Get expert advice delivered straight to your inbox.

Skip to Main Content

3 Easy-to-Forget College Costs

If you have kids that are heading to college for the start of a new school year, you probably already know it isn’t going to be cheap. Hopefully you’ve already planned for the big, obvious expenses like tuition, books and housing.

While you’re focused on those main expenses, don’t forget about some other small off-the-radar costs that can add up quickly. Here are three examples:

1. Gas: If your kid is taking a car to school, make sure you have a good idea of their gas budget. Will they be driving it often or just on weekends? Once you can get a decent idea of how much they’ll use the car, you’ll be ready to make out a monthly gas budget. Remember, it might take you a few months to get it right, so be patient.

2. Transportation: If your kid doesn’t have a car, then gas won’t be a problem—but transportation will. Will they be coming home for Thanksgiving? Christmas? Every other weekend? Don’t let a $50 filled-up gas tank catch you off guard. Make a plan with your student and prepare for those trips in the budget.

3. Food: You already know about the meal plan, but what about late-night snacks in the dorm or the occasional dinner out with friends? Food expenses add up quickly. If your kid is on the meal plan, you might want to add a little extra to the food budget to allow for some of these “unexpected” costs.

Tip: Your college student can create a free budget in less than ten minutes with EveryDollar!

Don’t let gas, transportation or food costs sneak up on you. Also, be sure to look for other expenses that sneak up on you once your kid is away at college and into the daily routine.

Plan for the unexpected as much as you can, and your budget will be thankful!

 

 

Did you find this article helpful? Share it!

Rachel Cruze

About the author

Rachel Cruze

Rachel Cruze is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, financial expert, and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. Rachel writes and speaks on personal finances, budgeting, investing and money trends. As a co-host of The Ramsey Show, America’s second-largest talk radio show, Rachel reaches millions of weekly listeners with her personal finance advice. She has appeared on Good Morning America and Fox News and has been featured in publications such as Time, Real Simple and Women’s Health magazines. Through her shows, books, syndicated columns and speaking events, Rachel shares fun, practical ways to take control of your money and create a life you love. Learn More.

Related Articles

fafsa deadline
Saving

What Is the FAFSA Deadline for 2024–2025 School Year?

The sooner you complete the FAFSA, the more free money you can get for college! Find out how long you have to fill out the FAFSA.

Ramsey Ramsey
how to save money in college
Saving

How to Save Money in College

You don’t have to eat ramen every single night in order to save money and ditch the debt when you’re in college. Here are some other ways to stack that cash!

Kristina  Ellis Kristina Ellis