Despite all the grumbling about tuition increases and student loan costs, other college expenses also are going up.
The price of housing and food trumps tuition costs for students who attend two- and four-year public universities in their home states, according to a College Board survey. Even with the lower interest rates on student loans that President Barack Obama signed into law, students are eyeing bills that are growing on just about every line.
A look at typical college students’ budgets last year and how they’re changing:
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The public two-year schools charged in-state students an average $3,131 last year, up almost 6 percent from the previous year. While the tuition hike was larger than at other types of schools, students at community colleges saw the smallest increase in room and board costs a 1 percent increase to $7,419. Total charges for students to attend an in-state public two-year school: $10,550.
Tuition and fees at community colleges are up 24 percent beyond overall inflation over the past five years, according to the College Board.
PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS
