How Do I Go to College for Free (Or Close to Free)?

College is considered one of the most expensive things that any person ever has to pay for, but it does not have to be beyond your reach. There are many different scholarships and grants available for students who qualify. Money that comes from these sources never needs to be paid back, which means you can figure out how to get to college for free or at a greatly reduced price. Additionally, it may be possible to get a degree for free through an apprenticeship or online college courses.

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) provides a list of scholarships for the variety of students including undocumented students. With over 60 percent of college students in the US not graduating with a four-year degree, it is important to see what steps are being taken to make it easier for college students to attend college. A large part of the problem comes down to cost. Either students cannot afford to enter college to begin with or the student loans pile up so much that they cannot finish. Learning how to get to college for free or close to free can help you fulfill your educational dreams.

Get as Many Scholarships and Grants as Possible

Both scholarships and grants are money awarded to you that you never have to repay. You can find many through the FAFSA government program, but it helps to search other sources thoroughly. Scholarships are especially common from different corporations, nonprofit organizations, private funds, and the schools themselves. It makes sense to start as early as possible in your high school or even middle school career to plan for scholarship applications.

Use Your Employment to Get College Discounts

Many companies help their employees increase skills and the value they bring to their job by offering tuition assistance to local colleges. Some large corporations like Comcast, Amazon, and Starbucks will reimburse you for educational expenses. Another way to use employment to get a free or discounted college education is to work for the school itself while you are attending.

Consider a Free Tuition College

First, research if your state provides free college tuition to community or state colleges based on your high school grades and standardized test scores. This is a great way to get started without taking on student loans from the get-go.

There are quite a few colleges across the United States that do not charge tuition at all for certain students. They come with a diverse range of criteria, so it is important to see what you qualify for before pinning your hopes on this method of how to go to college for free. Most require you to live in a particular state, may be closely associated with a religion, or are focused on very narrow subjects or apprenticeships for trades.

With the horrific stories of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loan debt hanging over people's heads after graduation, it makes sense to look into free or reduced cost college tuition. The vast majority of students can find grants and scholarships to apply for to minimize expense at the start. A smart plan for your entire degree program can lead you to a brighter future without the burden of debt.