the prevailing culture of college financing is one of federal student loans with nominal interest rates, private lender loans with high interest rates and a mountain of debt upon graduating. but the outlook needn't look so grim. many students are finding that college can be accomplished without debt provided. they are willing to make a few compromises. whether you have a job,savings or a little help from your family, there are ways to keep borrowing to a minimum and quite possibly, get through school without having to borrow at all.
one of the biggest cost saving measures you can take is to consider a community college for the first two years of your postgraduate education. there are two benefits to this strategy. the first is to obvious in that community college tuition per credit hours is usually a percentage of tuition per credit hour at a four year university. the second benefit is that community colleges are more likely to allow students the maximum credits for CELP tests, wich can you save up to a semester of tuition, books, and attendance.thats a half of total credits hours necessary for a bachelor degree, provided youre able to past the tests and obtain the maximum credit allowed.
the final cost saving measure is one that more students are finding necessary in the current economy, which is to stay at home. living expenses are high,and if you can avoid them while trying to obtain your degree, do so. even though you may be at an age where gaining some independence feels like necessity,the trade off in financial responsibility can be crippling to your wallet. provide your family situation allows it, stay at home, eat at home, and focus your energy on work and on school rather than social pursuits. you'll be glad you did once you graduate and can land a job that will afford you the ability to move out in style rather than in doorm room efficiency squalor.
