Although higher education seems to be, for the most part, saved from the federal chopping block during congressional budget negotiations, it’s more important than ever for savvy college students to spend wisely on their education, according to Derrick Kinney, a personal finance expert who has appeared in the Wall Street Journal and Money Magazine. To pursue a degree without breaking the bank, Kinney recommends following these guidelines:

— CHOOSE CAREFULLY. Don’t limit your options to just out-of-state, which can cost double that of an in-state public institution, and four-year schools, Kinney said. Instead, consider two-year community college options, where you can knock out your general education requirements at a low price. This cost-saving option has become popular during recent economic hardships, Kinney said.

— DO YOUR RESEARCH ON ROOMS. Although traditional dorms may be the most popular housing choice for college students, don’t ignore the often more financially feasible off-campus options, such as apartments or houses where you can split the cost of rent with several roommates. If your heart is set on living in a dorm, look to your university’s job placement department for an on-campus job that can help offset the cost.

— SHOP SMART. There’s often nothing more daunting to the parents of college students than shopping for books each semester. According to Kinney, purchasing just five books can cost more than $1,000, so it’s important to review your options and buy used products. Kinney recommends shopping at Amazon or Chegg.com instead of the campus bookstore, and always try to sell them back at the end of the semester. Are you ever going to read that book you got for ECON 101 again anyway?

— FIND THE FREEBIES. All universities offer free events — it’s just up to you to find them. Look for free concerts, movies, exhibits, etc., to save money on activities outside of the classroom. When dining out, look for restaurants that offer student discounts, Kinney said.

— AVOID DEBT. Kinney said it’s important to stay out of credit card debt by limiting yourself to only one card and continuously reminding yourself not to shop for trivial items. If you have to take out student loans to pay for your education, negotiate the interest rate and ask a trusted adult to look over any contracts before you sign them. It’s important to know exactly what you’re signing, Kinney said.