30+ Ways to Pay and Save on Private School Tuition
Private school is a great option for many students and families, but it comes with a price! If you’re not sure you can handle the cost, read on for tons of cost-cutting ideas from our readers!
When it comes to choosing a school for your children, the number of options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Public school, private school, charter school, virtual school, home school, co-op… or any combination of these options — whew!
Many families are choosing to attend private schools these days – and while tuition may seem out of reach at first, our grateful readers have shared many ideas they use to afford and/or save on private school tuition!
Ways to Get Extra Money for Private School Tuition
Open a separate private school savings account and deposit all “extra” income into this account. Don’t let yourself get out of it for anything other than paying off your student loan! Here are some ideas:
- Work overtime at your current job.
- Look for a second part-time job.
- Bring the dealer’s weekly paper for extra money.
- Start a fireworks display in the summer.
- Apply for online survey opportunities.
- Sell things you own but don’t use on eBay or Marketplace.
- Start a home based side business.
- Encourage older children to put a portion of their summer job pay toward their school tuition.
- Take on exchange students (at your child’s school or a different school) and put that money toward tuition.
- Try Amazon Review Videos.
Check out these 25+ easy ways to make money + our huge list of income generating ideas for more inspiration!
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Private School Tuition
Many of these options will vary greatly, depending on what your state, district, and school offers. Do some research, ask other families at the school, and you might be surprised at the different savings options available to you!
- Apply for government scholarships and grants.
- Apply for financial aid at school, even if you’re not sure if you qualify.
- Apply for a tax credit (if available in your state).
- Volunteer or teach/sub/work at their school to get a tuition discount (although not all private schools offer an employee discount).
- Find a school that offers a discount for multiple students.
- Check with your church’s Education Foundation – they may offer partial tuition fees.
- Check out the Raise Right program to help with education.
- Choose a hybrid school versus a private school to pay half the cost.
- Pay tuition in full to get a discount compared to monthly payments.
- Ask about service, first responder, or military discounts.
- House cleaning services instead of tuition.
- Get a handmade uniform or buy a used one.
- Sell old uniforms and save money for tuition.
- Buy a small uniform and wash it regularly.
Ways to Change Your Lifestyle to Pay for Private School Tuition
For many families, private school tuition is a choice they make, even if it doesn’t work on paper or make financial sense. Because of this, they willingly make major lifestyle sacrifices to free up extra tuition.
If there’s a will, there’s a way, and a can’t-do attitude is essential! Here are a few ideas (check out this list for 50+ more ideas!):
- Call the old, paid for cars.
- Stay in the first/smallest house.
- Move to a low-cost area with private schools.
- Make it a place to stay versus a luxurious summer vacation.
- Put any tax benefit into teaching.
- Invest regularly in each child’s 529 account – ask grandparents to contribute as birthday or Christmas gifts.
- Pack a lunch every day versus school meals.
- Clearance and thrift stores only.
- Stop eating out (you’d be surprised how much you save every month!).
- Cut all the “extras” from your budget (cable TV, expensive cell phone data packages, specialty drinks, splurges at the grocery store, etc.).
Psst! Looking for ways to save for college? Check out these ideas for going to college without debt!
Do you have additional ideas to add to this list? Leave them in the comments below!
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