College can be undoubtedly expensive. Many of us are simply trying to get by, let alone, having to worry about paying for college. Here are some simple tips that may help you cut those college costs. Read them through and click on each link to discover in-depth resources and information. Treat this like a check list and you may find yourself with some extra money in your pocket in the end.
- Enroll in dual credit college classes in high school. (aka AP classes)
- Attend a community college and then transfer to your school of choice.
- Work part-time while in school. See our Top 5 Jobs for Students blog.
- Ask for a college application fee waiver…and as many waivers as you can!
- Complete FAFSA.
- Know and understand your financial aid options.
- Establish a college budget.
- Get rid of unnecessary expenses: coffee shops, alcohol, dining out, shopping, etc.
- Save your change and promise to save “all fives” or “all ones,” etc.
- Constantly look for and apply for scholarships!
Try out these tips and you will find yourself with some money saved up. If anything, just understanding these options will help you become financially aware and responsible. Saving money and cutting costs don’t just happen over night. Keep going back to your checklist and get back on track even if you slip up. The more you focus on it, the better off you will be in the coming years.
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This was a valuable post, ANN. Thank you for the resources.
As well, readers might consider a neat effort I stumbled upon a few days ago.
You may have heard of the new program the Pepsi-Cola Corporation is sponsoring. It’s called Refresh Everything. One particular project idea posted on their website is the creation of an online national college fund to help students of all ages pay for college.
Remember, go to: http://www.RefreshEverything.com/USCollegeFund
Sign-in. then click “vote for this idea.”
Do this everyday this month and get as many college-bound students and their parents to do the same!
I thought this was great and decided to take a look. If you go to: http://www.RefreshEverything.com/USCollegeFund
you will see all of the details.
What is really great about this effort is that if enough people visit the site and vote for this new college fund, Pepsi-Co will donate $250,000 to get it started! As well, the guy who came up with the idea wants to pay students to help build the website. The goal of the site is to give away up to $5,000 or more to U.S. citizens who need help paying for college. Talk about a “gift horse!”
Anyway, people have to go to the site everyday this month, sign-in and then vote, in order for the fund to get the most votes and win the money. I vote everyday and have been encouraging everyone I know to do the same.
After all, why should we complain about what isn’t available (in the way of scholarship money) when here’s a guy trying to create a new scholarship fund from a corporate grant. If he doesn’t win we have no right to complain about the high cost of education!