--- title: 3 Ways to Cut College Costs description: Fall semester is rapidly approaching, and next generation of students hitting college campuses is taking more responsibility when it comes to paying for their education. If you’re headed to college this fall and don’t have thousands of dollars tucked away, here are three tips to cut costs. image: https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/adult-architecture-backpack-1251861.jpg --- [ATM/Locations](https://www.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator/) [![USC Credit Union](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1104064193-png/images/logo.png "USC Credit Union")](http://www.usccreditunion.org) - [Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Bank](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/checking) - [Cardinal Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/cardinal-checking) - [Gold Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/gold-checking) - [Trojan Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/trojan-checking) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/checking-accounts) - [Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - 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[Deposit-Secured Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Deposit-Secured%20Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/student-loans) - [In-School](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/in-school-student-loans) - [Consolidation Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/consolidation-loan) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Traditional IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/traditional-ira) - [Roth IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/roth-ira) - [Coverdell Education Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/coverdell-education-savings) - [Compare IRA Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-ira-accounts) - [Investment Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/investment-services) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources/) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Personal Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Student Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/student-resources) - [Calculators](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/calculators) - [News & Events](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/news-events) - [FAQs](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/faqs) - [eBooks](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/ebooks) - [Newsletters](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/newsletters) - [Requests, Forms & Applications](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/requests-forms-applications) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [ATMs & Branches Worldwide](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/atms-and-branches-worldwide) - [Home Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/home-banking) - [Mobile Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/mobile-branch-access) - [Online Fund Transfer](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/online-fund-transfer) - [Bill Pay](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/bill-pay) - [Direct Deposit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/direct-deposit) - [Wire Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/wire-services) - [ACH](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/ach) - [Membership](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us/) # USC Credit Union Blog # USC Credit Union Blog # 3 Ways to Cut College Costs ![adult-architecture-backpack-1251861](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/hubfs/adult-architecture-backpack-1251861.jpg?width=630&name=adult-architecture-backpack-1251861.jpg) Fall semester is rapidly approaching, and next generation of students hitting college campuses is taking more responsibility when it comes to paying for their education. If you’re headed to college this fall and don’t have thousands of dollars tucked away, here are three tips to cut costs.  **1. Take college classes in high school or at a community college** Taking introductory classes early could reduce the time you’ll spend in college, and allows you to pay less tuition to get your degree. You can also look into local community colleges, as your university might let you take general education classes in the summer. But do your research first and see if your credits are transferable to the university you want to attend.   **2. Make the most of student discounts** There are many companies and websites willing to give students a break. With Amazon Student, you pay half the regular cost for Prime membership. Adobe Suite is available for the bargain rate of just $20 a month. And many retail, entertainment, and dining locations will also offer student discounts, just do your research.   **3. Don’t give up on scholarships after high school**  Experts say to keep the search going throughout your college years, especially with local universities and businesses. There are scholarships available for everything imaginable, including your major, gender, race, and interests. Many of these scholarships are also eligible to be received multiple times, typically annually, so it’s worth it to keep trying throughout college.   [**Still need help making ends meet? Don’t let that stop you from getting the education you deserve! With a private student loan from USC Credit Union, you can lower your rate and choose from multiple payment options to get a loan that’s right for you.**](https://www.usccreditunion.org/microsites/Private_Student_Loan/) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Welcome to our Blog! ### We provide the tools to build a smart financial future. At USC Credit Union we put financial success in your hands. It's your future. 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