You may think that the private college or university on your list (or maybe in the back of your mind as a dream school) is too expensive. But that may no longer be the case, as some private schools are cutting tuition and offering more financial aid to entice students.

This move is having an impact on public schools, which are having to cut positions and enrollment, as well as make other changes due to state budget cuts. The L.A. Times reports that there’s a growing effort by private schools to use special deals and other efforts to attract quality students as California’s state schools struggle with reduced enrollment.

It’s not just a California trend. I’m aware of other state schools that are seeing private schools snatching up some of their smartest and most accomplished candidates because of hefty financial assistance.

Here’s an idea of some of the offers:

• Florida’s Barry University is offering a 20 percent tuition discount for its adult and continuing education programs if you’re a displaced worker
• The University of San Francisco plans to offer a 50 percent discount on general education classes, beginning in January 2010

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities says no student should rule out private higher education because of the published price. It reported in October that schools also are:

• matching public university tuition or student aid programs.

• introducing or expanding programs that replace loans with grants.

• launching three-year bachelor’s degree programs.

• guaranteeing graduation within four years, which saves money.

• offering tuition assistance for laid-off workers.

Those efforts may be working, as total Fall 2009 enrollment at the association’s more than 900 schools is expected to increase, with some schools setting records.

Hopefully you’ll be able to benefit from this, too.

–Lori Johnston