How to Reduce College Costs

The “sticker shock” of college tuition rising at 1140%, as we posted here, can overshadow the need to calculate living and housing expenses, as part of the overall costs for college.  Yet, families who budget for ALL college expenses for 4 years, not just year-to-year costs, are prudent and may find ways to save money.  Understanding how the cost of living in a particular location can influence college costs, especially in the latter years of a college stay when students typically move-off campus, can help families forecast expenses more reasonably.  A recent study at the Council for Community & Economic Research, as well as highlights of the student from the Washington Post,  provide a general framework for families to continuing for the expense of college.  As a bonus, focusing on particular regions and locations that fit the family budget can also assist students in narrowing their choices for college applications.