1bassoon Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Here's a question for those more experienced than I am. . . . As we're filling out scholarship applications, many outside scholarships ask for a $$ amount for books and then for "travel". So - who can help with these questions? 1) Our college of choice doesn't have a published estimate for books; they recommended I call the bookstore. What have you found for costs? I know it can vary widely, I just have NO idea. 2) As far as "travel" - if she's living at home - the college is 18 miles round trip. The IRS allowance is .50 per mile - but that seems high. Any suggestions for what figure to put in for this? Thanks for the help. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I would estimate at least $500 per semester for books. This may be high for some students, but if your daughter is taking a science class, the text and lab manual can run over $200! Granted, this is occasionally amortized over two semesters, but there is no guarantee. My son spent $440 this semester on his books--despite using the same books as last semester in a sequential class. Another thing: will your daughter take a math class? Some schools require that students buy a particular calculator. Can't help you with the transportation estimate, but do you need to include a parking pass? One of my son's friends said that she was paying several hundred dollars a year for permission to park on the outer perimeter of campus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1bassoon Posted February 3, 2011 Author Share Posted February 3, 2011 Thanks, Jane - that's a start. When we're at campus this weekend, I can ask about the parking pass. Hadn't thought of that one! Just gotta figure out the gas to get to/from campus, then I think we're in business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Yes - factor in costs of having a car (parking, gas, repairs, insurance - NOT the cost of a new car ;-)) as the travel cost. And about $500 per term for books/class supplies sounds right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
April in CA Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Don't forget about the ubiquitous fees! There are fees for just about everything - labs, gym access, all kinds of things. These can add up to several hundred dollars per semester! My freshman son was blessed with a $1000 per semester scholarship which he can use for books and fees, since his tuition is covered by a different scholarship. DS spent around $700 or so on books first semester (expensive science and math books, some of which are used for 2 semesters) and around $400 this semester. The rest of his scholarship money was spent on those pesky fees! Good job thinking about parking expenses - those things add up quick! Blessings, April Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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