Cost Cutting Tricks
Let's talk money!
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We've got 25+ tactics/ideas (big and small) that can really help with The Overall Cost of College---
while also giving you the basics to understand most Money-Related Higher-Ed Jargon!
The Programs and Information outlined can get almost anyone their first
2 years largely covered using different Options & Strategies
Money Overview
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*First off---You gotta be open to some of the things below to really get a "BIG BANG FOR YOUR BUCK":
1. Where you want to go to College (specific schools or “types”, and in-state VS. out-of-state)
2. Taking Examinations for Credit - And in fact PREPPING accordingly
3. Negotiation: squeezing & campaigning for a little more “Money”, "Better Options", & “Academic credit flexibility”
4. Possibly Starting online with Your Chosen School or knocking out 2 years locally 1st---then moving on
5. Considering Colleges with "Accelerated Formats" to meet Scholarship Hours Req. (attendance 1-2 days a week if needed)
6. Doing some research or making calls on things like a College's Automatic Scholarships, Grading Scales, CLEPs/DSSTs, Professional Judgements, etc...
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7. Researching all State & Local "Automatic" Scholarships & Grants REALLY EARLY---like your HS Freshman or Sophomore Year (SC's are covered here)
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8. Possibly looking at a Part Time Job with a Big Company that has Tuition Assistance (we'll give you a few options w/ up to 5k per year--OR EVEN FREE!)
9. Finally--you've gotta put in the Time and Effort to bring the proven tactics below into reality--and perhaps even get a little help with it
***However, if you read the WHOLE “Speed” section, and now you’re here…WE KNOW YOU HAVE “THE GAME” TO BE AWESOME AT THIS!
Just check out the info available in the 6 Boxes below---and you should have the opportunity to save a ton!​
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“Speed to Degree” Recap
The Savings in Real Dollars
If you haven’t reviewed the “Speed to Degree” section, you really need to start there. A large portion of the “BIG TIME” SAVINGS are typically related to that section. So, here you will find a SHORT recap of those strategies----but SPECIFICALY their direct relationship to ACTUAL DOLLAR SAVINGS in a simplified format. Trust me, this keeps THE MOTIVATIONAL LEVEL HIGH.
Simply put:
IF YOU ARE CERTAIN you are going to College,
WE ARE 100% CERTAIN you're gonna save money!
Financial Aid Basics
(FAFSA, Grants, Loans, etc…)
One of the most intimidating parts of going to college (for parents, students, & those students deemed “Independent”), is Financial Aid. Obviously, a VERY LOW percentage of Americans can afford 100k-150k on their own---hence the world of “FA”. This section will TOUCH on the basics & definitions that even the most seasoned consumers may not completely understand---but we're gonna make them MUCH simpler. Additionally, we focus a good bit on the “lesser known” aspects that can add CONSIDERABLY MORE VALUE. If you want to truly understand FA but are tired of trying to read Governmental websites---we're here for you.
Automatic Scholarships
Governmental & Institutional
We can admit that we are not experts on landing "Private Scholarships" or getting you into "The Right Schools"--there are 100+ companies out there doing that stuff. However, these Scholarships fit our model PERFECTLY. No extra work, just a decent GPA in HS or in your 1st Year of College (typically 3.0+). “Automatic Scholarships” are from YOUR STATE or POTENTIAL SCHOOL. These are typically MERIT Based & are Crystal Clear on eligibility. In many cases they'll just pop-up on your FA Offer Letter. Beyond that there are some programs that almost any resident can get depending on Locale. Either way, there's no better time to figure these out than NOW! Total, you could be looking at 5k-12k a year just for the Above-Avg student (not just the Top 10%-ers)!
"College on the Cheap"
Yeah--That's Right--Everyone Can Go
With CD Strategies--"Speed to Degree" is key because it leads to tons of Overall Cost Savings---Thousands---we know that. But let's say beyond that you're a serious "Penny Pincher" & really just want to understand what Degree Options are out there with the lowest IMMEDIATE COSTS. From there you are able to do a TRUE "COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS". At CD we're more about Overall Investment (Total Costs in the form of Dollars, Your Time, & Lost Opportunity Costs); however, for those just wanting to see what the CHEAPEST Options are (generally)---this is your section! If you want FREE, we've got it. If you want someone else to pay a large portion, or just go the most "Price Effective" route immediately---we've got it. You may be surprised.
Student Loan Benefits & "Payback Secrets"
2026 : RAP, PSLF, & Subsidies (for all)
There are MANY benefits to Federal Student Loans, & by the way---THEY ARE "FINANCIAL AID". For some---they are a must, while others may not need them. Either way---if someone's willing to lend you money to go to school---it's a huge benefit! Beyond that though, there are also some great Repayment options with MULTIPLE Safety Nets (that REAL Lenders don't provide). Now you'll learn how you could maximize your Strategy with these Loans & the Repayment programs like "RAP", "PSLF", "SLRP" etc.. ​This will definitely change your prospective & may have you going---Wait what??
*5 Other Random Strategies
That's right---5 more! From using Corporate America's money to cover THOUSANDs (or perhaps ALL TUITION), to KEEPING those Scholarships & Grants flowing year after year! You'll find out why a College's Grading policy can impact EVERYTHING & how to ensure you find a solid College regarding acceptance of Credits-by-Exam. Finally, we'll breakdown the Internal Players at the College who CAN HELP YOU BEAT THE SYSTEM. So...The 5?
1. Tuition Assistance (Major Companies)
2. Grading Scales
3. Liberal "Credit-by-Exam" POLICIES
4. Key Players at the College
5. More Negotiable Stuff (Money Related)
All this & more!