Thursday, May 19, 2011

Saving Money Tips On College Tuition

Saving Money Tips On College Tuition


So you've decided to enroll in college classes to start or finish your degree. You worry that about the cost of college tuition fees and the fact that you still have other bills to pay and maybe even a family to raise. Well there is financial hope and some great saving money tips on college fees. Enrolling in an online degree program may just be your best bet. There are a lot of options to save money on college classes using distance learning and going to college in general.


Instructions


1. Saving money on college tuition fees starts by filling out your FAFSA application(Free Application for Federal Student Aid). I will include links for all of the websites and programs that I recommend in this article at the end. Free money for tuition is the best place to start your process. Online degree programs qualify for the same Federal Financial Aid as on-site campus educational programs as long as the program is accredited.


Even if you don't think you'll qualify, still fill out the FAFSA. Many times even if you don't think you qualify you do. So do yourself the favor and give it the time and do it. There could be Federal Grant or Loan money available for you. REMEMBER, Grants are free money for you! You never have to pay anyone back and grant money can be used to help with childcare, bills, books and many other expenses.


Note-Remember to have your FAFSA results sent to school(s) you will be attending.


2. Contact the financial aid office of the school you will be attending. Distance Learning can seem daunting sometimes because you don't have the easy opportunity to walk to the campus if you have questions, but schools usually have 800 numbers and are there to help you. They may be able to link you to possible grants or scholarships available only through the school. Remember the motto; "You won't know unless you ask."








3. Find as many scholarships that you qualify for and apply for them. It's free money and a lot of it goes untapped. Most scholarships only require a small essay with the application.








4. Lower level classes from a local community college will almost always have lower college tuition fees than a lot of online colleges. Many times the prices are over 50% cheaper and some even allow you to go at your own pace, rather than follow a structured format. Be sure and verify that any school you chose for either lower or upper level classes is accredited. The links to the schools I will have for you at the end of this article are all accredited and have national recognition.


5. Come tax time, make sure and use either the Hope Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit. There are different rules and requirements for each so make sure and verify which one you qualify for. Most Income Tax software kits will help you through this process as well.


6. Many companies offer discounts to students, so if you are in need of a computer, calculator or general supplies, ask before you buy if they have a student discount. Here are a few other discounts to look into as a college student.


-Auto Insurance


-Gym Membership


-Cell Phone


-Bus/Train/Metro tickets

Tags: college tuition fees, tuition fees, college classes, free money, level classes, make sure, Many times