College tuition hikes are a real thing. It’s not news as this has been our collective reality for decades. What is news is that you’re not powerless in the face of these increases. Whether you’re a high school student planning ahead, a career changer heading back to school, or a current student watching your bill climb every semester, there are real strategies to help manage rising costs without drowning in debt.
Let’s talk about how to actually navigate this mess.
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Tuition Hikes: What’s Actually Happening
Tuition at public four year colleges has increased by over 180% in the last 20 years. At private schools, you can imagine…it’s not much better. Room and board, fees, textbooks, all of it keeps climbing while wages have been unable to keep up the pace.
But why does this keep happening? Unfortunately, the reasons are not black and white. There are several reasons at play that make pinpointing the root cause a bit convoluted such as, declining state funding for public universities, increasing administrative costs, facility upgrades, rising demand for services, and the mere fact that colleges know students will take out loans to cover any sort of difference.
We know this isn’t the answer you were looking for, however, though understanding the “why” doesn’t make it cheaper, it can help you plan strategically instead panicking. What you need to know is that there is opportunity to reduce what you’ll actually be paying, especially if again, you’re strategic about it.
Strategy #1: Community College
This can be the single best financial decision many students can make, and it’s wildly underrated.
Community college for your first two years costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a four year school. We’re talking potentially $10,000-$15,000 total for two years versus $50,000+ at a public university or $100,000+ at a private school. That’s not small…that’s potentially the difference between manageable debt and being financially underwater.
The key is making sure your credits transfer. Before you enroll:
- Check if your state has guaranteed transfer agreements between community colleges and four year schools
- Meet with a financial advisor at both schools to create a transfer plan
- Keep documentation of course syllabi and course descriptions
- Maintain a good GPA to ensure eligibility consideration for any available transfer scholarships
For career changers, community colleges often offer evening and weekend classes, online options, and accelerated programs designed for working adults. Trust, you’re not “settling” by starting here, you’re being smart with your money AND your time.
Strategy #2: Scholarships
Something else that most people do not realize, there’s millions of dollars in scholarship money that goes unclaimed every year because people don’t apply (this is your queue to hunt for them like it’s your job).
Yes, we know that applying for scholarships can be tedious and that yes, you will face rejection. BUT, consider this: if you were to spend 10 hours applying for scholarships and win just one $1,000 award, you’ve earned $100 per hour. Show us another college student job that pays that well, we’ll wait.
Here are some places you can start:
- Your school’s financial aid office
- Professional organizations
- Community organizations
- Your employer (tuition assistance)
- Your parents’ employers (dependents)
- Scholarship search sites
Pro tips:
- Start by applying for smaller, local scholarships as there can be less competition there
- Don’t ignore scholarships with essays (most people skip them which could give you better odds)
- Reuse and adapt essays when possible to maximize efficiency
- Set a goal to apply for a certain number per week
- Keep a spreadsheet tracking deadlines
For non-traditional students and career changers, keep an eye out for:
- Adult learner scholarships
- Scholarships for people returning to education
- Industry specific scholarships if you’re entering a new field
- Scholarships from professional associations in your desired career
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Strategy #3: FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal grants, work study, and subsidized loans. File it every single year, as early as possible. The deadline is typically in June, but some state and institutional aid is first come, first served, so file in October when it opens.
Many people assume they won’t qualify for need based aid and don’t bother filing. This is a mistake. You might qualify for more than you think, especially if:
- Your family has multiple kids in college
- Your family’s income has decreased
- You have unusual expenses (medical bills, eldercare, etc.)
For independent students (which includes most career changers and older students), your aid is based only on your income, not your parents’. This can also work in your favor.
Even if you don’t qualify for grants, filing the FAFSA is required for federal student loans, which have better terms than private loans. And some institutional scholarships require FAFSA completion even if they’re not need based.
Strategy #4: Strategically Choosing Your School
Not all schools are created equal when it comes to financial aid and cost of attendance.
Public in state schools are almost always your cheapest option for a bachelor’s degree. If you’re in a state with good public universities, this is may be your best bet financially.
Private schools with large endowments sometimes offer better financial aid packages than public schools, especially for low and middle income students. Don’t rule them out based on sticker price, be sure to look at their net price calculator to see what you’d actually pay and don’t hesitate to reach out to school representatives with any questions!
Schools that want YOU can offer more money. If your grades and test scores are above the school’s average admitted student profile, they’ll likely offer merit scholarships to attract you. It’s okay to lean into and consider this option as part of your overall strategy.
Online programs can also save you thousands in room and board. If you’re a career changer or non-traditional student, online education might make the most sense anyway. Just make sure the program is regionally accredited and recognized in your field.
