If you’re thinking of earning your bachelor’s degree, it can feel overwhelming trying to make college affordable. It’s no secret that the cost of college tuition has increased over the years and rising levels of student loan debt have placed a heavy burden on students and their families.
However, earning your college degree is still a powerful way to advance your career and increase your take-home pay. According to the Pew Research Center, the median earnings and household income of college graduates are still higher than those who have only some college education or just a high school diploma.
| Highest Level of Education | Median Individual Income | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree or more | $77,000 | $145,000 |
| Some college education | $50,000 | $92,200 |
| High school diploma | $45,000 | $75,200 |
Why College Costs Are Rising
Within the past decade, every type of higher education institution in the United States — from public two-year and four-year universities (both in-state and out-of-state) to private educational institutions — has experienced an increase in the cost of attendance.
Is it possible to earn your college degree without incurring loads of student loan debt? Thankfully, there are lots of ways to cut costs if you know where to look. Whether you’re still in high school or already planning your next semester, here are recommendations and tips to help make college more affordable.
Complicating matters is that this increase in costs has risen faster than the median household income, making college attendance more expensive for more families. Why has the average cost of attending colleges and universities steadily risen over the past few decades?
According to the State Science & Technology Institute, there are several reasons why college costs are rising:
- General Inflation — Costs for everything have increased over time, from electricity to paper to food in the dining hall. Inflation affects colleges just like it does households, and institutions often adjust tuition to keep up with rising operational costs.
- Rise in Salaries for Faculty and Admins — Colleges need to raise salaries to stay competitive and hire the best talent, especially for high-ranking administrators and tenured faculty.
- Cost of Technology (Licenses and Subscriptions) — Colleges now invest heavily in digital tools such as online learning platforms, research databases, cybersecurity, and cloud storage, many of which come with recurring subscription fees.
- Rising Healthcare and Employee Benefit Costs — Just like in other industries, the cost of healthcare and retirement benefits for college employees has gone up. These expenses are built into the school’s overall budget and contribute to rising tuition.
- Cuts in State and Federal Funding — Reduced government support means schools have fewer resources and often have to respond by raising tuition or reducing services.
Rising costs make it challenging to pay for college without taking out loans. But you don’t have to put yourself in debt to earn an education. Understanding your options and taking advantage of all possible opportunities can save you thousands of dollars. Here’s how you can make college affordable.
12 Ways to Reduce College Expenses
There’s no one single trick to reducing your college expenses. For example, if you come from a low-income family, a scholarship may cover most or all of your tuition but may not cover other expenses such as room and board or class supplies. Consider all of these recommendations as part of your overall strategy to keep your college education affordable.
- Apply for Student Aid (FAFSA) – You should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year — even if you think you won’t qualify. It’s your gateway to federal grants, loans and work-study programs. Some colleges and states also use FAFSA info to award their own aid, so don’t overlook this resource even if you aren’t planning on taking out federal student loans.
- Apply for Scholarships and Grants – Scholarships and grants are money awarded to students who meet certain criteria. There are scholarships and grants based on financial need, academic or athletic achievement, community service or for representing certain racial, ethnic or religious groups. The best part about scholarships and grants is that they are essentially free money — unlike loans they don’t need to be repaid. You can find them through:
- Your high school counselor or college financial aid center
- Local community groups or businesses
- Online databases: Scholarships.com, CareerOneStop, BigFuture
- Shop Around for Affordable Colleges -Not all colleges cost the same, so make sure to explore your options. Public colleges (especially in-state) are usually more affordable than private ones. Also, regional or commuter schools may offer strong programs at lower prices. If an in-state and an out-of-state school offer similar accredited programs, you could potentially save thousands of dollars by staying in-state.
Tip: Make use of free cost analysis tools such as Marshall’s Net Price Calculator. This can give you a more accurate estimate of your total costs and your financial options.
