This isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about the kids who don’t know that college is possible and now may never find out.

Even if you plan to cover tuition out of pocket, it often makes sense to contribute to a 529 plan. These accounts offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified education expenses. In some states ...

From earning course credits in high school to saving on room and board, here are ways cut costs before, during and after college.