Updated: Aug 07, 2019
Ten ways to lower tuition costs
These tips from Discover Student Loans can help you reduce tuition costs. After maximizing free financial aid, learn how to lower college tuition costs.
It is a common belief that out-of-state tuition can be more expensive than in-state tuition. While the sticker price is usually higher, there may be other incentives that could affect the final cost of an out of state school. Some colleges may offer in-state tuition prices to out-of-state students, or they may offer more need- and merit-based aid. As you evaluate college options, it’s important to look at costs beyond tuition, fees, and room and board to help ensure you understand the true cost of a college and what you may need to cover.
Note: Average costs are applicable for 2018-19 undergraduate tuition and fees for an entire academic year at a public college as presented by the College Board in October 2018, which is the source for this data. Room and board costs are consistent across in-state and out-of-state public four-year colleges, at $11,140 average for the 2018-19 school year.
If you are considering changing state residency for better tuition rates, carefully research your options and talk to school administrators first. State and school requirements can be very complex, so this may not be your best option to save on college expenses.
Sources:
Tuition and Fees: https://trends.collegeboard.org/college-pricing/figures-tables/2018-19-state-tuition-and-fees-public-four-year-institutions-state-and-five-year-percentage
Room and Board: https://trends.collegeboard.org/college-pricing/figures-tables/average-published-undergraduate-charges-sector-2018-19
Recommended for you
You could win a $5,000 scholarship for college!
Sign up for emails with helpful college tips and resources to enter. Official rules
More to Explore
Previous Slide
Next Slide
Subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans: What’s the difference?
Learn the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans with Discover Student Loans. Direct Loans were previously known as Direct Stafford Loans.
What’s the difference between private and federal student loans?
How are federal and private student loans different? Read how interest rates, origination fees, and other factors differ with Discover Student Loans.
Types of financial aid and college funding to consider before taking out student loans
Learn how to take advantage of different types of financial aid available, like scholarships and grants, to help pay for school before taking out student loans.
How to compare financial aid packages in five steps
Find out how to compare financial aid letters with Discover Student Loans. Learn more about the differences in financial aid packages including loans, grants, and scholarships.
Tips for using student loans for off-campus housing
Planning to live off campus? You can use student loans to pay for rent and cover other off-campus housing expenses such as utilities, transportation, and more.
What assets do you include on the FAFSA®?
Some assets you own are reportable on the FAFSA while others are not. Learn more about how assets affect financial aid from Discover Student Loans.
4 smart tips for comparing student loan interest rates
The advertised interest rate for student loans can be confusing. Here are tips from Discover Student Loans that can help you compare interest rates.
