Worried About the Cost of College? 4 Tips on Saving a Huge Amount of Money

Regardless of what a few politicians may say at the moment, don’t expect the government to come in and pay for your college expenses. There is a much better chance of stumbling across a pot of gold in your backyard than thinking you can magically get your college paid for at no cost. 

 

Nothing in life is free. Everything comes at a price. 

 

Rather than just accept being in debt of $50,000 to $100,000 once you graduate from college, there are ways to prevent being buried in bills until you reach your forties. 

 

Shop Around

I understand. You might have had your heart set on attending a particular college. I knew someone who was in this frame of mind. She had chosen a college that was out of state (which was even more expensive since she was not a resident) and had a high price tag. Flash forward 20 years later, and she is still paying off her student loans.

 

Were those four years of college worth all of that money? Her college degree cost her more than their family home, and she changed careers after a couple of years anyway. Ouch! 

 

Just like when you are out clothes shopping, when you are searching for the right college, shop around and compare prices. If you can get the same degree from a college that costs a third of the price, and they are still offering quality education, then why wouldn’t you go with that option? Those four years of college will be gone in a flash, but those student loans can almost last forever. Shop wisely!

 

Save on Textbooks

For one semester of college, your textbooks can cost close to $2,000. There is absolutely no reason for this. Don’t purchase new books. Find used ones at your school or search online for a great deal. In fact, you can always find a friend taking the same class and split their cost. 

 

Find a Scholarship or Grant

Plenty of educational apps available will determine which scholarships and grants are suitable for you. With the exemplary scholarship, you can save on the entire cost of college if you are lucky. Of course, having the best grades can also help in this area.

 

To ensure you are earning your top scores, it wouldn’t hurt to find a professional tutor for the subjects you are struggling a bit with. Spending a few dollars now could save you potentially thousands later. Luckily, iAchieve has you covered with both in-person and online tutors. 

 

Junior College First

The first couple of years of college usually involves taking introductory courses before you can begin taking classes that correspond with your major. Junior college is much cheaper and can allow you to knock out all of the basics in two years before finishing the next two years at your college of choice. The great news is that most people can afford to pay for their junior college courses as they complete them. You can emerge from the first two years of college without any debt! 

 

These are merely four tips for saving some serious money while attending college, but there are plenty of other ways. After all, ever thought of living at home while completing college? While your parents may not be the most fun roommates, it will save you thousands of dollars!

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