Going back to college can be a great way to invest in your future, whether you’re looking to change careers, learn new skills, or finish that degree you started years ago. But as we all know, college is not cheap. Tuition, textbooks, other fees—everything adds up quickly, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed just thinking about the costs. But going back to school doesn’t have to be a big, scary thing. Here are a few ways to make returning to school more affordable.

1. Start with financial aid

The first step to making college more affordable is figuring out what financial aid options are available. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your key to accessing federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, it’s still worth filling out because many schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for scholarships and other financial assistance.

Brigit tip: Don’t wait to fill out the FAFSA. The earlier you submit it, the better your chances of getting the aid you need. Deadlines can vary by state and school, so don’t miss out!

2. Look for scholarships and grants

You might think scholarships are just for high school seniors, but plenty of scholarships are available for adults returning to college. The best part? Scholarships and grants are *free money*—you don’t have to pay them back. Start by checking with your school’s financial aid office and looking for scholarships specifically for non-traditional students. There are also websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com that let you search for scholarships you might qualify for.

Brigit tip: Write a solid personal essay that you can tweak for multiple scholarship applications. It’ll save you time and increase your chances of winning some money!

3. Go to a community college first

If you’re looking to cut down on costs, consider starting at a community college. Community colleges are much more affordable than four-year universities, and many offer transfer agreements with larger universities. This means you can complete your general education courses for a fraction of the cost and transfer your credits to a four-year school later.

Brigit tip: Make sure your credits will transfer to the school you want to attend. Speak to both the community college and the university’s admissions offices to ensure everything lines up.

4. Consider online classes

Online education has come a long way in the past few years. Many reputable colleges and universities offer online degrees or hybrid programs that allow you to take classes both online and on campus. Online courses are often cheaper than traditional in-person classes, and you’ll save money on transportation and housing.

Brigit tip: Be cautious about where you enroll. Make sure the online program you choose is accredited and recognized by employers in your field.

5. Go part-time or take night classes

If you’re balancing a job, family, or other responsibilities, going to school part-time might be a better option for you. Part-time programs allow you to spread out the cost of tuition over a longer period, making it more manageable. Some schools also offer evening or weekend classes, giving you the flexibility to work while studying.

Brigit tip: Check to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement for part-time students. Many companies will help cover education costs if it’s related to your job.

6. Get employer tuition reimbursement

Speaking of employers, many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs that can help offset the cost of going back to school. If you’re already working, check with your HR department to see if your employer offers tuition assistance. Even if it’s not widely advertised, it’s worth asking—some companies are willing to negotiate education benefits, especially if it’s related to your current job.

Brigit tip: Some employers may require you to stay with the company for a certain amount of time after you graduate, so make sure you understand the terms before committing.

7. Cut costs on textbooks

Textbooks can be one of the most surprising costs when going back to school. Instead of buying new books from the campus bookstore, look for used books or rent textbooks from sites like Chegg or Amazon. You can also check if the library has copies of required textbooks or if there’s an eBook version that’s cheaper.

Brigit tip: Ask your professors if older editions of textbooks are acceptable. Often, the changes between editions are minimal, and you can save a lot by buying an older version.

8. Apply for work-study programs

Work-study programs provide part-time jobs for students with financial needs, allowing you to earn money while you’re in school. These jobs are typically on-campus and flexible, making it easier to balance work and classes. The money you earn can be used to pay for tuition, books, or other school-related expenses.

Brigit tip: Work-study positions can fill up fast, so apply as early as possible to secure a spot.

9. Live with your parents (if possible)

Housing is one of the biggest expenses for college students. If you’re able to, consider living with family while attending school to save on rent and utilities. Commuting might not be ideal, but the savings can be substantial. If that’s not an option, look into loving with roommates to share the expenses.

Brigit tip: If you live far from campus, taking online classes might help reduce your need to commute frequently, saving you time and money.

10. Budget and plan ahead

Finally, creating a realistic budget is key to making college affordable. Factor in not just tuition, but also books, fees, transportation, and personal expenses. Look for areas where you can cut back and set aside money each month for future education costs. Planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary debt and keep your finances in check while you’re in school.

Brigit tip: Use budgeting apps like Brigit to track your spending and stick to your financial plan.