Many parents would like their children to attend college, but are concerned about the costs.
While paying for college can be a challenge, it is important to know that there are many opportunities for financial assistance.
The factors that influence the cost of a basic college education are the type of school (such as public or private, in-state or out-of-state), the time it takes your child to finish (the longer he or she stays, the more it will cost), and location.
Location affects the cost of housing, food and transportation.
Federal and state governments both offer help, along with private sources and foundations such as the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.
Your child’s high school is the best single source of information about financial aid.
Here are tips that help reduce college costs:
- Reduce the number of classes needed in college by taking Advanced Placement classes or courses at a community college.
- Enroll in a community college and then transfer to a four-year school.
- Participate in a partnership program that is formally linked to a college.
- Take advantage of federal programs such as the HOPE Scholarship tax credit.
Remember the guiding principle: Where there is a will, there really is a way.
