Articles written by Bridgette Bonner

Is it a good idea to pay tuition with a credit card? Many people do not know there are benefits to paying with a credit card, as opposed to paying from a checking or savings account.

The cost of in-state tuition, which includes courses and student activity fees, is $5,250 and $15,750 for non-resident students. Charging large amounts like these builds up points that can be used with airlines, hotels and a range of other places.

“My dad pays with a credit card, and he gains a lot of points from it,” said Shelley Stewart, a senior in education. “It has worked out really well for him.”

Some universities have a convenience fee up to 4 percent when tuition is paid with a credit card. Auburn, however, does not have a convenience charge.

“I have never had anyone call and say they wished they had not paid tuition with a credit card,” said Linda Ledbetter, coordinator of Student Financial Services.

Auburn offers a program called Webcheck, which can be accessed through tiger i. Here, students or parents can pay directly out of their checking or savings account.

Pimped Ride: This Auburn student’s car has been modified, or as Xzibit would say, “pimped.” College students are a part of the demographic of 18-34 year olds, who are most likely to modify their vehicles. Modifications can include changes to tires, sound systems and b

A 2006 Consumer Reports survey found Americans spend more than $700 on average on vehicle accessories. Of vehicle-owning Americans, 73 percent have modified their vehicle in some way.

Vehicle accessories include anything from floor mats, alarm systems and fuzzy dice on the mirror.

Those falling in the age group 18-34 are the most likely to enhance their vehicle in some way, with 78 percent participating.

Madison Whittemore, a junior in finance, said he has added a Valentine 1 radar detector, new front lights, W7 subs, new front speakers and amplifiers, Dynamat soundproofing, window tint, an Auburn University decal, a fraternity decal and new side mirrors to his vehicle.

“Looking tacky is not necessarily about how much people put into their car or how much money they put into it,” Whittemore said. “It’s more about what they actually do to it.”