While the primary responsibility to pay for college is with the student and his/her family, financial aid is available to help cover the costs associated with the total cost of attendance. There are certainly ways that you can cut the costs to make higher education more affordable.

Here are a few tips!

• Find out if you can receive credit for life or work experience or company-related training.
  
  
• Ask your employer if there is a tuition assistance program.
  
  
• Take College Level Entrance Placement Tests (CLEP) and receive college credit for skills you currently possess.
  
  
• Consider attending a nearby community/technical college or public institution that has lower tuition costs than private, four-year institutions.  If you have aspirations to continue or transfer for an advanced degree, check to see if the credits will transfer and count toward your degree.
  
  
• Buy used books rather than new.
  
  
• Call the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation at (603) 225-6641 for the Adult Aid Program.
  
  
• Take extra classes during the summer to reduce the time required to complete your program.
  
  
• You will make a significant investment of time and money by obtaining a college degree or technical education.  Make sure your program of study will pay you a good return on your investment.  Know the types of jobs graduates from your program secure and the percentage of students working in their chosen field upon graduation.  Ask if the college has career counselors to guide you through the job- seeking process.