2 answers
Landyn
Student
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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What are some unique ways you have brought down your college costs? #Spring26
I have applied for numerous scholarships but am still looking at needing about $20,000 in loans per year to cover my costs. I don't want to be in crippling debt when I graduate and would love ideas I may not have thought of.
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2 answers
Dan Sokol
Senior Credit Officer
11
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
I completely agree with George. In California, many people say it's easier to transfer to a University of California school after two years at a community college than to get accepted as a freshman.
While you might not save as much money, starting at an in-state university for two years can be a good idea if you're aiming for a private university degree. It's usually cheaper than going straight to a private school.
It might seem surprising, but studying abroad is another option. You can apply directly to a foreign university or join an exchange program. Tuition fees at some international schools can be quite low.
From my own experience:
I spent two years at City University of New York for my undergraduate studies, paying very little tuition and living at home. Then I transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design,. My degree is only from RISD.
For graduate school, I did my first year at the University of Chicago's MBA program and the second year through their exchange program with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. The tuition at KUL was 95% less than at the University of Chicago, and I got to live in Belgium for over a year. I ended up meeting the requirements for both schools and earned two MBAs.
While you might not save as much money, starting at an in-state university for two years can be a good idea if you're aiming for a private university degree. It's usually cheaper than going straight to a private school.
It might seem surprising, but studying abroad is another option. You can apply directly to a foreign university or join an exchange program. Tuition fees at some international schools can be quite low.
From my own experience:
I spent two years at City University of New York for my undergraduate studies, paying very little tuition and living at home. Then I transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design,. My degree is only from RISD.
For graduate school, I did my first year at the University of Chicago's MBA program and the second year through their exchange program with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. The tuition at KUL was 95% less than at the University of Chicago, and I got to live in Belgium for over a year. I ended up meeting the requirements for both schools and earned two MBAs.
George Katsinis - AFC®
Personal Financial Counselor
68
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
George’s Answer
If it's still possible, begin your education at a local community college. There are many benefits, like cheaper tuition, books, and fees. Classes are smaller, so you get more help from teachers. There's also less competition for part-time jobs, and you can stay at home. After two years, transfer to a university. You'll get the same Bachelor's degree but save a lot of money.