7 Strategies to Make College More Affordable
02/26/2018
With the price of college still on an upward trajectory, families are looking for ways to make higher education affordable.
According to “How America Pays for College,” a report by Sallie Mae, the average American family spent $23,757 on college costs in 2017.
Here are some ways families are reducing their college costs:
Live at home. The report found 50% of students live with their parents or relatives.
Cut the pricey top picks. Nearly 70% of families eliminated colleges during the application process due to their high price tags, up from 58% in 2008. About 73% are choosing an in-state school.
Take a student job. At least 76% the students surveyed reported planned to work while in college, with 55% working year-round.
Finish quicker. Nearly 26% of students enrolled in accelerated courses while in high school to pay for fewer semesters in college.
Start a college-savings plan. In 2016-17, 13% of families used the 529 tax-advantaged college-savings plan, with an average amount of $10,031.
Use grants and scholarships. Families reported covering about 35% of their school bills with grants and scholarships—the biggest portion of their payment sources. About 87% of these scholarships come from the schools.
Atlantic College Scholarship Program. The 2018 Atlantic college scholarship program is available to members who are graduating high school. This scholarship program offers graduating seniors the chance to receive one of the following:
- One, $7,500 scholarship
- One, $2,500 scholarship
- One, $1,000 scholarship
- One of eight $500 scholarships
To be considered for the scholarship awards, all applicants must fill-out and submit an application form, write a 350-400 word essay pertaining to a selected question and provide a resume and letter of reference. All submitted applications and documents will be reviewed by the Atlantic Scholarship Committee.
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