How to save with college costs on the rise

(ARA) - With the cost of food, fashion and living steeply on the rise in the U.S., it is no surprise that college tuition costs are also greatly increasing from year to year.

Students and their families paid on average from $108 to $1,398 more in the 2008-09 school year than the previous year for tuition and fees, a trend that is likely to continue well past 2009, according to the College Board. Despite financial aid, many students and their families are cutting back on spending wherever possible, saving money to buy textbooks and other necessities rather than expensive back-to-school clothes.

Here are some simple ways your family can save money while still getting everything you need for going back to college:

* Don’t double up: Call your roommate(s) and coordinate who is bringing what. No sense splurging on a microwave if your roommate is already planning to bring one.

* Smaller is better: Buying in bulk may seem like a good idea, but food can go bad, storage is limited, and it’s easy for bulk items to go to waste. Buy only what you need when you need it, and if you want more, go back.

* ‘Tis the season: When packing for college, buy only the clothing that you will need for fall; like sweaters, jeans and a light jacket. Unless you live in a place where winters are especially chilly, don’t purchase a heavy coat until the next season to save money and save closet space.

* From trash to treasure: For furniture and items like lamps, desks and bedside tables, shop at garage sales. Prices are cheaper to begin with since the items are used, and you can negotiate.

For one-stop shopping for everything else on a budget, most college campuses feature at least one mass retailer within a 10-mile radius: from Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart to Bed Bath and Beyond. Now when students and their families stock up on everything from school supplies to toiletries, they can also re-stock their wardrobes.

“Many people don’t think of Target as denim destination,” says Jenifer DeSofi, senior merchant for Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Men’s Department. “We created a line of stylish, high-quality jeans for men in a variety of popular fits like the Slim Straight, Loose and Bootcut. All our jeans are available for under $30 to answer the needs of the value-minded consumer."

Authentics Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. jeans are available at Target stores and for men and kids. All styles retail for under $30. Visit www.signaturebylevistrauss.com/us for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent