How To Budget For College
College can often be more expensive than just tuition costs. Here, we list our top budgeting tips for college students.
October 25, 2021 , Modified on June 9, 2022

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to find your fit?
Attending college often proves very costly. Tuition rates currently increase about 8% annually. Students may also need to pay for room and board, books, transportation, and other expenses. Fortunately, thoughtful school choices and budgeting practices can help enrollees manage college expenses and plan for the future.
Budgeting helps students manage their debt by encouraging effective financial planning and thoughtful spending decisions. Budgeting allows learners to identify and limit unnecessary spending that might otherwise go untracked. An effective college student budget also includes money for future plans and emergencies and keeps learners from racking up loans or credit card debt when these eventualities arise.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Ready to discover a quality program at a price you can afford?
Why Do You Need a Budget?
A budget plan for college students supports effective financial decision-making. By planning and tracking their expenses and income, budgeters can keep spending under control. A college student budget often helps learners stay out of debt and plan for the future. These practices are typically worth the time and discipline they require.
What College Expenses Should I Expect?
College education entails many expenses, including tuition and fees, living expenses, and books. Some costs remain consistent over time, while others vary. Designating each expense as fixed or variable proves crucial for effective budgeting.
Tuition pays for classes and usually varies widely based on factors like number of credits, program and institution type, and location. Some schools charge tuition on a per-credit basis, while others charge a flat rate per semester or quarter. Students at schools with flat tuition rates sometimes save money in college by taking more credits per term.
Institution type and location also influence tuition. The College Board's 2020 college pricing report suggests that in-state, public institutions cost significantly less than private institutions. Additionally, annual out-of-state tuition at public institutions averages about 2.5 times higher than in-state tuition. However, some schools allow distance learners to pay in-state rates regardless of residency. Annual tuition averages also vary by state, with states like California offering tuition rates well below the national average.
College students may also incur housing and food expenses. Many learners live off campus with family members since on-campus housing and meal plans often prove costly. Some colleges charge comprehensive fees that bundle tuition, room and board, and university fees into one bill.
Additional potential college expenses include transportation, textbooks and other school supplies, and spending money. Commuter students may find public transportation more affordable than paying for gas. On-campus and distance learners often save on transportation costs. Textbooks and school supplies can prove costly, but buying used textbooks can save students some money in college.
Top 10 Tips for Saving Money in College
College costs vary drastically, so prospective students should compare tuition prices among schools and apply for financial aid. A 529 College Savings Plan may prove helpful in saving money for college. See below for 10 cost-cutting tips that can lower college expenses.
How to Pay for College
Making good college financing decisions often requires planning. Many college students and their families use a 529 Plan to save money for college. This budget plan for college students varies by state and usually offers tax benefits. Prospective students should also submit the FAFSA. This financial aid profile helps learners secure grants, loans, and scholarships.
Grants
The federal government and various organizations offer grants, which do not require repayment. The federal Pell Grant program awards up to $6,345 to undergraduate students who submit a FAFSA demonstrating financial need. Graduate students may also qualify for dissertation or research grants from universities, governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Loans
Unlike grants and scholarships, loans require repayment. Many students qualify for subsidized federal loans, which typically feature lower interest rates than private loans and do not require repayment until after graduation. Learners needing additional funds may accept unsubsidized loans from student loan companies or banks. Students can submit the FAFSA to determine federal loan eligibility.
Work Study
Federal work-study programs allow students to work part time on campus or at affiliated organizations that advance public good. The federal government determines work-study eligibility based on the student's FAFSA information and pays half of the students' salary.
Expert Interview: College Money Matters
Melissa Boutin
Certified Financial Education Instructor
Melisa Boutin is a student loan expert, and founder of YourMoneyWorth.com, a website providing personal finance resources to help millennials in the United States and the Caribbean region get rid of debt and build positive net worth.
Q. What are some common misconceptions college students -- and even adults -- have about budgeting?
Both adults and college students mistakenly think they can rely on the costs of attendance provided by colleges as accurate estimates of students' miscellaneous and personal expenses. Expenses that a college student might incur can exceed those estimates, so it's important for families and students to create their own budgets. Another misconception about budgeting is that a written budget is not necessary for a college student, as they will have little or no variable income. In fact, budgeting is an essential skill that everyone can learn and master, even with a variable income.
