Cooperative education combines formal studies with off-campus jobs related to the student's major. Cooperative education is a great way to earn extra income to help pay for college while gaining practical work experience. In many cases, the money you earn covers your college costs. Berea College in Berea, Ky., works in a similar way, offering its students a free college education in exchange for working at the college. Stay close to home.
Many states give promising students financial incentives to attend in-state schools.
Look for schools with offers you can't refuse. Sometimes schools trying to attract students to new or unique programs will go to great lengths to attract students. Rowan College School of Engineering is a good example. Because Rowan's engineering program was totally new, with no track record and no accreditation until its first class graduates in the year 2000, the school needed a way to attract quality students. By putting on a uniform you can pick up tuition assistance before, during, or after active duty, as well as for participation in the Reserves or National Guard.