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With the latest round of CAO offers out this month, Killarney Credit Union is advising parents and students to call in now to discuss their college finance options.

With the average cost of living for a student in Ireland studying away from home for three years amounting to over €33,000, and those living at home amounting to €20,502*.  The Credit Union is recommending that parents call in and speak to a dedicated student loans officer to discuss their needs.

Speaking about third level costs, Helen Courtney Power, Business Development Officer with Killarney Credit Union, stated: “With the first round of CAO offers out on August 20, there is pressure on parents and students to quickly organise accommodation, pay student contribution charges and meet the array of costs associated attending college.

“We are recommending that parents and students come in early, discuss potential college finance needs and provide the necessary loan documentation. The member can then obtain pre-approval for the student loan, and they need not draw it down until its required. The amount required may also be adjusted later to suit the students course duration or college attended.

“Both parents and students can find meeting the costs of third level stressful and daunting and recent research have shown that approximately six-out-of-10 parents get into debt to cover college costs*,” Helen added.

Killarney Credit Union have put in place dedicated student loans officers for the month of August who can meet parents and students by appointment in each of their branches. Appointments can be made with Karena in the Beech Road branch, Donagh in the Park Road branch and Eileen in the Kenmare branch on 064 66 31344.

The Credit Union is also offering a third level bursary worth €4,000 for students attending third level for the first time. There are four opportunities to win, with the winners each receiving €1,000 each. It is open to all members of the Credit Union. Closing date is the Friday, September 21. Application forms are available online or in branches.

Further information on the third level costs and budget sheets can be found on www.killarneycu.ie

*Source: Cost of Third Level Survey, ILCU, August 2016