Well, it’s time for another list of things to help you with school. This time I want to tackle how to lower your tuition costs. It’s always easiest to keep costs low if you know early in your academic career that money is tight, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other ways to help lower the cost of school:
1. In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition. You’re probably aware that most state-run colleges and universities charge more (double in my case) if you are a resident of another state while you are attending there. Most colleges have gotten wise to students who claim residency in a new state right before attending classes. You should get ahold of the residency requirements of your school and see if there is any circumstance that could get you in-state tuition.
2. Out-of-State Tuition Reciprocity. Some colleges make agreements with the colleges in other states to “trade” students. That means that if you go to the college one state over, then you’ll get in-state tuition because someone over there wants to go to the college in your state. Contact the financial aid office of the school you want to attend to see if you can get this sort of deal.
3. Attend Community College. Not necessarily for all your classes, but check the prices wherever you are because sometimes you can save at ton of money on the “required” classes that are not part of your major. A warning though, you need to make sure you understand the rules for transferring credits to your main campus. Some classes won’t transfer and there is usually a limit on the number of credits you can take this way (and when you can take them).
4. Work for the College. Find out if there is a work-study program of some kind that will cover your tuition costs if you work a few hours a week in a campus office.
–I hope these ideas helped. If so feel free to