It's gonna cost how much? Parents of college age kids- saying that a lot these days?

Neither college students, nor the families they leave behind need to subsist on Top Ramen noodles for the next four years (ok, maybe five), but every student and family can trim college expenses, and we're getting a pretty good idea of just how, from Kiplinger's, to make it less painful...as the parent of a daughter looking ahead to college in the next few years, I like the sound of that. The College Board estimates that a moderate budget, including housing and transportation, but not tuition, will be $17,230 for a nine-month school year in 2009-2010, or $11,540 for a low budget. Housing accounts for 49% of those figures.

In a survey by Zogby, students and parents said car upkeep was their biggest expense other than tuition, books, and room and board. You'll save a bundle if your kids hoof it or buy a bus pass.

How to get the books 

Cars may cost more, but the price of textbooks is the most shocking expense to many. The College Board estimates students spend an average of $988 per year on books. To save money, students often share texts or use reserve library copies. The Internet is also fertile ground for textbook bargains. Before you start shopping, get the title, author and international standard book number (ISBN) of each book you need. Then head to sites such as Craigslist.org, eBay's Half.com and PIRG's CampusBookSwap.com. BigWords.com will search the Web for the best prices on textbooks.

Take a look at return policies before buying. Some sellers give a full refund if a book is returned within 30 days -- a boon if the student decides to drop the class. Keep in mind that textbook prices are highest online in August, September, January and February, according to Half.com. So if your kids know they will be taking a class the following semester, they should confirm the text with the professor and buy it online in mid-semester.

Sell gently used books

Students can recoup some money by selling their used books informally or online. But if they plan to do so, they should use their books gently, says Marie O'Malley, of Nellie Mae, the student loan-financing agency.

"Bookstores and students don't want books that are heavily marked, or that have torn pages or broken bindings."

Also keep in mind that college textbooks are updated frequently, so the faster you sell them, the more likely you are to find interested buyers.

Watch that cell bill

Cell phones have become near-necessities on college campuses, and most students use them extensively. One dad complained in the Zogby survey that the most shocking cost he encountered was "that darned cell-phone bill." To avoid surprises, compare cell-phone plans at sites such as BillSaver.com and MyRatePlan.com. And check sites such as Cellreception.com to make sure there's good service on campus.

Some carriers entice students with special discounts or enhanced service.

Above all, let your kids know that if they exceed their plan's allotted minutes, they'll pay the extra charges.  And then stand your ground- we talked about being firm with the fam's budget a few weeks ago.  Have a great, safe, and relaxing weekend- Happy Labor Day!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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