Many of the costs of being a college student are not included in the price of tuition. Here are 9 hidden costs to add to your college budget.
During their freshman year of college, students are sometimes shocked by some of the hidden costs that college brings. They might think of some of these costs as just a few dollars here and there, but these expenses can add up and take a toll on their budget. This article lays out some unexpected college costs and how to manage them, even as a first-year college student.
1. Books and Course Materials
The average price of books and school supplies for students in 2023-2024 was $1,250 at private colleges and $1,290 at public colleges, according to the College Board. The price for textbooks, digital access codes, e-books, and study materials can be higher than many students expect — especially for students taking STEM courses, where books can cost $100 or more and average 85% higher than textbooks for non-science courses. Lab courses may also come with fees for lab equipment and protective gear.
Tips: Check sites like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, and Bookscouter to find discount or secondhand textbooks. Remember that student loans and other financial aid can be used to pay for textbooks and any required course materials. There are even textbook-specific scholarship programs, such as the Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund Book Scholarship. Sharing, renting, and selling your books after your course ends are additional ways to keep your costs down.
2. Food, Coffee, and Snacks
The average monthly charge for a college meal plan is $570 a month, or about $4,500 per year for an 8-month meal plan, according to The Education Data Initiative. However, some college meal plans are much higher. At Vanderbilt University for example, the 2024-25 freshman meal plan is $3,965 per semester. At Carleton College, a 15-meal per week plan costs $8,304 per year. Some colleges require students living on campus — especially freshmen — to purchase the meal plan and offer no other options.
Finding the right-size meal plan can take some time, especially during your first semester or quarter at college. Some students discover that their dining card or credits are not accepted at every dining hall or eatery on campus and they must pay extra for coffee at the campus cafe or snacks sold at the grocery store. Dining halls may not be open at convenient times, especially on weekends, forcing students to go elsewhere for food and pay out of pocket.
If you’re living off campus, you may be responsible for providing your own meals. Purchasing food at a grocery store can be less costly than being on a college meal plan, but it can be easy to go over budget. College students can spend between $270 -$430 per month on groceries, depending on where they live.
And don't forget about snacks and eating out, for which students spend about $400 per month on average.
Tips: Find out as much as you can about your college’s meal plan. As you learn about it and consider your nutritional needs in comparison to what your school offers, you might find that you can switch to a less-expensive plan if your college allows for this flexibility.
If you’re living off campus, try to plan out your meals each week and make a grocery list. Talk to your roommates about splitting the cost of items you all consume, such as eggs, milk, and juice. Limit eating out or purchasing take-out and make your own food as much as possible. Some colleges are pairing up with local food banks to provide free or low-cost groceries to students.
3. Seasonal Clothes
Moving from the desert to attend college in Maine or Chicago? Or perhaps the rainy Pacific Northwest? Both situations will require some new weather-appropriate clothing, which may include a winter coat, snow or rain boots, thick socks, mittens, and more.
Tip: Check secondhand sites or thrift stores in your area before buying new. If you can delay purchasing a winter coat, some retailers have winter clearance sales in January or February and offer savings up to 75% off. Invest in good thermal underwear, socks, a scarf and a hat, which can keep you warm if you have to make do with a lighter jacket.
