Saving and Reducing Costs
It's never too early (or too late) to start saving for college. Below are a few ways to save extra cash while in high school and some ideas on how you can lessen your expenses once you get to college.
Timeframe |
Tips |
High School |
- Open a savings account
- Get a part-time job and save at least HALF of every paycheck
- Save money you receive as gifts
- Take the bus or carpool to school to save on gas money
- Ask yourself if you really need things before you buy them
- See if you can take college classes while still in high school to save money on future tuition costs
|
College |
- Live at home and commute
- Become a Resident Assistant (RA) and get free or discounted room and board
- Live on campus or close by so you can walk to class and don't need a car
- Pick the right meal plan so you don't pay for meals you're not eating
- Buy used text books online or from other students
- Look for special offers for students at places you shop
|
Beware of choices that could increase your costs once you get to school such as:
- Changing majors
- Taking longer than 2 or 4 years to complete your degree
- Changing schools
- Studying Abroad