9 Ways to Afford the College You Love

As you search for your perfect college, keep in mind that sticker price shouldn’t be your starting point. After all, the least expensive education today may wind up costing you in future opportunities.

Many of today’s high-paying jobs weren’t around 10 to 15 years ago, and a recent report from Dell Technologies estimates that 85 percent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. That’s why it’s critical that you invest in an education that challenges you to connect to new ideas, think critically, communicate effectively, and prepare for a meaningful, productive career.

Propel your college investment into a lifetime dividend by ensuring that your goals align with the college’s mission, vision, and values, as well as the outcomes of its graduates.

Here are some tips to help pay for the cost of education at the school of your choice.

Photo of Steve Booker, Director of Financial Aid at Rollins College

By Steve BookerDirector of Financial Aid, Rollins College

Commencement procession of students in caps & gowns through the Rollins campus, under large trees with the sun glowing through

1. Don’t be discouraged by price

Many students at most colleges don’t pay the stated cost of tuition, fees, room, and board. Typically, academic scholarships and financial aid are available to assist if you qualify. At Rollins, for example, 85 percent of students receive some form of financial aid, and each year our students receive more than $50 million in state, federal, and institutional resources.

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Rollins' lakeside campus at dusk with a purple sky

2. Utilize a college’s net price calculator

Most colleges have a net price calculator online to help gauge what you can expect to pay as a first-year student. This tool also provides an early estimate of what types and amounts of financial aid you might receive. Think of it as a college’s net price (or what you’ll actually pay) versus its sticker price.

Male student at table in the Rollins Cafe, on his laptop with a coffee. Two students with backpacks walk past him.

3. Start saving now

If you don’t already have a college fund, you’ll be in a better financial position if you start saving today rather than waiting until tomorrow. Human nature finds excuses not to save, so make a plan and begin now.

Professor and student meet in the professors cluttered, but homey, office to discuss a project.

4. Get out on time

Do you like big classes with professors who lecture and leave the one-on-one work to graduate assistants? Or do you thrive in smaller classes where professors lead discussions and personally connect with each and every student? Finding a college that suits your learning style will increase your chances of being academically successful and graduating on time (or even early). This, of course, reduces your costs and enables you to begin earning a salary sooner.

Female student studying in a secluded corner of the Rollins Olin Library.

5. Take the ACT and SAT

Some students perform best on the ACT while others do better on the SAT, so I highly encourage you to take both. Colleges will use the higher of the two standardized tests, so taking both will only benefit you—especially when it comes to qualifying for potential scholarships.

Professor and student meet to discuss a project. Student is smiling taking notes on a laptop as professor is talking.

6. Consider dual-enrollment courses

Successfully complete dual-enrollment courses and transfer them to college. This not only reduces your time to graduation (thereby lowering costs), but it also allows more flexibility for study-abroad options or pursuing a double major.

Rollins' huge oak trees reach over students walking down a path as the sunlight streams through the branches.

7. File the FAFSA in a timely manner

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) shortly after October 1 of your senior year in high school. This form enables each college you list to provide the maximum amount of financial aid for your family.

Professor and student meet in the professors office and both look at a computer screen, analyzing a project.

8. Seek outside scholarships

Many free sites can help with this process, but it will take time and effort on your part. Keep in mind that lots of students are seeking these scholarships. Ensure your application is error-free and your essay is engaging and interesting, and don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a teacher or counselor.

Professor and student meet to discuss a project. Student smiles and holds a notebook as professor explains the situation.

9. Reach out

Finally, contact the financial aid office at the college you are considering. They are the experts in aid options and can provide important guidance around deadlines, forms, and other options.