As San Diego State University students are navigating their return to campus, they must also think about how they will juggle their financial responsibilities this year.
For students, meeting their financial goals can be challenging. Students find it hard to manage the cost of living, tuition and other expenses that come with being a student.
“I have been doing it completely on my own, so I have to account for rent, tuition, equitable access (Day1ready), car insurance, and just day-to-day stuff like groceries,” said student Jose Ordez.
Students like Ordez use their money for more than just tuition. College students often have to budget for their basic school necessities such as rent, course materials and tuition.
“My biggest financial concern is how to make rent and tuition,” added Ordez. “With rent being insanely high around campus, sometimes I have to sacrifice things like eating or driving because I can’t afford it.”
With tuition being the highest it has been, students often have to prioritize making those payments over some of their basic needs. This year is the first of the 6% tuition increase and students are already noticing a difference. Not only have tuition prices spiked, but so have prices for classes.
“My biggest financial worry is that class prices will keep rising,” said student Dominique Matalon. “That is why I am trying to get done as soon as possible.”
Students are also feeling the brunt of inflation. Presently the inflation rate is 2.89% and students are finding this impacting all areas of their lives outside of campus.
“My financial goals are to stay afloat while the price of seemingly everything continues to fluctuate and increase here in San Diego,” said senior Chris Cellini.
The increasing inflation rates leave less room for personal spending.
“As a student, inflation has made it harder to want to go out and do leisurely activities because of the sheer cost of continuing my education,” added Cellini.
Although these financial burdens can feel a bit discouraging, students have found ways to take some of the weight off their shoulders.
Day1Ready program aims to help students with needed course materials
One way that students save on course materials is with SDSU’s Day1Ready program.
The program aims to provide all students with access to necessary course materials. Instead of charging for individual course materials for each class, the program charges a flat rate of $21.50 per credit.
“I feel like Day1ready is the cheaper option,” said Sabrina Aylor.
Some students are managing more than just their coursework. Extra curricular, athletics, internships and part-time jobs also affect how students make ends meet.
“As a student-athlete, I don’t have any income right now. Luckily for me, our coaches understand that struggle and help us in a few ways to make sure we are taken care of,” said Charlie Stewart. Stewart plays for the SDSU football team.
Students like senior Jayden Luban, generate their income from working part-time jobs.
“I work at a tanning salon that pays minimum wage,” said Luban. “Before that I was a waitress at a bowling alley.”
Managing a part-time job with a full course load is difficult but students find it necessary in order to live comfortably.
“I have a part-time remote job, as well as a paid internship which is where a majority of my income flows in from,” said Cellini.
Having a part-time job while being a full time student can be challenging.
“Last semester I was at school all day. It made it hard to find a job with a schedule that didn’t conflict” said Aylor
SDSU students find it demanding to balance their academic schedules while meeting their financial goals but continue to rise to the challenge.
Top photo credit: Natali Gonzalez
