Student and families are often contacting the Office of Financial Aid looking for additional money to help satisfy an outstanding balance with the Bursar’s Office. What many of these students and families do not realize is that, if you find ways to reduce your expenses, you’re in a way “finding money.” With some helpful tips from our awesome student workers (and from my own experiences as a student at Stockton), here are some great ways to cut costs our University:
- Graduate on time, within four years, don’t risk running out of financial aid eligibility.
- Enroll for at least 16 credits to 20 credits a semester. Take advantage of the flat rate tuition. You are paying for 16 credits per semester.
- Select a major and stick to it, seek advice from Academic Advising and the Career Center.
- Don’t withdraw from classes. Take advantage of the drop/add period to evaluate your course selection.
- Accelerate your progression to graduation by taking approved courses during the summer.
- Reduce the cost of textbooks by visiting the Ebook Central Collection on the Richard E. Bjork Library website.
- Work during the fall and spring semesters, if your coursework allows time.
- Work during winter, spring and summer breaks.
- Limit loan debt by borrowing only what you need to pay for tuition and fees and room/ board, if necessary.
- Current students – apply online for Foundation Scholarships from December through March.
- Check out the Scholarship Resource Center on the Financial Aid Office’s webpage.
- Follow us on Twitter @stocktonfinaid for additional scholarship opportunities.
- Shop and prepare cost effective meals in your apartment.
- Carpool or take the train and shuttle to campus.
- Arrange your class schedule to allow for fewer trips to campus.
- Take online courses to reduce expenses associated with commuting. This also allows more time for working.
- Consider taking some classes at the other Stockton instructional sites closer to your residence.
- If you live on campus, choose one of the less expensive room and board options.
And remember: Always, always, always BORROW CONSERVATIVELY.
