<p>I thought this might be a good thread to start -- one of those threads that are easy to refer back to when this question is asked (which it is -- about a zillion times each year).</p>
<p>My idea is that everyone could post specific information about ways to afford college without borrowing a ton of money. The idea would not just be the usual "get a summer job" or " be an RA", but would include specific information and links. </p>
<p>For example -- if I were to write the post on getting a summer job, I would include information on the best and highest paying summer jobs (including links), ways to work 2 summer jobs, the effect of summer income on your EFC and the income allowance protection, how to save that money without effecting your EFC -- and how much savings will effect your EFC. </p>
<p>There are actually quite a few ways to afford college without borrowing $200,000 -- but many times kids don't know about the options (or aren't willing to consider them until the very end).</p>
<p>Just a few topics that would be good to include in this thread: Americorps volunteering, working a summer job, work-study, Resident Assistant job, buying used books, applying for scholarships, applying to colleges that meet full need, applying to colleges that offer merit aid, co-op colleges/programs, colleges for low-income students, colleges with free tuition, tuition reimbursement by employer programs, ROTC scholarships, enlisting, applying to fafsa only schools, attending community college, utilizing dual-enrollment/AP/IB credits to graduate a year earlier -- I am sure there are more possibilities and this information could really come in handy for some students (particularly those who are willing to consider options)</p>
<p>Check out colleges offering free tuition in exchange for working a campus job. Called "work colleges", most of these schools are not nearly as selective as the ivies (Deep Springs is the exception) and other top schools with great financial aid -- and might be a good option for those without the stats for the ivies, or as a safety. Depending on your major, these might be a better option than a community college or small state college. At some of these work colleges, admission is restricted to "low-income" students -- defined by your household income and number in household.</p>
<p>Work</a> college - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Berea</a> College low-income students only, accepts international students
Berea</a> College - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Alice</a> Lloyd College free tuition for students in a 108 county area & most pell grant eligible students</p>
<p>Blackburn</a> College low-cost, but not free</p>
<p>College</a> of the Ozarks, Hard Work U. primarily for low-income students, but does accept students who are not low income
College</a> of the Ozarks - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Deep</a> Springs College men only, highly selective (tougher to get into than Harvard) and only a 2 year program -- but completely free. very unique and not for everyone
Deep</a> Springs College - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Ecclesia</a> College Cost of Attendance Breakdown not free -- but a low-cost option</p>
<p>Sterling</a> College not free -- but a low cost option
Sterling</a> College (Vermont) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Warren</a> Wilson College Financial Aid and Costs not free, but low-cost with excellent scholarship opportunities (including scholarships for service and work skills), provides FA for international students
Warren</a> Wilson College - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>While these may not be the schools you originally had in mind, they may be an excellent alternative to a local community college -- or living at home and commuting to the local state college. Several of these colleges rank very well regionally in USN&WR, sending many kids onto professional and graduate school.</p>
<p>Go to an inexpensive college. Either one where you get in-state tuition or one like these seven, which have cheap room and board and cheap tuition whether you are in state or out of state.
Univ. of Arkansas–Monticello<br>
Oklahoma Panhandle State Univ.<br>
Eastern Oregon University<br>
Southeastern Oklahoma State U.<br>
Northern State University (SD)
Southwest MN State Univ (MN)
Bemidji State University (MN)</p>
<p>and of course starting out with two years of community college is a great way to save money, especially if you can live at home.</p>