↑

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • About Us
  • Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Eat Move Make

food | travel | lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dish
      • Casseroles
      • Main Dishes: Beef
      • Main Dishes: Pork
      • Main Dishes: Poultry
      • Main Dishes: Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Fitness & Health
    • health
    • free workouts
    • buy chanelle’s eBook!
    • shop chanelle’s faves
  • Pets
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • entertainment
    • home decor
    • productivity
    • style & beauty
Home » Lifestyle » Finances » College Costs – 5 Things You Need to Know

College Costs – 5 Things You Need to Know

By: Liz  /  Published: July 24, 2016  /  Updated: July 24, 2016  /   Leave a comment

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Share
  • Tweet

College Costs – 5 Things You Need to Know

I was one of the lucky ones. My parents paid for my entire college education and that of my five other siblings.  I wish I’d been able to pay it forward to my own kids, but we just couldn’t make it happen. According to a recent survey by Discover Student Loans, 48% of parents expect their student to pay for all or most of their college education.

Because we had to dive into the world of student loans, anticipating the true cost of college was paramount, as we didn’t want to borrow anything more or less than what we needed. It’s the Goldilocks-style method of paying for college… just right.

a woman sitting at a table

To help you manage finances as you transition from high school to college, I’ve worked with Discover Student Loans to share 5 things you need to know as you prepare.

1. Understand the true cost to determine funding need: Beyond tuition, room and board, include the costs of textbooks, social gatherings, lab fees, personal expenses (laundry, cell phone, toiletries, cleaning supplies) and transportation when preparing a budget.

2. Maximize free money first: Be sure to consider using grants, scholarships, personal savings and work study programs before looking into student loans.

3. Compare student loan options. Compare federal and private student loans and choose the loans that best fit your needs. Discover Student Loans offers helpful advice for students and parents, including student loan calculators and tips on paying for school.

4. Take advantage of student discounts: Once you receive your student ID at orientation, be sure to take it with you as many businesses and entertainment venues near campus offer student discounts.

5. Find deals on textbooks: Purchasing textbooks through your school isn’t always the best value. Look into other options such as used books, renting books, digital versions and sharing books, if possible.

Check out additional helpful resources and loan offerings from Discover Student Loans.

*according to a recent survey commissioned by Discover Student Loans.

Related topics
Financescollege Discover

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anosa says

    August 7, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    When I went to university I had to take a gap year and work because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to school. I worked for a year but that was not enough. Higher education is so hard to fun these days especially if you don’t have rich folks or funding.

    Reply
  2. Jenjen says

    July 30, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    That “find deal on textbooks” is such a clever tip. Thanks for these.

    Reply
  3. Tracey says

    July 29, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    These are awesome tips. I always bought used textbooks in college and this was a great way to save some money.

    Reply
  4. Krista Dial says

    July 28, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    Finding deals on textbooks was SO helpful with cutting down on my college costs. That…and having a roommate! 🙂 Just paid my student loan off within the last few years, which was a big sigh of relief!

    Reply
  5. Claudia Krusch says

    July 28, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    Definitely maximizing the grants is so important before you get any loans. I really need to sit down and plan better. My husband and I were just talking about that.

    Reply
  6. aziel morte says

    July 28, 2016 at 10:43 am

    This is a great advice my nephew was incoming college, I need this to keep in my mind

    Reply
  7. Ami Rose says

    July 28, 2016 at 8:02 am

    I could have done with this before I started uni. Some great tips here.

    Reply
  8. Robin Rue says

    July 28, 2016 at 7:50 am

    Definitely maximizing the grants is super important before you get any loans. I really need to sit down and plan for my boys.

    Reply
  9. Julie Syl Kalungi says

    July 28, 2016 at 7:47 am

    Looks like our generation got a great education Debt Free and yet we are very much burdening our Children with it. Most parents cant help it…Or cant they?

    MOst adults today arent willing to push that lil bit harder, work two more jobs, do some home based business, whatever it takes so they can create the extra income to pay for the education. Our Parents did pay for our education with so much less! Whats our excuse? None…there shouldnt be!

    Reply
  10. Glenda Kruse says

    July 28, 2016 at 1:36 am

    I’m still paying for my student load which sucks! Feels like I will never get done paying for it.

    Reply
  11. Melissa Bernardo says

    July 27, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    There are so many expenses when it comes to college. I don’t know how people afford in nowadays.

