12 Ways To Make College More Affordable (Or Even Free)

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Affording a college degree is complex, with costs rising for decades. Yet, having a college education remains a meaningful way to reach success.

Planning early as parents and your students to save, actively budget, research college costs, and seek financial aid are practical steps.

Planning helps families get ready for college decisions. According to the Sallie Mae Survey, more families planned early in their children’s lives for their college future than the previous year.

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These accounts are similar to 529 plans offering tax-free investment growth. You also can use tax-free withdrawals for qualified education costs.

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Once the child has access to the account based on their age of majority, it is their asset.

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You can use traditional IRAs, regularly used for tax-deferred retirement savings. Usually, you would incur a 10% penalty for withdrawals before 59.5 years.

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You can save for college costs by investing in deep discount corporate, US government (Treasury), or municipal deep discount bonds.

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The federal government sells Savings Bonds for half their value or $5,000 for maturity denominations of up to $10,000.

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7. Earn College Credit In High School Want to earn some college credits early at little cost? The Advanced Placement program offers college-level courses and exams that you can take in high school.

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SWIPE UP TO READ MORE ABOUT 12 WAYS TO MAKE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE (or even free)

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