Actual Tuition Cost for Attending College

Don't forget all the incidentals when figuring the cost of attendance

When your child is still young and you're trying to save for their college education, you're probably focused mostly - or possibly exclusively - on two large-ticket items: tuition cost and fees for their housing and food expenses, either on-campus or off-campus.

And why not? Those categories comprise by far the largest portion of your child's post-secondary educational expenses. But many families are also surprised by how much they must spend on incidental - but nevertheless essential - items.

You should know that the federal government has a rigorous formula when it comes to calculating your Expected Family Contribution. It requires each accredited institution to provide a cost-of-attendance budget each year, which can serve as a starting point for estimating your family's costs.

Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Stafford Loans, covered costs are limited to:

• College tuition cost and fees
• On-campus room and board
• Books
• Supplies
• Miscellaneous expenses

Stafford Loans can also cover the following expenses:

• Travel expenses
• Child care, if applicable
• Costs related to handicapped students

Remember that, depending on the needs and preferences of your child, you may encounter other categories of expenses that must be accounted for such as lab fees or trips home.

Learn more about affordable Citizens Bank student loans for tuition costs

You can find helpful information about affordable Citizens Bank TruFit Student Loan™ to cover university cost of attendance. If you still have questions, check out our student financing resources or call a student loan specialist at 1-800-708-6684, and we'll help walk you through the process.