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, especially when you let the Higher Education Guide help you get matched up with the best ones! 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.