When students and families start planning for college, the number one focus is tuition. While tuition certainly represents a major portion of the cost of higher education, it’s far from the whole story. A range of hidden or overlooked expenses can increase the cost of college, catching many students and their parents off guard.
According to a 2025 College Ave survey of 1,060 undergraduate students conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights™, 61% of students said that the cost of college was higher than they expected.
Understanding the full range of college costs is key to financial prep. Here’s a list of expenses beyond tuition and tips to manage them.
College Expense List
- Housing and Food
- Textbooks and Course Materials
- School and Activity Fees
- Personal Expenses
- Transportation
- Academic Major-Specific Costs
- Health and Wellness
1. Housing and Food
Aside from tuition, housing and food are often the most expensive part of college life. Whether you live in a dorm with a meal plan or rent an off-campus apartment, housing and food can add up quickly. In fact, at some institutions, these costs may even exceed tuition. According to the College Ave survey, students reported spending an average of nearly $1,400 per month.
Meal plans can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per semester. While it is convenient, they may not always be the most cost-effective option. Meanwhile, off-campus living may seem cheaper at first glance but could include hidden expenses like utilities, internet, and furnishings.
Tip: Compare on-campus and off-campus living costs and explore different meal plan options to determine what best suits your budget.
2. Textbooks and Course Materials
The College Ave survey also revealed that 57% of students were most surprised at the cost of books and supplies.
The cost of textbooks can be a major surprise for first-year students. Depending on your academic major, textbooks and required course materials can exceed $1,200 per year. Some science, math, and engineering courses require specialized software or lab manuals, further increasing costs.
Tip: Look into used books, textbook rentals, or digital formats. Many campus bookstores and online retailers offer discounted options. Additionally, some professors place required materials on reserve in the library.
3. School and Activity Fees
Many colleges charge fees that support student organizations, campus facilities, technology services, and athletics. These might be included in your tuition bill or billed separately—and they can add hundreds of dollars each semester.
If you plan to join a fraternity or sorority, participate in intramural sports, or attend club events, be prepared for additional membership fees or event costs.
Tip: Ask your college for a detailed breakdown of fees, so you can plan for them in advance.
4. Personal Expenses
College life includes a variety of everyday costs that are often overlooked. These might include laundry, toiletries, clothing, mobile phone plans, subscriptions (like streaming services), and dining out.
These small costs can add up quickly, especially when you’re managing your own money for the first time.
Tip: Create a personal budget for discretionary spending. Apps like YNAB can help you track your expenses and avoid overspending.
5. Transportation
Whether you’re commuting to campus, traveling home during breaks, or simply exploring your college town, transportation can add up.
Students living off-campus may need to pay for parking permits, gas, or public transportation. If you’re attending college far from home, airfare or long-distance travel for holidays and family visits should also be considered.
Tip: Look into campus transportation options, student discounts for public transit, and carpooling to save money.
6. Academic Major-Specific Costs
Depending on your field of study, you may encounter extra expenses that other students don’t. For example, art students may need to purchase supplies; nursing or education majors might be required to buy uniforms or pay for certification exams; engineering students may need software licenses or technical tools.
Tip: Reach out to academic advisors or department heads to get an idea of what additional costs are typical for your major.
7. Health and Wellness
Health insurance is often a requirement for college students, and if you’re not covered under a parent’s plan, you may need to enroll in the college’s health insurance plan. In addition, visits to the campus clinic, prescription medications, or mental health counseling can incur extra costs.
Some schools include a health services fee in tuition, while others charge per visit.
Tip: Review your current health insurance policy to ensure it covers services in your college town. Also, familiarize yourself with the health services your college offers.
Strategies to Manage and Prepare for College Expenses
Understanding the range of college costs is only the first step. The next step is to develop a financial plan that includes strategies to cover these expenses.
Start with a comprehensive budget.
List all potential costs, from tuition to laundry, and estimate how much you’ll need each semester. Make adjustments as you go and build in a buffer for unexpected costs.
Talk openly with your family.
Discuss who will be responsible for which expenses, and what type of financial support, if any, your family can provide.
Apply for financial aid early.
Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is essential, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. Many scholarships and grants require your FAFSA information to be eligible.
Search for scholarships.
Many local organizations, businesses, and even your college offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or special interests.
Consider student loans wisely.
While federal loans are a common part of many students’ financial plans, they may not cover your entire cost of attendance. That’s where private student loans can help fill the gap. Use a student loan calculator to estimate costs and monthly payments so you understand the financial commitment you’re undertaking.
How College Ave Can Help
College Ave is here to support students and their families as they navigate the financial aspects of college. We offer flexible private student loans designed to fit your budget, with customizable repayment plans and competitive interest rates.
Whether you’re looking to cover tuition, housing, or some of the overlooked costs listed above, College Ave is committed to helping reduce financial stress so you can focus on what really matters—your education.
You can also take advantage of our free tools, like the College Ave Student Loan Calculator and Student Budget Worksheet, to help you estimate costs and stay on track financially.
Conclusion
When planning for college, looking beyond tuition is essential. From textbooks and transportation to personal expenses, a wide range of costs can sneak up on students and families.
By understanding these potential expenses and planning ahead, you can minimize financial surprises and set yourself up for a smoother college experience. And with College Ave by your side, you’ll have the financial tools and support to manage your college journey with confidence.
Ready to take control of your college expenses? Explore College Ave’s student loan options and start planning today.
About the Survey
The College Ave survey was conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights™. The national online survey of undergraduate students who attend a 4-year college or university at one of the campuses served by Barnes & Noble College had 1,060 respondents and was fielded in February – March 2025.
