing options in the form of residence halls or dormitories. These buildings typically provide furnished rooms shared by students, common areas, study spaces, and amenities such as laundry facilities and recreational areas. On-campus housing offers proximity to classes, campus resources, and a vibrant community of fellow students.
- Off-Campus University-Managed Housing: Some universities extend their housing programs beyond on-campus options by managing off-campus properties specifically designated for student living. These university-managed housing facilities often provide a similar experience to on-campus residences, with the added benefit of increased independence and privacy.
- Cooperative Housing: Cooperative housing, commonly known as co-ops, involves students sharing responsibilities and decision-making for a communal living arrangement. In a student co-op, residents collectively manage the property, including tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance. This arrangement often results in reduced housing costs and fosters a strong sense of community.
- Student Apartments/Student Housing Communities: Student apartments or housing communities are privately owned complexes designed to cater specifically to the needs of college students. These apartment complexes offer individual rooms or shared apartments and typically include amenities like study rooms, fitness centers, and social spaces. They provide an environment that balances academic and social aspects of college life.
- International Student Housing: Many colleges and universities offer specialized housing programs for international students. These programs provide accommodation options that cater to the unique needs of students from different countries, including assistance with cultural adjustment, language support, and opportunities for cross-cultural interaction.
- Housing Scholarships and Grants: Some institutions and organizations provide housing scholarships or grants to help alleviate the financial burden of housing expenses for college students. These scholarships can cover a portion or the entirety of the housing costs, making it more affordable for students to pursue their education without the added stress of high housing expenses.
- Homestay Programs: Homestay programs match college students with local host families who provide a room and meals in their homes. This option allows students to experience a different culture, improve language skills, and receive support from a family-like environment. Homestay programs are particularly popular for international students studying abroad.
What are the Ways College Students Can Apply For Housing Programs?
Below are a few ways college students can apply for housing programs.
1. Section 8 or 42 Housing Assistance
Section 8 or Section 42 housing assistance programs are sponsored by the government to eligible college students. To be eligible, Section 8 states that your income requirements should be between 30% to 50% range of the average median income. Section 42 states that your income must fall between 30% and 60% of the county’s average median income.
So you need to go through the public housing agency closest to your college to apply for this assistant program.
2. Catholic Charities Rental Assistance Programs
The fantastic part of this option is that you don’t have to be Catholic to apply for
Catholic Charities’ rental assistance programs.
Some branches of the church charities offer one-time assistance to students at risk of being homeless.
3. Federal Or State Grants
If you attend a university or college within your state, you might be eligible for a state grant. For example, New Jersey offers Educational Opportunity Fund for in-state college students that are economically or educationally disadvantaged. This fund can be used for settling educational bills, such as housing, feeding, books, and other college fees.
Also, there are federal grants that college students can take advantage of you. For instance, students who undergo teaching programs are eligible for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
4. Gradient Gives Back Foundation
Students and Families having financial issues paying their rent can apply for assistance from the Gradient Give Back Foundation.
The foundation helps to make lease payments and mortgages on behalf of its recipients. The foundation is situated in Minnesota, but you can apply to it as long from anywhere college you are in the United States.
5. Make a Wish on Net Wish
College students having housing problems can make a wish on Net Wish. Wishes can be assistance with rent or security deposits. Net Wish grants that do not exceed $200. So you can get the money and use it to sort out your financial issues.
15 Best Housing Programs Available For College Students
Here are the 15 best housing programs for college students to take advantage of.
1. National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
NAEHCY is an agency that aims at eliminating obstacles faced by homeless students while pursuing their higher education.
The mission of NAECHCY is to enhance equity for students experiencing housing instability or homelessness or housing instability. It has a scholarship fund that helps aids students who want to pursue college degrees.
2. National Center for Homeless Education
The NCHE is a public assistantship program based at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It collaborates with schools, parents, and service providers to proffer aid to homeless students to access education and all the resources they need to succeed.
NCHE also provides information on programs, resources, and ongoing legislation relevant to local, state, and national needs.
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD is a national governmental department that partners with communities nationwide to proffer assistance to homeless youth and adult populations. Additionally, HUD provides resources to aid the partnership of homeless service providers and educational systems.
