College on credit

Abstract

This ethnographic interview study sought to examine how undergraduate college students aged 18-21 years old (diverse in gender, race, social class, chosen field of study and length of time in school) use credit cards to bridge the gap between their financial resources and their educational costs. The researcher used interviews as the primary means of data collection with observation as the secondary method. Findings show that the students view college as an investment in their future. The students’ means of financial support vary though students without parental support are more financially vulnerable. The types of purchase the students made with credit depended largely on their means of financial support. Students who were supported by their parents had to abide by their parents’ rules for using credit. The study revealed a need for more financial education among the students regardless of financial support or credit use.