If you or a family member plan to attend college in the future, it can help to prepare for college expenses early. This approach allows you to estimate how much you may need to save and set a realistic budget. To prepare for the total cost of college, here are some common expenses to consider.
1. Tuition
Tuition is often one of the largest college expenses. For the 2025–2026 school year, average tuition and fees are:
| School Type | Average Tuition and Fees1 |
|---|---|
| Public four-year, in-state | $11,950 |
| Public four-year, out-of-state | $31,880 |
| Private four-year | $45,000 |
When building your budget, keep in mind that tuition tends to rise over time, and some students take more than four years to graduate.
2. Room & Board
The College Board estimates that 2025–2026 room and board costs are $10,850 at public two-year in-district schools, $13,900 at public four-year schools, and $15,920 at private nonprofit four-year schools.2 Room and board usually includes housing, utilities, and food.
There are also personal expenses to consider, such as clothing, laundry, toiletries, and entertainment. For 2025–2026, students were estimated to spend an average of $2,680 at public two-year in-district commuter schools, $2,430 at public four-year on-campus schools, and $2,020 at private nonprofit four-year on-campus schools for these additional costs.2
3. Transportation
Think about how you or your family member will travel to school. This may include flights, train or bus tickets, or gas for your vehicle, especially if the school is far from home.
Students who bring a car to campus must budget for car payments, gas, insurance, and parking. Those who live near campus may spend less by walking, biking, or using campus transportation.
The College Board reports that average transportation budgets for 2025–2026 are:
| School Type | Average Transportation Budget2 |
|---|---|
| Public two-year, in-district commuter | $2,070 |
| Public four-year, on campus | $1,380 |
| Private nonprofit four-year | $1,190 |
4. Textbooks
Most classes require textbooks. The College Board estimates that students attending a public four-year in-state university will spend more than $1,330 per year on books and supplies, including notebooks, binders, pens, and lab materials.2 Students may reduce costs by renting or purchasing used textbooks when possible.
5. Electronics & Equipment
A laptop can support coursework and reduce trips to the computer lab. Some students may also need a printer.
Dorm room items may include:
- Lamps
- Microwave
- Mini refrigerator
- Sheets and towels
- Small furniture
Spending is often higher in the first year, with lower replacement or repair costs later. In 2025, families spent an average of about $1,325.85 on these items.3
6. Summer Storage & Moving
On-campus students often need to move out when dorms close between school years. Renting a moving truck and purchasing packing supplies can cost several hundred dollars.4 Depending on your situation, you may also need to rent storage space during the summer, which adds another expense.
7. School & Club Fees
Colleges may charge additional fees beyond tuition to support:
- Student centers
- Campus gyms
- Clubs
- Other campus facilities
Students who join sports leagues or Greek organizations may also pay membership dues.5
8. Study Abroad & Vacations
Studying abroad can add to the college experience, but it also comes with added costs. According to GoAbroad, the average cost is about $14,295 per semester.6 Costs vary by country, and programs in some regions may cost less than those in others.
You may also want to account for spring break or summer travel when building your savings plan.
Preparing for the Future
To help cover qualified education expenses, you might consider setting aside money in a 529 college savings plan. These accounts allow contributions that have the potential to grow, though growth is not guaranteed and investments may lose value. Earnings may grow tax-deferred, and you may not owe federal or state taxes on distributions used for qualified education expenses.
For more information about preparing for college costs and creating a budget, consider speaking with a registered representative to review your options.
Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing in a 529 savings plan. This and other important information is contained in the issuer’s Program Description, which can be obtained from a financial professional. The Program Description should be read carefully before investing.
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Sources
- Highlights: Trends in College Pricing. https://research.collegeboard.org/trends/college-pricing/highlights.
- Trends in College Pricing 2025 - page 11. https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2025-final_1.pdf.
- Back-to-School Season Begins Early for Majority of Shoppers. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/back-to-school-season-begins-early-for-majority-of-shoppers.
- How Much Does Moving Away to College Cost? https://www.collegeboxes.com/how-much-does-moving-away-to-college-cost/.
- How Much Do Sororities and Fraternities Cost? Registration Fees & Membership Costs for 2026. https://research.com/education/how-much-do-sororities-and-fraternities-cost.
- The Average Cost of Study Abroad Programs Around the World - A Study. https://www.goabroad.com/articles/study-abroad/average-cost-study-abroad-programs.
