<p>With money that is saved in the studnet's name there will be an expectation that approx 35% will be used toward the cost of college If it is not a substantial amount of money, then there is no need to try to get rid of it.</p>
<p>The fact that you do have money saved may be the difference in your being able to to afford or not afford the school of your choice. As Thumper said, do enough perusing on these forums and you will find many students who wish they were in your shoes and had some money saved toward their education and had to turn down schools because it wan't financially feasible. Be proud that you have a leg up in the process.</p>
<p>You must remember at the end of the day it is YOUR education and there is a reasonable expectation that you be an active participant in the financing of it. The financing of your eduction WILL come either through summer employment, student loans and/or work study. </p>
<p>The money that you have saved may be the difference between debt and no debt that you have once you graduate. It may be a good feling to know that you may have enough money first year that you will not have to balance work (or a student loan) with being a college freshman because that $2,000 can be used to purchase your incidentals, and you don't have to accept that part of the aid in your first year</p>