How to spend less on college expenses

  • Leave your car at home and save on parking, gas and maintenance.
  • Coordinate dorm room purchases with your new roommate.
  • Use the PC lab at school instead of buying your own computer.
  • Buy used textbooks - the highlighted ones may even help you study.
  • Take advantage of free night and weekend calling plans.
  • Look for free entertainment on campus and go "Dutch" when dating.
  • Shop with a list of essential items and avoid the temptation of the mall.
  • Rent movies in the dorm, or watch first-run matinees.
  • Put yourself on a budget and write down what you spend.
Parents ...
  • Help your child create a budget for college expenses. Include:
    • tuition
    • housing (room and board, rent/utilities, phone bill)
    • books and fees
    • transportation
    • clothing (laundry, shopping allowance)
    • food (groceries, dining out)
    • entertainment
    • miscellaneous
  • Rethink sending your child to college with a car. Public transportation is typically available, and parking can be a huge hassle.
  • A free interactive course is available to help your student learn about credit and debt. It's available at www.nslp.org/creditanddebt.
  • Strongly advise your child to use the meal plan - this alone can save hundreds of dollars each year!

This wraps up our Attending College tour. If you have questions, email us at info@educationquest.org or call our Hotline at 800-666-3721.