There are a lot of ways to reduce the cost of your education.
If you’re still in high school, enrolling in Advanced Placement classes and passing the exams at the end of the year can also earn you some college credits, which can lower the cost of college and allow you to possibly graduate early. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Continue to apply for scholarships every year you are enrolled in college.
One of the most common strategies is to choose a less expensive college. For example, in-state public colleges are cheaper that out-of-state private colleges. Another big expense for college students is housing. If you go to a local school, living at home can save you a lot of money. While not living in a dorm may feel like you’re missing out on student life, you can still attend school events and join clubs, giving you the opportunity to experience the school’s community and make new friends. Another option is to start your education at a less expensive college or university, such as a community college. Once you’ve earned credits, you can transfer to another school to finish your degree.
Although it doesn’t directly reduce the cost of college, working through college can help you cover some of your educational expenses or help you make some payments on your student loans. Studies have shown that working 12 hours or less a week can have positive impacts on a student’s academic performance. You can increase the number of hours you work over breaks and during the summer. Federal Work-Study is a federal program where a student can apply for on-campus (or nearby) part-time jobs. If you get a job related to your major, you’ll also earn valuable experience that will give you a leg up when job hunting after graduation.