Going to college is definitely something that doesn’t come cheap. College tuition fees can soon mount up, leaving those who want to pursue an education having to raise tens of thousands of dollars to cover the cost of their degree, or with no choice but to get into a substantial amount of debt. With student debt at an all-time high and the cost of student living and tuition on the rise, it’s no surprise that there’s an increasing number of students who are looking to drive down the cost of their education as much as they possibly can. We’ve put together some handy tips for saving money as a student.
Opt for Online Study
Online study is becoming more and more of a popular method of getting your degree, with online business programs, healthcare programs, and much more available online. Online learning has also become more well-known and popular with a range of reputable colleges, such as MIT, adding online programs to their prospectus. Online education is not only gaining a great reputation due to its added flexibility, it’s also often much cheaper than classroom education, with online students paying up to a third or more less for tuition.
Save Money on Textbooks
Buying textbooks and other learning materials is often one of the biggest costs faced by students who are trying to do well in their degree. Most courses will come with extensive reading lists, however it is then up to the student to make sure that they have access to the necessary books and other resources needed to complete their course. Looking for alternative, cheaper methods of obtaining textbooks and other study resources, for example buying second-hand textbooks from previous students, borrowing books from a library or even looking for cheaper online versions can help you to save some extra cash when you’re on a student budget.
Study Part-Time
Studying part time can often work out more cost effective than studying full-time, especially if you are an adult returning to education and have more financial commitments than younger students, for example a mortgage to pay off. Part-time study has the disadvantage of taking longer to complete than full-time courses, however, it also gives students the time and flexibility that they need in order to continue working full-time whilst studying, making it easier for them to pay not only for their current expenses but also for their education.
Apply for Financial Aid
Last but not least, no student should rule out the possibility of being awarded financial aid when it comes to saving money on their studies. Whether you are enrolled on an online business degree or are studying to become a nurse, there are plenty of different financial aid grants or loans which you may be eligible for. Financial aid is granted for a range of reasons, whether it’s to do with your own financial situation, or something else such as the course which you are studying. Because of this, even if you find out you’re not eligible, applying is always worth it.
Studying can be expensive, but with these top tips, you can slash the cost of a good education.