How much "allowance" should a college student get?

Well I am a daughter in college, I play softball and I also am in a small town. I live in a dorm so therefor I have no bills and I have meal plans throught the dining hall so all of this factors in with how much money I get a week. I get about 150 dollars every 2 weeks and thats mainly for gas and money to go out and have fun with, I believe that is about right.

College Allowance

When I was in college, my parents paid for the tuition not covered by scholarships, room and board, and my sophomore - senior year my car insurance since I was not allowed one on campus the first year. I was involved in everything in both highshool and college and did not have jobs until college. Even without a job, I had a lot of money that I'd saved throughout my life and was allowed to keep any of my cash/check scholarships. I paid for my books every semester and anything else that I needed or wanted. I've always been thrifty and a saver, but also wanted to make the most of my college experience and did things such as go on trips. How much you want to give her really can only be judged by you? Has she grown accustommed to lavish living and if so do you want her to keep living this life or do you want her to start learning how to save more? Do you want her to be thrifty and yet have a lot of fun? Or do you want her just to have enough to get by? These are probably the best questions to ask yourself. There are very few expenses a college student needs if the parent is paying for the main expenses. I would say $30 should be enough for some entertainment and unexpected expenses or even enough to potentially save some for a future trip. You could even try having her save anything she does not use and doubling it for her to keep at the end of the year if you think saving money is something that she is not yet accustomed to. Hope this helps.

My husband, my brother-in-law, and my sister-in-law all started college later than the average bear. So they were typically the oldest person in their classes. Your maturity will probably work to your advantage because you will be more disciplined to study, do your research, pay attention in class and all that jazz. Those things are essential for a successful college experience. The only other thing I would suggest is be sure to join study groups and things of that nature if you are able, but don't get caught up in the college scene. It's distracting, typically involves immature activities, and just not for a mom that has a goal in mind for her future and the future of her children. And do your best not to talk down to the youngens that think they know everything and will say really unrealistic, incredibly stupid things in your presence. Just be smile and tell them you will find out soon enough. Don't want to make enemies or hurt the feelings of the babies you will be in class with. They are babes, they just don't know it. Study hard, don't give up, and when you get discouraged look into the sweet face of your babe(s) to remind yourself why you are working so hard.

There's not enough info to give an educated guess. It depends on what her expenses are, the cost of living in the region she's at, what you can afford to give her, does the scholarship already cover room and board, does she have a car/insurance, does she have to pay for books, etc.

For what I call "walking around" money, I'd guess $25-50 a week would be appropriate.

I suggest 120 dollars would do. Give her too much and it will tempt her to do things like drink, smoke and go to too many parties and attract too many (sometimes bad) friends and this would spoil her studies and her life. You are saying she got a scholarship so she must be good at studies so don't spoil her with too much money.

Thats what I send my sister. 120 a week but I pay for other thing seperately like accommodation and college fee.

Good luck for your daughter and she succeeds in college

I got $100 a week after I got out of the dorms, so that included food, gas (which was minimal) and a little bit of "going out" money. If she is in the dorms and has a meal plan I would reduce that a lot!! Like $30ish?? Depends how expensive things are around there...

How much does she need to live away from home? My son lives on the campus of B.U. We pay for his food, tuition, books, his car insurance, his gas money, spending money, and plane tickets to come home at least once a month. I want him to study and do well. He'll work the rest of his life.

My parents gave me $200 a month at the beginning of every month and I had to budget and make it last.

Depends on how much she respects you.