College is expensive. Financial aid is available, but it is not always enough to make college affordable to everyone. Often middle income families find themselves caught between making too much income to qualify for financial aid, yet making too little income to afford full price. Fortunately, we live in a country where there are always many options and choices to make. Paying for college is no exception.

There are actually many ways to pay for college. Only a small percentage of students pay full price and pay the full amount due when the tuition bill comes. Consider one of these options if you find yourself without adequate funds when those college bills are looming before you.

• Co-op. This is a plan where students go to school for a term, then work in a related job for a term, etc. Very soon, the income of the work term pays for the school term. Plus, students get wonderful experience to supplement the class work. Co-op programs are common, but aren’t in every school. A little research here will have benefits.
• Attend a two-year community college. These are the best bargains in postsecondary education. Choose from two-year associate degree programs or transfer programs that allow students to finish their last two years on a four-year college campus.  UC Clermont College and Raymond Walters Colllege in Blue Ash consistently cost less than UC's Clifton Campus.  For 2007-2008, RWC's tuition is $5,232; UC's Clifton Campus tuition is $9,381.
• Live at home. Although living on campus is a good experience to transition into adulthood, it is costly. Getting involved on campus in other ways would balance out any disadvantage of not living there. Room and board can over $8,000 a year.
• Go part-time. It will take you longer to get your degree, but taking less than a full load might enables you to work enough hours to pay for your education.
• Gap year. Take a year or a semester off.  Statistically, this is risky. Many students get caught up in the routine of income and bills and never get back to school. However, a disciplined, determined student can make it work. Those who wait are often better students after working in the real world for a while.  If you choose this option, you'd be wise to take at least one class while you're waiting out, just to keep your brain active and study skills alive.
• Be sure you’ve applied for federal and state financial aid by filing the FAFSA (THE need analysis form available online)
• Use military benefits. Of course there is a commitment, but the benefits are generous
• Tuition payment plans.  For a small fee, students can sometimes spread out their college bills over 12 months instead of two or three large payments due before each term.  Ask in the college financial aid office or admission office.
• Borrow money. Student loans are low interest, repayable over 10 years, and don’t have to be repaid until the student graduates or leaves school. No one likes debt, but education is a good investment and lasts a lifetime. You might even be a lucky one whose new employer offers to pay off the loans!
• Search for independent scholarships.  While the colleges, themselves, are the primary source for scholarships, many organizations offer scholarships, ranging from highly competitive to open, where the award is similar to a contest drawing.

You can gather more details about any of these ideas by talking to Ms. Elfers at school, or to the admission or financial aid officers at the college. Their job is to help students make the transition to college happen smoothly and effectively. Don’t be discouraged…be creative!