Best Ways to Offset Rising College Tuition
The best ways to offset rising college tuition will play a large part in students’ success in college. Generally, the reasons students drop out of college vary. However, students’ site financial concerns and academic struggles as the two top factors contributing to dropping out of college (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Despite this bleak narrative, there are ways that students can offset their college tuition.
EARLY PLANNING
Above all, there are three keys to tackling the rising cost of college tuition and that is plan, plan, plan. Start this planning process early and include a review of 529 Savings Plans. Regardless of your financial situation, start planning for college and the costs. Start with a college planning sheet and look to identify the cost and location of the college you are searching. Set up an account on CollegeBoard to begin your research. Watch this quick one minute video to review a college research tool to help you in the college research and the planning process.
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
It should go without saying, EVERYONE should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Regardless of income, students will need to complete this form as soon as possible. Most all colleges require that students complete FAFSA to award any grants or scholarships from the institution itself or from any government (local, state, or federal). Nevertheless, completing the application is a crucial step in helping any student access various forms of aid.
GET A PART-TIME JOB
Despite what people might say, get a job and consider the benefits. Among other things, having a part-time job brings you valuable work experience, forces you to be more effective with your time, and you get to expand your learning opportunities (Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, 2022). What’s more, you can start managing money and using it for the expenses that go along with going to college (tuition, textbooks, meals, rent, supplies, entertainment, etc.).
DUAL CREDIT COURSES IN HIGH SCHOOL
While in high school, consider taking dual credit or college credit courses. Advanced Placement (AP) courses used to regularly earn college credit. Some colleges still honor AP courses but have given preference dual credit courses in the past several years. Especially dual credit courses that are taught on real college campuses, taught by real college professors in a real college experience. Students will find that these courses will be placed on a real college transcript. As a result, students can take this transcript and transfer the credits to an institution of their choice. A word of caution, check with the college that you are planning to attend to ensure that the credits transfer. This goes directly back to the three keys to tackling the rising cost of college tuition and that is plan, plan, plan.
