Tips For Keeping College Costs Down

College is expensive and needs to be viewed as a long-term investment. Next to the purchase of a house, it is the second largest investment most Americans make. The availability of financial aid to help pay for college can make an expensive school affordable for a student who qualifies.

Below are a few quick tips that will help to keep college costs down:

• Take advantage of reduced tuition. Some schools give discounts to older students, alumni children, and families with two or more members in school, student leaders, or children of faculty and staff.
• Attend the less expensive community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your degree.
• Check the number of credit hours needed for graduation and plan a course of study carefully-many schools charge tuition based on credit hours taken.
• Some schools give Advanced Placement credit for courses completed in high school. Others offer three-year programs. Adults can enroll in the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) that tests for knowledge obtained outside the school setting. You can obtain 1 to 2 years of college credit this way.
• Take classes in off-load times. Tuition sometimes is lower for night, summer, or weekend classes. Investigate classes taught on the World Wide Web.
• Cut housing costs. Live off campus if housing and food costs are lower than on campus. Consider working as a resident advisor to receive reduced or free room and board.
• Check the state prepaid guaranteed tuition programs.
• Inquire about tuition installment payment plans. This will not reduce the costs but may make it easier to meet smaller payments rather than a large lump sum at the start of each semester.
• Take part in the college's Cooperative Education program. Combine a full- or part-time job and a college career to finance all or part of education costs.
• Take advantage of armed forces educational opportunities. The government will pay a considerable sum toward educational costs during or after active duty.
• Consider work with AmeriCorps. This is a program that enables participants to earn education awards in return for national service. Contact the Corporation for National and Community Service at 1-800-942-2677.