Consider an affordable online university in your quest for a low-cost college education. Years ago, the only way to get a decent college education was to actually go to school. Thanks to technology, that has changed. You can get a college degree without going to class every day. Instead, you can boot up your computer, log on to the Internet, and work towards your credential from the comfort of your own home.

There are many online universities from which to choose, and the right one for you will depend on a number of factors. You’ll want to make sure the online university you choose is accredited. You can earn a degree from a school that is not accredited, but you’ll have to be prepared for receiving a credential that is really only impressive to you. Other schools and employers may not recognize it as a valid degree. Unaccredited universities are better for a person who really only wants personal enrichment. And if you’re going to spend money on your education, why not make sure your degree will be worth something in the end?

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If you’re interested in a tuition free college, consider Cooper Union. Located in New York, this college offers full scholarships to all of its students. Make no mistake; this is a very generous offer. As of 2010, the college’s tuition was valued at $35,000. Over a four-year period, a person attending this school could save $140,000 on college tuition.

Cooper Union specializes in art, architecture, and engineering majors. The school is rather small, which makes sense for a tuition free college, boasting around 1,000 students. About 10 or so percent of the students who apply are accepted. Depending on the major a person chooses, he may have to submit a portfolio and take home tests (projects) as part of the application process. High school grades, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and essays may be considered as well, depending on the program for which the student is applying.

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Looking for the best inexpensive college? What do you think of free? Though few and far between, there are colleges that offer students an entirely free ride. Of course, it is possible to go to school for free if you get a good combination of scholarships and financial aid, but there are some schools that offer all of their students $0 tuition instead of reducing their costs with various types of financial aid. These tuition free colleges can be a godsend for individuals hoping to get a college education without securing a healthy load of debt to go along with it.

Tuition free colleges are able to offer students such wonderful opportunities because they receive endowments. Generous benefactors give these schools large sums of money, enabling them to provide a tuition free college education to every enrolled student. How large you ask? One school, the Cooper Union, has an endowment that is worth more than $600 million dollars. And they’re not always money. Often endowments include investments that have the potential to grow and yield more money for the college and its students. Additionally, many free colleges receive generous contributions from alumni.

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I am a believer in buying cheap textbooks. I like a crisp, unused book just as much as the next person, but practicality has to win out here. Buying used is much better for the budget conscious, and let’s face it, college textbooks often take a beating. It’s not like you’re going to keep them in pristine condition anyway.

I’ve gone the buy-new-in-the-college-bookstore route, both as a college student and as a parent of one. There are so many better things you can do with your money. Trust me on this. So now, I only buy used. I always check out whether the college store has any cheap textbooks, and I’ve found some pretty good deals this way. Often, however, I get the best prices online.

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If you’re looking for an affordable college and you don’t want to start at a community college, an in-state university is often the way to go. These state schools offer four-year programs, so you can earn a bachelor’s degree there, but they are typically far less expensive than private institutions. In fact, there are even some that offer tuition that is nearly as cheap as that of a community college.

As with community colleges, state university tuition typically depends on where you live. If you are a resident of the state in which the school is located, you’ll pay its lowest rate. If you’re not a resident, you may get cheaper-than-normal college tuition, but you’d probably save more by attending a school in your own state.

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If you’re looking for cheap colleges, don’t overlook your local community college. One popular way to save money on college is to enroll in community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year institution. Some people are more excited by the prospect of spending the entire four years in one school, but if saving money is a major priority for you, definitely consider a community college.

Some people turn up their noses at community colleges, often because they don’t really understand what they are and how they work. They are not schools for people who have no other option or aren’t very smart. Instead, they are schools that offer both degree and non-degree programs taught by knowledgeable college professors. The major difference is simply that colleges and universities typically offer bachelor’s degrees, and community college’s offer associate’s degrees and certain diplomas and certificates. They’re also a good place for people who want to brush up on a subject or even just pursue an interest. Community college courses aren’t necessarily easier than classes available at a four-year college. In fact, some community college professors can be quite tough (I’m speaking from experience here.).

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The cost of a college education is rising, but there are still many affordable colleges to consider. Often, people associate the term “low cost” with low quality, but being inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean shoddy. With a little help, you can find colleges that offer affordable tuition and a good education. In fact, there are even some colleges that offer free tuition. That’s right–completely free.

I have four children to put through college. Not all at once (fortunately), but I have two who will begin college over the next decade and one who has a nice, long time to wait (he’s only five). My oldest started college this year. Deciding where she should go and how much we could afford has been a nerve-wracking experience. This challenge stimulated the creation of this blog. I created Affordable Colleges for two reasons: as a research project I can use to help my children seek affordable higher education and to help others like me who are searching for the most affordable choices. I have to admit I’m also a bit of an education geek. Doing all of this research actually has me thinking of going back to school. One more reason to research affordable colleges!

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