At Nexford, we believe you deserve transparency about what your education will cost, how to manage it, and what tools you can use to make it work for your life. That includes everything from building a realistic budget to understanding scholarships, savings plans, and the long-term return on your investment.
Here’s what you need to know to make confident, informed financial decisions about your future.
Our best budgeting advice? Start with a plan that accounts for everything — not just tuition.
Between housing, food, books, transportation, and other day-to-day expenses, the costs add up fast. Families spent an average of $28,409 on college last year.
But before you start sweating, rest assured — for most learners, not all expenses come out of pocket. In 2024, out-of-pocket contributions made up 48% of college spending, with the rest covered by a mix of scholarships, grants, and even employer benefits.
More good news: Nexford tuition costs 87% less than the average online degree. With a fixed monthly fee and no hidden costs or surprises, budgeting gets a whole lot easier.
Yes, college costs money. But there are a lot of smart, legitimate ways to lower that number — without sacrificing the quality of your education.
Here are some great options:
Scholarships: Not just for the top of the class. In fact, 80% of students relied on scholarships or grants to pay for college in 2024. The opportunity is out there if you know where to look. (Pro tip: Check out Nexford scholarships and Sallie Mae’s free scholarship search tool.)
Transfer credits: Already taken some courses? Took AP exams in high school? You might be able to shave off time and tuition by transferring credits. At Nexford, we offer this flexibility because we know every learner’s path is different. We also make additional considerations, including relevant work experiences and other prior learning, that might serve as credit toward your degree.
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: You don’t have to wait until graduation to start seeing value from your degree.
At Nexford, we help you build real-world, career-focused skills from day one. Whether it's professional writing, data analysis, leadership, or AI ethics, what you learn today can help you land that next internship, promotion, or freelance gig tomorrow.
This matters because the faster you start applying your skills, the sooner you can see a return on your investment. Even if you’re still taking classes, your resume (and your bank account) can start feeling the impact.
Better yet? The faster you finish your degree, the less you pay overall. Study 100% online, go at your own pace, and see results on a timeline that works for you.
Let’s keep it simple, flexible, and doable.
You don’t need to be a finance pro to stay on top of your education budget. You just need a system that works for you.
The act of making a plan is the most important part here — 93% of people who do so feel confident about college financing.
Here’s a quick-start formula:
Step 1: List your income: Include scholarships, financial aid, part-time work, and family support.
Step 2: List your expenses: Tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, textbooks, tech, and anything else you need to succeed.
Step 3: Track and adjust: Use an app like Mint or YNAB, a spreadsheet, or even a notes doc. Review it monthly. Make tweaks if something’s not working.
Remember: Budgeting doesn’t mean saying no to everything. It means saying yes to what matters most — like a future you’re proud of.
Your budget isn’t just a financial tool. It’s a roadmap to the future you’re working toward.
Whether you’re just starting to explore college or already filling out applications, take time to understand your options, use the resources available, and get clear on what success looks like for you.
Want help navigating your options? That’s what we’re here for.
Talk to a Nexford application specialist today.