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Money saving tips to reduce college costs

Scholarships directly from colleges can often yield the most money
Become familiar with scholarships that are related to academic merit.  Some schools show specific grids to show what numbers it takes to get money, others are not so forthcoming.  Click here to see an example of a grid with specifics. ​
See example

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Summer classes at your local community college
Check with your advisor at the school you attend/plan to attend to make sure any classes that you take at a different school will earn credits toward your degree.  You may need to get these preapproved.  If completed successfully, these classes will reduce the number of classes that you need to take at your 4 year school, as a result, reducing your overall cost.
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​Proficiency tests
Many colleges have a testing center.  For students who are strong test takers, you may be able to take these proficiency tests and earn credit.  It is worth your time to see what tests your institution of choice offers and the costs.  The benefits could save you thousands of dollars!
See example

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Dual credit high school courses
Some high schools offer these classes, which offer credit at both the high school and a particular college or university. Check with your school counselor to see if this is a possibility for you.

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​Courses taught in the high school that offer a national test to earn college credit
​These are usually college level classes that are taught at high school.  These classes have a test that must be taken toward the end of the course.  Depending on the student's score, a college or university may award college credit.
See example

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Tuition discounts for out-of-state students
In today's competitive college market, there are a growing number of state schools, who are offering out-of-state discounts to students. Always ask to see if this is the case at the schools that you are looking at.  Moreover, some schools have different scholarships geared for out-of-state students.  The example below is a site where you can see multiple discounts from a variety of schools.
See example
Below is an example of a school's scholarship for out-of-state students that is not listed on the link above.  This just goes to show, it is worth an ask to the admissions representative if there are any scholarships for students who are out-of-state.
See example

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Look on college websites and t
alk with admissions representatives to see if there are other unique discounts
Some schools make it easy to gain residency in their state; hence, giving opportunities for in-state tuition.  I have heard of some giving in-state tuition to children of military veterans, and yet others giving discounts for student's whose parent attended the institution (legacy). It never hurts to ask about the possibilities.  
Get to know who college representatives are for your area

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Private scholarships
Look for scholarships within your place of employment, local businesses, members of Congress, etc.  There are search engines as well.  The one that I have heard most commonly recommended is linked in the button below.
Scholarship Search Site
Any name, link, company, or college mentioned on this site are not affiliated with the development or endorsement of this site.  All resources chosen are examples that I use and trust.  This site was created simply to help families manage the college search process. 
  • Home
  • Make Yourself Stand Out
  • Freshman Year Suggestions
  • Sophomore Year Suggestions
  • Junior Year Suggestions
  • Senior Year Suggestions
  • Free College Searches
  • Financial Resources
  • Money Saving Tips
  • Testing
  • Test Optional Colleges
  • What are College Reps?
  • College Visits
  • College Fairs
  • Family College Discussion Days
  • College Essay Tips
  • Future Artists/Musicians
  • Future College Athletes
  • Professional Association Resources
  • Community College
  • Career Resources
  • Give Us Some Suggestions