Erica Tisdale wanted to make sure she graduated college in four years. So last year the University of Wisconsin–Madison senior signed up to take a required course during the summer term.

But because she’s paying her own way through school, she also needed to work full time as a camp counselor to earn money for the upcoming academic year. By taking an online course, she could work during the day and do her coursework in the evenings.

“If I hadn’t taken an online class, I probably wouldn’t have been able to take a class at all,” Tisdale says.

[Understand financial aid, payment options for summer classes.]

Summer school can play a key role in an on-time or early graduation, and colleges are increasingly trying to make it easier and more affordable for students to take summer courses — with more flexible course offerings and summer-specific funding or discounts.

Tiffany Evans, director of program completion at Utah Valley University, says she tells families at orientation to consider at least one summer term when making financial and academic plans for college.

“Nationally, we’re facing a challenge on college graduation rates,” she says. “By attending summer, students are able to stay on track.”

Here are four ways students can afford to attend summer school.

— Look for summer scholarships and grants: Your school may offer a grant or scholarship specifically aimed at helping you pay for the summer term, but be sure to check with your financial aid office because it may require an application process separate from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

For instance, University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a scholarship for the summer term, which takes into account a student’s need and merit, but students need to submit an application. Tisdale, who received the scholarship, says it was crucial so that her summer earnings weren’t eaten up by summer school costs.

Utah Valley University targets students who will be graduating by the following spring term with a summer completion grant, a need-based grant aimed at helping Pell-Grant-eligible students graduate on time. Like the UW–Madison grant, it too requires a separate application process.

Blake Snider, assistant dean of undergraduate studies at Clemson University and 2017 president of the North American Association of Summer Sessions, wrote in an email that there are also state – level efforts underway to help students take summer classes. In South Carolina, for instance, students can now use lottery-funded scholarships during the summer.

[Explore resources and tips on finding college scholarships.]

— Check for discounts: Some schools offer discounted tuition rates over the summer. Other expenses — such as parking or room and board — may also be cheaper.

At some public schools, out-of-state students may find they can get in-state tuition rates — or with only a slight mark-up — over the summer. For instance, UVU offers in-state tuition for out-of-state students and international students over the summer term, Snider said.

Other schools may offer what’s called a “plateau” over the summer, which means students can take credits beyond a certain level for free, rather than be charged for each one.

Students might be able to get a bargain on living expenses, such as parking or rent. At Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, campus housing costs are significantly less expensive over the summer, according to the university’s website.

— Take an online or community college course: Like Tisdale, students can also consider taking an online course over the summer, allowing them to work more or save money by living at home.

“What you’re seeing is a lot of universities offering online summer classes so (students) can work that summer job and stay on track or get ahead in their studies,” says Sarah Barber, assistant dean of summer term at UW–Madison. “Students might stay in campus town or might be off in another state doing something.”

Students who want to save money by living at home for the summer could also consider knocking out a general education course or two at a local community college, where credits may be significantly cheaper than a four-year-degree-granting institution. Just make sure to check that the credits will transfer, experts say.

[Learn how community colleges are expanding online.]

— Apply for summer financial aid: Financial aid is available over the summer, including federal work-study funds, but just be sure to know the deadlines and rules that apply. Most institutions require that students complete some type of summer aid application in the spring semester, Snider said. That’s in addition to the FAFSA, he said.

Students often exhaust the ir financial aid during fall and spring semesters, so Snider recommends talking to the financial aid office as early as possible — even in the fall — if summer term is in your future.

Financial aid may also be available to incoming students who are taking summer classes prior to their freshman year through “early start” or “bridge” programs, Snider said.

“The key to taking advantage of this would be to communicate with the university’s financial aid office as soon as the student is admitted to the university to inquire about the possibility of using that year’s financial aid for summer session,” he said.

Trying to fund your education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for College center.

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4 Ways to Make Summer College Courses Affordable originally appeared on usnews.com