- Maximize Credit for AP, IB or CLEP Exams – The fewer credits you need to earn for your college degree means the less money you have to spend. Advanced placement (AP) courses, international baccalaureate (IB) exams and college-level examination program (CLEP) tests can help you complete one or more required college classes before you ever set foot on campus.
- Take Advantage of Dual-Enrollment and Dual-Credit Programs – Some high schools partner with colleges or universities to offer dual-enrollment and dual-credit programs. Dual-enrollment enables you to take real college classes to earn college credits while still in high school, while dual-credit programs enable you to earn credits for both college and high school. Marshall University’s own Herd Academy provides options for high school students to take dual-credit courses at reduced rates.
- Explore Off-Campus Options – Tuition isn’t the only college expense, and living on campus can cost you thousands in room and board. Commuter campuses and online classes may not offer the same exposure to campus life, but they can save you money. Explore your options, including the possibility of spending your first couple of years on campus and then transitioning to an off-campus apartment or a fully online schedule.
- If Living Off-Campus, Use Public Transportation – If you do choose to live off-campus, research your public transportation options. Having a car can be freeing, but even if you fully own it you’re still paying for insurance, gas and parking permits. Many colleges offer discounted or free passes to buses and trains for students.
- Apply to Work-Study Programs – Federal Work-Study is a financial aid program that helps students earn money through part-time jobs, often right on campus. Work-study income won’t affect your eligibility for financial aid as much as having a regular job can, so it’s worth exploring your options to see if you can qualify for both aid and work-study. Be sure to mark “yes” for work-study on the FAFSA to be considered.
- Take Advantage of Tuition-Free Programs – Some states, cities or colleges offer tuition-free community college for residents or students who meet GPA or income requirements. Examples include the Tennessee Promise, New York’s Excelsior Scholarship and Marshall University’s own Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV. Check with your state’s higher education department for a list of local programs.
- Find Ways to Cut Back on Textbook Expenses – Purchasing required textbooks can cost you hundreds of extra dollars. Once you have your required textbook lists, see if you can:
- Rent or buy used books from your college bookstore or sites like Chegg and Amazon
- Borrow books from the college or city library
- Use free or low-cost digital textbooks from sites like OpenStax
Ask your professor if older editions are acceptable — they’re usually much cheaper.
- Look for Student Discounts – Many services offer student discounts, so save money on your non-school purchases by taking advantage of your student status. Always ask, “Do you offer a student discount?” — you’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes. You can usually save money on:
- Software programs
- Streaming services
- Museum memberships
- Food delivery and groceries
- Magazines and newspapers
- Cut Back on Non-Essential Costs – Being in college is as good a time as any to learn how to budget your expenses. Coffee runs, takeout dinners and impulse buys can add up quickly. Use a budgeting app to track spending and set limits for non-essentials.
Low-Income Scholarships & Grants That Reduce Tuition Costs
Low-income students are in the greatest need of support, which is why there is a wide range of income-based scholarships and grants. Here’s a guide to help get you started.
Federal and State Grants
- Federal Pell Grants — A need-based grant available to undergraduates who have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree. Federal Pell Grants do not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
Award: Up to $7,395 for the year - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) — The FSEOG is administered by participating schools for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Each participating school receives a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year.
Award: Up to $4,000 for the year - Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant — Available at participating schools for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate students who are or will be taking courses necessary to become an elementary or secondary teacher.
Award: Up to $4,000 for the year - Military Grants and Scholarships — There are several grants and scholarships available for veterans, active military and their dependents. Learn more about the benefits available to Marshall University students on our Military and Veterans Affairs page.
Every state and higher education institution has its programs to award financial aid to qualified students. Visit the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators for more information on state financial aid programs and regional tuition exchange programs.
If you’re thinking of attending Marshall University, we welcome you to explore the different financial aid opportunities we provide. You’ll find a mix of scholarships and grants for low-income students, including:
- West Virginia Higher Education Grant — A need-based financial award for students from West Virginia to pursue post-secondary education.
