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Tips and tricks for saving on college education

Tips and tricks for saving on college education

College – it’s supposed to be the best few years of your life. You are finally living in a dorm, miles away from home, and able to study a career path that interests you. However, more and more students are being put off studying at college before they even begin their first semester. As student debts continue to rise, and graduates now are stuck with even heftier student loans and interest rates than before, it may seem impossible to save on a college education. However, if you are considering on heading to college soon, then these tips and tricks could save you several hundred dollars.

Look for scholarships

If you are a talented student, an international applicant, or have been told that you are gifted in a certain area, then you may even be able to apply for a scholarship. First, it’s important to check out the range of options that you could be eligible for at your school of choice, and find out whether they offer full scholarships (to cover all of your costs) or bursaries (that will help with some aspects). Online resources such as schoolchoices.org provide comprehensive, up to date information that will make your choice a little easier to make. So if you thought that your dream school was out of your price range, then think again.

Study overseas

You may have dreamed of spending a semester overseas, but how about completing your entire course in Canada or even Europe? If you are an international student, you may even be entitled to lower student fees in some countries across the globe, which are easier to pay back than those from schools in the US. It’s worth considering this option wisely though. How frequently will you be able to afford to fly back home to see your family and friends? Not to mention, budget in living costs and study costs too. However, if you’ve always dreamed of studying in Paris, Rome or even Madrid, then don’t discount this option.

Choose alternative learning options

Ok, so it’s not as glamorous as heading across the country to study, but staying in state, attending summer school and even taking online courses will all have a positive effect on your bank balance. You can save up to a third or more if you remain as an in-state student, and may even be able to live at home to save on hefty accommodation fees. While summer courses and online learning are ideal if you need to balance your commitments with a job. If you are stuck for time and have a serious cash flow problem, then these could be the ideal solution if you intend on graduating.

More and more career options require you to have a college degree, which could take you years to pay off. However, it’s important that you consider how to save the pennies if your budget is tight. From researching scholarship options to studying overseas or even choosing a summer school or online course, you can obtain an equally good education for a fraction of the cost.

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