10 Tips to Save on College Tuition
Here’s a stunning number: College tuition has skyrocketed 180 percent over the past two decades. Along with room and board, textbooks, and other fees, it’s become quite a challenge for students to afford higher education. So, if you’re looking to earn a degree without massive debt, here are 10 simple ways to ease your financial burden.
1. Fill out the FAFSA
By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll become eligible for federal and state grants, which basically equate to free money. It’s important to file the FAFSA as soon as possible because many of the grants and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Stay in your state
Attending an in-state college can save you thousands, while studying in another state can potentially double or triple your tuition. However, price gaps and in-state tuition rates vary by state and school. Researching how much you might save at an in-state school may help you determine what’s most affordable.
3. AP and Dual Enrollment
Start saving on tuition and gain college credit in high school with Advanced Placement (AP) classes or dual-enrollment programs. AP classes are academically challenging courses offered in high schools. You can earn college credit and, potentially, skip general education courses in college if you pass the AP exam. That exam costs $98, while the national average for college tuition is $490 per credit.
With dual enrollment, you can earn both high school and college credits at a higher education institution that partners with your school. Dual enrollment often covers general education or prerequisite courses that can help students graduate earlier. The average dual-enrollment course costs $612 for three credits, more than 50 percent below courses offered by four-year institutions.
4. CLEP exams
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is available to high school and college students who understand a subject at a college level. Instead of spending money on college courses, simply register for an exam and receive transferable credits if you pass. CLEP exams are offered year-round at official testing sites, or at home with remote proctoring. These exams cost $93 for three or more college credits.
5. Scholarships/grants
Applying for scholarships boosts your chances of receiving money for school. Many local and online organizations offer scholarships specific to your prospective major, hobbies, religious affiliation, cultural background, and age. Most scholarships are designed to pay for your tuition, but sometimes they can be applied to room and board or other college expenses.
6. Online courses
You can save big on your general education or prerequisite courses by learning online. Portage Learning offers self-directed courses that are available at any time and earn transferable college credits. The cost per credit for a Portage Learning course is $223, while a traditional four-year college is $490 per credit. Nearly 90 percent of students who have taken online courses with Portage Learning rate the affordability, flexibility and quality of education as “excellent.”
7. Summer classes
Colleges typically offer summer classes at a reduced cost, which can allow you to get ahead on coursework and potentially graduate early. And that means you can skip entire semesters of college payments and fees. Summer classes also tend to be shorter than those in the spring and fall, lasting just four to eight weeks. If summer classes are not offered at your college or university, consider taking them online with Portage Learning.
8. Co-op programs
Eager to get into the workforce and save on school at the same time? Cooperative education programs allow students to alternate between a full-time job and classes. Depending on the program, co-ops award college credit for the months spent on the job on top of normal college courses. Co-ops encourage students to gain valuable experience in the field and learn while getting paid. This money can go toward your college education or student loans while in school, instead of paying off debt in the future. Research what schools offer co-op partnerships when considering the best program for you.
9. On-campus jobs
College campuses offer many job opportunities while you attend school. Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for eligible students on campus. Work-study jobs typically set an amount a student can earn every school year, and undergraduates receive hourly pay until they acquire the full amount. Students must complete the FAFSA to qualify for work study.
For example, Resident Assistants, or RAs, are not considered work-study and instead benefit from a room-and-board discount or a full waiver on room and board. On top of room and board, RAs may receive a stipend, parking discounts, single room occupancy, or additional perks.
10. More classes per semester = less time at school
Full-time students pay a set amount of tuition every semester that typically caps out at 18-21 credits. Taking as many credits as possible during a semester will give you the best value on your education, and potentially lead to early graduation. This approach requires a lot of self-discipline and time management but may pay off for ambitious students. Talk to your advisor about what a heavier course load might mean for your graduation timeline.
Interested in taking online courses?
Want to save money by taking your prerequisite courses online? Portage Learning offers a variety of self-directed, online courses accessible to you anytime, anywhere. Our courses transfer credits to 2,000+ schools across the nation. After registering for a Portage course, you have six months to finish your first graded assignment, and then one year to complete the course after starting. If you are interested in reducing college costs while retaining academic excellence, explore our courses today.
