Community college smart way to save
Lisa Sago of Aurora has studied many ways to save money, but the smartest decision her family made, she said, is sending her son to community college.
Lisa, her husband, Readus, a software developer, and her son, Timothy, decided the best plan was for Timothy to attend the College of DuPage for the first two years.
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"He is able to take the same university-required 'general education classes' for a fraction of the cost," she said. "By him being a commuter student, we are saving tremendously."
Timothy takes a full load of classes and works part time at a local bank to earn money and to gain work experience. He finished one year already, is taking summer classes and will return in the fall. His plan is to attend the University of San Diego to complete his degree.
The savings are immense. For a full load of classes, he pays $4,000 to $5,000 a year, vs. tuition, room and board of $25,000 to $40,000 or more for a four-year college.
"By the end of the two years [at DuPage], my son will know the exact direction he wants to focus his major in, and will probably be able to attend the school of his choice," Lisa said.
What are you doing to make ends meet? Write to psmith@suntimes .com
Sun Times Staff Reports