Save money as early in life as possible to maximize return on investment (ROI) and accumulate interest. Smart investments can multiply over the years to cover the costs of educational expenses.
Get involved with special academic programs and extracurricular activities. This increases your chances of getting scholarships and grants through the school system or national associations.
Conduct research to find relevant opportunities, such as grants, scholarships and fellowships. There are numerous websites available with current data warehouses, such as the Online Education Database, Next Student or College Scholarships (see Resources).
Submit an application for admission to the top two to three schools to which acceptance is possible.
Apply for Federal Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible, once you select a college. Even if grants or scholarships are available, you should complete this process to secure federal aid as well.
Complete all requirements for grants and scholarships, such as essays, references and transcripts. Any violation to guidelines can result in disqualification or rejection.
Identify employers with tuition reimbursement programs. Although many students prefer to take classes full-time, some cannot afford it and require at least a part-time job. Examples of employment opportunities include the military, working for a university and becoming an intern.