year; the average annual cost at a private university is more than double that figure, a staggering $54,501.

There are many costs to consider when pursuing a higher education: tuition, fees, books, technology and supplies. But expenses like room and board can run up the tab even further– and once students factor in the costs of transportation and personal expenses, the price tag can become overwhelming.

Luckily, prospective students have options when it comes to offsetting the steep cost of higher education. A creative combination of scholarships, grant funding, work-study programs, and tuition-free degree programs may even equate to a low-cost or “free” option.


1. Apply for grants and scholarships
There are thousands of programs, institutions, companies and organizations that give away free money. In general, grants are based on need, while scholarships are based on academic, artistic or athletic merit.

You can apply for grants and scholarships at the federal and school level by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ask your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office if you’re eligible for any local programs or institution-specific scholarships.

Scholarship search engines are an easy way to find scholarships outside of your college offerings. You can customize your search based on any number of factors, including:

Race.
Ethnicity.
Gender.
Financial need.
Potential major.
Military affiliation.
Religion.
Physical disabilities.
The earlier you start your search, the more free money you could qualify for. Many grants and scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the more money you could score.

2. Enlist in the military
The U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force, Military (West Point), Merchant Marine and Naval academies offer free college opportunities to students who serve after college. Scholarships are also available through local Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

Offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities in the U.S., the ROTC program provides a paid college education and guaranteed postcollege career to participants in exchange for committing to serve in the military after graduation.

If you’ve served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, you may also qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which helps cover the cost of in-state tuition and fees and provides an allowance for living expenses, books and supplies. Those who qualify for the program’s maximum benefit will have the full cost of public in-state tuition and fees covered for 36 months. There are funding limits for private and foreign schools.