Going back to school as an adult doesn’t have to mean long-term debt. With a smart plan, you can cut costs, use financial aid, and choose flexible programs that fit your life. This guide shows how to finish your degree faster, pay less, and keep debt to a minimum.

7 Debt-Cutting Strategies Every Adult Student Should Know

Here, you’ll learn seven practical ways to keep costs down and avoid unnecessary debt as an adult student.

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1. Stop Overpaying for General Education Classes

Your gen eds (English, math, history, etc.) are required, but they don’t need to be expensive. You don’t have to take every basic course at the same university where you’ll finish your degree.

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Instead, you can:

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• Take lower-cost, transfer-friendly courses through alternative credit providers
• Complete them on your own schedule, often 100% online
• Transfer them into your degree program once you’re done

Providers like Study.com, Sophia Learning, and StraighterLine offer self-paced courses that can transfer to thousands of colleges at a fraction of typical tuition.

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📌 Always confirm with your school in advance that the credits will transfer.

2. Use FAFSA to Unlock Free Money, Not Just Loans

Many adults skip the FAFSA because they assume it’s only about loans. In reality, it’s your gateway to most types of financial aid.

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With one application, you may become eligible for:

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• Federal and state grants (which you don’t repay!)
• Need-based or merit-based aid from your school
• Certain discounts or special programs tied to financial need

FAFSA typically opens on October 1 each year (unless there are delays or schedule changes, so always check the FAFSA website for details). Do note, though, that deadlines also vary by state and school, so check out each college and state’s cutoff date.

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💰 Even a small grant is still real money that you don’t have to borrow.

3. Turn Old Credits and Experience into New Progress

If you’ve taken college classes before, whether it was last year or twenty years ago, those credits may still count. Don’t assume they’re “too old” until a school tells you so.

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Here’s how to make transfer credit work for you:

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• Gather official transcripts from every college you’ve attended
• Send them to your new school and request a full transfer evaluation
• Ask specifically about nontraditional credit options

Some schools, including Western Governors University (WGU), Thomas Edison State University (TESU), and Grand Canyon University (GCU), accept large amounts of transfer credit for certain programs; sometimes up to 90 credits.

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💡 Tip: Many also recognize CLEP exams, military training, industry certifications, and professional development. The more credit you bring in, the fewer classes you pay for, and the faster you graduate.

4. Consider Going Part-Time to Save Money (and Sanity)

Going full-time sounds like the fastest route, but it isn’t always the cheapest.

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If going full-time means quitting your job, paying more for childcare, or stretching your budget too thin, the real cost may be higher than it looks.

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Part-time enrollment can be a smart strategy because it:

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• Allows you to keep working and maintain your income
• Spreads tuition payments over a longer period
• Helps you avoid burnout while still making steady progress

🔄 You can always switch to full-time later if your schedule or finances change.

5. Choose an Affordable, Transparent School (Often Online)

Some colleges promise flexibility, fast graduation, and great support, but hide the real costs in fine print and fees. When you’re trying to avoid loans, picking the right, transfer-friendly school is a strategy, not a detail.

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Look for schools that:

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• Clearly show total program costs, not just cost per credit.
• Have generous, written transfer-credit policies.
• Offer formats that work with your life (like fully online or competency-based programs).

Online universities are often more affordable because you’re not paying for dorms, meal plans, parking, or campus fees. For example, WGU charges around $4,000 for a six-month undergraduate term, and Capella University’s FlexPath model runs roughly $3,000 for a 12-week session where you can complete multiple courses in that time frame.

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🔍 Always ask, “What will it cost to graduate?” rather than only, “What’s the cost per credit?”

6. Stack Scholarships—They’re Not Just for Teenagers

Scholarships are one of the most underused tools for adult learners. Many people assume they missed their chances after high school, but that’s not true.

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You can:

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• Start with your college’s internal scholarships (need-based, merit-based, or program-specific).
• Look for local opportunities from community foundations, nonprofits, and civic groups.
• Explore scholarships linked to your job field, professional associations, or identity (such as veterans, parents, or career-changers).

🏷️ Often less competitive than national awards, local or niche opportunities may come from career sectors, industry groups, or communities you’re connected to.

7. Use Employer, State, and Federal Benefits

You may already have hidden college money available. You just haven’t asked about it yet.

Check:

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• Your employer’s tuition assistance or reimbursement program
• State workforce development grants for unemployed or underemployed workers
• Veterans’ education benefits
• Tax credits, childcare subsidies, or other support for parents going back to school

🤝 Remember, you don’t have to pay for college alone; there are programs built specifically to help adults move forward.

A Debt-Free Degree Is More Possible Than You Think

You don’t have to choose between earning a degree and drowning in student debt. By mixing lower-cost credits, smart school choices, financial aid, scholarships, and employer or government benefits, you can build a realistic, debt-minimizing path to graduation.

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If you’re ready for your next step, start by checking your transfer options and exploring affordable course providers, then keep stacking every resource you can find. For more Degree Hacked strategies, look for guides on finishing faster with transfer credit and alternative credit programs.