Going Back to School without Going Broke

If you’re thinking about continuing your studies in college and beyond, then you’re likely thinking about how much it costs. Even if you’re not in any financial difficulties now, you never know what may become a problem for you down the road. And speaking of roads, who wants to limit his or her education options to what’s next door just because it’s cheaper?

If you’re like most students these days, financial aid and student loans are probably in your future. But that’s not where the road to gaining funds for college ends. Sometimes it’s what we don’t buy that helps us pay for what we do. Here are some of the larger expenses that you can easily find ways to save on when considering the college experience:

• Appliances like computers, televisions, and printers
• New clothing from big name brands
• Textbooks, textbooks, and textbooks!

But here are some ways you can save:

• Instead of rushing to buy a new computer for your college degree, consider what degree you’re likely to pursue. If you’re mostly going to be writing papers and browsing the internet, you probably don’t need to spring for the latest and greatest.
• Do you really need that new television? No, really, do you need it? Even if you love to watch television, the internet now offers more than ever to watch online without that expensive set. Before plunking down your hard-earned cash for that new widescreen plasma, consider Netflix, Hulu, and Youtube.
• If you’re going to study on campus, does your roommate have a printer? If so, you may not need one. Even if your roommate doesn’t, nearly any modern campus is going to have a computer lab stuffed full of laser printers.
• We all want to look our best, but maybe a whole new wardrobe can wait a few years. Consider getting by on what you have, or frequenting thrift stores to find those hidden gems. Then later you can dress the part of a successful graduate!
• There’s no doubt that textbooks are extremely expensive, but there are also many options available now to help reduce the costs. Check online to see if you can find bargains on Amazon or elsewhere. Buy used. Or, gasp!—try looking to see if you can find what you need at a library for free!

Although you can save thousands by being thrifty, the above tips may only save you a few hundred dollars depending on your situation. But even a few hundred may make the difference between the school of your dreams and your second choice.

And let’s not forget how much you’ll thank yourself later for saving those bucks! You may just be able to afford going out to a nicer restaurant in a few years when you’re celebrating your fancy new degree.