Over the past several years, many people have begun to question whether the benefits of getting a college education outweigh the costs. While we strongly believe that having a college degree can open doors and career paths that are otherwise unattainable, there's no question that attending school is an expensive endeavor.
Here's a look at some of the most important costs of getting a college education, depending on whether you choose to enroll online or at a physical location. Tuition Of course, the biggest cost you'll endure for attending college will likely be your tuition. In many states, it seems like tuition goes up every single year. Depending on where you go to school and how many credits you take, tuition can range anywhere from $1,000-$50,000 a semester. Fortunately, most online education programs are very affordable. Remember, college tuition is like an investment and it'll be a few years before it starts to pay out. Books and Supplies As any current student could tell you, college textbooks are generally priced at a premium. Even used books can cost upwards of a $100. Many people recommend that you search for your books online before settling on a college bookstore, as some students sell their old books at a steep discount. If possible, try to take advantage of online books or e-books, which are often less expensive. While supplies aren't usually too expensive, you might need to factor in the cost of a desktop computer or laptop if you don't already have one. Look for student discounts if you're in the market for a new computer. Room and Board If you plan on attending a physical college, have you considered how much room and board will cost? Depending on your school, living in an on-campus dorm can over $5,000 a year, if not a great deal more. Some schools may include meal-plans in their dorm costs, but it's still a pretty penny. Personal Expenses No matter where you enroll in school, you're bound to incur your fair share of personal expenses over the year. For instance, things like food, entertainment, and your cell phone bill all add up. Most students should plan to spend at least $1,000 over the course of a school year on personal expenses. Travel One of the advantages of attending school online is that you don't really don't have to worry about travel expenses! However, if you do attend a physical campus, keep in mind that you'll probably be making the trip to and from school at least 3 days a week. With the cost of gas already reaching epic proportions, you may need a full time job for travel expenses alone.
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AuthorKaren Parker is founder of Edu Blog, writer at Edusson writing service, passionate novelist and father of two sons. Karen likes traveling, hiking, participating in archaeological excavations and reading of classical literature. ArchivesCategories |