- West Virginia Higher Education Adult Part-time Student Grant (HEAPS) — Awarded to part-time students who are West Virginia residents, demonstrate financial need and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Achievement Tuition Waiver Grant — Available to assist incoming, first-time freshmen who have exceptional financial need based on the results of the FAFSA. Must live in on-campus housing to be eligible.
Scholarships
- Marshall University Foundation Scholarships — Marshall University has a number of endowed and annual scholarships that have been established through the Marshall University Foundation. These scholarships can be awarded for academic achievement, financial need, program of study, extracurricular activities and community service. To qualify for these scholarships, students must be making satisfactory academic progress to be considered for a privately endowed or annual scholarship. Most scholarships require the student to be enrolled full-time.
- Private and Nonprofit Third Party Scholarships — There are hundreds of scholarships and grants offered by businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations. Search sites such as GrantWatch and Instrumentl to find funding opportunities you might be eligible for.
Remember that to qualify for any of these forms of financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA. Marshall’s Office of Student Financial Assistance uses the results of the FAFSA, GPA and entrance exam results to determine eligibility for various endowed and annual scholarships. In some cases, an additional application for the scholarship is also required.
Tips to Maximize Scholarship Opportunities & Avoid Common Mistakes
Not only do you need to qualify for financial aid, but funds may also be available on a limited basis. Other students are competing for the same funds, so you’ll want to present a more compelling case and submit your application well ahead of deadlines. Whether you’re just starting your search or already in the process of applying, here’s how to make your applications stronger, get them in on time and avoid common mistakes.
- Start Your Search Early – Don’t wait until high school senior year or after you’re accepted to a college; otherwise you’re probably already behind the curve. Some scholarships are open to freshmen, sophomores and juniors in high school — and many have early deadlines.
- Tailor Your Application to Each Scholarship – Scholarships tend to be awarded in recognition of specific qualities, such as leadership, community service, academic excellence or career goals. Avoid sending a generic application. Read the prompt carefully and customize your essay and resume for each scholarship. Show the reviewers why you’re a perfect fit for what they’re looking for.
- Apply for Multiple Scholarships – The more scholarships and grants you apply for, the better your odds. Even small scholarships ($250-$1,000) add up and can help cover textbooks, fees or living expenses. Set a weekly goal — for example, applying to two or three scholarships each week — to stay consistent without getting overwhelmed.
- Look Beyond Traditional Scholarships – Don’t just apply for the big national scholarships, which tend to be the most competitive. Take the time to research smaller — but no less important — opportunities, such as:
- Local businesses or community organizations
- Church groups, clubs and unions
- Scholarships based on hobbies, ethnicity, major or life experiences
- Keep Track of Deadlines – Missing a deadline is one of the easiest ways to miss out on a scholarship. Some applications close months before college even starts. Use a spreadsheet or app to track due dates, required materials and submission statuses.
Even a strong student can lose out on scholarships by making avoidable errors. Here are the major mistakes to avoid:
- Incomplete Applications – Leaving out a section, forgetting a transcript or missing a letter of recommendation can disqualify you. Use a checklist for each of your scholarship applications to ensure every item is completed before you hit submit.
- Not Following Instructions – Some scholarships have very specific rules for things like word limits, formatting or what to include in your essay. Ignoring these can cost you, even if your essay is great.
- Spelling and Grammar Errors – Typos and poor grammar can make your application look rushed or careless. Run your essay through a grammar checker like Grammarly, then ask a teacher or family member to proofread it.
- Lack of Passion or Specificity – If your essay sounds generic, it won’t stand out — especially today when some people may use generative AI to write their essays for them (we highly recommend not doing this). Scholarship committees want to see your personality, goals and why you care. Share real stories and be specific about how this scholarship will help you.
- Missing Required Documents – Every scholarship has different requirements: transcripts, resumes, essays, financial info, letters of recommendation, etc. Forgetting one piece can disqualify you. Create a folder for each application and double-check that all materials are attached before submitting.
