By Jason Worthy
For The State News

For Jamael Williams, credit cards are a way of life.

Receiving his first credit card at 16, the now 20-year-old mathematics sophomore was already depending on the card as one would depend on a job salary.

"I used it about once every other day," Williams said. "I went shopping, bought gas, and before I realized, I was already at the limit."

Even though he reached his MasterCard's $1,500 limit, the credit card company gave him another card.

Four years later, he is still paying off the new card's $900 balance.

Across the United States, more and more college students are applying for and using their credit cards daily.

According to research by Nellie Mae, a provider of federal loans, 92 percent of college sophomores have at least one credit card. The report also stated the average balance for a college undergraduate is $2,327 - a number that has decreased by about $400 since 2000.

And Williams said getting a credit card is not difficult, especially for students who frequent areas of campus such as Wells Hall.

"I am walking to class and just about every other week there is a booth with someone offering free stuff to apply for a credit card," he said.

MBNA Bank, under contract with MSU, provides "tabling" activities at some major sporting events, according to James Sheppard, manager of the Union.

Sheppard said registered student organizations who get the university's permission can earn money by sponsoring a credit card company on campus.

"The student organization will receive a commission for each application," he said.

And students who do spend more than they can afford could find themselves in trouble, said Val Meyers, assistant director in the Office of Financial Aid.

"We try to look at the overall situation," she said. "If they are in debt due to medical or child care issues, then we can help."

But students who are in debt simply because they spend too much won't find much sympathy from the university, she said.

Brett Ross, MSU Federal Credit Union spokesman, said it's easy to get a credit card from a credit union, too.

"We don't require any income to receive a credit card," he said. "When they become college students, we know that someone else is going to give them a credit card regardless.

"It is their job to be responsible about using it and if they have no job, they should avoid spending what they can't afford."