Beyond Tuition: Costs that aren't in the college brochures.

Beyond Tuition: Costs that aren’t in the college brochures.

When saving for college, tuition is the main expense that comes to mind. And, while tuition will eat up the lion’s share of most people’s college fund, other costs can nibble away at the coffers, too. Let’s take a look at a few of these factors and what to expect.

General Living Expenses

Depending on a student’s lifestyle and location, the cost of room and board can be surprisingly high, even approaching what they pay for tuition. The College Board says the average student using on-campus housing and meals may pay close to $14,000. That’s for a student at a public, four-year, in-state university. Our chart below provides a detailed comparison of these paths.¹

Books/Supplies

People preparing for college may underestimate these varied costs. Students can pay over $1,300 per year for items such as digital and hardback textbooks, software, and ancillary course materials. There’s hardware to consider, too. In addition to a personal laptop or tablet, students may need to purchase various equipment, from lab materials to art supplies.¹

Travel and Transport 

If the student won’t be living at home, you may want to factor in travel costs, which can range from paying for fuel and basic vehicle maintenance to airfare and baggage fees. Some colleges offer free passes for public transportation, depending on the location. For a car kept on campus, consider parking fees, and don’t forget to look into car insurance fees and any additional costs that may arise with relocation.

Sudden Emergencies

College may seem like a carefree time, but youth doesn’t make anyone immune to life’s surprises. Imagine relying on a laptop for completing coursework, only to find it’s been broken or stolen. Car trouble, a sudden medical bill, or a missed flight can also bring unexpected costs. Keeping an emergency fund is a good idea for any student.

The Strategy: Estimate Higher Than You Think

The solution for each of these issues comes down to money. Fortunately, your savings strategy could be pretty straightforward: whatever you’re putting away to pay for college, be prepared for your student to need a bit more than you think. Remember that scholarships, grants, and other college savings often have specific requirements for how the money can be spent, and organize your approach accordingly. Spending any “free” money on tuition and qualified expenses, such as books and fees, can allow a student to focus their private savings on costs like transportation and maintaining their emergency fund.

If you have any questions about what student-related financial strategy is right for you, we hope you will feel comfortable reaching out to me. We're always glad to help. 

🗓️ The SAT/ACT 2026 testing begins in August 2026 and closes in July 2027. Check out collegeboard.org for more, as registration dates vary.²

🗓️ The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is expected to open October 1, 2026 for students starting college in Fall 2027. However, states and schools can also have their own FAFSA deadlines. Be sure to check those deadlines by contacting your chosen institution's Office of Financial Aid.³

🗓️ College fairs and visits can be a wonderful resource when deciding on your institution. Many institutions offer guided tours or fairs for future students throughout the year.

🗓️ Early decision deadlines vary slightly from school to school, but most fall on November 1 or November 15. Always check the deadlines of your top schools before applying.

🗓️ Other deadlines differ drastically depending on the institution of your choice. Bookmark the most recent deadline page offered and check it often.

<sup>1. CollegeBoard.org, 2025
2. CollegeBoard.org, March 19, 2026
3. StudentAid.gov, March 19, 2026</sup>