College debt continues to pose a significant challenge in the United States, exceeding $1.8 trillion in 2024. However, there are also immense opportunities to offset costs. Between the U.S. Department of Education and universities, over $50 billion is awarded annually in grants and scholarships. Below, we’ve outlined nine essential tips to help you or your student access a quality college education without being overwhelmed by debt.
1. Earn College Credits in High School
One of the easiest ways to save on college tuition is to earn college credits while still in high school. At LuHi, students can take dual-credit and Advanced Placement (AP) courses that help them graduate college early.
Dual-Credit Courses: These courses are accepted at nearly all accredited universities. While there’s a fee, students earning at least 78% in the course receive college credit.
AP Courses: After completing the course, students take a standardized exam. Depending on the college, students who score a 3 or higher (on a 1-5 scale) can earn credit. Exam fees are approximately $100 each.
Pro Tip: Not all colleges accept AP scores as credit, and some require higher scores (e.g., a 4 or 5). Check with your target universities to confirm their policies.
2. Work Smarter in Your Scholarship Search
Scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce college costs. Follow these tips to maximize your efforts:
- Start Local: Local scholarships are less competitive. Check libraries, rotary clubs, and local businesses.
- Apply for Smaller Awards: While a $500 scholarship may seem small, winning multiple smaller awards can add up quickly. Many of these awards also have less competition, improving your odds.
- Focus on Renewable Scholarships: Prioritize scholarships that renew each year. These awards will continue to offset costs throughout your college career.
- Set Weekly Goals: Dedicate a specific amount of time each week to applying for scholarships. Treat it like a part-time job—it’s time well spent.
- Tailor Your Applications: Personalize each scholarship application to match the sponsor’s goals. Highlight how your achievements align with their mission or criteria.
- Leverage Your Network: Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders for recommendation letters to strengthen your applications.
Expand your scholarship search:
- Special Interests: If you have a unique hobby, talent, or interest, search for scholarships in that niche. For instance, there are scholarships for gamers, musicians, or even students who excel in creating memes.
- Employer Scholarships: Many companies offer scholarships for employees or their children. Check with your parents’ or guardians’ employers to see if they offer such programs.
- College Admissions Departments: Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships to incoming students. These awards are often based on GPA, test scores, or extracurricular achievements. These scholarships are the easiest way to cut down tuition costs, and they validate all the hard work you did in high school!
- Departmental Scholarships: Look into specific scholarships offered by the department of your chosen major. For example, engineering, nursing, or business programs often have unique awards for their students.
- Community and Local Scholarships: Scholarships are often offered by local organizations, rotary clubs, libraries, and businesses for students in the area. These awards tend to be less competitive than national scholarships, which can enhance your chances of winning them.
Use Scholarship Search Engines
Use your LuHi Naviance platform to track applications and awards. For additional searches, check out:
Pro Tip: Some colleges have "No Loan" policies, replacing loans with scholarships and grants. Research these options for debt-free opportunities.
Scholarship hunting can be time-consuming, but persistence pays off. Even if you don’t win every scholarship you apply for, the ones you do win can significantly ease your financial burden.
3. Make Your Money Work for You
Things to Do Now in High School
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Look for part-time jobs with companies that offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Some examples of employers who offer this benefit include Starbucks, Amazon, Chipotle, Walmart, Target, and McDonalds.
- Competitions and Contests: Participate in essay, art, or video contests that offer cash prizes. These not only help you save for college but also enhance your resume.
- Start Freelancing: Use skills like graphic design, writing, or photography to freelance through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Not only will this earn you some extra cash, but it’s a great way to build valuable career experience.
- Build a College Savings Plan: If you’re earning money now, consider contributing to a 529 college savings plan to prepare for future costs.
Things to Do in College
- On-Campus Jobs: If possible, snag an on-campus job. Apply for positions like Resident Assistant (RA), tutor, or library assistant. These often come with perks like free housing, tuition discounts, or flexible schedules. These jobs get taken fast, so prioritize your job search as soon as you get to campus!
- Work-Study Programs: If eligible, apply for federal work-study jobs, which provide part-time employment on or near campus and fit around your academic schedule.
- Keep Freelancing: Continue to use freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to earn money while gaining real-world experience.
- Gig Economy Jobs: Take advantage of flexible work options like food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats) or dog walking (Rover). These can help you earn extra cash without rigid time commitments.
By combining smart employment choices with budgeting strategies, you can offset college expenses and make every dollar count.
4. Save on Textbooks, Dorm Supplies, and More
Textbooks, dorm essentials, and school supplies can quickly add up. Here’s how to save:
- Textbooks: Buy used, rent, or purchase digital versions from sites like Chegg, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. A few semesters into college, you will meet other students who have already taken classes you are registered for. Ask to borrow or offer to buy or rent their textbooks from them.