    Reply
  12. Melanie Edjourian says

    July 27, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    I am dreading my children getting to this stage it’s even more expensive then going to school and I am sure my husband and i will foot the bills.

    Reply
  13. Hannah says

    July 27, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Its all so expensive, in a way I am glad I didnt go to be honest x

    Reply
  14. Courtneylynne says

    July 27, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    I was one of the lucky ones as well since my parents also paid for my college education. I can only hope my hubby and I can do the same for my daughter since my hubby wasn’t as lucky as me and we will forever be paying his school stuff off! School is definitely expensive

    Reply
  15. Terri Beavers says

    July 27, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    These are such great tips to save money for college students. I always looked for used books but I’d have to be one of the first few in line at the college to get them. When I couldn’t get them from the school, I used eBay.

    Reply
  16. Lily says

    July 27, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    I got the full amount of loans and grants and still wouldn’t have survived without my 2 jobs at Uni. Expensive with hidden fees. My advice is save as much as you can but also enjoy it. Without a doivt the best 3 years of my life.

    Reply
  17. Rashmi & Chalukya says

    July 27, 2016 at 10:52 am

    These are some great tips. We know there are so many offers, discounts and scholarships for students its better to check out. Especially when the college fees are so high

    Reply
  18. Jasmine Watts says

    July 27, 2016 at 8:44 am

    Great tips! Finding deals on textbooks was biggest thing for me to save some money in college!

    Reply
  19. Milena says

    July 27, 2016 at 8:30 am

    My nephew is starting college in the Fall. I’ll be sure to forward this to him. Great tips!

    Reply
  20. Lisa Rios says

    July 27, 2016 at 8:26 am

    College costs are going to be so expensive for sure & you need to have better financial plans to make what you need. Discover Student Loans sounds like a great service & these are some wonderful tips to plan better.

    Reply
  21. Helen Costello says

    July 27, 2016 at 8:02 am

    We live in scary times – I hate to think how many students don’t get to uni because their families simply cannot afford it. We are exploring various scholarship opportunities for our eldest.

    Reply
  22. Berlin says

    July 27, 2016 at 7:15 am

    Though ita inspiring to read new books, i like your tip on looking into renting books instead. Or during my college years, i photocopy my classmate’s book and have it bookbind. The cost is still cheaper than a brand new.

    Reply
  23. Tanya Brannan says

    July 27, 2016 at 5:25 am

    I have a daughter in University at the moment and the costs are astronomical! We try and do it as cheaply as we can, but she will come out of it with around £45,000 of debt.

    Reply
  24. Azlin Bloor says

    July 27, 2016 at 4:56 am

    Great tips, I’m already thinking about it! My oldest is 15 but is already doing a BSc, so we are kind of already in that phase but at least because he’s at home, we only need to think of the academic costs at the moment.

    Reply
  25. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says

    July 27, 2016 at 3:18 am

    Great tips here! Uni is crazily expensive – even the textbooks are about £50 each!!

    Reply
  26. Shanna Uptergrove says

    July 27, 2016 at 12:27 am

    I was just talking to my mom about how we were going to be able to pay for 4 kids’ college educations! I was lucky and was tuition extempt because of my deafness and my sister got scholarships that paid for most of her 4 year education. I hope my kids will be able to go to college debt free.

    Reply
  27. Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says

    July 27, 2016 at 12:02 am

    I have a senior in high school, so this is totally forefront on our minds. She will be getting some automatic scholarships because she is in the top 10% of her class, but every bit helps. I don’t want to be in debt nor her, over this.

    Reply
  28. Marielle Altenor says

    July 26, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    Lucky indeed. We started saving soon my son was born and now my daughter. College costs are no jokes. I didn’t have parents to help and neither did my hubby. So we are making sure to have money set aside for them. Great tips by the way.

    Reply
  29. Heather S-G says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    Oh yeah, I had to deal with this first-hand over the last year since my oldest is off to college in the fall. These tips are great place to get started!

    Reply
  30. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says

    July 26, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    Find deals on textbooks!! YES! That was one of the biggest things that helped me save money in college!

    Reply
  31. Mama to 6 BLessings says

    July 26, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Great tips. My husband went to college, he regrets not going to a local college for the necessary credits before going to a university where he racked up quite a bill!

