50 ways to save money on college

I went to a great college in my area, and graduated with zero student debt. I then worked at another college for 4 years. Here is everything I learned about getting an education frugally.  
 
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Here are 50 ways you can save money when going to college.

Choosing your school

• Choose an in-state college. Tuition will be cheaper than out-of-state.
  
• Go with a public college over a private college.
• Choose one of the cheaper schools in your state. Quality education doesn’t have to be high price. 
• Choosing a local school allows you to skip a lot of the campus expenses.
• Consider community colleges. If you don’t have one near you that has the program you want, look around at community colleges that offer online programs.
• Online colleges are often cheaper. 
  

Paying for school

• If a student is able to, utilize their state’s program to take classes at a college during high school. It’s free to the student.
  
• If you are a veteran, use your GI Bill. Veterans and active military may have several programs that they qualify for.
• If you work at the college, you may get free tuition or get a discount.
• Your employer might contribute to your degree.
• Sometimes a person with an associate’s degree can get hired on and the company will pay for their bachelor’s degree.
• Switch jobs to a company that does offer help with the cost of higher education.
• Apply for grants.
• Apply for scholarships every semester.
• Leave student loans as a last resort.
• If you do get student loans, pay them off as soon as possible.
  

Your program and classes

• Know what you are going for before you start.
  
• Have an advisor or an experienced peer help you plan out your schedule so you are sure your classes count towards your degree program.
• You can get your associate’s degree at a community college. Then transfer for your bachelor’s degree.
• Talk to your transfer college before taking classes to make sure your associate’s classes will be accepted.
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew taking too many classes only to get overwhelmed and drop out. It’s okay to go part time. Go at the pace that is right for you.
  

Textbooks and supplies

• Swap textbooks with your friends as long as your class doesn’t require an access code.
  
• Wait until class starts to see if you need the book.
• Double-check if the book is required or recommended.
• Be careful not to order multiple formats of the same book such as hardcover, loose-leaf, or digital.
• Know the return policy of where you bought the book. Keep the receipt.
• Keep new books in new condition (and unwrapped if it’s in shrink wrap) until class starts and you’re sure you’ll need the book.
• Shop around to compare prices from different textbook retailers and buying directly from other students.
• Price matching on textbooks is available at some college bookstores.
• Buy your textbooks used.
• Rent your textbooks. 
• E-book textbooks are usually cheaper than buying new print books.
• You may also be able to rent the digital version.
• If you work at the bookstore, you will likely get an employee discount on textbooks.
• Sell your textbooks back at the end of the semester.
• If your college isn’t buying back that textbook, try selling it to a website that buys used textbooks. I recommend price checking those websites before going in to see what your college will offer.
• You can also sell your textbooks on the internet directly to the buyer.
• Purchase your school supplies outside of the school bookstore. Notebooks, paper, pens, folders, book bags, etc… are much cheaper at regular stores.

At the bookstore or campus store

• Shop clearance.
  
• Shop the sales.
  
• Follow their social media for announcements on good deals.
• Show up to events at the bookstore. For example, orientation events for new students may offer a free t-shirt. Graduating students may also get a free shirt. They often have free snacks or drinks at their events.
• Enter to win giveaways and contests at the bookstore. They have them throughout the semester. 

Being on campus and general college student life

• Live off-campus. Have roommates if you need to. 
  
• Every piece of food on campus is overpriced. Pack a lunch or snacks from home.
• Take advantage of student discounts. Many places offer student discounts that are unadvertised. You could get discounts at restaurants, movie theaters, and more.
  
• If you are a member of a society, you may get discounts at a variety of places.
• Get familiar with the resources available to students at no extra cost. 
• Ask what bonuses are offered to students at your school. For example, my college had a printing credit of $7.50 a semester. You could print out about 150 pages without having to pay. My college also has free Microsoft Student for all current students to be able to download.
• Go to events on campus that are offering freebies and discounts.

College can be a wonderful investment that provides education, professional growth, and personal experiences that broaden a student’s mind. It is possible to pursue these things without tremendous debt.

How did you save money on your college education?

How much did you end up paying for your degree and college experience? Tell me in the comments below.