Planning for College? Don’t Forget These Hidden Costs

The new year brings a lot of exciting changes for high school seniors. Between applying to schools and dreaming about what comes next, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But before you commit, there are a few important things to consider when budgeting for college. Tuition bills alone can be daunting, and seeing those numbers on paper might have you joking about picking up a second job (or seriously considering it). Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, hidden fees or unexpected living expenses will pop up. College costs more than just tuition, and there are plenty of sneaky expenses that can quietly drain your wallet if you’re not prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind when building your back-to-school budget.

1. Housing costs

Housing is one of those expenses people often assume is wrapped into tuition, that is traditionally not the case, and it adds up quickly. Every campus handles housing a little differently. Some require freshmen to live on campus, others offer a variety of dorm options with different price tags, and some colleges or trade schools don’t offer housing at all. That means you may need to weigh the cost of living on campus versus renting off campus.

No matter where you live, housing expenses go beyond just rent. Furniture, parking, utilities, and other everyday necessities can sneak up on your budget fast. Even on-campus living comes with extra costs, like laundry (remember the days of hunting down quarters and hoping ALL your clothes still fit after the dryer?). To keep your budget in check, compare the total cost of each housing option before signing anything. Knowing what it truly costs will help you make a more informed decision and avoid an unwelcome surprise later.

2. Meal Plans

Some schools bundle meal plans with housing, but many don’t. Most offer several options, and it’s easy to overestimate how many meals you’ll actually eat. Before committing, take a close look at what each plan really includes.

Many plans cap the number of meals per week and may not cover weekends, breaks, or late-night runs. If a student lives off campus or goes home often, unused meals usually aren’t refunded. In those cases, a smaller plan with fewer meals per day can make more sense. When mom isn’t around to be your human alarm clock, skipping breakfast happens, and keeping cereal or bagels in the dorm is often more cost effective than paying for meals that go unused.

The best approach is to think honestly about current eating habits. Grabbing food with friends now and then is part of the college experience, but eating out adds up fast. Having enough meals to avoid constant takeout will help.

3. Textbooks

Although textbooks may feel like a thing of the past, many professors still require physical books for their classes. Others may require online access codes, which often come with in-program quizzes or assignments that count toward the final grade. While it might seem like a digital textbook should cost less, that’s not always the case and many are priced close to their hardcover counterparts.

Beyond books, some courses will require additional materials that will need to be purchased. Science classes may require lab kits, art classes often need specialized tools or supplies, and some programs may even expect students to purchase business or professional attire. These expenses aren’t always listed when you register for classes, so it’s smart to set aside a little extra money to cover costs that aren’t included up front.

4. Technology costs

A laptop is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to technology costs in higher education. Depending on a student’s course of study, some classes may require paid software subscriptions or access to specific online tools. Others may include online proctored exams, which can come with additional fees.

While not a must-have, some students also like having an iPad or tablet for studying, note-taking, or doing homework from anywhere that isn’t their desk. And don’t forget to leave a little breathing room in your budget for repairs. Computers have a talent for acting up at the worst possible moment—right before a deadline, of course! Having some extra flexibility can make a cracked screen or dying battery a lot less stressful.

5. Planning Ahead

At first glance, your class schedule might look pretty relaxed, especially on days when you only have a one-hour class or two. But once you factor in homework, studying, campus events, and student organizations, those “free” hours tend to disappear quickly. Because of this, many students find they’re only able to work limited hours, which can make budgeting a bit tighter than expected.

Even if you live on campus, there are still everyday costs to plan for, like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other basics that don’t magically appear on their own. (Sadly.) Thankfully, there are plenty of online budgeting tools available, many through your university’s website, to help you plan ahead.

It’s also worth exploring scholarships, which are available to traditional, non-traditional, and returning students, including many offered right in local communities. Crane Credit Union is proud to offer scholarships each year to high school seniors in the communities we serve, helping make higher education a little more achievable.

To apply for our 2026 scholarship, visit https://www.cranecu.org/about-us/become-a-member/member-benefits/crane-cu-scholarships/