Alternative Funding Options

College Payment Plans: Most colleges have payment plans that will split up that big tuition bill over the course of 'x' number of months instead of coughing it up all at once before school starts.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC): Graduating seniors may apply for competitive four-year ROTC scholarships.  These scholarships typically cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and provide a monthly stipend. A student must meet certain physical and academic requirements and agree to accept an appointment as a commissioned officer in the military after graduation in order to qualify for one of these scholarships. A minimum of four years’ active and two years’ reserve duty is required.
There are different procedures, requirements, and benefits associated with each of the three military services offering ROTC programs.  In addition to ROTC programs, there are other special programs that provide financial aid for education to students who promise to fulfill a term of military service after graduation.  In these other programs, officer training occurs during summer vacations or after college.

AmeriCorps - national service program that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to earn help paying for education in exchange for a year of service.  It's an excellent resume builder too!

Become a Residence Assistant (RA): Dorm life can be stressful.  RAs help by mediating roommate issues, monitoring floors, and sometimes even helping to organize fun events.  At many colleges, RAs can get a FREE single dorm room.  That can help take a bite out of college expenses.

Odd Jobs: College students can earn money just by being a good student.  If you take good notes in class, check out opportunities to sell your notes through reputable businesses around campus.  (For example, Penn State's main campus has 'Nittany Notes' where you can be paid to be a note taker.)  Offer to type up papers for a certain fee per page or think up something else that will not only help you with life and study skills but earn you some cash.  Offer to clean rooms or do laundry for those messy floor mates of your dormitory.  If you are handy, offer to fix things for people.

AP Testing, CLEP, Community College, and Distance Learning courses can save a bundle!

AP (Advanced Placement) Testing:  If you are in an AP class in high school, you can consider taking the AP test for that subject.  If you score high enough you can earn college credits.
For details go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

CLEP (College Level Examination Program):  Get credit for what you already know.  If you pass the CLEP exam for a certain subject you may be able to skip certain courses in college, get credit for them, and save money.
For details go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

Community Colleges and Distance Learning can offer classes at great prices.  Set up classes at a community college to transfer into the college you are attending or take online or other distance learning classes from your college.  They can sometimes be cheaper than the on campus classes.  Check with the college where you intend to enroll for details.

TAP (Tuition Account Program of PA) can help you save money for college at today’s tuition rates, not tomorrow’s.  Call 1-800-440-4000 and read PHEAA's information on this program too.

UPromise savings program - Companies give you back savings toward college for shopping with them.

Take advantage of In-State-Tuition rates within PA and In-County Tuition rates at a local county community college.
Be aware that Out-of-state tuition is sometimes double the In-state tuition.  Staying in PA allows you to all of your State Grants eligibility too.  When you go to school outside of Pennsylvania you sacrifice most if not all of your State Grant.