Choose an inexpensive school to enroll in. Getting a degree from a prestigious private university may sound good, but it can cost you a great deal more, and you'll have to find more aid to get your degree free of charge. You can earn just as good of an education at a public university as at a private one if you do your research.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you are able, after January 1st of the year you intend to attend college. Completing the application before any deadline gives you a better chance for receiving grants or other sources of funding such as work study at your school.
Apply for as many scholarships as you can qualify for. Look for private scholarships offered by banks, health insurance company or any community organizations you or your parents belong to. Also look into scholarships offered by your school of choice and the department you intend to study in.
Ask your employer about tuition assistance programs. If you work for a large company, they may reimburse you for any tuition costs, especially if attending college for a graduate degree is related to your job.
Apply for a job at the college you wish to attend. Many colleges offer tuition reimbursement programs. Some schools only offer reimbursement to people who are employed full-time and who have worked at the school for a year or longer.
Attend school at a college your parent works at. If your mother or father is on staff at a college, you may qualify for a complete or partial tuition benefit. Some colleges, such as Columbia University, will even pay a portion of the educational costs at another college for the children of its staff.