Strategy #5: Work While You Study
The old advice about not working during college is outdated, especially when tuition keeps rising. The truth is, most students work and balancing a job while attending classes, doesn’t have to hurt your grades.
Options to consider:
- Federal work study programs
- On campus jobs
- Remote work
- Resident Assistant (RA) positions
- Paid internships
The sweet spot for most students is 10-15 hours per week. Research shows working this amount can actually improve time management and grades. Beyond 20 hours per week, academic performance will typically suffer. Don’t stretch yourself too thin.
For career changers keeping your current job, look for employers with tuition reimbursement programs, consider online or evening programs, and don’t be afraid to go part time with school if that’s what’s financially feasible. Lastly, don’t shy away from sharing your education goals with your employers and coworks, you may be surprised with the support you’ll find amongst your colleagues.
Strategy #6: Make Every Credit Count
Taking five years to graduate instead of four means an extra year of tuition, fees, room and board, and lost income from not working full time yet. Graduating on time is something that can help spare you from taking on an additional $40,000-$60,000 in cost.
To graduate on time:
- Meet with your advisor every semester and plan ahead
- If your schedule permits, take a full course load (usually 15 credits per semester for 4-year graduation)
- Consider summer classes
- Take AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment classes in high school for college credit
- Check if your school accepts credit by examination for classes you could test out of
For career changers, be sure to ask about prior learning assessments (PLA), which can give you credit for work experience. Some schools are very generous with this and could be the difference between you entering the classroom as junior instead of a freshman.
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Strategy #7: Cut the Extras
You know what’s not required for graduation? Living in the newest dorm building with a meal plan that includes unlimited sushi. Here’s where you can save:
Housing
- Live at home if possible (even commuting an hour can save $10,000+ per year)
- Choose standard dorms over luxury apartments
- Consider roommates
- Consider being an RA for free housing
Meals
- Choose the smallest meal plan you can and supplement with groceries
- Cook for yourself
- Use food banks on campus (they exist and are there for students who need them)
Textbooks
- Buy used or rent instead of buying new
- Check if your library has course reserves
- Look for digital versions or international editions (often much cheaper)
- Use resources like OpenStax for free textbooks
- Wait until after the first class to buy (sometimes the book may not actually be required)
Transportation
- Use campus shuttles and/or public transit
- Walk or bike when possible
- Carpool
Strategy #8: Understand Your Loans
Student loans aren’t inherently evil, but taking out too much debt (or the wrong kinds of debt)can haunt you for decades. The best rule of thumb, don’t borrow more than what you need.
Consider Federal loans first:
- They have fixed interest rates
- They offer income driven repayment plans
- They have deferment and forbearance options
- They can be forgiven under certain circumstances (Public Service Loan Forgiveness, teacher loan forgiveness, etc.)
Turn to Private loans, second:
- Higher interest rates
- Fewer protections
- Credit based approval and may require a co-signer
- Fewer repayment options
Pro tip:
Be sure to keep track of how much you’re borrowing each semester as it’s easy to lose sight of the total when you’re just accepting aid packages each year.
Strategy #9: Negotiate Your Financial Aid Package
Yes, you can negotiate your financial aid package. However, know that not every school will budge. Consider the following before reaching out to your financial aid office:
- You received a better offer from a comparable school
- Your financial situation has changed since filing FAFSA
- You have special circumstances not reflected in your FAFSA
If any of the above may apply to you, write a professional letter to the financial aid office explaining your situation and asking for a review. Be polite, specific, and provide documentation. The worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised at what’s possible.
Strategy #10: Alternative Paths
Lastly, understand that pursuing a traditional four year degree isn’t the only path, and to be honest, it isn’t the best path for everyone.
Additional program options include:
- Trade schools and apprenticeships
- Certificate programs
- Employer sponsored training
- Coding bootcamps
- Online micro-credentials
The fact of the matter is, especially for career changers, a full bachelor’s degree might not be necessary to get you where you want to be. Maybe a certificate or associate’s degree is enough to pivot into your new field.
Mental Game: Don’t Let Money Stress Kill Your Dreams
Rising tuition is stressful. Debt is stressful. But don’t let the financial anxiety prevent you from pursuing education altogether.
The data is clear, people with college degrees earn more over their lifetimes, have lower unemployment rates, and have more career mobility. Education is still a worthwhile investment, you just need to be smart about how you pay for it. Remember that you’re not alone in this, millions of students are figuring out the same puzzle.
As we’ve outlined above, you have options. Get out there and take advantage of them.
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