- Dorm Supplies: Colleges often have rental programs for dorm necessities like mini-fridges or microwaves. For secondhand furniture and household items, check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Many colleges also host “move-out sales” at the end of each semester, where students sell or donate their used furniture and appliances. Essentials can often be found for a fraction of the cost—sometimes even free!
- Multi-Use Items: Invest in versatile products like multi-purpose cookware or furniture that doubles as storage.
- Get thrifty: Used clothes can be your friend in college if staying trendy without breaking the bank matters to you. Shop at local thrift stores or online at places like ThredUp. If you plan on participating in Greek Life, formals are in your future. Try Rent the Runway for formal clothing rentals. Local thrift stores are treasure troves for unique finds, from vintage clothing to furniture and dorm decorations. With creativity and patience, you can build a wardrobe or furnish your space without overspending.
5. Compare Housing Options
Where you live can have a big impact on costs.
Dorms
Living in a dorm is often the default choice for many students, especially during their first year. Dorm costs typically include utilities, internet, and sometimes even meal plans, all bundled into one flat fee. This can simplify budgeting and save time. Dorm life also offers easy access to campus resources, classes, and social activities. Dorm fees can vary widely depending on the school, the type of room (single, double, or suite), and whether you opt for additional amenities. Be sure to compare costs and determine whether the convenience and community are worth the price.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing can sometimes be more affordable, but it requires more effort to manage. When living off-campus, you’ll need to account for rent, utilities, internet, and furnishings. Sharing a house or apartment with roommates can significantly reduce costs. Make sure to consider the commute to campus—both in terms of time and transportation expenses. Proximity to public transportation or biking paths can help save on parking and gas if you don’t have a car. Research the housing market in your college town ahead of time to find the best deals and ensure your lease aligns with the academic calendar.
Pro-Tips:
- Negotiate Rent: If you’re renting off-campus, don’t be afraid to negotiate rent with your landlord, especially if you’re signing a long-term lease or paying several months upfront.
- Sublease: If you’re not planning to stay during the summer or a semester abroad, sublease your room to another student to offset rent costs.
- Renter’s Insurance: While it’s an added cost, renter’s insurance is inexpensive and can save you thousands in the event of theft or damage to your belongings.
- Utilities: Split utility bills with roommates and find ways to save energy, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs or turning off appliances when not in use.
- Consider living at home if you are attending a local university.
6. Leverage Student Discounts and Campus Resources
Your student ID is your ticket to savings:
- Student Discounts: Use sites like UNiDAYS or Student Beans for deals on clothing, technology, and more.
- Transportation: Many cities offer free or discounted public transit for students. Leave your car at home and save on gas, insurance, and maintenance.
- Campus Perks: Take advantage of free gym memberships, fitness classes, movie nights, concerts, and guest lectures. You're paying to be there so take advantage of all the benefits campus life has to offer!
Pro Tip: Join a local church. Many host free potlucks, send care packages and provide a sense of community. If you miss homemade meals, your church family would love to fill that void! Plus, why wait until graduation to start the habit of plugging into your local church community?
7. Plan Meals Strategically
Meal plans are a significant expense, so choose wisely. Whether you live on or off campus, consider buying in bulk when possible. This is a smart and cost-effective way to save on groceries, especially when you share the costs with roommates. Additionally, consider planning group meals where each person contributes ingredients or takes turns cooking. This lowers your individual grocery expenses and fosters a sense of community.
- Unlimited Plans: Best if you eat most meals on campus.
- Limited Plans: Ideal for students who cook in dorms or apartments.
- Off-Campus Living: Budget for groceries, but keep in mind meal prep takes time.
Pro Tip: Free food events are common on campuses, especially during finals week. Stay alert for these opportunities!
8. Complete the FAFSA Early
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential for accessing grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans. It opens each year on October 1, and applying early improves your chances of securing aid.
In 2024, the FAFSA was updated to make the process faster and more user-friendly. Don’t leave money on the table—31% of tuition needs are met through federal aid annually!
9. Consider In-State and Community Colleges
Community colleges are a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements, with tuition averaging $4,000/year. If you plan to transfer, confirm that credits will transfer seamlessly to your desired university. For four-year universities, in-state tuition is often significantly cheaper than out-of-state tuition—sometimes by as much as three times. Living at home can further reduce costs.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a college education can feel overwhelming, but remember, it’s a valuable investment in your future. With careful planning, persistence, and creativity, you can reduce costs and avoid unnecessary debt.
Talk to LuHi’s College Advisors, your parents, and other trusted mentors to evaluate your options. Start early, stay organized, and use these strategies to make college affordable!
Originally published in 2021. Updated in 2025.
