{"id":6374,"date":"2026-05-21T14:13:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T21:13:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/?p=6374"},"modified":"2026-05-21T14:26:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T21:26:40","slug":"how-to-make-college-more-affordable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacific.edu\/blog\/2026\/05\/21\/how-to-make-college-more-affordable\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make college more affordable\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Students<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When you compare colleges, you run into the term \u201ccost of attendance\u201d 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\u2019s some good news: Most students don\u2019t pay sticker price for their education.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you understand the real cost of attending college and<\/em> 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your true cost before you apply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the cost of attendance can give you sticker shock, the more important number is the net price<\/em><\/a>. That\u2019s the actual cost you pay to attend college once you take into account your grants, scholarships and other aid.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you research a college<\/a>, 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that this is an estimate<\/em> and not a guaranteed aid offer. Still, it\u2019s a more accurate number for you than the sticker price.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re looking at the right tuition rate. Private schools, such as University of the Pacific, typically charge the same tuition regardless of where you\u2019re from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does is the college application?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 You can minimize your cost through application fee waivers, when available. Keep an eye out for opportunities throughout the process.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

And later, when you apply, you can request a fee waiver through the Common App<\/a> or speak with a school\u2019s admission counselor to see if you qualify for a fee waiver on their institution\u2019s own application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also consider a direct admission method<\/a> like Niche Direct Admissions<\/a>, which do not require application fees.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to pay for college without loans <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Student loans aren\u2019t the only way to cover your college costs. Here are other ways you can reduce or cover your college costs: <\/p>\n\n\n\n