There’s a lot of discussion about college debt and student loans these days. With the rising cost of college, many students wonder whether higher education is financially within reach.
Is it possible to earn a college degree without going into debt? Yes.
Does it take planning and strategy? Also yes.
Whether you’re a high school student thinking about college, a parent planning ahead or a college student just getting started, there are several ways to pay for college without relying on student loans.
Here are a few tips to help make it happen:
Take Concurrent Enrollment Classes While in High School
About 18% of all Colorado public high school students take at least one concurrent enrollment course—and for good reason! Concurrent enrollment gives students a head start on college, letting them simultaneously earn credit toward both their high school diploma and either an associate degree or a career-focused certificate.
Classes are offered right at their high schools—or on the FRCC campus—and tuition is fully covered by the school district. Students planning to go to college can reduce the number of classes they’ll need to pay for later. In fact, earning just 15 credits through concurrent enrollment can save more than $4,000 in tuition.
Interested in learning more about concurrent enrollment at FRCC? Check out these FAQs.
Start at a Community College to Cut Costs
If you’re already a student at Front Range, you know what a solid return on investment you’ve made by starting college here. FRCC’s tuition is 56% lower than that of Colorado’s four-year colleges and universities.
Students who earn associate degrees and transfer their credits to four-year schools to finish their bachelor’s degrees save approximately $21,000, while still receiving an excellent education.
FRCC has transfer agreements with many four-year institutions for specific baccalaureate majors. Colorado’s statewide transfer agreements allow students to graduate from FRCC (or any Colorado community college) with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree and transfer to any public college or university as a junior.
Bottom line: Starting at a community college is a smart way to reduce college costs from day one.
Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Every Year
The very first and most essential step to avoiding student debt is to fill out the FAFSA every single year. This form must be submitted every year to stay eligible for a wide range of financial aid, including grants and work-study (not just loans).
Too often, students and parents assume they (or their student) will not qualify for federal need-based aid, but families’ and students’ financial situations change. It’s worth applying every year.
The FAFSA is used not only by the federal government, but also by many colleges and states to assess aid eligibility. Completing the FAFSA each year as early as possible unlocks all available aid options and gives students the best chance of maximizing their financial aid.
P.S. The FAFSA officially opened on October 1!
Maximize “Free Money” Opportunities
One of the smartest ways to avoid college debit is to explore options for grants and scholarships (i.e., money that doesn’t have to be repaid). While not everyone will qualify, many students are surprised by what they are eligible for once they start looking.
Here’s the difference between the two:
What Are Grants?
Grants are need-based aid awarded by the US Department of Education, state higher education departments and colleges. The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for undergraduate students from low-income households. But there are others too—like the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program for students who commit to teaching in high-need fields at low-income schools for four years after graduation.
State grants are another type, like the income-qualified Colorado Promise program that reimburses students for up to 65 college credits through a state tax credit. Many colleges and universities also offer their own need-based grants, which can vary widely in amount.
What Are Scholarships?
Scholarships may be awarded for academic achievement, leadership, community service, financial need or other accomplishments. High school students and parents: It’s never too early to start looking. Guidance counselors can recommend trusted scholarship websites and local organizations that award scholarships.
Many colleges and universities automatically consider students for scholarships during the admissions process, using GPAs and SAT/ACT scores (if submitted) to determine eligibility for institutional merit-based aid.
If you’re already in college or community college, make it a priority to get connect with the Financial Aid Office. The staff can point you toward scholarships for specific disciplines, campus involvement, community service and more. They’ll also keep you apprised of important deadlines. If you’re a Front Range student, check out the scholarships offered through the FRCC Foundation.
By completing the FAFSA every year and actively exploring other resources, students give themselves the best chance to graduate with little or no debt.
Apply for the College Opportunity Fund
The College Opportunity Fund is essentially a tuition discount that’s offered to Colorado residents attending participating colleges for their undergraduate education. This stipend pays a portion of in-state tuition on a per-credit hour basis directly to the college where a student is enrolled.
At FRCC, the COF stipend for the 2025-2026 school year is $116 per credit hour. Students can use this benefit for up to 145 credit hours, and it starts with a simple one-time application. Learn more about COF.
Accept a Federal Work-Study Position (If Offered)
If you qualify for a work-study job through the Federal Work-Study program (by completing the FAFSA), take advantage! This form of financial aid allows eligible students to earn money through part-time jobs while they’re enrolled in college.
Many positions are on campus, making them especially convenient. Plus, they’re designed to be flexible around class schedules and other responsibilities, with most students working 10-20 hours per week.
While a work-study award may be limited, it can help reduce how much you need to borrow (and give you valuable experience for your résumé).
Work for Companies That Pay College Tuition
If you’re planning to work throughout college so you can pay for it as you go, consider applying to employers that offer education benefits.
Amazon’s Career Choice program provides tuition support for employees, along with other benefits. Home Depot offers tuition reimbursement to both full-time and part-time employees and partners with several colleges and universities so associates can obtain degrees at discounted rates. Lowe’s provides tuition coverage for select associate and bachelor’s degree programs, along with other education-related support.
And if you’re already working somewhere, it can’t hurt to ask your human resources department whether education benefits are available and if you qualify.
Learn More at FRCC This Month
Mark your calendars and bring your questions! The FRCC Admissions team is hosting two How to Pay for College sessions this month in Fort Collins and Longmont:
When:
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Where:
FRCC’s Boulder County Campus
2121 Miler Dr. in Longmont
Community Room (C1480)
When:
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Where:
FRCC’s Larimer Campus
4616 Shields St. in Fort Collins
Challenger Point building, room 107
Learn about financial aid from our amazing team, find out more about the FAFSA, and much more. We hope to see you there!
