Saving Money While Paying for College

 

 

There are a number of universally known things about America, and one such thing is that higher education is not a cheap affair. When you add up the cost of tuition, boarding, books, and the amenities you’ll need every day, the price can add up. While taking out student loans or applying for one of Polam’s personal loans can help cover the big stuff, there are still a lot of factors to consider when you’re a college student.

 

Also, one of the best ways to cut down on college costs is to plan ahead – starting in high school. If your children are interested in college after their senior year, you can give them a head start with some of these ideas.

 

  • Look into community colleges in your area to get started on your educational journey.  One of the biggest ways one can save money while in college is to consider options beyond going straight to a four-year school. There are thousands of community colleges all over the United States, the majority of which are designed to help students transfer to an accredited four-year university at a fraction of the price. Taking required introductory courses – such as English, math, science, etc – at one of these less expensive community colleges can save you money, allowing you to focus on the coursework for your major once you’re studying at a four-year school.

 

  • Search for scholarships once you’re enrolled.  While it’s relatively normal to see high school seniors earn scholarship funds before enrolling in their freshman classes, students who are currently in college can still apply for scholarships, depending on their qualifications. Depending on your gender, major, race, ethnicity, or active interests, you might be able to find a scholarship to help you earn your degree with less financial stress.

 

  • Take advantage of your student ID for discounts.  If you live in a town with a college, odds are you’re going to find a decent number of businesses that offer student discounts. There are hundreds of major chains and businesses that offer these discounts, which include movie theaters, restaurants, clothing stores, and more. Student discounts are often offered with subscriptions to media publications, which, depending on your major, can be helpful with research. And if you’re a student who drives, shop around for auto insurance, as a number of providers also offer student discounts.

 

  • Contact a Polam loan specialist and ask about our personal loans.  If you’re looking to pay for your tuition with a loan, consider applying for one of Polam’s personal loans instead of going to a big bank or lender. Our team of loan officers can help you borrow money with us to help you throughout your college journey, without being stuck with excessive interest rates and fees.