Hey there! I'm a junior thinking about CSUDH for my next step, and would appreciate some help understanding the overall cost. Besides tuition, what should I be budgeting for? Dorms, meal plans, textbooks, travel? Any hidden costs I should know about? Thanks for any help you can provide!
Great question! Understanding the full picture of college costs is crucial. At California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), tuition for an in-state student was around $7,450 annually in 2024. However, remember that's just tuition.
Dorms are another significant expense to consider. Cost for university housing can vary depending on the type of room you choose but as of 2024-2025, it generally ranges from $5,100 to $11,500 per academic year.
Meal plans will also be a requirement if you live on campus. CSUDH offers a variety of meal plans to cater to different appetites and schedules. As of 2024-2025, the cost of these meal plans ranged from about $3,600 to $5,000 per academic year.
Textbooks can be another major expense. While this can vary greatly depending on your major and specific classes, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000 per year on books and supplies.
Travel costs will depend on your personal situation. If you're commuting from home, you'll need to consider daily travel expenses. If you're living on campus but plan to visit home occasionally, factor in those travel costs.
Don’t forget personal expenses! Costs for laundry, toiletries, and miscellaneous items can add up. Similarly, if you have a car, remember to account for insurance, gas, and maintenance costs.
Lastly, keep in mind that tuition can increase over time, and additional fees can add to your total cost. Some potential hidden costs might include a health fee, technology fee, student service fee, and others.
Remember to fill out your FAFSA as this can not only help with tuition but sometimes with room and board as well. Make sure to use CSUDH's net price calculator (https://www.csudh.edu/Assets/csudh-sites/financial-aid/docs/netprice/npcalc.htm) for a better estimate of what you might pay, factoring in financial aid.
Getting a comprehensive understanding of all the potential costs can better prepare you for what to expect financially. Good luck on your college journey!
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