Cut College Costs- Part 1

Cut College Costs- 32 Possibilities to Explore

Part 1 of Article

These tips apply to anyone who plans to attend college or who is already enrolled. At least two-thirds of college students need to take out college loans to finance their education, and these loans take many years to pay off, anywhere from 10-30 years in most cases. If you can cut your college costs and the amount you need to borrow, your lower student loan balance will be easier to pay off.

1. Check with the education office of

your state government to see what sorts of scholarships, grants, or loans are available from your state. Many states have programs like these.

2. Have your parents check to see if the companies they work for offer tuition assistance to children of employees.

3. If you are a good athlete you might qualify for an athletic scholarship. Ask your high school coach and/or guidance councilor for help if you think you might qualify.

4. If you live close enough to your school to commute there from home you can save a lot of money. Living costs can be a major portion of college expense.

5. If you are going to borrow money via student loans to finance most or all of your college education, try to graduate in three years instead of four years or longer. If will be a lot of work, but your debt burden will be significantly reduced. Ask your academic advisor up-front about this type of program.

6. Check with the schools you are interested in to see what merit scholarships are available. These are not need based and anyone can qualify regardless of parental income.

7. While in high school be sure to take exams to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program scholarship awards. Ask your school counselor about how to do this if you don’t know.

8. If you are a musician or are planning on studying drama or journalism for example, you might qualify for some financial assistance at many schools. Ask your department head if any help like this is available and if your might qualify.

9. Purchase only used textbooks. Do a google search for “cheap college textbooks”. You will see a lot sites offering deals. You can also sell used textbooks although you may need to keep those textbooks that pertain to your major field of study.

10. In-state residents get better tuition fees than do out of state students at state colleges and universities. Consider staying in your own state for school, at least for your first two years.

11. Check with the schools you are interested in to see what merit scholarships are available. These are not need based and anyone can qualify regardless of parental income.

12. Working part-time can be a huge help with paying college expenses. Don’t overdo it, however. Your top priority needs to be getting the most out of your studies. Some campuses offer work in exchange for room and board, so look for these types of opportunities. Do this as early as possible since sometimes these opportunities are first-come first-served.

13. Taking fewer classes can reduce the amount of time you need to be in school. Sometimes you can take an examination in a particular subject and get credit for having taken that class. Ask about programs like the Advanced Placement Program (APP), the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the Provenience Examination Program (PEP).

14. While in high school be sure to take exams to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program scholarship awards. Ask your school counselor about how to do this if you don’t know.

Cut College Costs- 32 Possibilities Part 2