There are many things to concern yourself about when you are getting ready for college. For starters, there are things like dual enrollment to get an edge when going to college. Then there are the strategies for college interview prep. But, at the top of the list is surely asking yourself how to pay for tuition.
The focus is usually on the out-of-control tuition costs. However, the cost of attending college involves more than just tuition. You also have to think about paying for room and board, books, and other fees that can add up quickly. Luckily, there are some ways to save on the costs of going to college. In this article, we will give you several ideas.
1 – Apply for scholarships
Scholarships and grants are two key ways to help offset the costs of college tuition. Scholarships come in various types, such as merit-based, need-based, and niche scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are given based on academic or other achievements, such as excelling in sports. Need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial situation. Niche scholarships are for students with specific interests, backgrounds, or career goals.
Try to apply for a wide variety of scholarships since you won’t be accepted for all of them. Ask your school guidance counselor about the scholarships you should be applying for.
Writing a strong essay is crucial. It’s an opportunity to stand out from other applicants. Recommendation letters can make a big difference. Choose people who know you well and can talk about your strengths and why they think you’re worthy of a scholarship.
2 – Apply for work-study programs
Work-study programs are typically based on financial need and are part of federal financial aid. Students who qualify can work part-time, often in jobs related to their field of study.
These jobs are usually on or near campus, making it convenient for students. The hours are flexible, and designed to not get in the way of your studies. The earnings from these jobs go towards college expenses.
Not only is this a good way to get some extra income to help with tuition, but the money earned through a work-study job is not counted as income when calculating a student’s financial need. That means that you won’t end up losing aid because you are making money.
3 – Start at a community college
Starting at a community college is a very popular way for students looking to manage the costs of higher education. This means that you can start at community college taking the required courses there to save money.
After you’ve taken all the courses required for your degree, you can transfer to a full-time college for a bachelor’s degree. Most community colleges have agreements with local universities, making the transfer of credits smoother.
Not only will you save by paying a lower tuition for the first two years, but you may not pay for that time at all. Some states offer free tuition for community college as long as you’re a resident of that state.