Tips to Make College Cheaper

Consider the following options to make college cheaper for yourself and your family. Graduating from college with as little debt as you can manage sets you up for greater financial freedom, less stress, and more flexibility to pursue your career and life goals without being burdened by large loan payments.

Before you attend:

• Start college with credits you've already earned. Ask your school counselor about dual-enrollment courses at your local college, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, or other programs -- like International Baccalaureate (IB) or CLEP exams -- that can earn you college credit while you're still in high school. Entering college with a semester or more of credits can save you thousands in tuition and may allow you to graduate early.

• Start at a community college. Starting your education at a community college can save you thousands, not just on tuition, but on living expenses too. By completing your first one to two years at a community college, where both tuition and living costs tend to be much lower, you can still earn a bachelor's degree while significantly reducing your overall college expenses.

While you're attending:

• Consider an accelerated completion schedule. By taking a heavier course load and enrolling in summer classes, you may be able to finish your degree in just three years, saving both time and money. Be sure to balance your workload with your well-being and talk with an academic advisor to ensure the faster pace fits your goals and capacity.
• Become an on-campus resident assistant, which comes with the opportunity to reduce housing costs.
• Pass your classes the first time. Retaking a course costs you extra money and time. Set yourself up for success by taking a manageable course load, asking for help early, and using tutoring or academic support services to stay on track.
• Look for jobs that offer tuition assistance. Some employers provide tuition reimbursement or even full tuition waivers, helping you earn your degree with little or no debt.
• Apply for scholarships - and keep applying. Seek out scholarships from outside organizations as well as those offered by your college. Keep applying every semester through graduation to maximize your chances of reducing tuition costs year after year.
• Use campus resources. Take advantage of on-campus services like health clinics, counseling, tutoring, and fitness centers. Many schools also offer career centers, writing labs, technology lending programs, food pantries, and even free or low-cost legal advice. These services are often comparable to off-campus options, but are already included in your student fees, so they typically won't cost you anything extra.