Go to a school that is in the state you reside. For most state schools, tuition for in-state residents is cheaper than it is for out-of-state students. According to The College Board, the cost of a four-year school in state averages $7,605, while four-year universities charge an average of $11,990 in tuition and fees for nonresidents. If you have your heart set on a school, consider moving to the state and living there and working for a length of time until you earn residency status. You will save yourself thousands of dollars by the time your education is complete.
Go to a two-year college and transfer to a four-year university to save on costs. Assuming you attend a college as a resident, four years of tuition and fees costs $30,420. If you attend a community college and transfer, you will spend $20,636, an average savings of $9,784.
Attend a public university instead of a private school. The average cost of a private four-year university is $27,293 while a public university is $7,605. Even if you are an out of state student, you save money attending a public school. Your degree is still a degree as long as it comes from an accredited university.
Apply for scholarships, grants and federal loans. Scholarships exist based on merit, athletic ability or organizations you're involved in. Grants and loans are given on an as-needed basis according to your financial status. Federal loans have lower interest rates than those from private lenders.