Cost-saving tips stretch college budgets; more ways for students to save money

CLEVELAND - College costs are mounting nationwide, forcing more and more students to look for ways to save money while they are still in school.  But as students return to campus, deals on everything from books to cars to scholarships are available for those who take the time to search them out.

Textbook rentals 

Joe Daugirdas aka Joe the Coupon Guy said students have more options than ever to save on college textbooks. Renting is a big trend.  Some websites will rent textbooks or offer you an electronic version of the book you need for a fraction of the purchase cost - but make sure you return it on time to avoid extra fees. 

Certain sites will also provide refunds if a class is dropped within specified times.  Daugirdas likes Abe Books , BestBookBuys , BookByte , StudentMarket , BookRenter , Chegg , CourseSmart , CengageBrain , Half.com and BetterWorldBooks .

While digital books are not on with some students, the digital world is a popular place to save on new and used books. People from around the world sell their books online. Click here for tips to save if you're shopping online.

Car deals

Auto dealers sometimes offer rebates to students who are buying a car.  Check out Edmunds or CarsDirect for more tips.

Savings plans

Your 529 college savings plan can earn you coupons on purchases with debit or credit cards through affiliated stores, Upromise restaurant partners, or visiting on-line retailers. 

Scholarships

Partial or full scholarships can greatly ease a student’s financial burden, and many different kinds of organizations offer them.  Look for scholarships through any organization you are affiliated with including ethnic and religious groups, local community groups like Rotary International or the Fraternal Order of Eagles , and your parents’ employers. 

Find available scholarships at CollegeScholarships , FastAID , FastWeb , GovBenefits , ScholarshipExperts , SuperCollege , CollegeAnswer , Scholarships.com and College Board .

Also check out FinAid and SavingForCollege for financial aid tips, college cost calculators, and other help.

Majors

Here’s a place to save money that you might not have thought of.  Up to 80% of entering college students have no clear idea of a major. This indecisiveness can lead to an extra fifth year of college costing an extra year of college.

A web-site, MyMajors , helps students decide on educational goals by selecting five majors through a series of questions.

Before deciding on a major shadow someone that has the type of career you want to see if you really want to be in that field.