4. FAFSA Awards
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open to all college students. It refers to a form interested college students complete when they want to receive loans, grants, or work-study funding from the federal government.
The application process is completely simple and easy. These FAFSA funds can be critical for a college student as they can help you settle your final cost of housing and help you from not accumulating high student debt.
Through FAFSA, your have access to several grants, such as:
- Pell Grants (up to $6,195)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (up to $4,000)
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (up to $4,000)
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (up to $5,920)
The beauty of these is that all these grants are for housing. However completing the form as a homeless student, living in foster care, or any special circumstance might not be easy, but it is worth it.
5. Resident Life Offices
Due to the increased homelessness issue, more colleges are beginning to provide resources to aid homeless students. For example, Kennesaw State University’s Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment Services (CARES) offer housing resources such as:
- Temporary housing
- Year-round housing
- A campus pantry stocked with toiletries and food
- One-to-one case management support
- Temporary work assignments
Also, this includes scholarships to assist students who are dealing with housing insecurity or have experienced homelessness.
6. State Awards
The state of residence offers additional grants and scholarships for eligible college students. For instance, you can apply for Cal Grants in California when you submit you’re FAFSA.
This Cal grant is specifically for high school seniors enrolled in a California
University.
Visit your school’s financial aid department to find out the available state grants and eligibility.
7. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
USICH is a national council that directs the US federal government’s response to homelessness. They are focused on preventing homelessness among youth under the age of 25.
8. Homes for Students of Higher Education
Homes for Students of Higher Education aims at providing shelter, care packages, and educational materials to homeless students to enhance their educational pursuits and make them aware of the resources available in their communities.
9. CTLaw Help
CTLaw Help is one of the best housing programs for college students that constitute a network of legal professionals dedicated to providing free legal assistance to low-income citizens of Connecticut.
10. Sublet.com
Sublet.com is a housing search engine that allows college students in the US to find and access affordable housing while pursuing their college degrees.
11. Emergency Housing
If you are on the verge of being homeless or a drop out due to financial issues, you can reach out to emergency housing services for help. For instance, United Way 211 offers resources if you are experiencing emergencies related to housing.
Catholic Charities, which is the fifth-largest charity in the United States, offer one-time emergency housing assistance that you can use to pay rent
12. Institutional Awards
Some institutions offer grants and scholarships to cover your college needs, including housing. For instance, Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, provides grants of up to $4,000, specifically for students in need to settle housing needs.
Check your institutional financial aid department to know about the available opportunities and their eligibility.
13. Academic Competitiveness Grants
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a merit-based platform that accommodates first and second-year college students who have maintained excellent academic records in their high school and college.
14. Youngstown State University Housing Grants
This is one of the best housing platforms for college students, specifically those pursuing their degree at Youngtown State University. You can take advantage of this institution grant as long as you are ready to live in the university apartments or courtyard housing.
15. LIM College Housing Grants
The LIM College Housing Grant is designed for students of business and fashion at LIM College in New York. The institution offers a housing grant p to $1500 each year.
How to Apply For Housing Grant/Financial Aid
Generally, students who are homeless and on the verge of being homeless are eligible for student aid. So to apply for a housing grant, students are usually asked about their living status on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must first apply for FAFSA.
How to Apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Housing Assistance for College Students
- Visit FAFSA.gov
- Fill out the application form. Go to the “special circumstances” category if you identify as homeless.
- Answer the two questions carefully and accurately
- Your request will be reviewed by a FAFSA representative. You will be contacted for proof of determination through a copy of the report.
- If you aren’t homeless but feel your situation meets the conditions, you can contact the department of financial aid at the institution you plan to attend and explain your current circumstances to them.
Will Student Loans Pay For Housing?
Federal student loans can cover a part of a student’s cost of housing. However, it might not cover the entire cost, so it is advised that students look for other means to consolidate the situation. It can be applying for housing assistantship platforms, programs or borrowing money from friends or family members, taking private loans, or getting a part-time job.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that housing program availability and options can vary between institutions. Students should consult their college or university’s housing department or student affairs office for specific information about the housing programs available to them. Additionally, application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and costs associated with these programs may vary, so it’s essential to research and plan ahead.
Housing is a significant expenditure for college students – it might be frustrating at times. To access the above-stated best housing programs for college students, you must submit your application and do proper documentation.
