Picture
Click the image above and you'll be taken to our store where you can purchase a copy.

Saving Money Before College Starts

It may seem like the only way for you to save money on college if you haven't started college yet, is to go to a cheaper college.  While that's certainly one way to go, it's NOT the only way to save money.

Below are several areas in which you can save money as you prepare for college...

Applying to College
  • Don’t wait until you decide where you’re going to attend school before you apply for admission. Usually you won’t be considered for scholarships or financial aid until you’ve been admitted. And while not all funds are ‘first come, first served,’ they are usually limited. So waiting could cost you. . .
  • Consider attending an in-state college (Aid, 2009).
  • Consider attending a public college (Aid, 2009).
  • Consider attending a junior or community college (Aid, 2009; SayStudent.com, 2006-07).
Making Money for College
  • Before college, have a garage sale or use Ebay to get rid of the stuff you don’t want or need any more (Ihrig, 2008b) – CD’s, DVD’s, bike, stuff with your high school logo on it, sportswear, gym bag, etc. or offer to sell them to a younger family friend, cheap.
Touring College Campuses
  • Combine summer vacation with college visits before Junior and Senior years of high school. You’ll save travel expenses later if you hit several colleges near where you vacation (or vacation near where you will be visiting colleges. . . ). Take younger siblings along for some of this, so they’ll start to think about these things and see more colleges than they would otherwise.
Housing Options
  • Colleges normally have a number of housing options for students. Find out what the options are and what costs are associated with each. Choosing a less expensive place to live can save hundreds each month.
Financial Choices
  • Look for a bank that has branches in your hometown AND your college town (Grant, 2007). Then, both you and your parents will have access to make deposits, plus you can do business in either town. This can help to prevent overdrafts (and the associated expense) because you have easier access to make deposits, as do your family members at home.
  • Bank at an institution that doesn’t charge fees for things you know you’ll use – ATM fees, or per check charges, debit card, etc. (College.gov, 2009).
  • Arrange to have overdraft protection at your bank (CollegeScholarships.org, 2008) so you’re protected in case of a spending mistake on your part. Don’t, however, use this as a way to manage your account – you will STILL need to balance your checkbook!
Spending Less on College
  • Coordinate with your roommate what you will bring to supply the room. For example, there’s no need for you to purchase a microwave or fridge if your roommate has a micro-fridge unit.
  • Consider NOT bringing a car to college (CollegeScholarships.org, 2008). You’ll save on gas, parking fees (and tickets), insurance, repairs, etc. You’ll have less to keep track of and won’t have to worry about it being stolen or broken into.
Supplies for College
  • If you are purchasing a new computer, buy using education pricing (check with your college’s IT Department if you don’t know how to take advantage of this discount). Desktops and/or last year’s models may be a way to save some money also. Laptops apparently use less energy, too (paystolivegreen.com, 2008).
  • If you buy a computer, ask other students in your major what they use. You may find that you need less computer than you think. You also may be able to get by with a less expensive (or even used/refurbished) one (Bissonnette, 2009). Buy it for how well it meets your educational needs, not your gaming needs – two VERY different things.
  • Buy protection from viruses, spyware, etc. for your computer (CollegeScholarships.org, 2008). Think of it as insurance against a lost term paper and the added expense of removing the virus/spyware.
Academics/Testing
  • Take CLEP, AP, and/or IB classes and tests.  Getting college credit through testing will both accelerate graduation,  and lessen the cost.  One test could earn you credit in 3, 6, or even more credit hours of coursework - and one test usually costs less than one credit hour!

College Corner

Although it isn't inexpensive, a study abroad experience can be something that sets one student apart from others in the job search process.  Read this article about how students should go about selecting accommodations in London, England for college or study abroad experiences.

Our Friends