I do think there can be a benefit from not having to work during freshman year. Adjusting to college and living away from home takes some time, and in many cases, the course work will be much more vigorous than high school. After the adjustment period, if at all possible, I believe that a college student should have a part time job, even if only for a few hours a week.

To all the parents who want their students to be able to focus on grades and not have to work- most can balance both (or should be able to). Unless they are in an incredibly demanding, time-consuming program, 5-10 hours a week can be fit into any schedule with ample toile for everything else.

College is amazing. You are totally in charge of your time. I remember being distinctly aware of this before I graduated- I would never again be so autonomous in use of my time. Beyond class, you can go to the gym at 11 am or 2 , drink whenever you want to.. Having a job can add some stability an responsibility which is not a bad thing.

^^^ my kids have not had a car on campus. Maybe your son could have a credit card for gas expense only.

(or authorized other-car expenses)

A car will really expand their circumference of fun/and expense. Not sure 'rural school' description will still be relevant.

Kids on full meal plan, I give them $50/deposited same day every week. I don't care what they spend the money on. Anything beyond that - I decide, and I ask for a receipt ie. something from the bookstore, or drugstore. They have campus-bucks for laundry only. Every place will take a debit card. They have summer-savings from jobs which they (2 kids) go through/or save at different rates.

"back-in-the day" stories don't really help much with decisions for now.

I was a full-pay student at Dartmouth. My parents paid the tuition, room, board, and books. I worked at an on-campus job for 8 hours/week for my spending money. I worked every summer for 10 weeks, except sophomore summer when I was on-campus taking classes. I played a varsity sport all four years, and had numerous other commitments and interests. Students can do it all. There is ALOT more free time in college than high school, and students can find 8-10 hours to earn their own spending money. Believe me, if you think your student does not need a job because they will be spending that extra 10 hours in the library over the course of a week, you are likely mistaken. 18 year olds are... 18.

Be careful. Entitlement starts early. My parents could have easily handed me spending money in college, and they didn't. I learned to work and save.

I am sorry, when did it become such a crime to give your kids spending money while they are going to college. My dad gave me spending money and was very proud that I never had to work while I was going to college. He also paid for all my tuition etc. For grad school I was on my own, but my hard school work undergrad paid off. I got a full fellowship that paid all my tuition and paid a small stipend in exchange for working for a prof 20 hours a week. I have been super successful and have actually given that grad school a multiple of what they gave me. My pay back to my father is to do the same for my sons. Making your kid work shitty jobs does not necessarily build character. Their job should be college. Summer work is excellent but for some F*ed up reason most of the good summer jobs that give you work experience in your field are now called "unpaid internships"-- what BS.

"Nope. Not a dime of FA. And I will brag on them because I am very proud of them."

"Brag on" - is that a regional expression?