College and career school costs can vary significantly from school to school. 
Learn about college costs and get tips on how to lower costs when you go to school. The cost of college can include a variety of items including some you might not expect. By understanding college costs , you can compare schools and explore options for how to lower your costs. 

What is included in the cost of college? 
College costs include more than tuition and room and board. Here are common costs : Make sure colleges and career schools give you a clear statement of their tuition and fees. 

How can I lower the cost of college? 
Here are some suggestions on how you might be able to lower the cost of college. For many of these suggestions , you ll want to follow up with the colleges or career schools you are interested in to get additional details. Set a budget and stick to it! Having a budget will help you compare anticipated college or career school expenses against your potential available income and financial aid. You also can use a budget to compare costs between different schools. Learn about budgeting. College or career school costs can vary significantly and there are many schools with affordable tuition and generous financial assistance. Make sure to research all schools that may meet your academic and financial needs. To find colleges or career schools , use our college search tool, College Navigator. You may be able to get school credit based on your knowledge or life experiences , and you can manage your course work to reduce costs. Ask your school whether it s possible to test out of any classes. If you don t take a class , you may not have to pay for the credits. Some colleges give credit for life experiences, thereby reducing the number of credits needed for graduation. Most schools charge a set price for a specific number of credits taken in a semester. If academically possible , take the maximum number of credits allowed. This strategy reduces the amount of time neede

user: Do all schools cost the same or do they differ from school to school?

assistant: Yes, all schools are different but we can give you tips on how to lower costs when you go to school.

user: Are there discounts that colleges could offer?

assistant: Are you going to the same school as one of your parents did or are you considered an alumnus?.

user: No, i am not attending a school one of my parents attended.

assistant: Will there be more than you or another child from your family attending the college?

user: No, I would be the first child in my family attending the school.

assistant: Are you a student government leader or editor of the college newspaper or yearbook?

user: No I am not either a government leader or editor.

assistant: Are you an older aged student or family's main wage earner?

user: Yes, I am my family's main wage earner.

assistant: Then you might be able to get a discount on tuition from the school you are attending.

user: What are combined degree programs?

assistant: Combined degree programs or three-year programs allows a student to take all required courses for graduation in three years instead of the normal four years, in turn eliminating the last year costs of education.