Tips to Cut College Costs

Back to school for parents of college-age children means its time to examine extra college expenses.

With added costs such as lab fees, recreation fees, computer fees, materials fees and a bus pass, it feels like there are all sorts of fees that get added to tuition.

Here are few tips where you can cut college costs:

1. Room and Board: While some schools require students to live on campus for at least their freshman year, and financial-aid packages could help ease some of the cost of room and board, it’s still worth running the numbers to see if living off campus could be a better deal for at least part of a student’s time at college.
2. Books: Textbooks are the next big drain, with some coming in at close to $200 a book. One tip to save money is look into purchasing a used copy of an older edition of the textbook (always check with your professor first). Another newer option is to rent your textbooks.
3. Technology: A computer is essential to the college experience, but one piece of technology you can save on is a printer. Students may find free printing somewhere on campus, possibly at the library, student union or in classrooms.
4. Transportation: Leave the car at home. Not only will you save on gas, maintenance and parking costs, but you can also cut back on your insurance bills.

When sending kids off to college parents need all the tips they can get to help mange college tuition.