How to Pay for College in Hard Times

Just because you are reading this article, you are several steps ahead of most parents. Realizing you don't want to pay exhorbitant student loans is a first step. Start when your student is a freshman in high school to learn everything you can about how to get a college education for less.

One simple way is to have your student enroll in every college class they can in high school. Your student will get personal attention, the class sizes will be smaller, and individual help will be available. Many general education courses in college have 100-200 in a lecture class. There is zero personal attention. The college classes in high school are called AP classes, short for Advanced Placement classes. Other classes will be offered by local colleges that may be called something else. Contact the school counselor early in the freshman year to learn about all of the opportunities.

Most high schools in urban areas have technical schools your student can attend. These include computer classes, firefighting classes, nursing classes and emergency medical technician classes. Depending on the interests of your student, these training classes can be invaluable in getting your student a head start in his profession. In some circumstances, these schools can graduate your student with certificates that may eliminate the need for college. This is an idea that is well worth investigating.

A parent should never overlook the advantages of community colleges. These are colleges that offer the exact same courses for the first two years of any degree--but at a third of the price! This could significantly cut the cost of four years of college immediately. Plus, the student could still live at home for the first two years and work to help defray costs. In hard times, the cost-effectiveness of community colleges cannot be beat.

Are you familiar with the term work college? These are a group of colleges that combines work , learning and service. This concept is very different than just working in college. All work colleges emphasize the value of community, social equity and teamwork and have been doing so for many, many years.
USNews has listed the 10 schools with the least amount of student debt in 2010. This is an amazing article--
USNews

I am familiar with College of the Ozarks and had a relative attend this wonderful college. This concept really works!

College of the Ozarks

Another little known fact about reducing your college debt are the tuition-free Colleges or Work Colleges. The five branches of the military have colleges that are totally free:

The United States Military Academy (USMA) .
United States Military Academy
The United States Naval Academy (USNA)
United States Naval Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) .
United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
United States Air Force Academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
United States Merchant Marine Academy

These academies have different eligibility requirements, but are definitely worth investigating. Taking ROTC classes in high school can also get students wonderful scholarships.

How to Pay for College
Are you a parent who is facing how to pay for college? Are you a high school junior or senior who is struggling to find out how you can pay for college. Don'...Pay for College: Work Colleges
As a teacher/librarian for over 30 years, I have tried to help many students and parents find money for college. Do you need help paying for college for your...Alternatives to Student Loans
Is your child going to college in the next four years? Is your grandchild in high school? If so, take a moment or two to read this short article on alternati...

How to Pay for College in Hard Times
The cost of college debt is exhorbitant. "Students who graduated from college in 2010 with student loans owed an average of $25,250, up 5 percent from t...Pay for College: Work Colleges
As a teacher/librarian for over 30 years, I have tried to help many students and parents find money for college. Do you need help paying for college for your...Alternatives to Student Loans
Is your child going to college in the next four years? Is your grandchild in high school? If so, take a moment or two to read this short article on alternati...