Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Save Money on College Costs. College tuition is pricey enough without spending
a fortune getting settled at school. A few smart strategies can help corral expenses.
You will need Community college or advanced placement credits Used textbooks A netbook
Appliances Bulk bedding A four-year plan Gift cards and rented and downloaded textbooks
(optional). Step 1. Save up to a year of college tuition by graduating early. Take community
college classes and advanced placement tests while you're still in high school. Once in
college, take community college courses during summer that will count towards your degree;
they are usually cheaper than the ones offered at four-year schools. Step 2. Search online
for used textbooks as soon as class syllabi are posted on the university's web site; good
deals go fast. At the end of the semester, sell them back to the highest bidder. Shop
around: Some sites rent textbooks; others allow you to download them for about half
the price of a new book. Step 3. Buy a computer that meets your academic needs -- and nothing
more. For many students, a netbook does the job more cheaply than a laptop. Don't bother
with a printer; it's usually cheaper to use the ones in the campus computer lab. Step
4. Before you invest in a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker for your dorm room, contact
your roommate to see if you can divvy up an appliance list. Then find used ones online
or in thrift stores. Step 5. Buy a bed and bath set that includes a comforter, a single
bed sheet set, one pillow, and a towel set all for one price. Some even throw in a hamper.
Step 6. If you don't graduate early, do your best to graduate in four years. Some schools
make this difficult by limiting the number of credits students can take per semester.
But they'll usually make an exception for a student with a good scholastic record if
you ask. Step 7. Be careful with credit cards. If you sign up for one, read the fine print
first and make sure you understand the penalties for paying late and carrying a balance. Don't
charge more than you can pay off each month. And check your statement online every couple
of days so you don't lose track of your spending. Did you know U.S. college students spend more
than $5 billion a year on alcohol, more than they spend on textbooks, soft drinks, tea,
milk, juice and coffee combined.