| The average cost of a college education increases | | | | moving into a new apartment or house, there will likely |
| every year, and is expected to continue doing so in | | | | be deposits and other initial fees to begin utility services |
| coming years. However, the benefits of obtaining a | | | | such as electricity, water, cable and telephone, all in |
| college education far exceed the costs. An October | | | | addition to the deposit for leasing the residence. Speak |
| 26, 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report states that in | | | | with utility providers in advance to determine exactly |
| 2004, people with only a high school diploma had | | | | what fees you will owe and when. If needed, inquire |
| average annual earnings of $28,645, while adults with | | | | about payment options; some utility companies are |
| a bachelor's degree raked in an average of $51,554. | | | | willing to divide start up fees over a couple of months |
| With the prospect of significantly higher lifetime | | | | to make deposits more affordable. |
| earnings made possible by a college degree, it is easy | | | | -Your own upkeep. So you have allowed funds for |
| to see why so many Americans are willing to make | | | | food in your budget, great! But there are other costs |
| the investment despite the soaring cost of college. As | | | | associated with college living that many new students |
| students enter college and take the first step toward a | | | | neglect to consider, such as laundry. If you will be using |
| promising financial future, they are also faced with | | | | a common laundry facility, all those quarters can really |
| budgeting for the hidden fees and costs that will | | | | add up! Also consider the cost for items such as |
| inevitably arise. When it comes to funding a college | | | | toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razors, and any other |
| education, whether it is through a grant, student loan, or | | | | items that you will purchase on a regular basis. |
| income, paying tuition is just the beginning. Budgeting for | | | | -Entertainment. Let's face it-for most students, being in |
| these hidden costs will help you avoid financially | | | | college is not just about academics. As long as your |
| straining surprises along the way: | | | | other bases are covered, allow some room in your |
| -Textbooks and other necessary supplies. The price of | | | | budget for pleasure. Concerts, movies and other social |
| textbooks can be summed up in one word: expensive. | | | | temptations will inevitably arise, and allowing for them in |
| It is not uncommon for students to spend $400 and up | | | | your budget is a good way to avoid spending money |
| for the books they need for one semester, so failing to | | | | that is designated for something else, like food. |
| plan for such costs is a major mistake. Adding to the | | | | In college or not, being confronted with unexpected |
| cost, some classes require materials in addition to | | | | expenses is a part of life. The benefits of having an |
| textbooks, such as a portable memory drive, a specific | | | | emergency fund to which you contribute on a regular |
| calculator, art supplies and the like. These costs are of | | | | basis cannot be overemphasized. Smart financial |
| course in addition to the basics you will need to have | | | | decisions, such as developing a thorough budget that |
| on hand at all times-notebook paper, pens and pencils, | | | | accounts for hidden costs and saving for unexpected |
| notebooks and binders. | | | | expenses, will put you on track to enjoy the enduring |
| -Deposits and start up fees for services. If you are | | | | financial benefits that arise from a college education. |