If you count the 4 years of undergraduate school I went through (okay, it was 5), I have over 14 years in higher education, working with students, parents, staff and faculty. I’ve worked in private universities and community colleges. Yet, the one thing that continues to arise is how to choose the right college.
When I was in 8th grade I had started the college search. It was more of a perusing of the many catalogues and letters my brother received as he is 4 years older than myself. At that point, I came across one school and had that intuitive feeling I was supposed to go there. University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA was beautiful. It had brick buildings and ivy growing up the side. As far as academics, I really didn’t care at that point, but I liked the pictures.
I do not suggest that one chooses a college or university based on pictures alone, in fact maybe not at all. One of the most important factors is the true cost of college.
These days in a declining market and a weak US dollar value, cost is more important than ever. However, it’s not just the amount per credit or the room and board costs that needs to be evaluated. Ask yourself these questions:
- What outside costs do you anticipate incurring? These including going to the movies, bars, clubs, or just that midnight snack at the 24 hour breakfast joint. Don’t base these costs on where you live, but where they will be incurred. There can be a big difference between a small town in Ohio versus New York City. Be reasonable and honest with yourself about these costs. If you are outgoing and always want adventure, you’re going to need a larger budget than a quiet introverted person.
- Where will you be doing your laundry? I know this is a strange question, but most dorms have coin operated laundry machines and at about $2.00 per load, that adds up over a year. Even at a minimum of 2 loads per week, over 36 weeks, or 9 months of school, that’s $144.00 in quarters. Plus, don’t forget the laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
- What will be your transportation? If you are living on campus in a dorm, most often one can get away with bumming a ride off someone down the hall and just give a few bucks gas money. However, if you decide to bring the car, there are costs associated with that, especially if it’s to drive back and forth to campus from offsite. There’s gas, maintenance, insurance, and the car payment. If you don’t drive, don’t forget to see how much public transportation is.
- How much will you need for personal items? This includes all personal toiletries, CD’s, items to decorate your dorm room, costumes for Halloween, and even that occasional 6-pack.
- How much will you designate for gifts? Many people miss this part, especially the first year in school. As a freshman, more so in a dorm atmosphere than off campus, friends are everywhere. Birthdays, holidays, come every year. How much will you spend on them? You can anticipate between 3-7 close friends depending on your demeanor and desire to make them. Additionally, there are the acquaintances that you would like to give them an acknowledgement of their birthday. For those, I suggest just buying a pack of 25 birthday cards to have on hand and you can write a meaningful note about why you appreciate them.
- Will you be involved in extra curricular activities or campus activities? Usually there is a cost. If you go to the campus dj contest, there might be a cover charge of $2.00. Look at the school, the activities and the costs associated with them. The same thing goes with campus groups you may be interested in joining, like a fraternity or sorority house.
Analyzing the answers to these questions and then adding them to the known costs of tuition, books, and room and board, will give you a much closer understanding of the true cost of college and also help determine the right college based on your pocketbook.
