Institutions of higher learning offer discounted tuitions to specific students via scholarships and grants, which enable these students to access university education at a cheaper amount than otherwise stipulated. This approach is purportedly supposed to lead to a rise in enrollment of students and; eventually, a rise in the institution’s proceeds garnered from tuition.

As such, the approach is supposed to make everyone involved happy. Those involved include the exceptional low-income students who can now attend an otherwise expensive college, as well as the institutions who can now get the kind of top-grade students they want in their classes.

It’s important to note that not each student qualifies for tuition discounts. If a student does, the school will likely notify him/her in its financial aid offer and initial acceptance letter. The student may also find a list of institutional aid opportunities on the school’s website.

Tuition discounts vary from one college to another. Students often qualify for tuition discounts if they fall into any of these categories:

Incoming freshmen: Some institutional scholarships are only meant for incoming freshmen at the college.

State residents: Typically, students, who’re residents of the state where the school is located, receive more institutional aid than out-of-state students. Some schools also participate in exchange programs that offer in-state rates to students from other states.

Low-income students: Many schools offer tuition discounts based on students’ financial needs.

University employees: University employees and their kids often get discounted tuition.

Summer students: Some schools offer lower tuition rates for programs held during the summer.

Civil servants: A college may provide institutional aid to persons working in the public sector, such as federal or state government employees or, in some cases, their kids.

Military members: Former and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces often receive tuition discounts.

Here’re the steps students should follow to secure a tuition discount.

·         Some types of institutional aids may be limited and are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. So, students should apply to their schools of choice early to have the highest possibilities of qualifying for a tuition discount.

·         Students need to submit the FAFSA because their eligibility for specific types of financial aids may be based on it.

·         Sometimes, schools can negotiate tuition rates to an extent. Students with a pressing need should ask the school if it can offer them any additional aid.

·         Some institutional aids may only be merit-based, or students may need to maintain a specific GPA to keep receiving it. So, students should keep their grades up.