The recent changes with the GOP tax plan and various other changes proposed by the Trump administration are affecting students in more ways than previously predicted. The tax changes alone are stopping many future students and professionals from pursuing a higher degree and fulfilling their dreams.

While changes are still being made to student loans, programs around them, and the taxes students have to pay, there is a more surefire way of making sure your next degree is as affordable as it can be. We are going to review the best tips and tricks to use in this article.

Study Online

There is no reason why you shouldn’t opt for an online program from top names like the University of Cincinnati. Programs such as master’s in criminal justice and other University of Cincinnati online courses are not only more up-to-date and accessible but also accredited and more affordable than their equivalent offline counterparts.

You can visit the university’s page directly to learn more about tuition and other fees. In most cases, online courses are up to 40% more affordable than offline programs. Opting for an online program means reducing your student loan principal amount by a substantial margin.

Compare

Thousands of students still make the mistake of going for the first student financing option they come across every year. While the first offer seems like a good one to use, it is certainly not always the most affordable financing option on the market.

You can save an additional 10% to 20% on your student loan just by taking the time and comparing your options. You can even ask the financial institution to come up with a more suitable offer based on your specific needs; don’t forget to mention that you’re comparing loans to get extra discounts.

Discounts!

Speaking of extra discounts, the student loan market is so competitive that banks started to offer discounts and special offers in certain cases. You can take steps to reduce your risk factor. Proving that you are a student with good grades and getting a loan pre-approved before enrolling in a specific program are considered signs of responsibility, both of which will lower your risk factor (and your interest rate).

As mentioned in the previous part, asking for a discount works too! Again, mention that you’re comparing offers before making your decision to get a little bit extra discount added to the table.

Learn the Rules

Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding the use of student loans is a must. Before applying for a student loan, take the time to learn about programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the proposed Income-Based Repayment program (IBR), and various tax advantages you can claim as you repay a student loan.

Naturally, these details are changing as the government tries to come up with the best solution for students across the country. Keep a close eye on the proposed changes. You can even go a step further and get in touch with your representative to further influence the ecosystem as a student.