How to Save Money as a Student in 2026

In the 2025-26 school year, the cost of higher education increased an average of 3.25% compared to the previous year. With college prices continuing to rise, your budget may feel very tight. That’s why it’s important to find ways to cut costs where you can. Here are 18 ideas for saving money as a college student in 2026.

1. Track your spending

In college, you’ll spend money on many things, like a new backpack, club fees, and plenty of little purchases in between. Yet, these seemingly small expenses can add up quickly. Keeping track of your spending in a spreadsheet, budgeting app, or online bank account can help you see where your money is going. When you’re more aware of your spending habits, you’re more likely to cut back and stay on top of your financial management skills. 

2. Be strategic about textbooks

It might seem convenient to get all of your books from the campus bookstore, but it’s usually not the cheapest option. You can save by purchasing used textbooks, renting them, or choosing digital versions. If you tried a few of these options and still can’t make the price tag work, talk to your professor. They might have extra copies of the textbook or suggest cheaper alternatives. Being savvy about how you get your textbooks can save you a significant amount of money each semester. 

3. Look for student discounts

One of the easiest money-saving tips in college is to take advantage of deals for students. Many stores, restaurants, and online shops offer student discounts. Carrying your student ID or using your .edu email when shopping online can help you score the discount. Even saving a small amount, like a few dollars or 15% here and there, can help you stay within your student budget. 

4. Use public transportation

A lot of students think they need a car when they go to college, but it depends on your lifestyle. If you live on campus and eat most of your meals in the dining hall, you might not need a vehicle at all. Choosing not to bring a car can save you money on parking passes, maintenance, gas, and insurance. Instead, using public transportation or catching a ride with a friend can help you cut down on transportation costs. 

5. Lower your meal costs

Everyone has to eat, but that doesn’t mean you need to blow your budget on food each month. The key is being smart about how and where you spend. Try picking a meal plan that you’ll actually use, cook more often, and save eating out for special occasions. Meal prepping or getting the most out of your dining hall plan can help you spend less on food and keep more money in your wallet.

6. Pack snacks and drinks for class

It’s tempting to grab something quick from the campus convenience store or vending machine before class. Paying extra for items that are $1-2 cheaper at the grocery store can definitely add up over time. A couple extra dollars may not seem like a big deal, until you realize how often it happens. Always keep snacks and a refillable water bottle in your backpack, so you can avoid those last-minute, overpriced purchases.

7. Take your gen ed courses at a community college

In college, every student is required to take general education classes. Because these courses aren’t tailored to a specific major, they are easily transferable from college to college. Going to a community college for the first two years can provide you a similar level of education while being less of a burden on your wallet.

8. Have a plan for your degree

Trying to choose your major is very intimidating, let alone what you want to do after college. But once you decide, having a solid plan for your class schedule can save you money. If you take a lot of classes that don’t count towards your major, it will take you longer to graduate and cost more in tuition. The more semesters you’re in college, the larger your education bill will become. Avoid the extra costs by taking courses that benefit your progress towards your degree.

9. Compare housing options

Some colleges may require students to live on campus for their first year, but after that, it’s up to you to make smart financial choices. Compare the costs of living at home, staying in a cheaper dorm, renting an off-campus apartment, or sharing a house with friends. Living alone in a nice apartment might sound great, but having roommates can save you a lot of money long-term. The extra cash can go toward other experiences that make college more enjoyable. 

10. Split costs with a roommate

Once you have a friend you’d be comfortable living with, have an open conversation about which expenses you’re both willing to share. Besides rent, you can also divide everyday expenses like groceries, cleaning supplies, or streaming services. Sharing these costs not only saves you money each month but can also free up extra cash for fun activities, personal projects, or unexpected expenses.

11. Become a resident assistant

If you enjoy the on-campus lifestyle, consider becoming a resident assistant (RA). This role gives you the chance to meet and interact with a lot of new people, build leadership skills, and take on meaningful responsibilities. Most importantly, your room and board are usually completely paid for by the college in exchange for your work. While being an RA can sometimes be stressful or involve odd hours, the savings you gain can make it worth it. 

12. Get full use out of campus amenities

You should try to get your money’s worth out of your campus perks. After all, you’re already paying for them! Hit the gym instead of paying for a separate membership, and take advantage of free career and counseling services. Some of the best parts of college can be the free events: club gatherings with free food, sporting events, student concerts, movie nights, poetry readings, and more. College provides a lot of fun and affordable things to do if you know where to look. 

13. Apply for federal student aid annually

You may remember filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) your freshman year of college, but you should fill out this application every year you attend school. The FAFSA allows you to apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans at no cost to you. Even if your financial situation hasn’t changed much, filling it out each year can maximize the aid you receive. Plus, some states and colleges use your FAFSA information to offer their own scholarships and grants.

14. Seek out scholarships and grants

Although writing a scholarship essay can be hard, you should apply to as many scholarships and grants as you can. Scholarships, such as the 1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship, offer free money that you don’t have to pay back. Winning scholarships is a great way to save money on your college costs.

15. Ask for practical gifts for your birthday

Instead of leaving the birthday gifts up to chance, ask for a practical gift from your family instead. For example, when you move into an apartment for the first time, you will need kitchenware or cleaning tools. Asking your family members for pans, silverware, or a vacuum are smart choices because you’d have to buy them anyway. Plus, every time you use them, you will think of the person who gifted them to you.

16. Limit comparison and social media

In college, you’ll meet people who have the means to spend a lot more than you. It’s easy to feel pressured to keep up, but don’t let money comparisons get the best of you. Social media can make it even worse. Friends may post fancy vacations or picture-perfect lifestyles without showing the full story. Behind the scenes, they could be dealing with maxed-out credit cards, an empty checking account, or student loans with a high interest rate. Focusing on your own budget and goals can help you avoid overspending to fit in. 

17. Set up automatic transfers

If you have a side hustle or part-time job, you should set aside a portion of your income for savings. One of the easiest ways to do this is by automating transfers to your savings account each payday. By doing this, you avoid the temptation to spend what you’ve planned to save, and it helps you build a financial cushion without thinking about it. 

18. Practice loud budgeting

Loud budgeting, a term that gained popularity in 2023, is about being open and honest when talking about money. This idea encourages people to speak up about their financial boundaries without shame. For example, saying “I’m going to skip the comedian tomorrow. I already hit my entertainment budget for the month,” is a simple way to be honest with your friends. Loud budgeting is a way to stay in control of your budget and to avoid spending on things that don’t align with your values or financial goals. 

There are dozens of ways to save money in college, and most of them are easier than you might think. From taking advantage of student discounts to learning to say “no”, small decisions will build big savings over time. The key to keeping more money in your wallet is to stay aware of your habits and be intentional about where your money goes.