Your motto is great! In the same vein of not paying retail, make sure you don't select a college that is going to cost "retail!"

Hopefully, as a rising Senior, you have done all of the legwork required to position yourself for a successful, and least expensive education you can get. Getting the family on board with how much you can afford should have been accomplished before the "base year" for financial aid began on January 1 for you. Yes, you're seven months into the base year for financial aid.

Here's another way to help you get through college with little to no debt: take a free 7 day tour of my membership site: http://www.collegesearchgameplanmembers.com/?ap_id=toddw and learn all about how and why colleges give grants and scholarships.

Good luck to you!

@alvarezr21- I would love to know how you got your monthly grocery bill to $40! I am always looking to cut that because I feel like i spend a fortune on groceries

I got through the first half of college debt free, second half at a much lower debt rate than my peers, and only paid for one semester of grad school. My tips:

1. If there is a state school (rather than private) that fits your career goals, choose it. I did state for the first 2 years and had a full scholarship. I went private for the second half, and I don't regret it, but that's where I racked up another $40k plus, even while working. Berkeley would have been wayyyy cheaper! Since you are in CA, I would really recommend a UC if you would be happy with it.

2. Keep in mind that if you ever transfer, you probably won't be eligible for full scholarships as a transfer student. I didn't know this - I could have had a full merit scholarship at my chosen private school if I'd started as a freshman, but instead got only a half scholarship.

3. I was so excited that you are planning on working part-time while in school! I worked 30-50 hours a week my entire way through undergrad, often in areas relevant to my career. This helped me pay for my day to day expenses, rent, etc. Some of my internships turned into full jobs, etc. Get into the workforce early. It will help your lifetime earnings AND your debt load while in school.

4. It is smart to save money on commuting, but consider finding off-campus housing in walking distance ... dorms can be a real rip-off, especially if you don't have a kitchen in your suite. Which brings me to my next point...

5. Cook your own meals! SO much cheaper... and try to not get into a Starbucks habit. Caffeine is great but you can get it much cheaper :)

6. Books: Your first semester, check on ebook rentals.. a lot of your books might have kindle versions. You can always use the app on your computer if you don't have a kindle (although they are only $79 so it might be a worthy investment). Also, Amazon buys back books at a better rate than anyone else I've ever found -- even if you didn't buy them there. They give you credit and then you can buy the next semester's books. I'd be wary of hard-back "rentals."

7. Working for the university - this isn't usually as good a deal for undergrad students, but as a grad student I was able to get a full time job that had tuition benefits. Look into it.

8. You are right, there are SO many scholarships - fastweb has a zillion. Just keep applying to the bigger ones, and ask your professors about fellowships and such.

9. Finally - while being debt free would be incredible for my life right now... don't beat yourself up if you do at some point have to take out a reasonable student loan. It won't necessarily be a failure if it helps you invest in your long-term financial plan. Many people are able to be incredibly financially healthy with a huge load of debt... but others just made a bad investment. I have $50k for two degrees from two schools where the average debt load for students like me is more like $180k. For me, that's a win because I know my lifetime earnings bump is HUGE compared to what I will pay in debt, and I've been financially independent from my parents without a problem since leaving undergrad. For you, my situation might sound horrible! But I also have siblings who went to UCs and came out with less than $5k in debt and paid it off within a year. So if it's a choice between quitting school and taking out a small loan you have a plan for paying back... take out the loan. Being penny wise and pound thrifty is never the answer.

So proud of you and I don't even know you! Go get 'em!

Hi there,

I put this topic to LearnVest's Facebook fans. Here's what they had to say:

Laila Khalili: This young woman probably already got this advice but here are my two cents! Save your money! Starting now! You can easily save $1,000+ in your senior year if you get a part time job, borrow a friend's old prom dress, and avoid malls. Once enrolled, use your financial aid refunds (if you get any) and put them in a savings account. Get a part time job. If you want to join organizations on campus, be conscious of which ones demand too much time and if they require money, such as sororities. (Obviously, socialize, but don't spend money you don't have!) Order your textbooks from Amazon, check out half price book stores, and then re-sell them immediately after you're done with them. It would be awful for a new edition to come out a year later and be stuck with a $200 textbook on US History.
Check out off campus housing in the area because sometimes it can be MUCH cheaper than room and board. Neighborhoods with garages likely have single garage apartments, which can be incredibly cheap. You just have to go door to door, check out yard signs, etc, because they will not be heavily advertised.

Additionally, depending on your major/if you want to do research, you can apply for REUS at your university. If you have no commute, the stipend they provide you with during the summer can also be added to a savings account. ;) Tutoring high school/junior high kids and babysitting during the holidays are also great ways to earn a little extra cash. As is selling old clothes, books, etc.

Hope that helps!


Kristie O'Neill: Certain scholarships or types of financial aid can't always be used to cover room and board expenses, which can really add up. Explore any on-campus employment opportunities that may be available, particularly in the Residence Life area. Most times, Resident Advisor positions provide free housing and meal plan.


Anna Louie: If you have the grades, don't rule out Ivy League schools. They have some of the most comprehensive scholarships, so they could be cheaper than almost anywhere else


Erica Johnson: There is a good chance that you can check out your textbooks at the library on campus. Many campuses are linked through an Inter-Library Loan program so even if your local branch doesn't have it, others might.


Malia Schroeder: Booze is expensive.


Kate Daisley Kearney: Working with her college counsellor, search for online courses with transferrable credits. This can help defray costs and possibly help her graduate early. Also, it might be a good idea to invest in the help of a college planner.