Because of this bad recession that doesn’t seem to end, colleges and universities are also hurting. The reason being is because attendance rates drop and private contributions are drying up. In order to keep education running, the loss of income are passed onto students by rising tuition fees and adding ridiculous fees to it. Consequently, students are finding it more and more difficult to fund their further education especially with the reduction in financial aid and also trouble with Pell Grants. It has now become a stark fact that college and universities are only something for the well-to-do. If this continues to happen, where does that leave middle class Americans?

One option for those who want to attend college is to skip the four year school and head to the local community college for general education classes. By doing this you will be saving 75% on tuition costs. Additionally, because you are going to a school that is nearby your home, you won’t have to rent a room to stay or pay any board fee. After finishing general education classes, it is easy to transfer to a four year school and complete your degree.

Tip #1

There are several options out there for those who want to attend college but are finding it difficult to find a way to pay for it. One major way to save money is to skip the four year school and head to your local community college for your general education classes. You could save 75% on tuition costs and since you would be attending a school nearby there would be no room and board fee. Once you have completed your general education classes you could easily transfer to a four year school to complete your degree.

Tip #2

Find a school that is within commuting distant from your home. By doing this you can still live in your home instead of paying insane high dorm rate. Universities or colleges in metropolitan area usually provide their commuting students with free bus and train passes also credits toward travel expenses.

Tip #3

Another emerging option for college or universities is the online program. The past few years, online degrees have gained momentum and does no longer carry the negative stigma it once bore in the past. Major universities and colleges are now offering certain degrees online as an alternative. By studying online your diploma still carry the name of the reputable top-notch school without paying all those top-notch cost of gaining education. Usually schools offer a great reduction in tuition fees for online students.

Tip #4

Another option for you is to go to a vocational school. Education is important, but when it comes to financial success, a degree or going to college is not “do or die”. What is important is to get the skills that are required for a specific job. Going to a vocational or trade school will help you get that. If for example you are interested in culinary or automotive repair, going straight to vocational schools will help you save lots of money and at the same time become specifically specialized for a job.

Generally, trade school programs or vocational school programs last two years but in some fields it can last longer. However, compared to a four-year college or university, education from these schools is more specific to a certain job.

Tip #5

One of the most obvious alternatives to attending college is to go into a branch of the military. You can choose one of the five military branches: The Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and the Navy. When you join the military, you receive room and board and a salary in exchange for your service. This way you don’t only save money but earn money after high school.

Additionally, after joining the military, you will be offered education benefits to go to college at a later time. Some (if not all) of it can be paid through the military.

Tip #6

If you need to buy a computer for your education, you can save money by shopping the student specials, discounts, rebates and back to school specials. In some states you are able to have a tax-free shopping week. Also consider buying Apple Computer as they offer student discounts not only for students but also for teachers. They always advertise important education incentives and rebates. Sometimes Apple laptop is bundled with a free Nano iPod or a free photo printer, copier or scanner. You will be able to save hundreds of dollars by these rebates items.

Tip #7

Starting a business is often seen as something that involves “big whigs”, suits, type-a personalities and plenty of money to invest with. But that’s not how all businesses start.

If you have a few thousand saved up, then you should seriously consider starting your own business. Business has changed drastically in the last few decades with the advent of the computer and the Internet. Aside from just being an “alternative” to going to college, starting a business can also provide you with an extremely different lifestyle than that of someone “with a job.”

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