by: Lindsay Hutton

Start at a Community College

Scholarships
Students and parents can also visit fastweb.com to find scholarships and other ways to get financial aid for college.

Work-Study
Visit the U.S. Department of Education for more information on the federal work-study program.

On-Campus Job
Another option is to work full-time during the day and take part-time classes at night. Although it will take your child a little longer to earn his degree, he may be able to pay for classes as he goes along, preventing him from having to borrow and get into debt.

Accelerated Classes

Commute

College Courses in High School
All courses are taught by college professors, and students earn college credits upon completion. Some students in the program have taken up to two years off their college education by participating.

Three Year Plan

Military Service
Visit goarmy.com for more information about the options available through the military.

Federal Aid
If you do end up having to borrow money, federal student loans are the cheapest option. Loans made directly to students often have the best interest rates, with the top rate being 6.8% for a Stafford loan. Federal loans for parents (PLUS loans) are also available, and carry a maximum interest rate of 8.5%.
Visit FAFSA's website to apply for a federal grant, scholarship, or student loan.
Private loans are still available, but can carry double-digit interest rates.