Your money, your degree, your plan.

Your money, your degree, your plan.

Build a term-by-term budget, stretch every dollar with student discounts, and level up your money skills with trusted resources like NGPF.

BUDGET BASICS STUDENT DISCOUNTSONLINE RESOURCES REPAYING STUDENT LOANS

In-Person Workshops

In-Person Workshops

OC Savvy Cash Campus In-Person Workshops Covering Key Money Topics.

Plan Your Funding

Plan Your Funding

Paying for College — free money first

Build your funding plan in this order. File early and re‑apply each year.

  1. Washington College Grant — need‑based aid for WA residents; no GPA minimum. Check eligibility & apply (via FAFSA or WASFA).
  2. Scholarships — apply for many small ones; they add up. OC Foundation Scholarships and WSAC scholarships.
  3. Federal Work‑Study — part‑time jobs on/off campus. What is Work‑Study?
  4. Federal Student Loans — borrow only what you need; understand interest & repayment. Loan types.

BUDGET BASICS

Build a simple, term-by-term budget

Start with needs (housing, food, transportation, books/supplies), then add savings goals and a small emergency fund. Track by term so your cash flow matches when bills are due.

How to set up a student budget in 15 minutes

  1. List monthly income by term (paychecks, refunds, family support, benefits).
  2. List fixed costs (rent, utilities, phone, transit, childcare).
  3. List school costs by due date (tuition/fees, books, supplies).
  4. Set a weekly food number; add needs like medications and hygiene.
  5. Pick a savings goal (even $10/week) and an emergency buffer.
  6. Review weekly; adjust when income or costs change.

Budget line items to include

  • Rent & utilities (or housing & meal plan)
  • Food & household needs
  • Transportation (gas, bus, ferry passes, parking)
  • Books, course materials, lab fees, software
  • Childcare & dependent care
  • Health costs (premiums, prescriptions, co-pays)
  • Savings & emergency fund

AFTER YOU BORROW

AFTER YOU BORROW

Repaying Student Loans
  • Choose a plan that fits — compare income‑driven and other plans with the Loan Simulator.
  • Know your servicer — find your servicer and track balances at studentaid.gov.
  • Falling behind? — options include deferment, forbearance, or switching plans. Manage your loans.
  • Default has serious consequences; if you can’t resolve a dispute with your servicer, contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman.

Tip: Before borrowing, compare expected salary in your field to projected monthly payments.

LEARN MORE ONLINE

Explore free and reputable online resources to improve your financial knowledge and skills.

Online Educational Resources
Online Educational Resources
Washington‑Specific Resources
Washington‑Specific Resources

SAVE MONEY

Popular Student Discounts (verify locally)

Always bring your OC student ID or verify with your .edu email. Offers change—check terms and end dates.

Subscriptions & Software
Subscriptions & Software
Local Savings (quick picks)
Local Savings (quick picks)

Nearby deals & free days—always confirm details before visiting.

Nationwide Student Discount Hubs
Nationwide Student Discount Hubs

Create a free account and verify student status to unlock hundreds of brand offers.