SJ, congrats on making it through college with no credit card debt. That's quite a feat, even if you did have some help from your parents. (Just a side note: 1% of students surveyed in the Sallie Mae study say their parents foot their credit card bills...lucky them!)

Staying in-state can definitely save a lot of money, not only on tuition but also on travel costs back home.

I think most college kids are aware (to some degree) of the dangers of credit, but sometimes it's just easier to shell out the plastic rather than research additional scholarships, fill out more financial aid paperwork, or take on yet another side job. But the convenience of credit comes with a cost that students should be aware of.