Problems With The Hidden Cost of Attending College - Part 1

May 8

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 below list highlights various ways the cost of college can quickly add up!

Greek Life

If your college happens to participate in Greek life, understand the costs involved with joining these fraternities and sororities. Dues can range from $500-$5000+ per semester for new member fees, meals, housing, and rush dues. This doesn’t include the costs of dresses and suits for formals and social events. There are also fundraising efforts throughout the year that may ask for 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 junior and senior years. Those years are usually when students live in off-campus housing with year-long leases. Be sure that you are able to sublease if your apartment complex does not offer short-term leases, otherwise you are responsible for paying for off campus housing and housing while abroad. When researching your potential future college, look for alternative length study abroad programs like Maymester (just the 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 and weekends 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 simply 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 really start to add up if you don’t plan ahead!

Transportation

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

Dining

Starbucks 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 wallet.

Electronics

Some business or engineering students are required to have certain laptops. Make sure you understand required electronics for your major. Other electronics many college students purchase are: chargers, iPads, external hard drives, noise canceling headphones, smart notebook, smart watch, bluetooth speakers 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 if the textbook is mandatory or not. Some students often share textbooks to keep the cost within reason.

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 you 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 own car. 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 that happen throughout a college town!

Laundry Facilities

Most freshmen have dorm basement laundry facilities where they need to use their “campus cash” in order 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 that 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’s 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 time over the course of four years! Talk about an emergency plan with family members before leaving home.

Lynne Fuller https://www.collegeflightpath.com