College can be expensive but there are ways you can reduce the cost of your post-secondary education. Begin by making sure you have explored financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Other ideas include:
- Reducing the number of classes you take at a four-year college. Talk with a school counselor about taking your general education classes at a community college during your junior or senior year of high school.
- Taking and passing Advanced Placement exams in high school is a real money saver. Students with advanced placement are able to bypass certain classes because they proved they have already mastered the content.
- Enrolling in a California Community College and then transferring to a four-year college is a great way to lower college costs.
- Participating in a Career Technical Program formally linked to a college. These programs put you on the career path more quickly than the traditional four-year program.
- Investigating armed services programs such as ROTC or the military academies.
- Joining AmeriCorps, Job Corps, California Conservation Corps, and gaining valuable skills and experience through national, state, and local community services while simultaneously earning an education stipend.
- Research the cost of college with resources in the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center.
Living expenses are a large part of college costs and living at home and commuting to college is a sure way to save money.