Pay Off Your College Expenses

You expect your college education to include expenses like tuition, room and board, and books. But those categories only cover basic costs. Your years as a full-time undergraduate will include many expenses you may not have considered yet.

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Below, you’ll discover eight hidden costs of attending college. We’ll also give you several tips for finding funds to cover those expenses.

The Hidden College Costs

Before you scan this list, put aside your financial fears. Just decide what experiences you want during your time at the university of your choice. Whatever you hope to include, this blog will help you find ways to pay for it.

1. College visits

Before you even become a student, college costs money. If you decide to visit campuses before you apply, you’ll have to pay for travel and accommodations on those trips. Make the investment so you can find a college that suits you.

2. Application fees

After you decide where to apply, you’ll have to spend $50 to $100 per college application. You can cut this expense a little if you apply to fewer schools. However, you shouldn’t cut your favorite schools from your list just to save money.

3. Dorm/apartment décor

Congratulations! You were accepted as a college student, and you’ve arranged for housing. Now, make your room feel like home with amenities such as bedding, lamps, posters, and décor. Don’t assume that your roommate will provide shared items like a mini-fridge. If possible, bring some items you already own to decorate your room.

4. Entertainment and events

University campuses teem with places to go and people to meet. Depending on your hobbies, you may want money for:

• Athletic events
• Music or theatre performances
• Parties
• Eating out
• Special events
• Intramural sports

5. Greek life

Do you plan to join a sorority or a fraternity? Then expect to pay for your involvement. Greek organizations tend to cost more than any other college societies. Per semester, fees range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. And that may or may not include a room in your organization’s on-campus house.

6. Study abroad and internships

You might hope to earn stamps in your passport or build your resume before you graduate. College offers you opportunities to do that, but you should expect to spend more for those experiences. On study abroad, you pay for plane tickets and sightseeing, in addition to basic expenses.

And at most high-profile internships, you incur expenses while you work for free.

7. Printing and copying

Amid all the fun you have in college, you’ll have to study, too—and that means writing papers and finishing other assignments. Some professors may accept digital copies of your work, but others prefer old-fashioned paper copies. Expect to spend at least $100 on printing fees each semester.

8. Transportation and travel

In college, you can walk to many places, but you may want a car for off-campus journeys. That means gas, insurance, and a car payment (unless you own the vehicle). Or maybe your university rests in a city with public transportation. In that case, you’ll want a bus or train pass to get around.

Your travel budget should also account for trips home for holidays. Each time you visit, you’ll pay a few hundred dollars for gas or plane tickets. Reduce those costs and carpool or buy airline tickets from websites that offer student discounts.

Ways to Cover Hidden Costs

Have you started to panic about the cost of college yet? Time to put those fears aside. The following tips will help you find the money you need to pay for your education.

1. Apply for financial aid

Even if you saved thousands of dollars for your tuition, you should still apply for financial aid. If you qualify for aid through the government or your school, you can use your savings for hidden costs instead. Consult with an advisor at your school so you don’t miss financial aid deadlines.

2. Apply for scholarships

You can find a scholarship for nearly everything, so spend some time applying for these funds. Scholarships aren’t just for athletes or incoming freshmen either. You may qualify for special scholarships because of your major, your volunteer experience, or your hobbies.

3. Get a lump sum payout

If you have a structured settlement or an annuity, arrange to get a lump sum of that money now. You can use the money for basic expenses like tuition, or for special events like a study abroad.

4. Look for ways to get discounts

College has plenty of hidden costs, but you can also find many ways to save. For example, if you become a resident advisor, you may qualify for reduced rent or free dining. Try these discount ideas:

• Supplement your grocery budget and attend campus events where free food is available.
• Use student discounts at participating stores and movie theaters.
• Sign up for free student trials of popular services like Amazon Prime.

Invest in your college education so you can increase your earning power. Anticipate these hidden costs and use our tips to pay for your degree.

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