By Azalia Whitlock
Congratulations! The college process is over! The applying, the application fees, the running around for recommendation letters. It’s all over. Now the whole family is probably running to the nearest Bed Bath and Beyond trying to find which comforter is the most “aesthetically pleasing” to the ideal dream college dorm. Before running for those necessities, come back to reality and realize that this isn’t the end of the worry.
For most families, how much money college will cost is top priority because as years continue, the prices for schools climb. Have no fear, here are some ways for soon to be college students to save and make money to help them keep college costs as low as possible.
Apply for federal work study Federal Work Study is a program most schools have in which students receive a job through the student employment office. The money that the student earns does not go toward their tuition but instead goes to the student as cash during the semester. Depending on the school, they allow students a certain amount of money to earn. Mary Primich of Trenton, a sophomore at
Monmouth University double majoring in secondary education and English, works on campus at Pollak Theater through federal work study.
“It’s hard getting a job when you’re in school,” she says. “It’s cool how we’re able to work on campus throughout the semester and get paid for it. I use a little bit of it for day to day expenses and then the other half I save some of it to pay off my loans.”
Federal work study is also a great way for students to get involved with their school as well as making money.
Apply for EOF
EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund), is a scholarship that allows New Jersey students to receive a well-rounded education that they normally would not be able to afford. Given to those students more than capable of doing great things after college, chosen applicants are given full admission to the university that they attend, financial support, and services throughout the year to help them succeed during their next four years.
Arina Martin of Jackson, a sophomore at Monmouth University majoring in music, is one EOF
scholarship recipient. She states “EOF has given me the opportunity to go to college when I couldn’t afford it. Without it (EOF), I’m not sure if I would have been able to go to a university.”
Be sure to check out the school’s website for their EOF program or call the school’s EOF department for requirements in seeking this financial help.
Staying at home for school isn’t always bad
Community college saves students money on food, room and board as well as other expenses such as room décor and transportation.
Kassidy Orzechowski of Clifton, who recently transferred from Monmouth to go to Bergen Community College explains “I was supposed to go to Montclair but Montclair suggested I go to
my local community college because getting your associates degree counts as having your general education requirements completed, so it makes more sense and it’s cheaper.”
Although some may look down upon going to a community college, many would agree that these students are making a wise choice as the cost difference between a community college and a university is evident.

Orzechowski explains, “I’m paying $2,500 to be a full-time student this semester instead of $16,000+ a semester. If I did this a year ago I’d be in a better position because no matter what all of my credits would have transferred so I’d be in a better position.”
Sell old clothes to a local thrift store
Selling items and clothing that the student no longer uses anymore is a perfect way to not only save and make money, but to help the student determine what items are important versus completely irrelevant. By selling clothes at stores such as Platos Closet in Ledgewood, a recycling store that allows customers to sell gently used clothes for cash and other items that they do not use, the student can save space in the car for move in day and make some extra cash.
Bryanna Welch of Long Branch, a sophomore at Monmouth University majoring in sociology, endeavors in shopping at thrift stores.
She states “If we are comparing goodwill to Urban Outfitters, then I would be saving so much money. Usually I compare quality and cleanliness of the clothing itself. I like good will because it
helps out charities.”
Summer jobs
Summer jobs are a necessity for all college students. Considering there are three months of summer for the average college kid, there is more than enough time to get a job at any restaurant, movie theater or a bowling alley in order to start saving. Summer camps are perfect
places to work over the summer because not only do people get paid for being a little kid, but they get to catch some sun rays. Carolyn Welch of Long Branch, a sophomore at Monmouth University, says “Summer jobs are the way to go for college kids. You get bored in the summer anyways, so why not make some money!” Welch advises to incoming freshmen to “Get a job for the summer before you go to college and save up money for the first semester for whatever it is they want to spend it on whether it be going out to eat or shopping. If you receive any money for Christmas, be sure to save it up for the next semester and file for tax returns in March!”
These tips and tricks to saving money have worked and though they may be minor, they do help to save money to buy books for a semester or décor for the dorm room. College is an expensive
experience, but by working hard and keeping the future in focus, the end game can be capable of achieving.