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There's been much talk about the rising cost of college tuition, and, with two daughters in school full-time, I am well aware of the cost of attending. However, as a semi-retired professional, I also know the financial benefits of having a college I.D. Enroll in a class or two, learn something new, and save big.
Health Facilities
Most colleges, including our community college, offer access to workout rooms, lighted track facilities and sometimes a pool, all included in your college tuition or for a nominal access fee. Before enrolling full-time, my daughter took a photography class and had access to state-of-the-art equipment that rivaled the much more expensive gym in town. Her tuition cost was far less than the annual gym membership alone would cost.
On-Campus Discounts
Students, including part-time students, often receive free or discounted tickets to campus events. Again, my daughter's student I.D. gained her entrance to her school's home football games and concerts and plays staged at the school's performing arts center.
Off-Campus Discounts
We saved a bundle by flashing a student I.D. at the ticket counter for the Blue Man Group at Universal Studios in Orlando. They did not ask how many classes I was taking. The I.D. was enough to discount a $94 adult ticket to $34. There was a limit of two tickets per I.D., but the $120 savings offset a substantial part of my class tuition with just this one purchase.
Academic Discounts
Most software manufacturers offer student discounts. We have purchased three sets of office suites for our computers using a student discount. Again, it is not the number of classes you take that earns you the discount. Often, all you need is a college or university email address, which is obtained whether you are a full-time or part-time student.
Choice of Classes
The best thing about university discounts is that they apply regardless of what classes you take. As mentioned, my daughter took a photography class and gained access to numerous savings. Swimming, tennis, music appreciation, or an art class. If you have an interest, there is probably a college class that will introduce you to the topic or expand an already existing talent.
Online
No time to attend a brick and mortar campus? I had the same problem, but it became no problem. I enrolled in one on-line course at a time. I still received an email account and a university I.D., providing me access to numerous money saving discounts, and two years later I had a degree to boot.
Scholarships
Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that tuition costs can be covered by scholarship money. If this is the case, you can grab some college credit and a bucket full of discounts with little or no cash outlay.
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