If you’re looking for the most affordable colleges in Maryland, consider heading your list with community colleges. Though these schools usually only grant two-year degrees as well as some certificates and diplomas, you can always use them to earn an associate’s degree at a low cost and then transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many people find this approach saves them thousands of dollars. If this is an option for you, consider Baltimore City Community College. Located in Baltimore, Maryland this community college has two campuses as well as satellite locations from which you can choose. Want a lot of choices? This school offers more than 30 different degrees, and the tuition (as of January 2012) is just $88 per credit hour.

Located in Westminster, Maryland, Carroll Community College is also among those that offer low tuition. This school’s per-credit tuition comes in at $101 per credit hour for residents. Those who live out of the area can expect to pay considerably more, however. Out-of-county residents pay about $178 per credit hour while out-of-state residents have to pay about $250 per credit hour (as of January 2012). The school has an average class size of 20 students and offers a range of educational options in areas like allied health, healthcare education, business and information technologies, engineering, and the arts. You may also consider this college for its range of social science and teacher education options.

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Finding the cheapest colleges in Maine means considering community colleges like Northern Maine Community College and York County Community College as well as the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Augusta, Fort Kent, or Machias for a four-year degree. The costs you will have to cover, however, depend on whether or not you are a resident and your choice of on-campus or off-campus housing.

Located in Presque Isle, Maine, Northern Maine Community College has been educating students since the early 1960s and is among the cheapest colleges in this state. Currently, the school serves more than 2000 students each year, with a faculty-to-student ratio of about 1:15 and dozens of educational programs. This school offers both degree and non-degree programs in categories like business technology, arts and sciences, nursing, allied health, trade, and technology. Non-degree programs include those intended for people in need of continuing-education credits or corporate training. There are even some programs for individuals interested in driving tractor trailers. The tuition at this school makes it one of the most affordable colleges in Maine, allowing you to attend for $86 per credit (based on the 2011 to 2012 academic year) for residents and $172 per credit for non-residents. Unlike many community colleges, this one even offers room and board at extra cost.

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Indian Hills Community College is among the cheapest colleges in Iowa. You can obtain an education from this school for about $130 per credit if you are an in-state resident. Your tuition will amount to about $65 more per credit, however, if you are an out-of-state resident. Founded in 1966, Indiana Hills Community College is located in Southeast Iowa and has three different campuses. The school also boasts eight different county service centers. This community college may be a good choice for you if you are hoping to earn an associate’s degree or secure a diploma or certificate. It offers the following academic divisions:

• Advanced Technologies

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Many well-known companies offer scholarships for college, and Comcast is one of them. Comcast seeks to encourage leaders and achievers through the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Program. This program offers $1,000 scholarships to recipients. It’s not a huge amount of money, but when you’re faced with the high costs of post-secondary education, every dime may truly count. The scholarship is a one-time grant, which means students don’t receive it every year. But if you win one of these awards, you may use it to help pay for your housing or meal plan. It can make a real dent in your costs there.

This scholarship program is for students who are leaders. These students have demonstrated a commitment to serving their communities and have impressed their principals and guidance counselors with their leadership ability. These are the kids who are expected to be movers and shakers–not merely for monetary gain.

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If you’re a high school senior, consider applying for a college scholarship from Coca Cola. This scholarship is open to high school seniors who live in the United States. There are other eligibility requirements to meet, but the soda company offers 250 scholarships each year. These scholarships are not based on need; they are based on student achievement. This is good news for those who may find their need-based financial aid lacking.

The eligibility requirements for the Coca Cola college scholarship are pretty basic. Eligible applicants have to be current high school students, which includes homeschoolers, who are in the senior year of high school. They have to be citizens of the United States, US nationals, or permanent or temporary residents. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, Humanitarian Parolees are eligible. Applicants have to be expecting to graduate from high school and receive a diploma when they apply, and they must have plans to attend an accredited United States college or university. There’s also a GPA requirement. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

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If you’re wondering how to get a college scholarship, there are some easy tips you can apply to boost your chances of success. Remember that scholarships are money you never have to pay back. Being proactive about applying for them can result in major benefits for your wallet.

• Get prepared to dig in with college scholarship research. There are tons of scholarships available, and you will find some that are perfect for you. If you just apply for those that everyone knows about, however, you’ll shortchange yourself of money for your education. Instead, dig and dig for those little-known scholarships that have fewer applicants, and therefore, less competition.

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For more and more students, paying for college without going broke is becoming a top priority, sometimes even outpacing concerns about available majors and school locations. No one wants to get saddled with years of student loans to repay. Many students accept student loans as a necessary evil, but would greatly prefer to walk away from college without carry a heavy load of debt.

One option for those who are focused on paying for college without going broke is starting at community college and then transferring to a four-year institution after two years. Community colleges are much more affordable than most four-year institutions. This means students can secure two years of education at a tiny fraction of the cost of attending the average four-year school. Then, they can transfer to a four-year, in-state college or university. These schools are usually less expensive than state-related and private colleges.

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