Financing

While financial aid, scholarships, and student loans are the most common ways to finance higher education, new savings-matching programs are helping more students attend community college. Imagine each dollar you save matched by a free dollar that you can use towards your college tuition!

Savings matching programs help low and middle-income students pay for college by matching the money that participants put in a college savings account. For example, the state of Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development runs a savings matching program called New Visions, New Ventures, which will match $2 for every $1 that eligible low-income participants deposit in a savings account. The program will provide up to $4,000 in matching dollars to participants. Participants must use the money to pay tuition, buy a first house, or start a business.

How Savers Can Benefit Even More through Philanthropy Websites

Recently, savings matching programs have begun partnering with philanthropic websites to increase the savings power of their participants even further. One such pioneering website is SaveTogether.com. At SaveTogether, individual donors can read the stories of low and middle-income individuals who are participating in savings matching programs and working towards savings goals that involve post-secondary education.

Individual donors choose individual savers to “match,” and donations made by individuals through SaveTogether are tax deductible.

How the Program Works

By working with a variety of programs that sponsor savings-matching efforts for community college tuition, SaveTogether furthers the power of these programs.

Profiles on SaveTogether Allow

College textbooks are notoriously expensive. Community college students, especially those who are just beginning college or returning to school after years in the workplace, may experience sticker shock upon their first visit to the college bookstore.

A Business Week article on textbook prices reports that the General Accounting Office (GAO) says that textbook prices have increased at twice the rate of inflation since 1986! College students are estimated to spend an average of between $700 and $1,100 per year on textbooks, according to a Washington Post article on the issue. The issue of textbook affordability exists for community college students as much as it does for students at four-year institutions. Most community college classes require textbooks that are similar in price to those required at the most expensive four-year colleges and universities. Thankfully, today’s community college students have a number of resources at their disposal for cutting down on the cost of textbooks. Before you pay full price for textbooks at your campus bookstore, try some of these ideas.

This video offers advice on where to buy or rent textbooks cheaply.

Smartly Prepare for Your Textbook Bargain-Hunting

Before you begin your search for cheap textbooks, you’ll need to know which books are required for your courses. Many community colleges have websites for their bookstores online where you can look up the required textbooks by entering your course ID numbers.

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

If you have a passion for prose, you can earn money by putting your writing talents to good use - even while you attend community college. Whether you enjoy composing essays or creative pieces, autobiographies, or non-fiction work, community college students can participate in writing competitions to be published and earn accolades, gifts, and monetary prizes. Some national competitions exist, but many more local competitions are available nationwide at community colleges.

This video offers some tips on how to win a writing contest.

National Contest - Norman Mailer Community College Writing Award

The Norman Mailer Center, the Writers Colony, and the National Council of Teachers of English co-sponsor a national essay contest for community college students each year. The contest is specifically for authors of creative non-fiction writing. The competition is open to all full-time students at community colleges, technical schools, and junior colleges nationwide. The contest's winner receives a $2,500 cash award, as well as free travel and lodging to attend the Writers Colony award ceremony.

Contest submissions are reviewed by a panel of teachers and writers who judge the entries on the artful treatment of originality, subject matter, voice, and style. Additionally, judges examine the entry’s overall aesthetic and emotional impact. Finalists selected by the panel will review their work by a distinguished author or panel of authors who will determine the winner.

Local Contest - John F. Kennedy Profiles in

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,