Consider the following strategies, which will reduce your college costs Earning college credit in high school by enrolling in a Tech-Prep or School to Work program Taking AP courses. Saving for College Developing a savings plan early is will help to make a college education affordable. The earlier that families develop a savings plan for college expenses, the smaller the amount to be saved each year. For information on how much a college education will cost and to figure out how much you need to save, use one of the financial aid calculators in the Financial Aid section. When you are thinking about the total costs of going to college, include books, room and board, travel expenses, as well as tuition.
Many states have special savings plans for college costs.
Most students rely on some financial aid available through the state or federal government and from the college they attend. The Federal government provides most of the financial aid through the Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Stafford Loans, Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students Loans, Perkins Loans, and Work-Study Programs. For more information on scholarships, loans, and grants see the section on Financial Aid. There are many sources locally to help you understand and fill out the financial aid paperwork. Check with the high school guidance counselor and, for Rhode Islanders, the College Planning Center, and the lists of resources in the two sections with the RI state logo.