Tuition rates are on the rise. In recent years, tuition rates have doubled and tripled what they used to be. With all these increases, it is now more important than ever to find ways to save for college.

If you search the Internet, there are hundreds of different advice columns all talking about how to save for college. You also have alternative options like short term loans or student loans. Here’s a look at some of the top tips for saving for college.

Consider Online or Community Colleges

You can save a lot of money by attending your local community college or online college. These college options offer the same classes and education as a regular college, only at a cheaper price.

Another cost saving factor of attending an online or community college is you save money in room, board and food. You also save on commuting as many of the classes are offered as online courses so you don’t have to commute to and from college.

Apply for Work Study Programs

A work study program is a program that is offered by many colleges that helps college students with the high cost of tuition. In exchange for helping out at the college, the college will pay the student in the form of cash or by taking money off of their tuition. Jobs that are offered through the work study program include working at the campus bookstore, food court, or administration office. It takes a little bit of work but it’s a great way to save money for college.

If you use some of these tips, you will be able to avoid the sticker shock that can come with the cost of tuition.