Problems With The Hidden Cost of Attending College - Part 1

College Counseling

May 8

By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path

Most colleges and universities only list Tuition, Housing, and some required estimated fees under their “Cost of Attendance”. It is important to be aware of potential hidden costs beyond those listed when budgeting for college. The list below highlights various ways the cost of college can quickly add up!

Greek Life:

If your student’s college participates in Greek life, understand the costs involved in joining these fraternities and sororities. Dues can range from $500-$5000+ per semester for new member fees, meals, housing, and rush dues. This does not include the costs of dresses and suits for formals and social events. There are also fundraising efforts throughout the year that may request donations or weekend travel events to celebrate and support certain fundraising efforts.

Study Abroad:

When considering Studying Abroad, most students choose to participate for a semester during their junior and senior years. Those years are usually when students live in off-campus housing with year-long leases. Be sure that you are permitted to sublease if your apartment complex does not offer short-term leases, otherwise, your student is responsible for paying for off-campus housing and housing while abroad. When researching potential future colleges, look for alternative length study abroad programs like Maymester (several weeks during May or the entire month of May), Winter Session (typically 5-6 weeks after the New Year), or Spring Break week. Keep in mind that there are also additional costs for studying abroad like travel, clothing, and transportation. Many of these estimated costs can be found on the school’s Study Abroad website.

Sporting Events:

Most colleges and universities have robust sports programs, therefore, weekends may revolve around football, basketball, and baseball games. Although some sporting events are free for students to attend, some colleges use a point system to earn sports tickets, others use lottery systems, or you have to purchase these tickets on your own. Be sure to read about each school's policy on sporting events and the likelihood of getting tickets. These fun weekends can start to add up if you do not plan ahead!

Transportation:

Depending on how far your student lives from school will determine transportation costs. Many websites and budget airlines offer cheaper ways to fly. There are also public transportation apps to help navigate trips home and around campus. Depending on your student’s social life, understand that Uber charges have quickly become some students' largest expense. If there is a walkable campus, your student might be in luck, but if students venture off campus for evenings and weekends, Uber charges need to be factored into the cost. Do not forget about Facebook groups that look for carpool options to each other's hometowns.

Dining:

Starbucks and other popular coffee chains are located on almost every campus, and those vanilla iced chai lattes quickly add up! Door Dash, Uber Eats, acai bowls, smoothie bars, pizza places, off-campus restaurants, diners, and bagel shops become not just a social hangout but another way to potentially drain your student’s wallet.

Electronics:

Some business or engineering students are required to have certain laptops. Make sure your student understands the required electronics for your major. Other electronics many college students purchase are: chargers, iPads, external hard drives, noise-canceling headphones, smart notebooks, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers, multiple monitors, printers, and docking stations.

Textbooks/Course Materials:

Most universities give an estimated cost of textbooks, but there are options for renting textbooks to keep the cost down. It is recommended to attend the class first to receive the syllabus and learn whether the textbook is mandatory or not. Some students often share textbooks to keep the cost reasonable.

Clothing:

Many students attend college in a different geographical location from home. This difference in seasons may require a new wardrobe. Also, being in a different social setting sometimes causes students to purchase clothing to fit in with the vibe of the school. Be sure to consider how many seasons your student will experience at the school. If it is a year-round warm climate, you will certainly have less exchanges of wardrobe.

Car on Campus:

Most freshmen are not permitted to bring their cars. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors typically move off campus, which creates the need for a car. Additional costs are monthly campus garage fees, apartment monthly fees, city and campus parking permit fees, and campus metered parking. And yes, of course, those pesky parking tickets may happen throughout a college town!

Laundry Facilities:

Most freshmen have dorm basement laundry facilities where they need to use their “campus cash” to do laundry. Upperclassmen typically have a washer and dryer in their apartment or house, but if not, they need to pay for a laundromat.

Groceries/General Drugstore Supplies:

Even though freshmen have a meal plan, they will still need cleaning supplies, toiletries, and drugstore items. Many students who live off campus will no longer have a meal plan (unless required by fraternity or sorority) and will need to grocery shop on a regular basis. Check out the location of the nearest grocery store to see if it is walkable or offers delivery to dorms.

Emergency Expenses:

There is always that dreadful flat tire, an unplanned trip home, or an unforeseen medical expense. Keep an emergency fund in case of an unexpected cost that will surely happen at some point over four years! Talk about an emergency plan with family members before leaving home.

To learn more about the hidden costs of attending college or any other related topics, email hello@collegeflightpath.com, book a free 15-minute call, or engage in our Self-guided Senior Flight Log Application course.

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com