Welcome to Affordable Colleges!
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!
In addition to affordable colleges, I’m also very interested in ways to save money while in college, such as buying cheap textbooks and securing low-cost flights home for the holidays. Student loans are also on my agenda. Of course, they are very helpful, and I have nothing against them. But–and this is a big but–I think it’s best to acquire the least amount of debt possible in pursuit of higher education. I have paid student loans, and interest, for years. I’ll do my best to help others avoid student loans or at least use this option only after exhausting all others.
What else will you find on this blog? I’ll cover scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and cooperative education programs. Why? Well, any college can be affordable if you have the right resources to apply to the tuition. I’m also planning to discuss online education. I love the idea of learning at home, on my own time and in my jammies. Best of all, many online learning programs offer low-cost tuition.
This blog is just getting started, but check back often for new information. And if you have information or experiences to share, please do chime in.
