Top 35 Ways To Make College Affordable

Posted by College Spot in College Finance

Nearly every year, colleges and universities across the country raise their tuition. At the same time, the cost of living in almost every U.S. city is increasing dramatically. These two factors make college more and more difficult to afford for the majority of families. College Spot has compiled a comprehensive list of tips and guidelines that you can use to help reduce your college costs and make your dreams of a higher education attainable.

1. Most colleges and universities offer merit or non-need based scholarships to academically talented students. Students should check with each school in which they’re interested for the criteria for merit scholarships.
2. The National Merit Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students based upon academic merit. The awards can be applied to any college or university to meet educational expenses at that school.
3. Many states offer scholarship assistance to academically talented students. Student should obtain the eligibility criteria from their state’s education office.
4. Many schools offer scholarships to athletically talented students. Parents and students should be careful, however, to weigh the benefits of an athletic scholarship against the demands of this type of award.
5. Some colleges and universities offer special grants or scholarships to students with particular talents. Music, journalism, and drama are a few categories for which these awards are made.
6. A state college or university charges lower fees to state residents. Since public institutions are subsidized by state revenues, their tuition costs are lower than private schools’ costs. The college selection process should include consideration of a state school. Although cost should be a consideration, students should not base their choice of school only on cost.
7. Some students choose to attend a community college for 1 or 2 years, and then transfer to a 4-year school. Tuition costs are substantially lower at community colleges than at 4-year institutions.
8. Some parents may be financially able to purchase a house while their child is in school. If other students rent rooms in the house, the income may offset monthly mortgage payments. Families should make certain, however, that the property they purchase meets all of the requirements of rental property. If you have any questions, consult a tax professional.
9. Commuting is another way for students to reduce college costs. A student living at home can save as much as $6,000 per year, possibly more.
10. Many schools provide lists of housing opportunities that provide free room and board to students in exchange for a certain number of hours of work each week.
11. Cooperative education programs allow students to alternate between working full time and studying full time. This type of employment program is not based upon financial need, and students can earn as much as $7,000 per year, possibly more.
12. Another way to reduce college costs is to take fewer credits. Students should find out their school’s policy regarding the Advanced Placement (AP) Program and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Under these programs, a student takes an examination in a particular subject and, if the score is high enough, receives college credit. Visit College Spot’s section on Getting Into College for more information on these tests and others.
13. Some colleges give credit for life experiences, thereby reducing the number of credits needed for graduation. Studying abroad, volunteering at charities, and working or interning during the summer are just a few life experiences for which colleges may give credit. Students should be sure to check with the college for further information.
14. Most schools charge one price for a specific number of credits taken in a semester. If academically possible, students should take the maximum number of credits allowed. This strategy reduces the amount of time needed to graduate.
15. In many cases, summer college courses can be taken at a less expensive school and the credits transferred to the full-time school. Students should check with their academic advisor, however, to be certain that any course taken at another school is transferable.
16. Most schools have placement offices that help students find employment, and all schools have personnel offices that hire students to work on campus. These employment programs are not based upon financial need, and working is an excellent way to meet college expenses.
17. Most colleges and universities offer their employees a tuition reduction plan or tuition waiver program. Under this type of arrangement, the school employee and family members can attend classes at a reduced cost or no cost at all. This type of program is based not upon financial need, but rather on college employment.
18. Most colleges and universities sponsor resident advisor (R.A.) programs that offer financial assistance to students in the form of reduced tuition or reduced room and board costs in exchange for work in resident halls.
19. The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship Program pays all tuition fees, and textbook costs, as well as providing a monthly living stipend. Students should be certain, however, that they want this type of program before signing up because there is a service commitment after graduation.
20. Service Academy Scholarships are offered each year to qualified students to attend the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, or the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The scholarships are competitive and are based upon a number of factors, including high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, leadership qualities, and athletic ability. Students receive their undergraduate education at one of the service academies. They pay no tuition or fees, but there is a service commitment after graduation.
21. One of the most obvious ways make college affordable is to attend a low-cost school, either public or private. There are many colleges and universities with affordable tuition and generous financial assistance. Cheaper does not necessarily mean lower quality, so students should investigate all schools that meet their academic and financial needs.
22. Some schools offer combined degree programs or 3-year programs that allow students to take all of the courses needed for graduation in 3 years, instead of 4, thereby eliminating 1 year’s educational expenses.
23. Partial tuition remission for the children of alumni is a common practice. Parents and students should investigate their alma mater’s tuition discount policy for past graduates.
24. Some colleges and universities offer special discounts if more than one child from the same family is enrolled.
25. Some colleges and universities offer discounts to enrolled students if they recruit another student. So befriend the younger students at your high school and be sure to tell them how great your college is once you start.
26. Some schools offer a tuition discount to student government leaders or to the editors of college newspapers or yearbooks.
27. Some colleges offer bargain tuition rates to older students.
28. Some colleges and universities convert non-federal school loans into non-federal grants if the student remains in school and graduates.
29. Some schools will pay a student’s loan origination fees.
30. Some schools offer reduced tuition rates to families if the major wage earner becomes unemployed.
31. Some colleges and universities have special funds set aside for families who do not qualify for federal or state funding.
32. Some private colleges will match the tuition of out-of-state institutions for certain students. Check with your college to determine whether you qualify for this option.
33. Some companies offer tuition assistance to the children of employees. Parents and students should check with the personnel office for information.
34. Students should try to buy used or discount textbooks.
35. Some online colleges are more affordable and courses can be taken at night so you can work full-time during the day.