A growing number of college students rely on credit cards to cover basic living expenses.
Nearly 9 in 10 students with credit cards use them for food, housing, and gas, according to a recent report.
These purchases go beyond typical discretionary spending. They now fund essential costs that many students struggle to afford.
The trend reflects rising tuition, housing, and food prices that outpace available financial aid and part-time wages.
Students who charge necessities often carry balances they cannot pay off each month.
Credit card interest rates above 20% quickly turn small purchases into long-term debt.
That debt can damage credit scores, making it harder to rent an apartment or qualify for future loans.
Some students take on extra work hours, reducing time for classes and study.
Others skip meals or delay medical care to limit card use, though many still fall short.
Financial aid offices report more requests for emergency funds as basic costs climb.
Universities and nonprofits offer budgeting workshops, but demand for such help keeps rising.
The report calls for clearer disclosure of credit card terms and expanded on-campus financial support.
Without intervention, students risk graduating with burdensome debt before they even start their careers.
