Paying for college is no joke. It seems like people talk about how to pay as an all or nothing proposition, where you have family backing to foot the bills or you take out loans for the full amount. That isn’t the truth of course, and most people pay through a patchwork of ways. Knowing the different options available allows you to make the best choice for your situation.
Lower Your Tuition Bill
The easiest way to pay for college is to lower the overall costs. There are many ways to do this without sacrificing your education. If you have the option of taking AP classes in high school you can potentially earn credit that way. You can also earn credits through CLEP examinations. Combining AP courses and CLEP examinations allow you to shorten the overall length of your schooling, potentially graduating a semester or more early. You can also make school more affordable by taking one or two years of classes at your local community college. These foundation courses are general in nature and will typically transfer nearly anywhere. Working for your college as part of a work-study program or as a resident advisor is another way to lower your overall bill. These options are not generally available in your freshman year but can be a great benefit later on.
Taking on Extra Income
Working through high school and then during college can help pay for educational costs. Realistically this is unlikely to foot the entire bill unless you are living with your parents and attending a local school. Having a summer job allows you to have the funds to cover books and other miscellaneous expenses, which reduces the amount you are required to borrow. Don’t spend so much time working an outside job that you are unable to participate in the many wonderful options schools offer in regards to internships and volunteer work. These programs are great to boost your resume and can make transitioning into the workforce much easier when you graduate. Taking on a little extra student loan debt to leave time in your schedule for these opportunities will pay for itself when it is time to enter the workforce.
Ask About Reimbursement
If you are already in the workforce and considering furthering your education, talk to your employer’s benefits manager to find out if they offer tuition reimbursement. Many do, and it can be a great way to make school more affordable. It is important to understand the terms of this benefit. Some employers will expect you to stay with them for a period of time after the reimbursement, but many offer this benefit with no strings attached.
Take Notes for Others
Head to the disability resource office of your college and talk to them about becoming tasked with documenting class discussions. Taking notes for others allows you to earn money doing something that you would do anyway. You take notes in classes you are currently taking, so it doesn’t require you to juggle your schedule. It does require that you are a student with an attention to detail and regularly attends class.