    Reply
  32. Ashley @irishred02 says

    July 26, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    I am not ready for the college years! Can’t they stay babies forever?!

    Reply
  33. Dawn McAlexander says

    July 26, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    I just went through this with my daughter only a few weeks ago. It can be really confusing if you don’t know what you are looking for. It takes some time, and I suggest you go over the options carefully. Otherwise you can get in some real hot water with loan companies.

    Reply
  34. Katy {ashadeofteal} says

    July 26, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    I was also lucky and my parents paid for my college education. But I know we won’t be able to do the same for our kids. These are great tips to keep in mind.

    Reply
  35. Rodanthi Dimou says

    July 26, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Great tips! Fortunatelly, in my country, you don’t have to pay college tuition, but, since I studied at a university away from my home town, my parents had to pay for my living. It wasn’t easy. If I had to pay for college, I am not sure my family would afford it.

    Reply
  36. Colleen Lanin says

    July 26, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I’m trying to talk my kids into going to college in Germany, where education is free! Tuition costs have gotten way out of hand in the U.S.!

    Reply
  37. Amber Starr at Mommy Gone Healthy says

    July 26, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    I miss all the discount that I got as a college student! Taking advantage of scholarships is sooooo important. We are already saving for our kids, but I plan to have them bust butt to get scholarships.

    Reply
  38. Kathy Kenny Ngo says

    July 26, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    Planning ahead before entering college is a good idea. Good thing there’s article like these to help other people by giving tips.

    Reply
  39. Emily Leary says

    July 26, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    I’m very lucky to have attended uni just before tuition fees were introduced in the UK. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for today’s students and parents. I’m already saving for my kids’ college fund and they’re only 4 and 8!

    Reply
  40. Seattle Travel Blogger says

    July 26, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    Great tips on college costs here, which always are rising and at a good rate too.
    I think less and less parents are able to take on the full cost of their children’s college education these days.

    Reply
  41. Michelle Waller says

    July 26, 2016 at 2:35 pm

    I need to start saving up for my kids to go to college. I wasn’t able to go to college because of finances.

    Reply
  42. Lizelle Cruz says

    July 26, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    I’m gonna be in college this fall and I’m really grateful for this post!! Now I know the expenses I’m gonna have 🙂

    Reply
  43. Christy Garrett says

    July 26, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    Going to college is so expensive. My daughter is about to head to college. I told her to do everything possible to avoid massive student loans. I hope she listens. 🙂

    Reply
  44. Carrie says

    July 26, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Great tips! I was very fortunate as well that my father was able to pay for my entire education. I am also thankful that we moved to Norway and the kids education including college is free here. It is one less thing to have to worry about.

    Reply
  45. Kathy says

    July 26, 2016 at 11:37 am

    These are some wonderful tips. It can be so costly with college. My husband went to college for a mechanic for about one and a half years and ended up paying over 30,000.

    Reply
  46. Louise says

    July 26, 2016 at 10:30 am

    I’m so glad there is 9 years between my two little ones. It will give me a chance to save up again after forking out loads of money for my daughters college education 🙂

    Reply
  47. Mimi Green says

    July 26, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Very helpful information, college is really expensive. So many students fall victim to the scams.

    The more you know the better the experience.

    Reply
  48. Kristen says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:51 am

    I used to buy my text books on ebay. The price of books at the bookstore was always too much to stomach

    Reply
  49. Meagen Brosius says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:37 am

    A lot of these are things they definitely don’t teach you! It’s so hard to really be ready!

    Reply
  50. natalie z says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:35 am

    I am sure the college years are going to sneak up on us! With 3 kids, we are trying to be as prepared as we can be. Thanks for some additional tips!

    Reply
  51. AnnMarie Brown says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Options to save for college are so important. I had three kids in college at the same time and it did get expensive. I am so thankful they were able to get scholarships to go. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  52. Claire says

    July 26, 2016 at 9:03 am

    This is really helpful for students, it is an expensive time!

    Reply
  53. Amanda Love says

    July 26, 2016 at 8:59 am

    There’s a lot to learn about college costs and it’s important that you have every option laid out in front of you so you can decide what path to go. This post is so helpful, my daughter is going to college this fall and I’m glad we have everything settled.

