3 ways to cut the cost of a college degree

College is expensive. Tuition rates are going up due to budget cuts. Many prospective college students and their parents are trying hard to figure out ways to finance the education. Before you scramble your finances, did you know that there are ways to almost instantly cut your college costs? By quite a large margin?

If you are still in high school and planning your junior or senior year, think about taking AP classes. These classes have the potential to give you college credit for a high school class. These classes will be tougher, but they will also teach you study skills needed for college. You will have to get a passing score on the AP exam at the end of the class. Did you know that getting credit for AP classes can lead to more scholarship money? One big reason to take an AP class is that it counts as a college class. One that you would have spent time and money on in college. That's right. Tuition is expensive. By eliminating classes you need to take, you instantly lower the cost of a degree. It has also been shown that students taking AP classes are more likely to finish college in four years, unlike others. Talk to your school counselor for more information.

Speaking of not having to pay for college classes, have you heard of CLEP? The College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP, gives you college credit for taking a test. Why take a class if you already know it? There are 33 examinations for college credit in a wide range of subjects. The cost of the test at this moment is less than $80. You could get credit for a whole class for that price. Many colleges and universities charge $300-$500 for each unit! A 3 unit class would cost a minimum of $900! Keep in mind too, that many colleges are now limiting the number of units you can take each term. They used to be quite generous. They would charge you per unit up to a level of around 15, then anything over that was the same price. They are now limiting how many untis you can take. Instead of being able to take 21 units, you are maxed at 16. The less classes you need, the better and cheaper for you!

Much is made about where you graduate from college. It might be true in rare cases, most often it does not matter where you graduate from. If worse comes to worse, pick the cheapest, closest college that fits your needs. But before you think about graduating, think about the first two years. The first two years of general education are probably the same no matter what your major. You can do the first two years at a local community college for very cheap. The tuition will be thousands of dollars less. Many local junior colleges have agreements of guaranteed admission with some state colleges if they graduate from the two year school. You can also earn an associate degree in probably something in or close to your major. Not only will thins save money, but the degree will look good on your resume. Most community colleges allow high school seniors, some juniors, to take college classes. Get these classes out of the way now, and you graduate sooner. Graduating sooner means less money out of your pocket!

If your goal is to get a degree, and you are willing to look at all options, you can make college cheaper!

Community Colleges are a great way to save on College Degree

Getting a college degree is more expensive than ever. If you are willing to do a few things different, you can get a four year degree cheaper than you expect.

Community colleges are a great way to go. In most cases, you can do the first two years of any degree, then transfer. The cost of a community college class can be from hundreds to thousands of dollars less. If you are already at a 4-year university, check to see what community college can satisfy some of your general education credits.

Community colleges also offer many certificate and associate degree programs that could lead to a high paying job. From nursing to automotive mechanic. The choices are almost endless. After just 2 years, you can have a degree and a good job.

Many community colleges have agreements with their local 4 year universities. If you graduate from the community college, you get a guaranteed admission. Of course some restrictions may apply. But the cost savings is significant.

For California residents, The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act was just signed into law. This law will allow any student who completes 60 semester units at any California community college to get admission to a Cal-State university.

The way this new law will work, is that community colleges will create new associate degree programs that parallel the first 2 years of a comparable degree at the Cal-State schools. The student will then be able to do just 60 units more for the degree. This law goes into effect in 2011. Students will not be guaranteed admission to the college of their choice and may need to relocate.

The beauty of a 2 year college, is that most give admission to all adults over 18. No tests.

Don't overlook a junior college. Many 2 year colleges are at the top of their game and have some prestige. If saving money in college is your concern, this is a great way to go!

>>Federal Pell Grants Explained.

>>Get a Nursing Scholarship.

High paying jobs that you can get with a two year degree.

The number one problem with college today is the high cost. It costs a lot of money to complete a degree. Have you thought about alternatives to a four year degree? Many jobs only require a two year associate degree. That's mush cheaper than a four year bachelor's degree, and you can start work sooner.

Many traditional four year colleges offer associate degrees. And this could be an option. But going to a city or community college is really the way to go.

With the tution tax credits, an associate degree from a local city college can almost be free.

Here are some high paying jobs that require just an associate degree.

The medical field has some terrific job opportunities.

Dental Hygienists are at the top of the list because of their high wage. You may have to do this program at a four year college.

Registered Nurses are next. They have higher wages than dental hygienists, but you may have a long wait list at a community college.

X-ray (radiologist) Technician, Respiratory Therapists, and Surgical Technicians round out the medical field. Community colleges offer these, but the wait list may be long. Also, because of the competition, you need high marks on your prerequisites.

A lab technician in research or medical lab may require only an associate degree in chemistry or biology.

The legal field is ripe with opportunities as well to the people going for a two year degree. Paralegals and court reported will always be in demand.

Many government and engineering firms hire technicians to do field work, both requiring only a two year degree.

A great way to save money in college is to attend a two year school anyway. The first two years of almost any degree can be completed at little cost at your local community college. Then you will be able to transfer more readily to a four year school if you wish. An associate degree makes it even easier.