Little Suzie has been looking forward to college for a while. But as she checks out her future school online, she notices the price of board and food. Who knew it would be so much? After doing some research, Little Suzie decides that living at home would be the best option for her.

These days, more and more students are taking the same route as Little Suzie. According to Forbes, 54 percent of Millennials lived at home for college to save money.

“My original plan was to attend KU, but after viewing their scholarships, I realized that even with scholarship money, I would be paying off loans for years to come. I knew it wasn’t worth it in the long run,” explained senior, Madison Dean.

Senior Trey Shepard, had a similar change of heart.

“My original plan was to live on campus or get an apartment, but the money I can save by living at home changed my way of thinking.”

According to the Hechinger Report, the price for room and board has doubled between 1980 and 2014.

Even though price is a major factor in deciding to stay home for college, there are other important components to consider.

Paige Wilson, a 2015 Seaman graduate, said “I wanted to continue to live at home for college obviously because it is going to save me money, but also because I didn’t feel quite mature enough to fly the coop yet.”

Like many other situations, living at home for college comes with its pros and cons.

“I have no monthly bills, groceries, etc., and I love having the in person support and motivation from my family. I also don’t have to deal with the drama of roommates,” said Wilson.

But some worry that living at home will make college a little different.

“I think I’ll miss a little of the college experience and interacting with my fellow students as much as I would if I lived on campus,” explained Shepard.

But Dean is willing to sacrifice dorm life for the chance to save money.

Dean explained, “Living with my parents will give me the opportunity to save up money for the future. And I also don’t have to worry about having the life scared out of me by the fire alarm every time somebody burns their popcorn in their dorm room.”

Living at home may not be the ‘typical’ college experience, but it does not have to inhibit a person’s overall experience.

“I don’t have any regrets about living at home because I am saving a lot of money and I still have just as much fun as a regular college student,” said Wilson.