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Guest article provided by: Spencer Gray | teenpreneur.info
Paying your way through college can be a daunting task – especially if you’re an athlete and most of your time is already taken up by your sport. With the rising cost of tuition and fees, it’s becoming more and more challenging to pay for school without taking out loans. Nonetheless, there are some strategies for doing so while avoiding crippling debt down the road. Today, Illinois Nursing Academy will outline some of the options available to students.
Find an Affordable Rental House Off-Campus
Living off-campus in an affordable rental house is ideal for athletes trying to save money while attending college. On-campus living has become expensive and doesn’t always provide the best value for your money. You can often find lower rent prices for off-campus housing and maybe even a home with amenities like free parking and a gym membership. Be sure to research neighborhoods carefully before committing to a rental agreement, as you want to ensure that you live in a safe area close to campus or public transportation. Sift through online listings and filter your search by home layout, price range, and features.
Launch a Side Business
Starting your own business is another excellent way to help pay for college expenses without having to take out loans, and this can be ideal for athletes with limited time and resources. You can start with something small, like offering tutoring or athletic lessons in your field of expertise or selling homemade crafts online. This is a great way to gain experience and can result in greater prospects for your future, as well.
Find a Flexible Job
If starting a business isn’t feasible, getting a flexible job is another option worth exploring. Athletes are already busy, of course, but many employers offer part-time jobs on evenings and weekends that fit around school schedules. That means you can still attend classes during the day while earning money at night or on the weekends. Jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, delivering food, and serving tables are a few of countless ideas worth considering. Toast points out that such a gig will supplement your income without having a significant impact on your studies or other commitments outside of school.
Opt for an In-State School
Choosing an in-state school rather than one out-of-state can save you significant money when attending college. Simply put, Nationwide explains that tuition rates tend to be much lower for state schools than private universities or out-of-state institutions. Further, most states offer grants and scholarships specifically for in-state students, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and other related expenses.
Rent or Purchase Used Books
Lastly, rent or buy used books instead of purchasing new ones each semester. You can easily find used books at your school, bookstore, local retailers, or online sources, and doing so will save you a lot of money throughout your studies. While used books cost significantly less than new ones, some also come with notes from past students who have taken the same course, which can be extremely helpful when studying for tests or writing papers. You could potentially save hundreds of dollars each semester.
Work with a Credit Union for Your Loan
Working with a credit union to secure a loan can often result in more manageable terms and personal customer service compared to traditional banks. Credit unions are member-focused institutions that typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options, which can be crucial for those seeking loans that won’t strain their financial health. Additionally, the supportive staff at these institutions can guide members through the borrowing process, ensuring they understand all aspects of their loan.
If you take one thought from the advice above, remember that as an athlete, you can still pay for college without taking out exorbitant loans. Look for an affordable off-campus rental, consider launching a side business or getting a job with flexible hours, study in-state, and implement the other tips above. That way, you can save enough money over time to avoid having to rely on loans once graduation comes around. Besides, putting these strategies into practice today can yield even greater results tomorrow!
Elevate your career in healthcare by joining the Illinois Nursing Academy, where expert instructors provide hands-on training to ensure your success. Enroll today and take the first step towards a rewarding future in nursing! Visit Illinois Nursing Academy to learn more.
