Here are five unorthodox strategies for making college more affordable, from financial consultant Michael Franzblau, author of the book “Tuition Without Tears”:

¢ Get credit for high school. If your kids can handle the challenge, encourage them to take advanced placement courses while they are still in high school.

¢ Don’t discount community colleges. Families who can’t afford to send their children to high-cost “name” universities for four years would do well to consider starting them off at a community college.

¢ Change your residency. Don’t get saddled with onerous out-of-state fees. If your child is willing to relocate early and wait long enough to establish residency, you’ll pay far less in tuition.

¢ Use the summer to get ahead. Many students spend their summers working to save up some cash, but their time might be better spent taking courses at low-cost community colleges.

¢ Combine degrees. Some colleges offer combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and master’s and doctoral programs.