Strategies To Cut College Costs- Academic/Admission

The following is a reference guide of education cost-cutting strategies for families of all income levels. These strategies were created by some of the top minds in educational funding and can provide families with financial opportunities to help fund tuition costs. They include:

• Asset Strategies
• Income Strategies
• Award Letter Strategies
• Appeal Strategies
• Education Tax Incentive Strategies
• Academic and Admission Strategies
• Other Strategies

• Increase SAT/ACT scores with prep courses.
• Students should take honors courses.
• High grades and extra-curricular activities result in scholarships and grants. 
• Research College Level Examination Program (CLEP)  at prospective colleges.
• Apply to a variety of at least six colleges: in-state public; private known to give good awards; colleges within the same athletic conference; colleges out of the region of residency.
• Request colleges to waive the admission fee due to hardship, or when applying online.
• Apply early to attract college scholarships not based on financial need, but on the college’s need to meet enrollment quotas early.
• Do not apply for “early decision” since this often leads to poor financial aid offers.
• Research the college’s “special consideration” policies for special types of students.