    Reply
  54. Joanne says

    July 26, 2016 at 8:43 am

    My youngest is getting ready to take cosmetology classes and our local college but she’s all paid. There may be some things she needs that’s not covered so I’ll check out your ideas.

    Reply
  55. Nikki Wayne says

    July 26, 2016 at 7:12 am

    Oh, great tips! This is very timely as my sister is going to college very soon.

    Reply
  56. Tara says

    July 26, 2016 at 6:48 am

    This is a great post, I don’t think we’re prepared enough for costs

    Reply
  57. Beth @ Twinderelmo says

    July 26, 2016 at 6:41 am

    With 3 kids I think higher education is going to cost us dearly! Luckily we do have savings accounts now so keep plugging away until then

    Reply
  58. Nicole Escat says

    July 26, 2016 at 6:33 am

    This is a nice post. I will share this to my mom as my lil sis will be going to college soon.

    Reply
  59. Joanna says

    July 26, 2016 at 6:02 am

    I can’t even imagine how much money the college tuition costs. In my country it’s not that bad and you can cover it by splitting it in a few equal payments. But the amounts don’t go over $1000 max a year. I think it’s very hard to be in the situation where you can’t go to college because you can’t afford it.

    Reply
  60. DannyUK.com says

    July 26, 2016 at 2:48 am

    Some great tips here, thanks for sharing. It’s a shame that education has to be so expensive!

    Reply
  61. Travel Blogger says

    July 26, 2016 at 1:50 am

    As someone with THOUSANDS of dollars in student loan debt I can attest to all of these!

    Reply
  62. Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says

    July 26, 2016 at 12:47 am

    These are good tips for parents and students. Saving this and sharing with my friends.

    Reply
  63. Stefanie says

    July 26, 2016 at 12:39 am

    I am glad I still have a few years before having to worry about this. I don’t think kids realize how many grants and scholarships there are out there.

    Reply
  64. Bella says

    July 26, 2016 at 12:11 am

    Being a student is so expensive and it can be difficult to survive financially . I used my student discount long after I graduated (shhh dont’t tell).

    Reply
  65. Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    There are a lot of things I’d like to do differently when our son is ready for college. Unless he gets a full ride, he’s going to a state college to reduce all the additional costs.

    Reply
  66. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    Great ideas to prepare one’s child for college. College education is expensive but I am like you, I got lucky my parents paid for my college education form start to finish so no student loans for me. 🙂

    Reply
  67. Maria says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    Wow that’s amazing that your parents were able to help you and your siblings! I know it’s never to early to start saving for university.

    Reply
  68. Dia All The Things I Do says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Great tips. My parents couldn’t help me so I worked and only borrowed money for tuition instead of for everything. I had tons of friends borrowing butt loads of money. I just worked 2 jobs and ate off the dollar menu haha But as far as the student discount goes I firmly believe that as long as I’m paying back loans I should be able to use it.

    Reply
  69. sophia says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    These are great tips for anyone that is in college or about to start. It can be so expensive

    Reply
  70. Emily says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Deals on textbooks is huge! I made the mistake of just buying directly from the bookstore my first semester and it was extremely expensive compared to buying online.

    Reply
  71. Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    great tips and advice–I already put one throught 4 years of college and the better prepared you are the easier it wll make it down the line

    Reply
  72. Carol Cassara says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    College is not getting any cheaper–it really does take a huge bite out of a family’s savings and income. All of these are excellent money saving techniques and every little bit helps.

    Reply
  73. Brandy says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    I still have huge college costs, I wish I had known some of these tips back then!

    Reply
  74. Heather says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    This is a wonderful guide. I already have anxiety about paying for my kids’ education!

    Reply
  75. Val says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    I love that there are options to save on college for sure, the costs are hefty. I love that you are talking about this, so many are heading to college and need ways to save on the costs.

    Reply
  76. Heather Lawrence says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    My oldest is in her 3rd year of university. She has used scholarship moneu and buys books used which she promptly sells after the class is done. So far she has paid in cash for all of her courses which will save her a ton down the road when she doesn’t have loans to pay off.

    Reply
  77. Michele says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    The costs are never ending–I remember them well. Get as many scholarships and grants as you can possibly get. As for books and supplies–they seem to go up every year–so just know that each year that cost will increase!

