This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
You've made the choice to further your education. Congratulations!
Whether you're looking to complete a two-year diploma or a four-year degree, knowing the total cost of your post-secondary education will help you avoid surprises.
Tuition And Program Fees
Your specific program and school have a big impact on your costs.
Once you've made your decision, calculate your tuition and program fees by adding up:
Student tuition
Fees specific to your program
Compulsory fees for athletics, health, and student services
Did you know?
Textbooks, Equipment, And Supplies
For some courses, you may just need a textbook. For other courses, you might need special equipment and supplies.
Tally up the course specific items you may need:
Textbooks or registrations to publisher eBook portals
Computers, cameras, calculators or tools
Supplies and materials needed to complete projects
Some of your courses may have specific fees for field trips, co-ops, and internships.
Quiz
You quickly started to write a list of possible course specific costs. What would you include in the calculation?
Remember that course specific costs are needed to complete course requirements. While a laptop may be necessary, a second laptop meant solely for gaming is not required for the course. Also, pizza with classmates is a great way to socialize and build strong relationships, but it wouldn't be a requirement for the course.
Living Expenses
Are you planning to live at home or on campus?
Will you be living alone or with your parents, relatives, or partner?
Do you have any dependents?
These factors will impact your cost of living.
Start thinking about living expenses you'll need to pay:
Rent or mortgage
Groceries and eating out
Public transit, or fuel, car insurance, and parking
Personal care, clothing, and household expenses
Quiz
You're single with no dependents, and living with your parents, a few bus stops away from your school. What living expense will you most likely need to pay?
While all of these options are possible living expenses for someone attending post-secondary, the incorrect options are more likely for someone with dependents, living in their own home, and far enough away from the school to need a car to commute.
Take Action
Avoid unpleasant surprises by doing the math before you get your bill for post secondary.
Take some time this week to review the post-secondary education you want to take and begin calculating how much you may need each year.
Start by listing out items under the categories:
Tuition and program fees for the school you are looking to attend.
Textbooks, equipment, and supplies required for courses.
Living expenses you'll need to pay while completing your studies.
This Byte has been authored by
Bilge Arikan
Curriculum developer, technologist, trainer