The Hidden Costs of College Really Add Up

Dear Siaff and friend,

The am excuse me i am going to college high school ok Rnammer me donny is i hope you miss you class.

Donny

donny of NY 3:23PM November 29, 2009

If you have a college near your home, go to the campus when students are moving out at the end of the semester. Many students leave behind furniture, refrigerators, books, bedding and all sorts of other things that they don't need or want, can't fit in their car or don't want to pay to ship to their next destination. You can do the same thing on your own campus if you are already enrolled in school.

Susan of FL 11:41AM July 28, 2009

The article fails to mention several big ticket items that often blind-side students and parents.

First, health insurance is mandatory at most colleges these days, and the college plan can cost $400-%600. A parent's plan may not cover you, especially if you are going to be far from home and there are no local doctors covered under the plan. Some colleges include health insurance in their Cost of Attendance estimate, but many don't. Plan accordingly.

Freshman can also anticipate spending at least some money to set up their dorm room for the first time. Dorm rooms only come with a bed, dresser and desk. Freshman need to supply everything from sheets, blankets and towels to things like trash cans and shower caddies. Add in things like a microwave, mini-fridge, electronics equipment, and decorative items like a floor rug and posters, and the costs can quickly escalate. There are ways to save on freshman year expenses (i.e., shop for your linens in mom's closet, not Bed, Bath & Beyond), but some are unavoidable.

Upperclass students who are moving into an off campus apartment will also face expenses associated with setting up a home - dishware, pots & pans, furniture, internet connection, cable TV, etc. For this reason, living off campus doesn't always work out to be cheaper than living on campus.

Travel expenses can also be a budget buster. For this reason, I advise students and parents to consider how often the student is likely to want to visit home or friends, and then do their research on the average transportation costs. Even if a student only comes home for Christmas and school breaks, if you have to fly from a small airport, you may end up paying much more than you anticipate. Again, while all colleges include "travel" in their Cost of Attendance estimate, that number is usually lower than is realistic, especially if you have to travel a long distance home. This is often something that college financial aid offices are willing to consider if you broach the subject with them, but they won't offer you more in your financial aid package unless you do bring it up.

Finally, in terms of "entertainment" expenses, much depends on where your college is located. A student attending a college located in Boston or Manhattan is probably going to spend more on "entertainment" and "off campus food" than one who is attending a college located in a small town or rural area. Additionally, at many colleges on-campus events are often covered under your student activities fee, so thrifty students who take advantage of what is included on-campus instead of always heading off campus can end up with spare change still in their pocket at the end of the semester.

CarolynLawrence of CA 2:18PM July 27, 2009

I'm a returning (late 40's) college student. My biggest wake up call was parking @ $8/day and books--averaging over a thousand dollars a semester. Unlike when I was in college in the 70's & early 80's, almost nothing is returnable--or avalilable used--new versions every year with cd's. Not to mention that charming little habit of instructors requesting copies of your (20 page) paper be handed out to everyone in the class...did anyone mention PRINTER INK CARTRAGES. Argh!! Oh, and the $900/semester health fees.

Peggy of CA 1:42PM July 27, 2009