Buying books for college can be costly, but there are ways to save money. These include renting or buying used, opting for ebooks, waiting for some promos from websites like https://www.retailmenot.com/view/chegg.com for instance, and splitting costs.
Rent or Buy Used
Buying and selling used books can significantly cut costs and earn a few extra bucks. However, if you’re looking for a decent investment return, it’s better to go the rental route.
Many different online and campus bookstores allow you to rent textbooks for your courses. This means you’ll be able to rent the latest editions for a fraction of the price. But before you decide to rent, read the fine print. For example, you might be charged extra for late returns or damaged books. You also have to be sure you aren’t charged for a textbook you didn’t use.
Aside from the noticeable cost saving, renting is also a better way to use your time. It eliminates the hassle of packing up your textbooks and transporting them home. Plus, you’ll have less clutter on your bookshelves.
Opt for Ebooks
Opting for ebooks when buying books for college is a great way to save money. However, there are some factors to consider before deciding to switch. These factors include what type of learning style you have, the size of your required books, and the cost of the textbooks.
When choosing to opt for ebooks, you must ensure that the books are compatible with your device. eBooks must be delivered in a platform-agnostic format to be viewed on multiple devices.
There are a few reasons why many students need to start using ebooks. One of the biggest reasons is the lack of availability. However, several publishers have created innovative new models to deliver ebooks to students. These models allow students to pay for chapters rather than the entire book. This helps publishers save money on printing.
Sell Your Car
Getting into college can be expensive, but if you plan and are frugal, you can avoid raising a student loan bill. In addition, you might be surprised to learn that the cost of attending college can be pretty low, with some schools offering free or low-cost housing and transportation.
Buying a car can be a costly undertaking. You may have to make a down payment, purchase insurance, and maintain the vehicle. If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful solution to this problem, consider renting a car. You may be surprised that many college campuses have shuttles or free transportation to and from campus. Some apartment complexes even offer shuttles to campus.
Find College Matches and Potential Financial Aid
Choosing the right college is one of the most critical steps in planning. First, you must gather information and decide whether to consider a public or private school. After you have a list, you can begin researching the schools on your shortlist. You can also call the financial aid offices of the schools on your list to inquire about scholarships and financial aid.
You can use free tools like College Raptor to find college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid. The tool combines your family’s financial information with your own to create a customized list of potential colleges. You can then use the device with someone you trust to help you decide.
The College Board’s website includes a free EFC calculator. This calculator provides a general estimate of your family’s financial contribution to the college. If you have unique financial circumstances, you may need to gather more information, such as W2 forms or bank statements.
