Cutting cost for college - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

With a little over two months away from graduation, many high school seniors and their parents are busy trying to lock down the perfect college. But getting admitted is only half the battle; the other half is figuring out how to pay for it.

But experts say there are ways to make college fit into your long-term budget. Researchers say the earlier you start planning the better prepared you'll be.

They encourage students and their parents to apply for financial aid no matter what your circumstances. Experts say you never know what aid is available until you apply.

If you have to borrow money, try to get federal loans first and avoid having the student take on private loans at all costs. Private loans have higher interest rates and stricter guidelines when it comes time to pay up.

Also, consider community colleges. Your student can attend a smaller two year college for the first two years and then transfers to a pricier school for his or her remaining two years.

For parents with high school sophomores and juniors, encourage them to take as many AP courses as possible and to prep well for AP exams. Every exam they pass goes toward a college credit he or she won't have to take later down the road.

Wednesday from 9 to 2 o'clock, sophomore and juniors are encouraged to come to Albany Tech for an informational seminar with tips for applying for schools and how to pay for it.

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