More Ways to Save Money While in School

Filed in archive Saving on August 15, 2009

© Paul Keleher

Everyone knows that college is becoming more expensive every year. This means that money is becoming tighter and ways to save money need to be found. Here are some more ways you can save money while you are in school.


Take Distance Learning Courses

If you have a job where you are you may want to think about taking your courses online. Jobs are hard enough to find right now and you may be able to keep the one you have - along with job security. If you move and start afresh while you are going to school, you will be at the bottom of the list - and the first to go if there is a layoff.

Distance learning courses enable you to get the same quality of training - if it is an accredited college - and it can save you moving costs and job hunt time. This would save you thousands of dollars - and you get to keep on working, too. You will need to research and find out, however, if you think you would do well in a distance learning situation. It will take a little more self-discipline.

Consider Your School Loans Wisely

I mentioned yesterday that you should get all the scholarships you can. If you still do not have enough, though, then you may have to get a college loan. Use wisdom here, and do not take the first loan offer you get. Consider that an interest percentage of a couple of points can make a large difference over a long period of time.

Look to get government loans first, such as Stafford or Perkins loans. These loans have the lowest interest on the market - and can be consolidated later. You cannot, however, consolidate government and private loans together.