2 answers
Mackenzie
Student
Morrisdale, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to pay for college, especially without savings?
Are there other ways, rather than student loans?
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Mackenzie paying for college can be a scary proposition for many students, especially with tuition prices climbing higher every year. Many families struggle to figure out how they’ll cover the steep costs, however, with some smart planning, you can create a path to make college more affordable. Starting early and exploring different ways to save can help ease the financial burden and give you peace of mind as you prepare for the future.
1️⃣ COLLEGE CREDITS IN HIGH SCHOOL
Earning college credit while you’re in high school can help lower the number of college courses you will have to take, which in turn can help you save on tuition. AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs are all ways you can earn college credit while you’re in high school. Choosing which is right for you depends on your learning style and goals.
2️⃣ ATTEND COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIRST
Enrolling in public colleges or community colleges can help you reduce the cost of higher-level education. Public 4-year colleges are cheaper than private ones, and community colleges are even more affordable. If you take classes during the summer or start off a degree at a community college and then transfer to a 4-year school, you can save a significant amount of money on college tuition.
3️⃣ SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Scholarships and grants are powerful tools to help reduce the cost of college. Unlike loans, they don’t need to be repaid, which means they directly lower your expenses. Scholarships are often awarded for academic achievements, athletic skills, or unique talents, while grants are typically based on financial need. Both can cover a range of costs, from tuition to books and living expenses, making them valuable resources.
4️⃣ EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Work-study programs allow you to work part-time while offsetting college expenses. Many colleges provide on-campus or off-campus opportunities through financial aid offices. The income earned from these programs can be directly applied to your tuition or other educational costs. If work-study programs don't provide enough financial support, consider flexible part-time work, food delivery or online tutoring to help you manage your college expenses.
5️⃣ NOT ALL COLLEGES ARE EQUAL
Looking at tuition rates alone, the best value colleges are typically those public schools within your home state. If you want to attend college outside your home state, you might find that the best affordable colleges for you are actually private universities with large scholarship funds which reduce the sticker price. Regardless of your residency status, it is helpful to look at institutional, state, and national scholarships to reduce the cost of college.
Hope this will be helpful Mackenzie
1️⃣ COLLEGE CREDITS IN HIGH SCHOOL
Earning college credit while you’re in high school can help lower the number of college courses you will have to take, which in turn can help you save on tuition. AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs are all ways you can earn college credit while you’re in high school. Choosing which is right for you depends on your learning style and goals.
2️⃣ ATTEND COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIRST
Enrolling in public colleges or community colleges can help you reduce the cost of higher-level education. Public 4-year colleges are cheaper than private ones, and community colleges are even more affordable. If you take classes during the summer or start off a degree at a community college and then transfer to a 4-year school, you can save a significant amount of money on college tuition.
3️⃣ SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Scholarships and grants are powerful tools to help reduce the cost of college. Unlike loans, they don’t need to be repaid, which means they directly lower your expenses. Scholarships are often awarded for academic achievements, athletic skills, or unique talents, while grants are typically based on financial need. Both can cover a range of costs, from tuition to books and living expenses, making them valuable resources.
4️⃣ EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Work-study programs allow you to work part-time while offsetting college expenses. Many colleges provide on-campus or off-campus opportunities through financial aid offices. The income earned from these programs can be directly applied to your tuition or other educational costs. If work-study programs don't provide enough financial support, consider flexible part-time work, food delivery or online tutoring to help you manage your college expenses.
5️⃣ NOT ALL COLLEGES ARE EQUAL
Looking at tuition rates alone, the best value colleges are typically those public schools within your home state. If you want to attend college outside your home state, you might find that the best affordable colleges for you are actually private universities with large scholarship funds which reduce the sticker price. Regardless of your residency status, it is helpful to look at institutional, state, and national scholarships to reduce the cost of college.
Hope this will be helpful Mackenzie
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Mackenzie. You can apply for grants or scholarships. There are thousands of scholarships available for different types of students based on grades, community service, sports, artistic talent, or even personal background. Many local businesses, community organizations, and nonprofits offer small scholarships that can add up over time. It's important to spend time researching and applying for as many as possible.
You can also work while studying to help pay for college. Many schools offer work-study programs that let you earn money on campus, often in jobs related to your major. If you don't qualify for work-study, you can still look for part-time jobs nearby or online. The key is to balance work and school so your grades don't suffer. Even working a few hours a week can help cover books or living expenses.
Another great way to save money is to start at a community college. Tuition at community colleges is much lower than at four-year universities, and you can often transfer your credits later. This way, you earn the same degree for a lot less money.
In addition, you can explore other options like tuition assistance from employers, or payment plans through your college. In short, even without savings, you can afford college by using a mix of grants, scholarships, part-time work, and smart planning.
You can also work while studying to help pay for college. Many schools offer work-study programs that let you earn money on campus, often in jobs related to your major. If you don't qualify for work-study, you can still look for part-time jobs nearby or online. The key is to balance work and school so your grades don't suffer. Even working a few hours a week can help cover books or living expenses.
Another great way to save money is to start at a community college. Tuition at community colleges is much lower than at four-year universities, and you can often transfer your credits later. This way, you earn the same degree for a lot less money.
In addition, you can explore other options like tuition assistance from employers, or payment plans through your college. In short, even without savings, you can afford college by using a mix of grants, scholarships, part-time work, and smart planning.