With rising tuition rates, the cost of attending college might be more than what many students and parents anticipated when they began saving for a college education. But for a lot of families, tuition is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many expenses that come with being a college student (or the parent of one) that can add up and cost much more than anticipated. According to the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing report from 2011 to ’12, tuition and fees account for only 38% of the total expense budget for in-state students enrolled in public four-year institutions. The number falls to 19% of the total cost for full-time community-college students not living with their parents. (MORE: You’re Spoiling the Kids! When Parents Disagree on Spending) Holiday breaks are a good time to sit down with your finances and re-evaluate the true costs of college. If you’re a parent providing most of your child’s college funding and spending money, have a conversation about his or her money management. Consider examining bank and credit-card statements to understand if your (or your child’s) finances are on track, or if you’re spending more than you thought on incidentals. Here are some less obvious but common — and pricey — expenses to watch for: Books and media: According to the College Board, the average annual cost of books for a college student ranges from $850 to $1,000. This is one item you shouldn’t skimp on. To save money, buy used textbooks (even cheaper used books can be found online vs. in the bookstore) or use library resources. If books cost more than you expected, revise the textbook budget for future semesters accordingly. Class and parking fees: Some classes — like art or chemistry — charge fees for materials and studio or lab use. Know in advance which classes come with additional fees and plan for them so you aren’t blindsided. Also, many schools or cities charge for parking on or near campus, so find out how much a parking pass costs. Having fun: Campus life often … Continue reading The 12 Hidden College Expenses