Saving Money

After they scrape together the necessary cash to pay tuition fees, community college students find that their financial obligations are far from over. The rising costs of textbooks and other necessary supplies have put more than one college student into a deep financial hole, forcing some to choose between their necessary resources and rent for the month.

To help students plan more efficiently for the cost of textbooks each semester, a new law has been put in place to require college professors to disclose the precise costs of textbooks before a student commits to their classes, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Lower Prices

In addition to helping students plan for the cost of higher education more accurately, the new law will also increase awareness and competition in the textbook market, lowering the cost of textbooks overall.

This is good news to students who may spend hundreds of dollars every semester to stock their dormitory bookshelves with the necessary supplies. A report in the Washington Post two years ago estimated that some college students pay between $700 and $1,100 each year on textbooks. Between 1986 and 2004, the price of a college textbook tripled, with an annual increase of around 6% each year – nearly double the rate of inflation.

"It's really hard just paying for tuition alone," Annaiis Wilkinson told the Washington Post. The 19-year-old Trinity Washington University student paid about $500 in textbooks each semester just

Students who enter community college today might be dismayed to find that hefty tuition payments are just the beginning of a potentially expensive college career. In addition to the annual tuition costs, textbooks have become a significant expense for many students, with some books easily costing more than $100 to bring a total for a single semester well into the $500-$1,000 range.

Cash-strapped students are often looking for affordable solutions to the textbook issue; fortunately, help is available. Through various programs offered on community college campuses and across the Internet, students are finding they can save a bundle on the textbooks they need.

Affordable Options

A report last year on U.S. News and World Report cited several options students could explore to save money on college textbooks, including:

• Using textbook rental services
• Borrowing textbooks from libraries
• Participating in textbook exchanges
• Getting textbooks for free or nearly free online
• Finding used textbooks at a reduced price

While these options offer advantages and drawbacks, using various methods to secure all the textbooks you need for any given semester can reap serious rewards for saving money. In addition to the tried and true savings programs, some college professors are getting involved in the affordable textbook cause to find resources for students that provide them with the information they need to ace a class without going into the red to do so.

Freebies

Someone once said that "the best things in life are free," especially when it comes to college textbooks.

In challenging economic times, many people may delay visits to the dentist because they cannot afford to pay the accompanying bill. Many college students who struggle to pay for tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses also often put off dental work. While this plan may seem wise in the short term, neglecting one’s oral health can lead to serious health and financial consequences down the road. Those who do not get regular dental cleanings and check-ups put themselves at an increased risk for gum disease and cavities, both of which can lead to future financial and physical pain when the problems eventually need to be treated.

Fortunately, for college students who may not have the finances to pay for dental work or those whose health insurance does not include a dental plan, a lack of funds does not necessarily mean one’s dental health care needs to suffer. Community colleges with dental hygienist training programs often offer low-cost or even free dental services to college students and children and adults in the general public.

This video gives an overview of the dental and other health services available at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dental services at community colleges are fairly comparable across the nation. To help you get an idea of the kinds of services offered, as well as potential pricing, we will examine a few college-based dental clinics.

Normandale Community

If you face potential DUI (driving under the influence) charges, you will need to seek immediate legal aid. The legal consequences for a DUI can include severe fines, mandatory jail time, and alcohol abuse treatment classes.

Fortunately, if you are a student facing a DUI charge, your community college may be able to offer support. With many community colleges hoping to help students avoid future DUI incidents, your campus may offer preventative programs, alcohol and substance abuse treatment options, and additional resources.

The Dangers of Impaired Driving Among Community College Students

In examining the current alcohol-related crisis among college students, statistics compiled by drunk driving lawyers reveal that approximately 2 million college students chose to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol every year. Researchers have also found that over half a million people ranging from ages 18 to 24 experience injuries due to alcohol-related incidents. Furthermore, approximately of college students admit to experiencing poor academic performance due to their drinking-related choices.

With the awareness of these serious issues related to alcohol abuse, students who are facing a DUI or drinking problem should speak with their community college counselor to find out about specific on-campus treatment programs.

This video shows several ways to avoid driving drunk.

Legal Services at Community College

Some community college students in need of legal support may struggle to find the financial means to pay

Every college student is familiar with the challenges of managing finances amidst the pressures of tuition and book costs. Burdened with tests and assignments, many community college students have little time to earn supplementary income while enrolled in courses as a full-time students.

Fortunately, that seemingly simple college ID in one's wallet can help students save hundreds of dollars each year! With nearly endless discounts explicitly offered for college students, showing your community college ID can help immediately increase the amount of cash in your wallet.

Technology on the Cheap

If you're in the market for a new laptop, cell phone, or other form of technology, it will benefit you financially to shop with companies that cater to students' needs. Many companies that offer technological products strive to attract buyers by offering college discounts.

For example, Apple Computers offers college students, instructors, administrators, and staff members "Apple Education Pricing" on select products. Simply by being a community college student, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars on your next computer. In addition, Apple offers occasional promotions specifically for students. For example, when an eligible student purchases a computer, they may be able to receive another free Apple product.

Other technology-based companies that offer various student discounts include Dell Computers.

This video describes Apple's Back To School program.

Almost Free Entertainment

Before paying for the rising cost of a movie ticket,