BY JENNY BRONT
SC Staff Writer
Let’s face it, college is expensive; this is a fact that most students, anywhere in the world, can agree on.
Here at East Stroudsburg University (ESU), it is not much different.
With housing, meal plans, and tuition, it is hard to stay afloat in today’s economy. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though; with federal, state, and school financial aid, getting a quality college education becomes much easier.
After tuition, housing, and food are covered, there are other expenses one must account for.
Textbooks can account for a large portion of college expenses.
A single hard-hardcover textbook can cost in the upwards of over one hundred dollars.
Full-time students average about five classes, so the grand total for books could steal a nice chunk of change from a student’s wallet.
Instead of taking that money out of pocket, students may now get their textbooks using financial aid.
Zimbar now offers the option for textbook “vouchers” in the form of money on your e-card to spend on textbooks. After all of a student’s financial aid is applied to their bill, leftover money is given back to the student as a refund, generally in the form of a check.
This money can now be applied to textbooks even before the student is supposed to receive their refund check.
The result is a smaller check in the mail but knowing there is money to buy required textbooks.
There is, however, a limit on the money that can be used, so shop with caution.
You can reduce your spending by renting books for a fraction of the cost. At the end of the semester, textbooks that were purchased can be sold back for money.
Take advantage of these vouchers and discounts because free textbooks are a wonderful addition to have for your education.
It is a shame when you buy two-hundred dollar textbooks only to use a single paragraph for your courses.
For more information visit Zimbar or check the ESU website for contact information.
Email Jenny at:
jbront@live.esu.edu