Learn 10 Ways to Make Paying for College More Affordable

Avoid private universities in favor of community colleges.

Attending a community college before transferring to a big university is one strategy to significantly reduce education fees.

Remember that average annual cost of more than $27,000 for an in-state university? Community colleges, on average, cost roughly $3,770 per year. That’s a significant difference that can shave years off your college education.

Of course, a community college is a stop along the path to a complete four-year degree, but you won’t be able to obtain one exclusively by attending these institutions. Community colleges are primarily two-year institutions that provide students with an Associate’s Degree.

The credits you earned at the community college can subsequently be transferred to a four-year university to complete your bachelor’s degree. Unfortunately, when you try this, not all of your credits will transfer over.

Anyone considering this option should consult with an academic counselor to develop a transfer strategy. These pros will assist you in selecting the appropriate courses so that you may effortlessly transfer as many credits as possible when the time comes.

Another aspect of this cost-cutting strategy is to avoid private for-profit universities like the plague. These institutions are frequently in the news due to what many consider to be exploitative business practices. Many critics point out that private college students have double the loan default rate as public college students.

They use the increased expense of these colleges, along with a failure to link students with promised job possibilities after graduation, to discourage students from enrolling.

Getting to school

Housing is one of the most significant expenses a college student encounters. You are adding thousands of dollars to the already exorbitant cost of your classes. That is why many students attend universities within a few hours’ drive of their homes.

By living at home and commuting to school, you can save thousands of dollars on your college costs. And it isn’t just a few thousand.