The economy has affected so many people in so many ways. Over the years, the economy has experienced numerous difficulties, from real average household income to gross American debt. As time goes by, not only is education suffering greatly from the economy, due to budget cuts and rising tuition and books, but so are college students. The economy has affected college students most drastically through tuition decreases and budget cuts, unfortunately schools have had to reduce many services. The price of education has affected my life because the cost of tuition has increased by almost 24% in the last five years. Because the economy helped create these escalations, I chose to attend a two-year college instead of going straight to a four-year university. According to (Collegeboard.com) I will save an average of $6,000 per year while attending a junior college. Since I decided to take this path I have been able to save extra money while still receiving a decent education. The advantages of attending a junior college are the ability to live at home and have many expenses paid for by my parents. These expenses include rent, food, and basic necessities that I would have to provide for myself if I moved to college. Another way the cost of school has affected me is the price of books and materials. Due to the high cost of the books provided by the school, I had to find alternative resources to purchase them. I also realized that I had to spend more time looking for other ways to get books for classes. While this may not always be the most convenient way to purchase books as it takes longer, due to the cost it has become a necessity for many students, including ...... middle of paper ......or Nip Here, fix there." NewYork Times August 10, 2009: C1(L). Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. October 27, 2011. Khadaroo, Stacy Teicher, and Amanda Paulson. "School budget cuts across the United States are expected next year." Christian Science Monitor April 20, 2010. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context.. Web. October 27. 2011.---. "American Frustration Over College Costs Reaches All-Time High." Christian Science Monitor 17 February 2010. Opposing Views in the Web Context. 30 October 2011 Pappano, Laura. "The Fallout", 4 January 2009: 10 (L). “Commuting Students”. ed. vol. 2. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002. 451-453. 2011.