    Reply
  78. Eileen says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    My daughter helped me cut down on the costs of her college education by renting college textbooks. The only ones she had to buy brand new were the workbooks. My niece will be a freshman in college this coming school year, so I am sharing this post with my sister. Sending kids to college is expensive but the rewards they will reap after graduation is priceless.

    Reply
  79. Sarah says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    College certainly can be super expensive, I am glad you are sharing the costs of college. It is important to be upfront and honest about costs involved with college.

    Reply
  80. David says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:19 pm

    I’m going to college next year so this is one great very helpful post. I’m so anxious about it but I guess everything will turn out good. Great tips for easier college time 🙂

    Reply
  81. Jeanine says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    Great info to know! Although we still have a long ways until any of our kids are ready for college this info will come in handy, plus I can fill my sister in on it all now as she sends one off in september!

    Reply
  82. Rhian Westbury says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    So true that you really need to check out all of the costs as it isn’t just about accomodation and stuff x

    Reply
  83. Jeanette says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    I am hoping that we can find a bunch of different ways that we can save for college. My son is still young and we are starting a college fund now. We will have to look at these other options once is gets a little older.

    Reply
  84. Tiffany VanSickle says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:31 pm

    My oldest is only in 4th grade, so I haven’t thought a lot about it yet, but I would not count him out of getting scholarships for a least part of the cost. He’s extremely smart and love to learn about everything. These are great tips, though!!! I bought most of my books on eBay or from students who had just finished the classes.

    Reply
  85. Amy Jones says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Really helpful advices! Wish I could have read this when I was starting college

    Reply
  86. tara pittman says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    College is expensive so these are great tips. Thankfully my daughter had many scholarships.

    Reply
  87. Ana De- Jesus says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    Student discounts were the best! I wish I could get the same discounts especially on food and clothes!

    Reply
  88. Cindy Ingalls says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    Going to college really shouldn’t be so expensive. I hope some day they reduce the cost of students loans and find ways to help kids achieve their dreams without going broke.

    Reply
  89. Shauna says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    These are wonderful tips. College costs are insane. The amount of debt some people have after a good education isn’t funny. My husband has a six figure college debt. We will have to plan for our children because I don’t want them to have a lot of debt.

    Reply
  90. Jenny says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    Textbooks are so expensive! I’ve paid over $100 for a well used book before!

    Reply
  91. Neely (@Neelykins) says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    I wish I had known my freshmen year to buy used books. Ugh they were so expensive!

    Reply
  92. Ashleigh Walls says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    I think one thing I didn’t do enough when I was in college was use student discounts. There are so many things you can save on when you do.

    Reply
  93. Harriet from Toby & Roo says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    It’s very different over here in the UK, but wow university (which is what we call your college – college for us is for younger kids) is So expensive!

    Reply
  94. Jolina says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    I’m one of the lucky ones too. Which is why I cannot imagine kids paying for their own tuition because looking back, I could not have done it on my own. These are great tips. Textbooks I think would be the one that’s overlooked the most (some books cost $200!!)

    Reply
  95. Lindsey Paris says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    And those sneaky FEES. Busses. library, sidewalk fees. At UGA, when I was in grad school, they totaled $550 a semester!

    Reply
  96. Alissa Apel says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    Those are all great tips. There are some sites were you can rent text books. That’s kind of cool.

    Reply
  97. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    There are so many great student discounts out there! I definitely made the most of them when I was at university.

    Reply
  98. Lisa Joy Thompson says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    College tuition can be so expensive! I highly recommend checking out community colleges and state colleges as they can save you a TON of money!

    Reply
  99. Kelly Hutchinson says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    Ugh, this gives me a stomach ache just thinking about college. My daughter will be going next year and we are financially unprepared.

    Reply
  100. Debra says

    July 25, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Textbooks were always so expensive and you never got even half the value at the end of the semester. I hear though now you can rent books and download them to your iPad or Kindle!

    Reply
  101. Tamara says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    I was lucky too! Four out of the five of us siblings graduated college. That could not have been easy for my parents. I shudder to think about my two kids affording college so we’re planning now!

    Reply
  102. Monica says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Saving for two college educations can really feel daunting. But I know that if I am smart and adhere to a plan it will work. Thanks for the guidance!

    Reply
  103. Jessie says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    College tuition is free of charge in Poland, so I don’t have to worry about it, but still all the tips you’ve listed seem to be very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  104. Melanie Smith says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    Really good to know. I will share this info with some friend, thwy would love it.

