How to Afford College

Key Takeaways

While expensive it pays to go to college. According to a 2026 College Board report people with a bachelor’s degree made 62 percent more than those with a high school diploma.
You can make college more affordable by applying for scholarships and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid annually.
Other options include taking online college courses or starting at a community college.

After being accepted, students must determine how to afford college.

It costs twice as much to earn a bachelor’s degree today than at the start of the 21st century, with the average price — including books, supplies, and daily living expenses — totaling more than $38,000.

But you should view college as an investment in your future – one that will pay off.

A 2026 report from College Board found bachelor’s degree recipients age 25 and older made 62 percent more than those with just a high school diploma.

And fortunately, plenty of options to ease the financial burden exist.

Here’s what you can do to keep your four years more manageable.

Apply for scholarships

Institutions, nonprofit and private organizations, and individuals offer scholarships to help students reduce the cost of attendance. These awards provide funding based on your:
- Academics such as GPA, class rank, or standardized test scores
- Talent including athletic abilities and artistic skills
- Community involvement such as leadership roles in clubs, volunteer work or service projects
Scholarship eligibility may also depend on factors including your major and personal demographics.

You do not need to pay back the money awarded.

Take online college courses

Online college courses remove many of the hidden costs associated with higher education, including:
- Transportation and parking
- Books and course materials
- Technology and activity fees
As a result, they tend to be less expensive.

Portage Learning, an accredited institution, offers a self-directed format that lets you begin at any time and learn from anywhere, perfect for those balancing heavy schedules, such as:
- Motivated high schoolers
- Gap year students
- Career switchers
Its courses remain significantly less than the average per-credit rate public, four-year universities charge in-state residents.

You can also register for Portage Learning’s packaged option, which enables you to finish eight general education courses – equivalent to a year of college – for under $5,000. It includes:
Earned credits transfer to more than 2,800 colleges and universities across the country.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To receive institutional scholarships, you must fill out a FAFSA form.

You and your parent(s) or guardian(s) will complete one each school year.

It asks about your family’s finances to determine how much money they can award you and whether you qualify for other forms of financial aid, including:
- Grants: Do not need to be repaid unless you withdraw from school
- Work-study: Allows you to earn money to pay for college by working part time
- Loans: Borrowed funds you must repay, usually with interest

Choose an affordable school

Consider an institution’s cost before applying to it.

Student debt can turn your dream school into a nightmare. The campus culture or success of its football team doesn’t matter nearly as much as graduating with a degree that fits your budget.

Generally speaking, tuition for an in-state public institution will be more affordable than a private university. You could also start at a community college.

Create a budget

It’s important to track how much you spend aside from tuition.

Everyday expenses such as housing, groceries, and transportation add up.

Creating a monthly budget allows you to understand where that money goes and how to adjust as your income fluctuates.

Earn college credits in high school

Advanced Placement courses expose you to college-level courses in high school.

At the end of the year, you take an exam, which costs $99. If you score at least a three, you receive transferable credit.

You could also sign up for a College-Level Examination Program for $97.

Rather than enroll in a course, you test what you already know by taking one of 34 exams in five subject areas.

The number of questions answered correctly converts to a scaled score that ranges from 20 to 80. In general, an institution will grant credit for a 50 or higher.

Use employer tuition assistance

Many companies offer workers money as a benefit to offset the cost of attendance.

It can be used toward any educational expense, including:
- Tuition
- Books
- Supplies
To receive the assistance, you may be required to pursue a certain degree or work at the company for a set period of time.

Amounts awarded vary, but up to $5,250 may be given to an employee tax-free under federal law.

Transferable college credits - find your course

Still looking for answers?

Check out the FAQs about this article below.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable way to earn college credits?

There are many affordable options available to earn college credit. You can through accredited online courses, advanced placement classes, dual enrollment, or take a CLEP exam.

Can online college courses save money?

Yes! Online college courses remove many of the hidden costs associated with higher education. Portage Learning, an accredited institution, offers a packaged option, which enables you to finish eight general education courses – equivalent to a year of college – for under $5,000.

Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?

Yes, you have to complete it every year to receive institutional scholarships. It asks about your family’s finances to determine how much money they can award you and whether you qualify for other forms of financial aid, including grants, work-study, and more.

Is college worth the price?

College can be very expensive, but the price is worth it. A 2026 report from College Board found bachelor’s degree recipients age 25 and older made 62 percent more than those with just a high school diploma.