Comparing College Costs

Trying to nail down my college shortlist, and Saint Edward's University is definitely on it. Can any current student or alumni break down the tuition for me, please? Any hidden costs I should know about?

Saint Edward's University's published cost of tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $50,500. That's for full-time undergraduate students taking 12-18 credit hours per semester.

Now, this is just the cost of tuition and general student fees. There are additional costs related to your room and board, which depends on your choice of housing and meal plan. For example, typical room and board costs average around $14,000 per year.

Books and supplies are another point to consider. The cost can vary widely based on your major and the type of classes you're taking, but a safe estimate would be around $1,000 per year.

So, when you add tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies, the total cost of attendance can exceed $60,000 per year.

However, remember that most students do not pay the full sticker price. Saint Edward’s University offers a range of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. The university reports that about 80% of its undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, so don't be discouraged by the initial numbers. Ensure to fill out your FAFSA to see the financial aid package you may be eligible for.

As for hidden costs, these might include transportation (if you're not from the region), personal expenses, study abroad fees (if you decide to take advantage of those opportunities), and any specific fees tied to your major (like lab fees for science courses).

It can be helpful to create a budgeting plan for college that includes not only tuition fees and housing, but also textbooks, travel, and personal expenses, to ensure that you're fully prepared for the overall cost of college.