The time is drawing near and your college campus education will soon begin. Problem is, although you know you have enough money for at least one year of the tuition, where will the money come from for books, rent, utilities and other things? What will you do for the next year or three for paying school? Here are some helpful hints to help those of you through that do not have a secret trust fund of six figures waiting in the wings to pay for college.

• Before you begin – If cost is an issue, look to the schools within your state or neighboring states. A growing trend lately is for schools in one state to allow reciprocating fees for students in neighboring states, meaning they pay in-state fees instead of out of state fees.

• Also before you begin – Check local community colleges to see what programs are offered that have written confirmation of credit transfer should you then continue at a four-year university. Many community colleges offer a campus education that is nearly ½ the price of a traditional college and you can continue for a bachelor’s degree at another university while having finished up the basics. In other words, if you are going for a bachelor’s degree and find a 2-yr program at a community college, and can fully transfer those credits to a university for the last two years, you end up paying for three years instead of four. You’ve just saved almost $20,000-$40,000 in school costs!

• Apply for financial aid. The application for a campus education may seem tedious, but complete it thoroughly and properly. Send as much information as requested for your campus education. Stay ahead of deadline dates to make sure you keep on proper track. Within this area you can apply for three various types of financial aid aside from family contribution:

o Grants – money offered by local, state and federal assistance for education that does not have to be paid back
o Scholarships – organizations, schools and some programs offer extra funding for students. Read the criteria for each scholarship you feel you are right for, and apply. Some may request research or apprenticeship in return for their funding your campus education.
o Student Loans – as easy as signing your name, but be frugal. Check all of your other finances first prior to signing up for loans. Take out the minimal amount to get your campus education needs met.

• Full-time or part-time work. A part-time job helps keep you focused on school, and reminds you of the reason for your being there. My part-time job was enough to pay for rent and utilities when living off-campus, which meant several thousand dollars less in loans and grants requested. Many campuses also offer jobs within the school that help accommodate your school schedule, being much more flexible than a regular job.

Anyone can get a campus education. Just be frugal and understand where and to whom your dollars are going.

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