College Expenses to Budget For

Request More Information

Are you planning for college? Getting a college degree is a great investment, but it does come at a significant cost. In addition to tuition, there are a few other expenses you’ll have to plan for. While it may seem daunting, don’t let the cost prevent you from getting a degree. By planning ahead and putting money into an education savings account as soon as you can, you’ll put yourself in a better position to handle your college expenses. Creating a budget will make it even easier.

So, what are the major college expenses? There are five to budget for:

Room and board

Colleges offer a variety of dorm room options and meal plans for students who live on campus. If you’re planning to live off campus, you’ll have to budget for rent and your own food.

Books and supplies

These expenses just keep going up. Books and supplies can cost between $1,200- $1,500 per year at a 4-year public college. To reduce expenses, buy used copies or see if they’re available to rent on Amazon or Chegg.

Appliances and Equipment

You’ll need to get a laptop, but probably not a printer. Ask your college if they have printers available to students. If you’re living in a dorm room, you’ll need lamps, sheets, towels, a vacuum, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. If you’re living in an apartment, you’ll also need a bed, plates, cooking utensils, etc.

Transportation

Owning a car is generally the most expensive option. You’ll need to pay for gas, maintenance, insurance, and possibly parking. If you can bike or walk to most places and use public transportation, you’ll be able to save here.

Personal expenses

This includes everything else you’ll buy, like your cell phone service, money for the laundromat, haircuts, entertainment, etc.


Creating a budget and sticking to it can be a pain, but it will truly make your life in college easier. It’ll keep you on track financially – and when your finances are under control, you have one less stressor in your life. Plan ahead for these expenses and use a budget to keep expenses under control. You’ll not only come out of your college experience with a degree, but financial skills you’ll take with you for the rest of your life.

Copyright 2019 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.
Contact Midwest

Member Benefits

Midwest Community MC Online

MC Online

  • Your money, on your schedule
  • Easily set up account and service alerts to help manage money and avoid fees
  • Latest in technology to keep your information secure
Learn More
Midwest Community Mobile App

MC Mobile

  • Securely access your accounts from your mobile device any time, anywhere
  • Pay bills, make deposits, pay friends, move money & more
  • Smart financial management and account protection with account alerts
Learn More
Midwest Community Debit Credit Cards

Debit & Credit Cards

  • Fast, convenient, easy access to your funds or line of credit
  • Security at your fingertips with Debit Card Freeze
  • No annual fees
  • Stay informed with VISA Debit & Credit Alerts
Learn More
Midwest Community Membership

You’re More Than an Account Number

  • Our goal is to help you achieve yours
  • More than a bank, we guide members to financial health
  • Access to Investment services/Retirement planning
Learn More
Midwest Community Personal Attention

Personal Attention, National Scale

  • Easy access to your money, at the branch and beyond
  • One stop, full-service
  • Access to 5,000+ Shared Branches through Shared Branching Co-Op
  • 12,000 free ATMs across the country through Alliance One
Learn More
Midwest Community Competitive Lending

Competitive Lending

  • Better rates, better future, better life
  • Personal & Business Loans
  • Private Student Loans & Consolidation Loans
  • Mortgage & Home Equity Loans
Learn More

Start Today.

Manage your money, the way you want!

Get Started

Learn More

We are growing!

Imagine the possibilities. At Midwest Community, we are well-known for advancing our employees and promoting from within at all levels of the organization. Take the first step in starting your career and grow with us!

Float Member Service Representatives – may have days scheduled at any location (Defiance, Bryan, Napoleon). Computer literacy is required and cash handling or banking experience is preferred. Please see the job overview for a list of duties.

Starting pay is $17.44 an hour
$19.62 an hour after 180 days of service
$21.79 an hour after 1 year of service

Resumes may be submitted to Andrew Scharlacken at ascharlacken@midcomm.org.

All are welcome. Midwest Community Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are growing!

Imagine the possibilities. At Midwest Community, we are well-known for advancing our employees and promoting from within at all levels of the organization. Take the first step in starting your career and grow with us!

Float Member Service Representatives may have days scheduled at any location (Defiance, Bryan, Napoleon). Computer literacy is required and cash handling or banking experience is preferred.

Starting pay is $17.44 an hour
$19.62 an hour after 180 days of service
$21.79 an hour after 1 year of service

Please see the job overview for a list of duties. Resumes may be submitted to Andrew Scharlacken at ascharlacken@midcomm.org and are kept on file for one year.

All are welcome. Midwest Community Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Investment Representative

The primary purpose of this position is to assist Midwest Community Federal Credit Union by delivering outstanding service to both internal and external members. A key element of excellent service is to identify the financial needs of each member and recommend an appropriate credit union solution. In addition, receives members in person and by telephone. Helps Member Investors reach financial goals utilizing our consultative sales process. In addition, responsible for ensuring that outstanding service is delivered to both internal and external members. A key component of this service is to provide proactive guidance on investment solutions via a needs-based consultative selling approach to both current and prospective Members who have placed an inbound call or referral to the Investment Representative.

For more details, please contact lfrysinger@midcomm.org.

Midwest Community Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Member Service Representative

Midwest Community Federal Credit Union is looking for a Member Service Representative to process transactions, accurately perform end of day balancing procedures, follow company policies and utilize the core data processing system and various software applications, including electronic banking services. We are seeking candidates who are punctual, honest, friendly, and have outstanding communication skills. Please see the job description for a full list of duties. Resumes may be submitted to Sondra Manon at smanon@midcomm.org.

Midwest Community Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thanks for looking!

Unfortunately, there are no openings at this time.

Be sure to check back later or follow us on
social media for hiring announcements.