    Reply
  105. Rachel Mouton says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    These are great tips! My daughter is starting college in the fall and these will definitely come in handy 🙂 I’m going to pass these along to her.

    Reply
  106. Travel Pockets (Crystal) says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    You are so lucky your parents paid for your college tuition! I had to pay for my college tuition on my own and still paying for it years later. I feel like I almost see that light at the end of the tunnel…

    Reply
  107. Sarah (@tamingtwins) says

    July 25, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    Really useful tips, the college years for us seem like a long time away but I’m sure they’ll be here before I know it.. SOB!

    Reply
  108. MsPrettyLThings says

    July 25, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    Great tips, I’m sure they are a lot of students out there who are unaware that they can get funding for things and used books are a must.

    Reply
  109. The London Mum says

    July 25, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    brilliant tips. The cost of further education is so high these days it’s really quite a struggle for families.

    Reply
  110. Rachel says

    July 25, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    Costs are so high these days, these are great tips. I wouldn’t be surprised if the cost for you and your siblings to attend was less than 1 education now!

    Reply
  111. Pam says

    July 25, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    We looked into all possible avenues for grants and scholarships before deciding on a college. My son gets in state tuition in a different state because our state doesn’t offer his degree.

    Reply
  112. lisa says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:36 am

    These are great tips. I paid (and am still paying) for my own college education. It is so expensive but necessary!

    Reply
  113. Karen Glatt says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:30 am

    Finding deals on Textbooks is such a good idea! Textbooks cost hundreds of dollars and I know that when I was in college, I got textbooks reduced. It really helps with the bottom line. Do not mark up your books though. They will not take them back. Also Understand the true cost to determine funding need to help get grants that can help pay for most of your schooling.

    Reply
  114. Kita Bryant says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:29 am

    I have a friend who used to work as a college admissions rep and she has always said to compare loans. The ones through the government are sky high on interest.

    Reply
  115. Joanna says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:22 am

    It’s definitely a good idea to be prepared for this kind of thing I never went but its definitely expensive.

    Reply
  116. Emily says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:20 am

    My younger brother who is 18 just started college. I helped him with the whole process of this and it was daunting. I have a while before my kids are in this situation and I am already sweating it. It is helpful for things to be explained.

    Reply
  117. Candy says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Our kids started at community college and transferred for 4 year degree and all went on for masters. All worked and lived at home the first two years. None took out student loans and graduated debt free

    Reply
  118. Mami2jcn says

    July 25, 2016 at 11:03 am

    We worry all the time about how we’re going to pay for 4 kids to go to college. I had a full tuition scholarship so my mom just had to pay for my room and board and books.

    Reply
  119. Cori says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:51 am

    What about encouraging children to save for college themselves? Or maybe that was just my parents. My brother and I from the time we were just getting savings accounts were told to save for college. Student loans weren’t as well known when we were growing up, or our parents kept us ignorant of them, but we were told to save so we could pay for textbooks, etc.

    Reply
  120. hannah says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:40 am

    College can be quite expensive. There are some good tips here to help with the costs. Thanks for sharing x

    Reply
  121. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:32 am

    Thanks for sharing this! I have 4 kids, so I’m already worrying, er… thinking about how to pay for A LOT of college.

    Reply
  122. Paula Schuck says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:21 am

    I love this post! College is a wonderful thing for a child’s future, but it’s also an expensive thing. The really important part is recognizing that there are costs that we don’t always think of.

    Reply
  123. Anita Fonte says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I remember doing the same thing when I was in college. I used to network with the other students to share the information if one of us was in a tight squeeze so we would not have to pay more.

    Reply
  124. Scott says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:12 am

    Fingers crossed on scholarships! We plan on applying for as many as we can!

    Reply
  125. Alli Smith says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:43 am

    College textbooks are so expensive. I always encouraged my kids to buy used books whenever possible and resell them after they were done. Thankfully, my daughter was valedictorian and received a full scholarship. I did have to pay some for the other kids, but they all received some academic scholarships so I didn’t have to pay nearly as much as I thought I would.

    Reply
  126. mary says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Thanks for the tips. We signed up to fastweb to be notified of any and all scholarships that come about. That can help lower some costs too.

    Reply
  127. LaaLaa says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:33 am

    Some good advice, I know that people can worry over possible loans and debts. Used books are definitely a good way to go. Save money.

