You've calculated tuition costs, figured in room, board and books. You've even checked out scholarships and grants, filled out the FAFSA and budgeted for day-to-day expenses like groceries and laundry money. You've covered all your financial bases.
Yet even with careful planning, you may encounter college costs that take you by surprise. These costs crop up in the form of "miscellaneous fees" charged by your school for services or as penalties. Some colleges and universities provide lists of these fees on their Web sites. More often students learn of these fees only after they have incurred them.
Here are some fees to be aware of:
Application and admission: These fees don't just apply when you enter school as a college freshman. You may find them added to your tuition statement or sent as a separate bill if you take a leave of absence or even if you transfer to another "school" (e.g. from School of Speech to Journalism School) within your college or university.
Course materials / laboratory use: You might assume that these fees would be built into tuition, but frequently materials-intensive classes (ranging from art to engineering) will saddle you with additional required costs.
Card replacement: Hang onto your student ID and meal card to avoid paying replacement fees (usually $15-$20).
Late tuition payment: Penalties for late payment are stiff, generally ranging from $50 to $100.
Service fees for cancellation, adding / dropping classes and late or changing registration: A little preparation can mean significant savings in change of registration fees. If you like to "shop around" for classes, do so the semester before you plan to register.
Official documents: Just because you've completed coursework, don't think you'll get those records for free! Transcripts, diplomas and "good student" auto insurance certification all come at a price.
Missed student health appointments: Many schools charge for missed appointments with health services. It pays to call ahead.
Degree candidacy / degree processing / thesis and dissertation filing: These fees generally apply to graduate students, although special undergraduate programs may charge them as well.
Returned checks: Don't bounce checks to your school! Not only will your bank charge you, the school may also charge you as much as $60.
Dorm damage: Just like a landlord, your school reserves the right to bill you for wear and tear to its housing facilities for anything ranging from broken fixtures to adhesive tape left on the walls.
How can you get advance warning of these hidden costs? Some fees are automatic — practically every school will charge you for late tuition payments, card replacements and returned checks. Your best bet for dealing with these sorts of fees is to call the appropriate office in advance and explain your special case (e.g. if you need a replacement card because your wallet was stolen). Many offices will make allowances for extenuating circumstances.
To find out more about course material fees, try calling the department offering the courses. You will probably still have to pay the added fees, but you'll at least get some advance warning so you can adjust your budget accordingly. You might also be able to get some of the necessary materials at a discount or secondhand.
For general service and official document fees, call either your registrar's office or your bursar's office to request a complete list of fees.
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