For almost everyone, the cost of education is important. With your current income, how much can you spend on your education? How will that spending affect your everyday lifestyle and your family?
Selecting a School
When selecting a school, it is important to choose one whose tuition is within your financial means. Tuition is the cost of teaching or instruction by a school. Some schools will allow you to make monthly payments on your tuition, others require full payment upfront. Deposits and payment may be nonrefundable, or become less refundable over time, so be sure to read the tuition responsibility policies of your school carefully.
Publicly funded schools’ (SUNY or CUNY) tuition generally cost less, but there are usually fewer scholarships and other types of financial aid available. Privately funded schools (Non Profit or Proprietary) cost more, and there is usually more financial aid available. Beware that any private institution needs to be accredited in order for their diplomas and/or certificates to be valid and credits to be transferable.
Additional Costs of Education
In addition to tuition, there are many costs to consider; below are some typical, as well as unexpected, expenses.
- Books and Required Materials
You will need to pay for books and other required materials for each class. You can rent textbooks, but they must be returned in a timely manner and kept in good condition. You may also have to purchase other printed materials such as copies of articles, journal subscriptions, or workbooks. - Fees, fees, and more fees!
Many schools charge additional fees alongside tuition costs. Some of these are fees all students pay, but there are other fees for certain programs or classes, such as uniforms, goggles, dissecting kits, or laboratory fees that only certain students pay. Some fees may be optional–always check to make sure you’re not paying more than you should. - Parking
- Living Expenses
Housing, Food, Transportation, etc.