    Reply
  128. Linda @With A Blast says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:23 am

    Fortunately my son’s employer pays for his college fees. He studies IT, but had to work in a separate degree in Sports Management as well (part of the deal with his employer) Already received his degree in the latter therefore he is now free to take on more subjects in IT. Very informative post you have which I am sure will benefit a lot of parents as well as the college kids

    Reply
  129. Janet W. says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:16 am

    Back when my daughter was in college, she saved a ton of money by buying used books on Amazon instead of the college bookstore, and then was able to re-sell her books back on Amazon for almost what she paid!

    Reply
    • Annemarie LeBlanc says

      July 25, 2016 at 12:36 pm

      Good to know Janet! We did the same thing with my kids. Second hand textbooks and finding better prices from different sellers is one of the best ways to save on college expenses.

      Reply
  130. Wendy says

    July 25, 2016 at 8:00 am

    I have one going into college in two years so this was very useful information!

    Reply
  131. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:47 am

    My stepson is going into his sophomore year and he ended up joining the National Guard the summer before his freshman year – and he doesn’t have any college costs now.

    Reply
  132. Heather Hayes Panjon says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:17 am

    Thanks For This Great Info! These Tips Are Very Helpful! The College Process Can Be Very Overwhelming.

    Reply
  133. Vanessa says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:29 am

    There is so much money left on the table every year from scholarships no one even applies for – so I would say to definitely make use of them. I ended up making money throughout university because I applied for so much funding!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      July 25, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      We encouraged my son to apply for as many scholarships as possible. I was surprised when I found out how many go unclaimed every year.

      Reply
  134. Lisa Brown says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:55 am

    I had to pay my own way and I could not afford much in the way of an extended education. There needs to be more grants than loans, kids just can’t pay them off.

    Reply
  135. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:11 am

    Thank you for these tips. I only have one more child in college and these tips will help stretch our budget. My children always tried to get scholarships, whether it be academic or athletic. It was their way of helping me with the cost of sending them through college.

    Reply
  136. Annie says

    July 25, 2016 at 4:00 am

    I have 2 part time jobs so I can pay for my college. Even tho my parents would pay for it if I’d ask, I took the bill it upon myself, because it was my own decision to go to college again after finishing Uni (nerd much? :P)

    Reply
  137. Anna says

    July 25, 2016 at 1:28 am

    I have taken a loan and now im 25 with a massive debt, its pretty sad that education has to be so expensive. Your tips are pretty good, any new student should follow them.

    Reply
  138. Adriana Lopez-Martin says

    July 25, 2016 at 12:02 am

    Very important to understand this and avoid being in debt forever thanks for the great advice =)

    Reply
  139. Nina says

    July 24, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    I was lucky as well! Also I kept my student ID in my wallet a good 4-5 years after graduating for all those student discounts. It often worked!

    Reply
  140. Sabine says

    July 24, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    I was lucky too that my parents paid everything for me. It’s a big loin you have to take otherwise.

    Reply
  141. Elizabeth O. says

    July 24, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    College tuition is something a lot of us are having issues with and it’s important that we check all the options that we have, otherwise it could get messy especially after graduating and you’re drowning in student loans. These are very good tips and a lot of parents and students can learn from this!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

The Latest

bowl of mulligan stew

Mulligan Stew Recipe

stack of raspberry brownies

Raspberry Brownies

wicker furniture on porch

Martha Washington Inn & Spa – THE Place to Stay in Abingdon VA

inside Burney's

Dang Good Dining in Duplin County NC

spinach black bean lasagna slice on plate

Black Bean Lasagna with Spinach

enchiladas on table

Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas

Eat Move Make is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

This means that some posts may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you purchase through these links, which helps us create more great content! Full terms of use here.

Footer

Meet Liz

Hey there, i’m Liz!

I’m the founder of Eat Move Make and a North Carolina mom of two humans and six cats. I love to cook, bake, craft and travel. I’m also addicted to tea (but not sweet tea).

When I’m not creating something in my kitchen, and since my kids are now adults, I’m all about my bucket list of travel destinations and adventures.

recipes in your inbox

Subscribe for the latest updates

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
©2021, Eat Move Make / About / Terms Of Use / Privacy Policy / Site by Pixel Me Designs