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You can go to college for less

 
By Susan Simpson | Published: November 7, 2010    Comment on this article Leave a comment

Anyone can go to college less expensively — if they know what to do, said Lance Millis, an Oklahoma State University administrator who has written several publications about preparing for college.

photo - Lance Millis says "full rides” are rare. Usually students piece together forms of aid, and still have out-of-pocket costs. Photo provided
Lance Millis says "full rides” are rare. Usually students piece together forms of aid, and still have out-of-pocket costs. Photo provided

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AT A GLANCE
Everyday tips


• Take 15 or more credit hours each semester and go to summer school. That will shorten the time to get a degree and save you money.


• Comparison shop for textbooks. You can buy used books online. Many colleges stock textbooks in their libraries.


• Don't eat out too often; use coupons and discount deals.


• Get an on-campus job. They offer proximity and can be more convenient.


• Don't pay for a phone in your apartment or dorm if you have a cell phone.


• Consider leaving your car at home and riding a bike to and around campus.


• Take advantage of free movies or concerts on campus.

Information
Lance Millis has other tips for college students at www.collegeanswerguy.com, where copies of his books also are for sale.

Strategies include choosing the right campus, securing scholarships and financial aid and saving money on living expenses at college.

"Many of these ideas only save a little money, even only a few pennies at a time. But it's when you make the financially sound choices repeatedly, and in several different ways, that you start to realize significant savings,” he writes in his booklet "How to Go to College Cheaper.”

Choosing the right college is important because transferring to other schools may cost time in getting a degree. Public colleges generally are less expensive than private ones, although scholarships and aid can close the gap. In Oklahoma, community colleges are the most affordable, but students should make sure their credits will transfer to their next campus.

Housing also can play a role in college selection. Living at home while attending school can save lots of money.

And renting can sometimes be more cost effective than living in campus housing.

Still, most colleges have various levels of housing with less expensive options.

Scholarships are generally merit based, while financial aid is often need-based. Both are important options to consider.

Millis says "full rides” are rare.

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