Earning a degree can be expensive. Many prospective students are scared away from starting classes once they see the tuition bill, and that cost is only the beginning. But what those students don’t know is that it is possible to get a quality education without breaking the bank. Here are 10 tips to help you save money.

1. Get assistance: This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but many people do not realize the abundance of financial assistance available to students. There are millions of dollars available in scholarships, and the U.S. government provided more than $80 billion in educational assistance last year. Students can contact their school’s financial services advisor to find out about scholarships, monthly tuition payment programs, employer tuition assistance programs (TAP), etc. Also, they can fill out a FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. And the money doesn’t stop there; there are millions of dollars worth of scholarships that students can find online just by performing simple searches.

2. Cut the commute: No matter how students look at it, earning a degree online is less expensive than earning it on campus. Even if tuition fees are exactly the same for online and on campus students, online students save money by cutting out their commuting costs, on campus housing rent, childcare fees, time away from work, etc. But the fact remains that online tuition is typically a lot less expensive than on campus tuition, and it is because online programs don’t have to cover the cost of building and maintenance fees or electricity and other related costs.

3. Go to the library: Students don’t have to have a computer, printer or even books to earn a degree. Everything they need is available at a local public library. Even if the library doesn’t have the book students need, it should offer a lending program that allows students to get it from another library or have it shipped from their school’s library. Also, there are many library collections available online.

4. Remember to share: Students can share books and other materials, and if they live in the same city, they can even share workspaces and computers.

5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: It’s easy to find used copies of books as well as computers and printers that are used but still in good shape. Students can search online, look for postings on campus or at the library, and talk to friends and family members about any items they might donate or lend.

6. Save the Trees: The days of $200 copying costs are over. Students can save printing and copying costs by downloading their materials and reading them on their computer screens. Many online programs can be completed in a 100 percent paper-free manner.

7. Enjoy the discounts: Students are eligible for discounts on computer software and materials from school, library fees, and other items they may have never realized. For example, there are multiple student travel agencies that offer great discounts on airfare, hotel and rental car fees, etc. Also, museums and art studios often offer students discounts on entrance fees. Students should just remember to ask every place they shop, even online, if they offer student discounts. They’ll most likely have to present a student ID card, but it’s shocking how much they can save!

8. Accelerated learning: Accelerated degree programs can significantly cut the time it takes to earn a degree. Students can also ask if they are eligibly to start the program at a more advanced level. Some students are able to skip intro classes because they already have the knowledge and skills from work experience or previous education. If the school does offer an accelerated program, students might save a bit on tuition costs and will definitely save on time.

9. What about taxes? Students can talk to their tax advisors about claiming their educational costs on taxes. Many people can write off their tuition, books and other costs, or they might be eligible for a bigger tax return.

10. Take advantage of those services! Many schools offer student services such as job search, resume and cover letter assistance, tutoring, etc. Students can take advantage of these free services instead of paying someone else to help.