Easy Ways to Cut College Costs

Not only have the base costs of college risen such as tuition and room and board but incidental costs have also risen such as the cost of textbooks, transportation, and the basic cost of living (i.e. buying food and gas). Here's how you can make college a little more affordable for the average everyday student.

Go Online
It's amazing what deals you can find online with resources like Ebay, Amazon, and coupon/discount sites like Ben's Bargains and Coupon Cabin. Next semester, if I were to buy all my textbooks from the bookstore on campus it would cost me $600+. That's my share of the tuition payment each month. However, using Amazon and Ebay that amount is drastically reduced by about $450. You can also simply borrow textbooks from a friend in the class and pay nothing at all.

One way you can recoup your costs from textbooks is to re-sell them once you're done with them. Generally I spend about $150 - $200 on textbooks and I recoup about 50% of that, so about $75-100. It certainly beats paying the full $600.

You can also use the internet to find great deals on room decorations, bedding, and other school supplies. The internet has grown so much that you can buy just about anything online. So go online and save money!

Get Rid of the Car
Car maintenance is one of the most unpredictable costs that college students face. Unless you have a brand new car you're likely to encounter several routine or non-routine fix-ups. Many students find that the most economical way to get around is either to simply walk or use public transportation. Most college campus are very conveniently located around local stores and attractions. Public transportation is incredibly cheap and convenient as well. My college is located just across the street from a metro stop and a monthly pass costs me $37.50. For that amount I can ride the metro as much as I want all month long. Just paying for gas would cost me more than that if I were to use my car.

Watch Those Minutes
The first year away from home can bring some serious cell phone suprises. You (or your child, whoever is at college) will be using the cell a lot more now that they are away from home and all their old highschool friends. Before you head off to college be sure to do some shopping around to get the best plan and make sure you have enough minutes to avoid those overage charges.

Use these tips to really help you save money at college.