Cutting costs amidst rising tuition

Higher education benefits can extend beyond monetary earnings — but they also require significant investments of time and money. Here in Utah, tuition is far less than the national average; however, we experience higher room and board, so costs can still add up quickly. You already know the importance of applying for scholarships and that every dollar saved now means money you won’t have to borrow and pay interest on, but we have some additional suggestions to help you stretch those dollars saved.

Explore various fields of study while earning general education credits at a discount. One of the best ways to boost educational return on investment is to cut tuition costs from the start. Think about pursuing extra credits during high school or over the summer between semesters, with options like College-Level Examination Program tests or community college courses. These lower-cost alternatives allow you to explore various fields and feel more confident in your chosen career path — while potentially shortening your graduation timeline.

Choose your program thoughtfully. An unfinished degree or certificate can be costly in time and money. Carefully research your preferred career and the jobs you are interested in to determine if you could get sufficiently qualified with a certificate, registered apprenticeship or two-year program. If your path requires a four-year degree, consider starting out at a less expensive in-state public school before transferring to your final program.Once you have determined an education plan that aligns with your skills and dreams, school counselors can offer guidance on current job market demand and suggest strategies to help you score that increasingly critical internship or first job.

Fill out the FAFSA — even if you think you won’t qualify for aid. The FAFSA is often a prerequisite to be considered for other merit-based scholarships and the sooner you complete it, the more funds still available. Plus, the calculation factors changed, which may be to your benefit, so check this one off your to-do list today.

Negotiate the school’s offer package. If you receive a more generous offer from another school, let your preferred institution know and they may be able to help. Private schools often have more available aid to provide, so don’t let the sticker price shock you; apply and see what they offer. Finally, review the fine print to make sure that any aid or scholarships aren’t limited to just your first year, but if so, see if you can get that aid to continue annually.