Here are 7 ways to avoid those loans.

WFLA reports.

Ways to pay for college without student loans

College isn’t cheap — and the price continues to rise year after year. Student loans are the first place most prospective students look to, but they are not always the right option.

Federal student loans can cover the bulk of college costs, but they may not foot the entire bill for some students. And when private student loans require a credit check or a co-signer for some borrowers with no credit history, students may not be able to utilize that option.

Here are some ways you can pay your tuition bills without taking out loans as you work toward your degree.

1. Picking the Right School
The price tags on colleges and universities can vary greatly, so you can save yourself some money by choosing wisely. In general, public schools are cheaper than private institutions. There are also schools that provide financial aid based on need, some that offer free tuition based on your academic record, and some that are free altogether. You can also consider attending community college for the first few years of school then transferring to a four-year institution, saving thousands of dollars.

2. Grants
Grants are essentially gifts typically (but not always) reserved for students who demonstrate financial need. They can be awarded by the government at the state and federal level or come from private organizations and universities. Many grants target specific segments of students by major and interest or some other defining trait (like first-generation students). You will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA to be eligible for a federal grant. It’s also a good idea to do some online research to find others.