The College Board reports that student tuition at American universities continues to rise more quickly than inflation. At an average cost of $24K a year (not including room and board), many worry about their ability to cover escalating educational expenses. However, what if there were a way to keep college prices in check? What if you could go to school for free?

How Some People Slash Their Tuition Prices and Go to School for Free

If you really do some digging around, you might be surprised what you find. It may take a little more time and energy upfront, but if you can avoid paying $24K a year in tuition prices, isn’t it worth it? Below are some of the more popular methods for reducing some or all of your college fees:

• Apply to a tuition-free college where prices are nonexistent. In exchange for a free education, these programs ask you to volunteer 15-30 hours every week in a work-study program.
• Apply for scholarships. There are hundreds upon thousands of scholarships, ranging from $50 to full rides. In most cases, the only real cost is effort. If you write the essays, obtain some recommendations, lick a few stamps, and stay on top of the deadlines, you could amass enough free money to cover all of your collegiate expenses.
• Join the armed forces. The Active Duty M.G.I. Bill provides up to $37K for tuition prices. Get an education, stay in peak physical shape, serve your country, and walk away with little or no college debt.
• Ask your employer for help. If you are going back to school to earn a degree that could somehow benefit your current company, your boss may be willing to help cover some or all of the expenses. In exchange, you might be expected to stay on the job a few extra years so that the company can earn a “return” on its investment.

Stanley Rubenti

Stanley Rubenti is a world traveling writer and editor who has lived in Japan, the US, Thailand, and France. He currently resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he offers college admissions advice for international students interested in studying abroad.

Sources:
Alison Damast • Pssst! Wanna Go to College for Free? • Nov 14, 2007
Job Profiles • How to go to College for Free • Dec 31, 1969