A note to Nontraditional Students about rising tuition - some money-saving tips

Hello, nontraditional students. Is your tuition rising?

I'll bet you have been keeping a close eye on your local tuition. My school, WKU (Western Kentucky University) has raised tuition again this year.

Other schools have, too. But also, some schools have frozen fees for the next year, which does help all students.

But economic facts are facts. Some schools are not getting the help they need from their states. They must increase their fees to cover their expenses.

So how do you feel about this? I know there is not much you can do, except maybe switch schools. But there are some tips to help you save money as you complete your degree.

Some tips to help nontraditional students save money (As tuition rises...)

#1. Consider a work-study position. This is something you can do right on campus, if you are in face to face classes. It may add much-needed money to your bank account. You may be able to fit in a part-time job, if you can find one that works with your schedule.

#2. Make sure to take advantage of student loans by applying early to the official FAFSA site. They may also let you know of local grants and scholarships too. 

#3. If you have not already taken general classes, you may be able to take some of your classes in a technical college affiliated with a university, and then transfer your credits in a few years if you want. 

You will find many technical colleges have much lower fees, which will be easier to repay in the future. Make sure to double-check if these credits will transfer to the second school before you enroll.

#4. Use the preferred government loan system (Stafford and Perkins) and read the fine print about them. These loan programs are set up just for college students, and you don't have to start paying them until you graduate. Borrowing from a private credit card can be death to your finances, now or later.

#5. Don't use your loan money to buy things like clothing, furniture, etc. - try to just use it for books, tuition, etc. Save as much of it as possible. 

#6. Save money in the small ways if you can, like packing your lunch, buying your own soft drinks or packing water, and cut back on entertainment, travel, etc. etc. Small savings can really add up.

#7.  Shop around if you can - - which colleges are the better deal? Make sure that the credits will transfer too (see #3).

#8.  Plan your schedule so that you graduate in as few years as possible. Use the services of a school advisor and double-check your requirements to get your requirements done in order, and be able to save a semester or more of fees.

#9. If you have to, go to school part-time and work in order to have more money to live on. You will still graduate or get your certification eventually, just not as fast.

#10. Stay positive! People with positive attitudes can do more in a day, and don't let minor things bother them. This will help you with your classes, your studying, and your grades too.

Maine Community College System freezes suition 2012-13

Budget with tuition increase, online class fee approved (for WKU)

The official FAFSA site

Positive Qualities of Nontraditional Students (from the Nontrad blog)

Student Aid on the Web (student aid.gov)

Comment below - - how do you feel about rising tuition? What is your plan (if any) to change how you are doing things? I am curious to know. Thanks!

Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student (Teaching)
Current Nontraditional Student (Pottery)

The Garden Spot, Kentucky

And here are some Nontrad links:

The Nontrad site and blog
Join Nontrads on Facebook
Nontrads on Yahoo, and
 Nontrads on Twitter