I’m paying for college without my parents’ help. What are my options?

Here are some tips that can help you navigate the process and make it feel less overwhelming.

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If you can live near the college rent-free, or at low cost, then this is likely the most cost-effective choice.

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Considering Private vs Public Colleges

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Starting at a Community College

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Because scholarships don’t typically need to be repaid, they are a valuable tool to help fund your college education.

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Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free quiz matches you with fiduciary financial advisors in your area or who serve your area. If you are ready to be matched with financial advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, take the quiz now.

[{"selector":"#anim-64910c4a-8da7-432a-abe3-b0ec8e035708","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3de9bdee-cb8f-40c1-821d-e29b3b07c100","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-00d0f921-6513-4a3c-8536-318f39c2fab5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 99.16371%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-16701ce2-f885-483e-9ba2-06e65acb5cc0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Back-to-school finds: the best bento boxes for kids Back-to-school sales tax holiday: When is your state offering one?

I’m paying for college without my parents’ help. What are my options?

Here are some tips that can help you navigate the process and make it feel less overwhelming.

If you can live near the college rent-free, or at low cost, then this is likely the most cost-effective choice.

Living at Home

Considering Private vs Public Colleges

Public colleges are, generally speaking, less expensive than private colleges.

Starting at a Community College

Completing your first two years of study at a community college is another option that could dramatically reduce the overall cost of college.

Because scholarships don’t typically need to be repaid, they are a valuable tool to help fund your college education.

Applying for Relevant Scholarships

SWIPE UP NOW TO READ MORE!

Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free quiz matches you with fiduciary financial advisors in your area or who serve your area. If you are ready to be matched with financial advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, take the quiz now.

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