The Hidden Costs of College

You’ve calculated tuition costs and added in room and board. You’ve got a list of scholarships and grants you’re applying for. And your parents are helping you secure student loans. But don’t be fooled into thinking your bases are covered. A college education is filled with other hidden costs.

Even with careful planning, unexpected expenses sneak up on you. Don’t be caught off guard! Here are some costs to prepare for:

Books: Depending on your college you’ll have to buy books two or three times a year. A single book can cost more than $100. And most classes require multiple books. The average U.S. college student spends $665.86 on back-to-school supplies including books, clothes and other items, according to a National Retail Foundation survey. Don’t despair. Most college bookstores sell used textbooks for less than new ones and you can often sell your books back to the store at the end of the semester, though you’ll never get full price.

Supplies: Are you thinking of taking an art class? What about a science class with lab work or a math class that requires a special calculator? For these types of classes and others, there are often expenses for supplies. Sometimes you will have to pay a lab fee and the school will provide supplies for you. For other classes, you may be on your own.

Transportation: Depending on where your home is, transportation can cost a lot. If you are commuting or plan to have a car on campus, factor in the cost of gas, car insurance and parking. If you commute without a car, plan to pay for public transportation. If your family lives far away and you need a plane ticket to get home, figure out how much it costs to fly home and how many times you plan to make the trip each year.

Dues: Are you considering joining an activity club, fraternity or sorority on campus? Depending on the type of club you join, you may have to pay dues. Dues go toward everything from ski trips for the adventure club to socials for the sorority. However, there are plenty of free student groups you can join as well.

Bills Bills Bills: If you live in college housing, you usually don’t have to pay any utility bills, but you do have to pay a phone bill and depending on how much you gab, your bill can end up being huge. If you choose to live off-campus, count on paying for telephone, cable TV, gas, water and electricity on top of rent. Ask your landlord what’s included and what you’ll be expected to pay yourself.

Recreation: College campuses are great places to experience concerts, theatre, art openings, sporting events and movies. Most colleges have lots of events and activities and if there is an admission fee, there’s usually a reduced rate for students. But make sure you have some cash so you don’t end up sitting in the dorm while everyone is at the football game.

Miscellaneous: There are other costs that come with living on your own that aren’t included in tuition. These might include: furniture for your dorm room or apartment, a computer, laundry, clothing and other personal items.

Mistakes: At college, you can be charged for making mistakes like losing your student ID and meal card, paying your tuition late, getting locked out of your room, losing your room key, missing a student health appointment, writing a bad check, damaging your dorm room and so on. Be careful and respectful and you’ll avoid most of these fees.

An Investment That Pays Off

While the costs of college definitely add up, don’t let the overall cost deter you. Consider college an investment. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a Bachelor’s degree earn over 60 percent more on average than people with only a high school diploma. Over your lifetime, the difference between what you’ll earn with a high school diploma versus a B.A. (or higher) is more than a million dollars. Now that’s an investment with high returns!