Ways to Save Money in College

The cost of a four year degree keeps going up. It's getting to be very expensive to go to college and many families are feeling the pinch. There are a few ways to save money on college expenses and make getting that degree a little more affordable.

If you are still in high school, start thinking about college now. Many junior colleges allow you to take college classes while in high school. Some are even taught on high school campuses. Take some classes before you graduate. If you are up to the challenge, take AP classes and pass the AP exams. This will give you college credit. Any classes you take will make the overall cost of a degree cheaper.

In fact, virtually all college degrees require the same first two years of general education requirements. Taking these classes at a local community college can save big bucks. Then transfer. You will only have roughly two years of four year college expenses. Staying at home, going to a JC, can be one of the biggest ways to save money on college. Resist the urge to get a federal student loan while at a junior college. Try and pay cash. Your loan will be much bigger than the expenses if you are living at home. Save the debt for the four year college or university.

Speaking of staying at home, are you attending college close to you? No reason to spend money on a dorm or apartment. Staying at home cuts that expense down to what your parents are already paying--your room and board now.

What is your plan? Do you have a major picked out? You need to pick one soon. Taking classes that you don't need is a waste of time and money. Choose a degree wisely, and stick with it. If not, you probably will spend longer than four years getting a degree because you need different classes. Take only the classes you need. You can also be a dual-major, using the some of the same classes for each degree.

If you live on campus, get the cheapest meal plan first. This will allow you to test the food to see if you like, and more importantly, will actually eat it. No reason to get a meal plan that you will not use.

Sometimes an off-campus apartment is cheaper than a dorm and meal plan. Check this option out.

Yes, college is expensive. Checking out ways to save now is a good idea. Also, it is very important to graduate without a staggering amount of student loan debt.

Back to college savings tips

Don't purchase new school items if what you have on hand is still good. This goes for everything from pencils, backpacks, to clothes. If your clothes are not worn out, remember in college students can have their own identities and don't always need the latest fashions. This is a great tip for saving money for college right of the bat.

If you must shop, shop online. If you browse the stores in person, you will be enticed by all the fancy displays and new items. College students readily give in to buying urges. Shopping online allows you to get exactly what you need.

This is a no-brainer: Buy used textbooks. Of course this means shopping early at the college bookstore or online. You should get enrolled and a book list as soon as possible. 

As a college student, you have to set a budget. And stick with it. You want to limit your purchases and save money, not live on the edge. Money you save is cash in your pocket for the future!

If you live in the college dorm, wait to see what your roommate has. No reason to buy items for a dorm room when your roommate might already have them. If you need something else, ask them to share the cost for items that the dorm room needs. This is ideal for TVs, lamps, chairs, rugs, etc.

As far as school items like pens, pencils, and paper, it is always wise to stock up early when the prices are cheap. College students should buy items in bulk packages. Don't buy one pencil, buy a pack of ten. Similar for paper and pens. You will use them, so why not stock up and save?

Look for sales. Every store has sales at the start of the school year. This can happen early, and may not run later. Savvy college students always shop during sales.

Get your student discount! If you have a college ID, many stores offer discounts for students. Take advantage of them!

Expensive college dorms may not be worth it

Dorm rooms can add quite a bit to the cost of college. Many times, especially at public colleges and universities, the cost of a dorm can be more than tuition. Costs can be as much as $10,000 a year, with about one third of that being the cost of the meal plan.

There ways of saving on the cost. When choosing a college, price may be on the top of your list. The difference between what some colleges charge for dorm rooms can be quite dramatic. Shop around and find colleges that offer cheap dorms. If you are set on attending one college, check the different prices of dorm options. Sharing a dorm room is much cheaper than a private one. You are not going to spend that much time oin your dorm, and most colleges allow you to pick compatible roommates.

Remember that colleges with cheap dorms also will have the least amenities. Most will offer internet and wi-fi, but not air conditioning.

Some colleges allow you to even share with more than one extra person, lowering the cost of dorm again.

If your college has the option, investigate how much of a discount you can get for campus work.

Meal plans are another cost. Getting the cheapest available plan, or even no plan, may be an option for many students who will not be eating cafeteria food much. However, some schools do insist on a meal plan. Also, many colleges will offer a bundle of dorm and meal plan for less if bought separately.

If you want the most expensive dorm room, you should look into nearby housing and see if it is cheaper to live off campus. Especially if you can get roommates to share the costs.

Remember that just because a dorm room is cheap, does not mean the tuition will be cheap as well. You need to look at the total cost, room, board, plus tuition to get an overall feel as to how expensive your chosen college is.