Video Post: Saving on Textbooks by Kelly McDaniel* (Guest contributor)

Quick thought:

One of the most frustrating aspects of college life is the expense of college textbooks.  The average student spends about $4,000 over the duration of college on textbooks alone.  This newscast suggests some more affordable options.  With social media, online book sites, and even international options, finding textbooks is easier and cheaper than use. 

The suggestions are practical, easy to use advice on how to navigate Web sites instead of just going to the campus bookstore.  Talking with other students and posting for sale or needed book information on social media makes textbook transactions a more economical process.  These alternative options usually offer higher resale value, too.  Just always remember to check the costs of shipping when shopping or selling online!

READERS, what do you think?

Do you prefer the convenience of shopping at the bookstore? 

Are the lower prices worth the time needed to comparison shop online?

 *Kelly McDaniel is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences

References

Treinen, A.  (2012, August 28). Consumer watch: Textbook buying tips for college students. [Video file]. WHAS 11. Retrieved from http://www.whas11.com/news/consumer/Consumer-Watch-Textbook-buying-tips-for-college-students-167712865.html

Video Post: Three-Year Colleges Cut Cost

Click here to view CNN video

Quick thought:

College current costs about an average of $28,500 per year. So the longer it takes students to graduate, the more school expenses will be racked up. As tuition at private colleges increasing an average of 4%, higher education could compound more costs with each year you are in school. With only 57% of college students graduating within six years, many young adults are carrying the financial burden of not completing bachelor's degrees within the traditional four years.

By attending a three-year college program (or by taking extra credit hours each semester in a traditional program), you can cut thousands of dollars off you total education bill. Doing so requires advanced planning: Deciding your major before enrolling so you do not waste hours in unneeded courses, researching three-year programs, and keeping a high GPA to ensure admission to a program. 

By being proactive with your education, you not only avoid paying thousands of dollars more on school, but also you gain an extra year in the workforce.

READERS, what do you think?

Is college too tough to be completed in three years?

References

Ellis, B. (2012, March 22). Colleges slashing tuition, offering 3-year degrees. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/22/pf/college/cost-cutting/index.htm.

Foreman, T. (2011, March 10). Cutting college costs. CNN. Retrieved from http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/11/video-cutting-college-costs/?iref=allsearch.

O'Shaughnessy, L. (2011, January 30). Top 25 state universities for graduating on time. CBS Moneywatch. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37244373/top-25-state-universities-for-graduating-on-time/.

Should I Pursue a Master's Degree? by Jennifer Berry* (Guest author)

Going to college has become an essential “next step” after high school graduation, but what about working on a master’s degree? Is this essential on our quest for success? Graduates with master’s degrees have much higher salaries in most fields than graduates with just bachelor’s degrees. Also, there chances of being unemployed are lower. This decision can be made easier by evaluating the pros and cons.

You should consider the potential for a higher salary, the financial cost of seeking the degree, and the opportunity cost.  Will you have to take out student loans? Will you be able to pay off those loans? Will graduate school make you miss out on existing job opportunities? Don’t forget to consider your own personal and career preferences.

The financial benefit is that your salary can start at around 20% higher than a person without a master’s degree. However, you must consider that two year master’s degree programs can cost anywhere between $80,000 and $120,000. Paying off debt is difficult and pursing a master’s degree may be unwise, unless your payoff is high enough. Many universities do offer assistantships. An assistantship usually will cover some or all of the tuition costs, and provide a stipend to live off.

Those of you in high school should research more about your potential major so you can get an idea of whether or not graduate school will be necessary to reaching your goals. Don't forget to choose what will be the best fit for you. Evaluate wisely.

READERS, what do you think?

Is going to graduate school a reasonable expectation in today's society?

Do you feel pressured to go to graduate school? 

*Jennifer Berry is an undergraduate student with UK Department of Family Sciences.

Reference

Driscoll, Emily. (2012, October 17). Masters Degrees: Are They Worth It? Fox Business. Retrieved from http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/10/17/masters-degrees-are-worth-it/?intcmp=obinsite