From work study to meal plans, here's how college students can avoid debt

(InvestigateTV) - As students head to college, a personal finance expert says knowing how to handle money early can prevent significant debt down the road. [KTRE]

College students heading to campus need solid financial planning from day one to avoid crippling debt later, according to personal finance expert Kionnie Epps. Epps, who runs a popular YouTube channel focused on financial responsibility, emphasized that many incoming students fail to anticipate how institutional funding shrinks significantly after freshman year, making it critical to develop strategies that extend beyond the first semester.

One often-neglected approach involves submitting scholarship applications throughout one's college career rather than stopping after the initial award cycle. Epps noted that excess scholarship funds that exceed tuition and fees can be returned as refund checks, creating an additional revenue stream that isn't borrowed money. "That is free money that you get to use to help you live, survive and thrive," Epps said, contrasting such aid with student loans that require repayment.

Employment during college offers another practical solution for students managing tight budgets. Campus-based jobs and work-study positions provide flexibility that off-campus employers typically don't offer, allowing students to balance coursework with earning potential. Beyond the immediate financial benefit, such positions help young adults develop professional habits while reducing reliance on family support. "You have some sense of autonomy," Epps said, describing how income allows students to build financial independence.

Disciplined spending habits prove equally important during the college years. Epps recommended roommates share living expenses, maximize meal plan benefits, and reduce frequent restaurant visits—practical steps that can significantly lower monthly costs. She also cautioned against credit card use on campus, viewing the college years as a formative period where debt accumulation can establish problematic patterns.

The spending decisions and financial behaviors college students adopt tend to persist after graduation, Epps noted, underscoring why early financial literacy matters for long-term stability. Starting college with a comprehensive money management strategy can substantially reduce debt burden and establish a foundation for future financial health.