Save money on school
If you are a college student or the parent of a college student you may be constantly wondering how you can save money with such an expensive few years ahead of you. The good news is that there are a number of ways you can save money, making college much more affordable and still put away money in savings.
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- Understand the power of the transfer credit-If you are a student who is wishing to attend a pricey college but seem unable to find a way to finance it consider this option-why not attend a local community college to begin your class work and transfer later to the pricey school of your dreams? This can save money both in tuition and living costs since both will be higher at your dream university. College tuition at state run community colleges average about $5000-8000 dollars with tuition at private schools beginning at about $20,000 dollars per year. The two year difference for going to school this way can amount to almost $30,000 dollars! This also has the dual benefits of allowing you to complete many of your general education requirements (classes everyone has to take) at a fraction of the cost of your dream school and often transfer students are admitted more readily to higher priced schools as well. And when you receive that diploma from the school of your dreams you can be assured that it will not be stamped with "transfer student".
- Go where you are wanted-It is important to understand that there is a college for every student. Somewhere out there is a college or university that's dying to have you as a student. The trick is to find that school, get them an application and watch the cost of your college education drop. A college or university that really wants you as a student will find the aid and scholarships to keep you. The trick to this is finding the school that considers you a star. You can save yourself considerable money if you do your research and peruse college guides. Ask yourself-Do your grades and tests scores match or exceed the average marks of the current student body? Does the college offer the courses you really want? If they do this could be the school that welcomes you with open arms and a blank check. Education experts recommend that you choose a college where you fit in the top 25 to 30 percent of a class, keeping in mind that the higher you are the more the school wants you and the better position you will be in. If you are unsure where to start your college search you can begin by checking out smaller, regional colleges in your area where you just might find an excellent but less-known college that may be searching for a student just like you. Recent studies showed that many less known colleges offer enough financial aid that up to 80% of their freshman student body does not have to pay full tuition.
- Apply for grants-Grants vary from scholarships as they are amounts of money that are given to you to pay for college but best of all you do not have to pay them back. While grants were once only for the student who can show extreme need there are now grant programs for many more students. There are grants for students who complete accelerated courses in high school, minority grants and even grants for students who have completed special projects while still in high school. Checking out what grants your student could be eligible for can mean a savings of between $1000-5000 dollars per semester. A quick search online can give you the information you need about how to apply for available grants.
