How to Graduate College Without A Significant Financial Loss

By Melissa Burns

College is a wonderful time for most of students. It is always excitingly depicted in youth comedies and literature. However, there is always an unpleasant fact that stays behind the college scene and considers almost every freshman and undergraduate. Very often, after four years of study they and their parents stay with a disproportionate financial dept that is literary attached to their diploma. And all dreams of a beautiful and bright future are shelved until 10K, 20K or even all 40K dollars debts are paid. So, are there any universal tips that will help to graduate from college without financial loss?

Investigate Scholarships

Don’t even think that you are not worth of any of the grants offered this year! Stop being a lazy bone and spend some time searching for a suitable scholarship, or even for several of them. Do your own investigation. Shanice Miller and the article about how a student graduated from university with no debt at all is one of the best examples for you. Definitely no one is going to guarantee that you can perform the same kind of miracle, but a small investment on the part has never stopped anyone, besides, remember that you’ll have to spend costs not only on your study, but also on meals, accommodation and occasional entertainment.

Buy a House

At first sight living In-Campus seems much cheaper, but this variant doesn’t suit everyone. For those who are seriously studying, a dormitory life can be really distracting. So they have to move off-campus. But renting an apartment can also turn rather costly. Sometimes students and their parents decide to purchase a house. They buy houses nearby the place of study, contributing to a good investment for the future. This way a student can find roomies that will help to pay for housing, and maybe earn some extra money.

Control your Finances

Remember, that mindless waste of money has never made someone a millionaire. In order not to reach the bottom of the debt hole, each student should know exactly how much money one has, and how much one can spend. It is best to allocate your budget by sections, for example such as textbooks, rent, food, transportation. Other spends that are not included to these categories are better to be rethought twice.

Find a Part-Time Job

Probably almost every student can spare 8-12 hours a week to earn some extra money. Additional spends should be additionally paid. Do you want a new dress for the party? Babysit for an hour or so, or do the pet walking. Get yourself accustomed to the system of how money make the world go round.

Avoid Luxury

If, however, a student and student’s parents got involved into a student loan, and now you’ve got money out of the blue, try not to squander it on expensive watches, don’t rent a luxurious car and stop going to the most popular night clubs of the city.

In the end, you’re a student, a serious person now. It’s time to set goals and go for them. You have four years to prove yourself you can manage your life, try not to waste it and prevent your parents from reaching bankruptcy.

Melissa Burns graduated from the faculty of Journalism of Iowa State University in 2008. Nowadays she is an entrepreneur and independent journalist. Her sphere of interests includes startups, information technologies and how these ones may be implemented in the sphere of education. You may contact Melissa: burns.melissaa@gmail.com