How to make college more affordable 

When you compare colleges, you run into the term “cost of attendance” a lot. Also known as sticker price, this is the estimated cost to attend that school for one year. Those prices can induce sticker shock, but here’s some good news: Most students don’t pay sticker price for their education.  

To help you understand the real cost of attending college and how to make it more affordable, there are a few things you should know about the price, financial aid and other ways to cover college costs.  

Check your true cost before you apply

While the cost of attendance can give you sticker shock, the more important number is the net price. That’s the actual cost you pay to attend college once you take into account your grants, scholarships and other aid.  

When you research a college, look for a net price calculator on its website. When you enter your information into that calculator, it estimates what you would actually pay per year based on what similar students paid in prior years.  

Keep in mind that this is an estimate and not a guaranteed aid offer. Still, it’s a more accurate number for you than the sticker price.  

It’s also important to consider the price difference between in-state and out-of-state schools. An in-state college is in the same state where you officially reside. This is important for two reasons.  

First, state schools which are state-run public institutions, typically charge different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Make sure you’re looking at the right tuition rate. Private schools, such as University of the Pacific, typically charge the same tuition regardless of where you’re from. 

Second, when you consider an out-of-state school, you will likely have additional costs related to travel. That includes your initial move to campus and any travel back home. You should factor that into your price consideration when you compare colleges. 

How much does is the college application?

 You can minimize your cost through application fee waivers, when available. Keep an eye out for opportunities throughout the process.  

When you take any standardized tests, like the SAT or ACT, check its website to see if you qualify for a fee waiver and how to apply for one.  

And later, when you apply, you can request a fee waiver through the Common App or speak with a school’s admission counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver on their institution’s own application. 

You can also consider a direct admission method like Niche Direct Admissions, which do not require application fees.  

How to pay for college without loans 

Student loans aren’t the only way to cover your college costs. Here are other ways you can reduce or cover your college costs: 

• FAFSA: It’s important to submit your FAFSA each year to see which federal and state need-based scholarships or grants you’re eligible for. Even if you aren’t eligible for need-based financial aid, you still need to submit FAFSA to access federal loan options. 

• Grants: A grant is money awarded that you do not need to pay back. They are typically need-based. You can determine your eligibility for grants through the FAFSA. Your university may also offer grants, which may be given automatically or require an additional application. Do some research on your university to see what grants it offers.  

Scholarships: Scholarships, similar to grants, do not need to be paid back. They are often merit-based awards. You can get scholarships through your university or an outside organization. Your university may offer a variety of scholarships, such as ones you’re automatically eligible for if you meet the criteria or others that you need to apply for.  

What to know about college loans 

You can apply for college loans to ease the immediate financial burden of college costs. Not every loan works the same way, though, so here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know: 

• Federal loans: When you submit your FAFSA, you may be offered a federal student loan from the U.S. Department of Education. There are several types of federal student loans, which can either be offered to you, your parents or both. Federal loans tend to have lower interest rates, more flexible payment plans and more options for loan forgiveness or relief.  

• Private loans: You can apply for a private student loan through banks, credit unions and other online lenders. There is a lot more variability for private loans, so pay attention to the details if you do apply for one. Keep a close eye on interest rates, repayment plans and options for relief. 

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Also known as PSLF for short, this is a loan forgiveness option available to students with federal loans. You can apply for the PSLF program if you get a job with the government or non-profit, work full-time and make at least 120 qualifying monthly payments. 

• Long-term effects of student debt: Loans are one of the most accessible ways to cover college costs, but it’s important to consider your options carefully before you take out a student loan. Your education gives you access to jobs with higher salaries, which can make student loans worthwhile, but lasting debt can also cause a mental health burden and delay your life goals.   

How to pay for housing in college 

Your biggest expense in college, outside of tuition, is housing. Wherever you attend college, you need a place to live. You could live on campus, off campus or commute. Each option has upsides and drawbacks. 

On-campus living means you have a lot more support. The price you pay covers your housing, utilities, WiFi and also means you have access to university resources if an issue pops up. It also means you’re never far from your campus community.  

Off-campus living is a great option if you want more independence but also means you have more responsibility. You have to find where you’ll live, set up utilities and internet, get renter’s insurance and find roommates. It can be cheaper than on-campus living, but you may find it more expensive in areas with impacted housing markets. 

Finally, you can also commute to school. Commuter students often live with family and travel to campus for classes. This is generally the cheapest option but does incur additional costs from gas, car maintenance or public transportation fare.  

If you want to live on campus, you can minimize your housing costs by becoming a residential assistant from your sophomore year onward. More commonly known as RAs, these students oversee and build community floors in on-campus housing. They also serve as the first responders for student conflicts, crises and emergencies. RAs are generally given a waiver to cover their housing costs. 

Your education can cost less than you think 

While the cost of attendance can produce sticker shock, you have more control over the net price. Understand your options and you can reduce how much your education costs.  

One final tip: Look for a university, like Pacific, that invests in you, too.