THE REASON BEHIND THE “CHANGE”

A look into why college students are broke by Emmalee Ranner

PONDERING…

Society has many stereotypes for college students. From labeling them as boozing party animals, to being ignorant to townies, there seems to be a label for every situation. One of

the stereotypes is that college students are always broke, forced to survive on a diet of Ramen Noodles and water. As a college student myself, I’ve noticed that this one stereotype

has a lot of truth to it. Which leads me to the question…

Why are college students notoriously strapped for cash?

HOW DID I INVESTIGATE?

To answer my question, I did intensive research on the website www.campusgrotto.com, and conducted interviews with two Bloomsburg University sophomores, Laura Sperandeo and Emily Gavigan. I have also observed my surroundings and have hands on experience with being a college student myself.

WHAT I FOUND IN MY EXPLORATION…

According to www.campusgrotto.com, college students are broke for six reasons:

• Tuition keeps RISING!• Middle class doesn’t get financial aid• Students fall into the credit card trap!• Textbooks cost nearly and arm and two legs• Gas is expensive for the commuter students• Many can not work because there is little time for a

job

I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W. #1

Name: Laura Sperandeo

Age: 20

Major: Business Management at Bloomsburg University

Year: Sophomore

Where is she living? Upper-campus apartments

THE SCOOPWhen asked about the main

problem she has when it comes to money, Laura said, “I have the

hardest time buying food. Most of the time I end up buying too

much and it gets thrown away, or I buy too little and I end up back

in the store three days later. I feel like either way I’m wasting

money.”

LAURA, CONTINUED…

In addition, Laura also stated she has problems with money when it comes to recreation. She went on to say that, “I have a hard time saying no when friends want me to go out to eat with them. Even

though I know it would probably be cheaper to make something in my apartment, I usually choose to go out with them to eat. Especially on the weekends!”

I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W. #2

Name: Emily Gavigan

Age: 19

Major: Business Economics

Year: Sophomore

Where is she living? Upper-campus apartments

THE SCOOPUpon asking where she has the most difficulty with money, Emily (on right of picture) said, “I’m a member of a sorority, so there are a LOT things that I have to pay for. That along with classes and clubs, I have no

time to get a job. I have a meal plan on campus which helps but there are still many things that I need to pay

for with little to no income.”

THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE…

I believe that college students are commonly short on cash flow because they do not know how to BUDGET! They often do not know how to budget because:

College is their first time living on their own and they do not know how to manage their funds on their own.

Students often make the mistake of buying what they want instead of what they need.

Students who do not know how to use their time wisely believe that they do not have time for a job, which cuts at their funds.

WHY

ARE

COLLEGE

STUDENTS

LOW ON

THE

CASH-FLOW?

LET’S WRAP THIS UP!

Tuition strains their wallet

No time for jobs for many

They buy the wrong groceries

Students have a hard time saying no to going out with friends during free time = spending money.

Extracurriculars can be expensive.

Students do not know how to properly budget their money!

“X” MARKS THE SPOT…

"Why College Students Will Always Be Broke." CampusGrotto. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.

<http://www.campusgrotto.com/>.

Personal interview. 7 Feb. 2010.

Personal interview. 8 Feb. 2010.