If you haven't already, be sure to read "Cutting College Costs". Here are more ways to save while you learn.

Load up on classes

Once classified as a full-time student, many colleges don't charge for extra credit-hours. In some cases, you can get as many as 21 credit-hours for the same price as 12. Consider whether your schedule permits this, but it can significantly cut tuition costs and time in school. If you find the load too burdensome, you can generally withdraw from courses if done before midterm without impacting your GPA.

Online courses are now a very common part of the college curriculum. Although not usually cheaper than traditional classes, it can save on fuel costs from not commuting to school. The chief advantage is that you can take courses your schedule wouldn't normally allow.

Summer courses are condensed classes that typically meet every day for several hours. While tuition costs are not cheaper, the courses can be much less expensive to attend because they are abbreviated. A diligent student can complete in a summer the equivalent of a full-length semester of classes.

Save on books

Students today can buy or rent textbooks through online vendors. Older editions of a book can usually be found very cheaply for common courses. However, for upper level courses, finding it online cheaply may be more difficult.

Make good use of the college's library. For common courses, the library probably has the book you need. If not, consider searching interconnected libraries—they transfer books to your college library for free.

For one very expensive book, one resourceful student alternated borrowing copies from different libraries for the entire semester.

If you must buy, check the school bulletin boards to find a student with one to sell. Offer a little more than the school bookstore's buy-back price. With all these methods, the trick is to know exactly which books are needed several weeks before classes begin.

Reduce your living expenses

Save on meals through planning. By having meals and coffee ready to grab and go, mornings become cheaper and quicker—and you won't be tempted to shell out for an expensive coffee or energy drink. Homemade trail mix works well. Remember that junk food will keep you alive, but don't expect to do your best mentally on that diet. Also check out the university's cafeteria for smaller plans (20 meals or less), which are good for emergencies when you're too tired and hungry to cook.

Saving money requires awareness of expenses and making prudent choices. Answer some questions: Is it cheaper to live on campus or with your family? How long will the degree program take if it goes according to plan? How much debt will you accrue? Carefully weigh cost versus academic prestige associated with your school of choice, and make an informed decision. Beware of any additional costs not listed up front by the school.

Budget your expected income, and don't forget to look for other ways to cut your personal expenditures. For help, read our free booklet Managing Your Finances.

Stay involved

An integral part of success in college comes down to participation. Don't rationalize skipping class! Attend every one if you're able. You're paying for these, so get your money's worth. In skipping, you never know when you'll miss important information for exams—or that might serve you later in life.

Take the initiative to learn and succeed. If you find you need help, see a tutor or visit your professor during office hours. Meet your professors and be sure they know you're putting forth real effort—this often pays off when the chips are down.

About half of U.S. college students never complete a degree program. Some cannot handle the rigor, while others hit a snag in their personal lives and drop out, never to return. Higher education is a heavy responsibility not to be taken lightly. Plan to succeed in your academic career—and have fun!