College is expensive, but sticker price is not what most families pay. A smart mix of funding sources reduces the burden.
Start with free money
File the FAFSA every year to unlock federal grants, work-study and some state and school aid. Apply for scholarships from schools, employers and community groups. Many colleges offer merit aid that lowers net price.
Reduce the cost
Consider community college for the first two years then transfer, choose in-state public schools and use the net price calculator on each school's website to compare real costs. Graduating on time avoids extra semesters.
Borrow carefully
If borrowing is necessary, use federal student loans before private ones, borrow no more than your expected first-year salary and avoid Parent PLUS borrowing that exceeds what you can repay. Understand repayment options before signing.
Try the numbers
Use our College Cost Calculator to see this in practice. With its default example (College type: Public in-state (~$27K / yr); Years until enrollment: 10; Tuition inflation: 4%), it shows total four-year cost: $169,717. Adjust the inputs to match your situation.
Key takeaways
- File the FAFSA every year.
- Compare net price, not sticker price.
- Borrow federal first and keep total debt below expected salary.
This article is for general education and is not personalized financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and limits change; confirm current figures with official sources such as IRS.gov, SSA.gov and StudentAid.gov, or consult a qualified professional. © 2026 FinanzCalc.