Cost-cutting ideas
Tuition and fees
Create a game plan to ensure you're able to graduate on time. At OSU, the average number of credit hours to complete a degree is 120 credit hours. To graduate in 4 years, you must complete 30 credit hours per year. One extra year of school costs you additional money and the lost earnings if you were working instead of attending school.
You may also be able to reduce costs by earning credit for courses through Advanced Placement Program (AP), CLEP Exams, and the International Baccalaureate Program (IB).
Another option is concurrent enrollment, which allows student in high school to take college courses for credit. A tuition waiver is provided for 6 credit hours beginning the summer before the senior year of high school, 6 hours in the fall semester, and 6 hours in the spring semester. A fee waiver is provided by OSU for the first course only. More information on concurrent enrollment is available through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Keep in mind that AP and IB courses, as well as concurrent enrollment are options for high school students, whereas the CLEP Exam is an option for students throughout college.
Food and housing
Consider less expensive housing options if possible. This may include commuting to college, choosing a less expensive room and/or meal plan, moving off campus, or trying for a position as a community mentor which may provide free or reduced room and board costs.
In general, students must live on campus their freshmen year. Contact Residential Life for exceptions, more information about on-campus housing and community mentor positions. The Off-Campus Student Association has information about off-campus housing.
Books, course materials, supplies and equipment
The amount you pay for books, course materials, supplies and equipment may be reduced if you shop for used books and weigh carefully which course material is absolutely necessary. You can purchase these items from the OSU Student Union Bookstore or elsewhere, including online. Students who do purchase their books from the OSU Student Union Bookstore should look into their textbook buyback option.
Consider using the Library's textbook reserve option.
Personal expenses
Watch these expenses closely. Create a budget and set spending limits for yourself. Watch out for credit cards - students with little or no income who buy on credit can quickly fall behind in payments and be subject to high interest rates.
Bursar account
Be aware that when you use your OSU student ID to charge items to your OSU Bursar Account, your bill must be paid on time in order to avoid a monthly finance charge and to prevent holds on future semester enrollment. Charges made to your bursar account may include but are not limited to athletic tickets, library fines, parking permits, parking fines, textbooks, Student Store purchases, and supplies from the OSU Bookstore.
Travel
Utilize "The BUS" (OSU's bus system on campus and in town), which is free to students.
Students going between the OSU Stillwater and Tulsa campuses can utilize "BOB," an OSU shuttle service, which is a cost efficient means of transportation that also gives students study time and no parking hassles.
Consider riding your bike. Use discount airline fares and other inexpensive travel methods for your trips to and from school, and avoid extra trips.