Q. What should students keep in mind about accumulating and managing debt, especially student loan and credit card debt?
Students should aim to minimize the amount of student loan debt they take on to fund their college educations. When it comes to student loan debt, a student should limit the total amount of borrowing to no more than the starting salary they expect to earn after graduation. For example, a student who expects to earn a starting salary of $27,000 after graduation should not borrow beyond that amount for college. Applying this rule of thumb can help students avoid the burden of unaffordable student loan debt payments.
In the case of credit cards, students should avoid carrying balances and get into the habit of spending only what they can pay off every month. If using credit cards will result in debt they can't afford to repay in full, however, students should avoid them altogether.
Q. Having conversations about money with parents/guardians can be challenging. How can students work to keep an open line of communication when it comes to finances?
Students can initiate conversations about money from the angle of managing college costs, and use that as an opportunity to have ongoing conversations about money with their families. They can consider establishing a schedule of check-ins about their finances with their families at the end of each semester and during each school break. By approaching it from a mature, practical standpoint, this way of communicating about finances can become routine.
Q. Some students need to work in college to get by. What advice do you have for those who need to balance academia with earning an income?
Students who need to work while taking college classes should explore work opportunities that allow them the time they need to dedicate to their course loads. They should consider earning money in flexible positions such as brand ambassadors (people hired to represent company or product brands in a positive light), street teams (people who hit the streets to promote events or products) or as a delivery person working with apps such as UberEats that allow students to work flexible schedules. Saving money from paid internships or summer employment is another way students can balance school and work. They can ramp up work hours during school breaks and scale back when they're back on campus.
Q. Amid tough classes and assignments, keeping a budget can seem arduous. What are some quick ways that students can keep an eye on their finances and ensure they don't overspend?
Setting up calendar reminders to do routine financial check-ins is one way college students can steer clear of overspending. Another way is using a spending account and debit card like Chime, whose mobile app sends automatic alerts of transactions and account balances. These options make staying informed about your finances as simple as reviewing alerts on a smartphone.
Q. Are there administrators on campus who can help students with budgeting? Where might they be found?
Financial education resources can be found at many colleges via the student affairs portal, as is the case at Wright State University. Another popular option is in-person financial wellness counseling services, such as those offered at University of Minnesota. Students should check with their student affairs department on campus to explore the financial education and support services available to them.
Q. What are some ways that college students can cut their expenses?
College students cut their costs of attendance by focusing on ways to save on major costs. Some areas to consider include:
- Choose an accelerated completion schedule. For example, a student can choose to take on a fuller course load and take classes during the summer to finish college in three years.
- Enter college with course credits earned through high school or community college before enrolling as a freshman.
- Become an on-campus resident assistant, which comes with the opportunity to reduce housing costs.
- Consider employment opportunities that offer tuition reimbursement or waivers. Chipotle, for example, is one employer that offers this benefit.
- Obtain course credits by examination with CLEP that colleges accept as equivalent course credits.
- Transfer community college credits with the prior approval of the college or university.
- Apply for scholarships from outside organizations, in addition to those offered by the college, and continue to apply for scholarships every semester through graduation.
- Negotiate tuition breaks and inquire about unlisted scholarships at the college.
Q. What are your favorite apps/websites on this topic that students might find useful?
My favorite budgeting app is Mint, as it aggregates all your transactions, allows for manual entries and tracks your spending against different budget categories and limits. As far as websites go, CentSai Adulting is a good personal finance resource for college students.
Budget Resources for College Students
Keep up with the latest
Never miss a detail on the news, trends, and policies that could directly impact your educational path.
Careers in Christian Counseling
Working in Christian counseling could be a rewarding career. Learn more about career options here.
Online Degrees In Addiction And Substance Abuse
Working as an addiction counselor could lead to a rewarding career helping others. Learn more about career options here.
Counseling Licensure by State
Know what it takes to become a licensed professional counselor. Here, we list counseling licensure requirements by state.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Do this for you
Explore your possibilities- find schools with programs you’re interested in and clear a path for your future.