- Not Meeting Deadlines – Even being a day late can eliminate your chances. Set personal deadlines a few days early in case you run into tech issues or need last-minute edits.
Tuition-Free & Debt-Free Degree Programs
Aside from grants and scholarships, some universities and colleges offer full rides for low-income students. These institutions, including Marshall, offer either debt-free or full tuition for qualifying students through a combination of grants, scholarships and work-study programs.
- Debt-Free Programs – These are comprehensive financial support packages that cover the full cost of attendance — including tuition, housing, meals and books — through a mix of resources so you don’t need to borrow money.
- Tuition-Free Programs – These programs pay for the cost of your classes. However, you’ll still be responsible for other related expenses, such as books, supplies, housing and food.
Both debt-free and tuition-free programs are incredible options for helping to make college more affordable, especially for low-income students. These programs do have specific eligibility requirements, so consider the following when researching your tuition-free and debt-free options.
Program Eligibility
- Is the program limited to in-state residents?
- Is there an income or financial need requirement?
- Are there GPA or academic performance requirements?
- Does it apply to recent high school graduates only?
- Are part-time or transfer students eligible?
What Costs Are Covered?
- Tuition (including all required courses)
- Fees (registration, lab, tech, etc.)
- Books and supplies
- Housing and meals
- Transportation
- Health insurance or other student services
Program Requirements
- Is FAFSA required every year?
- Are you required to maintain a specific GPA?
- Is community service or mentorship required?
- Is full-time enrollment required?
- Are you required to live in a specific area after graduation?
Additional Funding and Support
- Can the program be combined with other scholarships or grants?
- Are work-study opportunities available?
- Is academic advising or financial counseling included?
- Can the program help avoid taking out student loans?
Marshall For All: A Debt-Free Path to Higher Education
Marshall University is dedicated to helping students graduate debt-free through the Marshall For All initiative and other financial aid programs.
Through a unique combination of scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions, Marshall For All: Debt Free ensures that students graduate with not only a bachelor’s degree but also real-world work experience — all while minimizing or eliminating student debt.
The latest expansion to the program, Marshall For All: Tuition-Free WV, covers the full cost of tuition, as well as university and college fees, for qualifying students.
Marshall for All: Debt Free
- Open to WV residents and Metro-area students
- 100 students per year are randomly selected
- Must attend financial literacy courses and participate in required internships
- Must be admitted to Marshall
- Must submit the FAFSA for the upcoming year
- Sign up for summer orientation by April 1
Marshall for All: Tuition-Free WV
- Open to WV residents
- Available to first-year freshmen
- Family income must be below $65,000
- Must apply to and be accepted to Marshall University
- Must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility
There are a few things you can do to make college as affordable as possible, even if you’re a low-income student. You can:
- Reduce costs by applying for scholarships and financial aid early to give yourself a better chance at being awarded.
- Choose an in-state or community college, which has lower tuition costs than out-of-state or private schools.
- Take AP or dual enrollment/dual credit classes to earn college credits early and then graduate early.
- Consider a work-study or online program to further reduce costs.
Start by completing the FAFSA as early as possible. It unlocks federal, state and school-based aid. Then, start researching scholarships and grants — many are awarded on more than just grades or income, so you’ll want to find the ones that you’re a viable candidate for. Then, be sure to apply early.
Check your state’s higher ed website or what local colleges offer. Many provide tuition-free community college or income-based programs. Requirements vary, so apply early and follow instructions closely.
Track your spending, prioritize needs over wants, use student discounts and avoid credit card debt. Use a free app to help organize your budget and stay in control.
Even with rising costs, you do have options for an affordable education. Don’t let fears about affordability keep you from achieving your dream career. Through careful planning and use of financial aid resources, you can earn your college degree.
Learn more about student financial assistance at Marshall University, including federal and state grant opportunities.