How to Make College More Affordable

Contents

1. Start Planning for College Sooner Rather Than Later
2. Take AP Classes in High School to Get Credits Before Starting College
3. Apply for Financial Aid Early (Seriously, Don’t Wait!)
4. Go After Merit-Based Scholarships
5. Look for Extra Need-Based Scholarships Too
6. Think About Beginning at a Community College First
7. Choose an In-State School to Save Money
8. Compare Your Financial Aid Offers Side by Side
9. Make the Most of Work-Study Opportunities
10. Cut Down on Your Living Costs
11. Appily Can Help You Afford College Easier

1. Start Planning for College Early

One of the best ways to keep college costs down is to get a head start on research and planning. Look into schools and programs you like, explore financial aid options, and set up a budget.

Right now, you can use online tools to compare college costs, hunt for scholarships, and find aid programs that can cut down tuition expenses. Think about what you want to study, then build a smart college list that factors in things like housing and in-state tuition benefits.

Want more guidance? Check out our college search plan for high school juniors.

2. Take High School AP Classes to Earn Credits Before Enrolling

Knocking out college credits in high school through AP classes is a genius way to save money. AP courses are college-level, and if you pass the exams, you can earn credits that count toward your degree—letting you skip intro classes and jump into more advanced work.

Earning AP credits might even help you graduate early and qualify for scholarships. It’s a smart move to make college more affordable while staying on track with your goals.

3. Apply (EARLY) for Financial Aid

Next up: filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to snag free money for school. Colleges and the federal government use this form to decide your eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans.

You’ll need to share personal and financial details (like tax info), but the form is free and available online. It opens every October 1st and closes June 30th the next year—but some states and schools have earlier deadlines, so don’t wait!

4. Earn Merit-Based Awards

Merit scholarships reward you for your hard work—whether it’s academics, sports, or other talents. Unlike need-based aid, these depend on your performance, so they’re totally in your control.

You could qualify based on SAT/ACT scores, GPA, a standout essay, or athletic achievements.

5. Apply for Additional Need-Based Scholarships

After submitting the FAFSA, go after other scholarships to stack up more free cash (that you won’t have to repay!). There are tons of options for all kinds of students—search online, through your school’s financial aid office, or databases like Cappex.

Just apply early and track deadlines to boost your chances.

6. Consider Starting at a Community College

Community colleges are a budget-friendly way to kick off your degree. They’re cheaper than four-year schools, and many have transfer programs so you can move credits to a university later.

Pro tip: Not all classes transfer, so pick wisely and chat with an advisor to stay on track.

7. Attend an In-State School

Staying in-state (or picking a school that offers in-state rates) can save you thousands. For example:

• Average in-state tuition: $10,950
• Average out-of-state tuition: $28,240

That’s a $17,000 difference! Plus, you might save on housing by living at home.

Want to dig deeper? Learn about net price vs. sticker price.

8. Carefully Compare Your Financial Aid Offers

Don’t just look at sticker prices—compare net costs after aid. As Marie D. Johnson (University of Vermont) explains:

9. Take Advantage of Work-Study Programs

Work-study jobs (on-campus or nearby) help you earn extra cash with flexible hours that fit your class schedule. Plus, they’re resume boosters!

10. Reduce Your Living Expenses

Small costs add up—rent, groceries, transportation. Cut back by:

• Splitting an apartment with roommates
• Cooking instead of eating out
• Using public transit instead of a car

11. Appily Can Help Make College More Affordable

With some smart planning, college can be affordable. Appily lets you compare costs, programs, and aid for your top schools—all in one place.