Saving Money on College Expenses

Going to college can be both an enriching experience and an investment in the future. However, the costs of college are often daunting for prospective students. Tuition, housing, books, utilities, living expenses, transportation, food and emergencies leave many students fearing they cannot afford to attend the college of their choosing. While some expenses are unavoidable, there are steps that can be taken to help ease the financial burden.

Nearly all colleges and universities offer some form of financial aid. Scholarships and grants are generally based around academic performance, extracurricular activities or financial need. They may range in size from less than one hundred dollars up to the total cost of tuition to the college. Students may qualify for multiple grants and scholarships. Unlike a student loan, grants and scholarships do not need to be paid back. Despite that, a student loan may help the student who still finds themselves short.

Closely examine the housing and meal plan options offered the college. Some colleges require incoming freshmen to live on campus, but many do not, and transfer students generally have their choice of housing options. Dorm living may or may not be a good deal, depending on the cost of housing in the area around the college. Take the time to examine the local rental market. An apartment and a roommate or two may be less expensive than a dorm.

Likewise, it is worthwhile to examine the meal plan options offered by the college. While a full meal plan may be convenient, it may not be the most reasonable or economical option. Purchasing food from the local grocery store and making meals at home or in the dorm kitchen may be worth the extra hassle. Alternatively, the college may offer several different meal plans, and have less pricey options available to the student on a budget.

Avoid buying new textbooks. While it may not always be possible, used textbooks generally offer massive savings over new books. Toward the end of the semester or quarter, watch for postings around campus or online. In addition to buying used, there are many websites online that rent textbooks for a fraction of the retail cost. These books do have to be returned in acceptable condition; however some companies allow highlighting text.

Finally, consider attending a local college and living at home. While this route may not be ideal for either student or family, it can offer considerable savings over living alone.

College can be fraught with challenges both personal and academic, but with careful planning, at least it can be affordable.

Author is a freelance copywriter who writes frequently about paying for college and available options for astudent loan for those planning to enter college.