Community colleges cost notably less than universities or private colleges. Furthermore, they are a great option for anyone that is undecided about their major study area. Community colleges offer two-year Associate's degrees. Also, the classes you finish at the community college can then be transferred and you can then be accepted to a university to finish a four-year degree. This is a cost-effective way to finish your first two years of college. Plus, you can live at home and save even more. Community colleges cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
Online courses are growing more popular due to the growth of the Internet. They are slightly less expensive than most traditional courses and you will save on books, housing and traveling expenses. Online courses also allow you to budget and take classes depending on your own schedule and timeline. They are good options for people seeking unique kinds of education that are only offered from certain universities. Federal financial aid or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does give student loans to those applying for online courses. The average online course is $252 per credit hour, which is about the same average as a university. However, the money you can save in housing, meal plans, books and the like makes it a more valuable option. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Education, those that take online courses actually out-perform those who take regular classes.
Trade schools like ITT Tech and schools of Design and Technology are a cheap and streamlined way to get into a desired field of work. They provide classes that include Automotive, Art Design, Business, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Dental, Healthcare, Nursing, Teaching, Veterinary, and Vocational degrees. Most trade school programs take two years. These can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
The U.S. Military provides free schooling to all those who sign up. In return for a five year commitment, they will pay room and board, pay for books, and give medical health insurance on top of it. Here is a list of military service academies: United States Military Academy (West Point, NY); United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD); United States Air Force Academy (Air Force Academy, Colorado); United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) and the United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT).