6 Great Tips for Cutting Down the Cost of Your Education
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Posted By: Dixie Somers on November 03, 2016 So you’ve made it to college, and are excited for a fun and fulfilling academic experience for the next few years! Unfortunately, worrying about finance can make your college life more stressful than it has to be, so consult these practical tips for cutting down costs. Cook your own foodOne problem that many new students make, particularly those who have just begun a life without reliance on a parent, is sticking with the food services provided by the university or college. While some do offer programs that ultimately save money—bundling the meals with a room plan or tuition—many others unfortunately see it as an avenue to make more money. Learning to cook your own meals not only teaches valuable life skills, but it can save a pretty penny too. Take it as a chance to experiment, to try new things, and to expand your culinary horizons, all while saving a lot of coin! Consider sharing an apartment with other studentsRoom and board is often a major cost of a college degree that students might not realize ahead of time. If you can find a group of like-minded people who are willing, renting an apartment or condo off-campus might save a lot of money in the long run over living in the dormitories. While these costs can vary widely from college to college—and a student should always consider the other, intangible costs of living off-campus, including socialization and on-campus activities—renting a modest apartment can seriously cut down the cost of a college degree. Seek out as many scholarships as possibleWhile the college’s counselors and advisors can point you in the direction of many scholarships and financial aid services, don’t stop there: the internet is a wonderful resource to search for potential sources of aid. There are literally dozens of potential scholarships, from nationwide or federal programs to local incentives. Many towns, high schools, and civic groups offer scholarships of their own for a variety of reasons, from pure merit-based funds to those based on social, religious, or philosophical groups. Find some local groups and apply to as many as you can. There’s no risk, and the reward can be a massively-reduced cost of education. Take basic courses at a local community collegeRather than earning all your credits from a single, often-expensive institution, many universities will accept credits from other places, including your local community college. Community colleges are excellent places to get many of your basic subjects and courses covered, often employing professors with similar credentials to the teachers covering the same subjects at your normal school. Most importantly, they often cost far less than a larger institution. It is important to check ahead of time, however, to ensure that your college will accept credit from the community college, as not all credits may transfer. Make your summers work for youSummer break is an important time for any hard-working student. Rather than an idle break, it can provide the key to getting the most out of a college education. If your school offers it, try to take summer courses; many offer these courses for only a part of the summer, leaving you some time to relax while getting required courses out of the way. Many students who use summer studies effectively can finish their education a half-year or year early, which saves thousands of dollars in room, board, and tuition. Take your studies seriouslyFinally, nothing can lengthen an already long collegiate experience quite like needing to re-take a course. Whether you’re an undergraduate or taking an online AACSB accredited MBA program, Make sure you focus on the classes that matter most, and don’t hesitate to use all the resources at your disposal to do the best you can do, from tutors to office hours with your professor. Don’t forget to enjoy the breaks you do have, however: college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a good balance between work and play will make it an unforgettable one. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Dixie Somers
Freelance Writer, Self Employed Other College... class of 2004 Member Since November 2016 |
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