At a Glance…Education Costs
- Tuition
- Ancillary fees
- Books and Supplies
- Housing
- Food
- Utilities
- Medical/Dental/Optical
- Transportation
- Personal / Entertainment
- In conclusion Thinking about going to college or university, but aren’t sure what it costs? It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure because there are so many variables involved, but to help estimate the total, first identify your expenses. This will give you a better sense of the total cost of a college or university education.
Tuition
Tuition fees depend on the type of academic institution (university or college), the location of the institution, the number of classes you are taking, and the faculty and program you are enrolled in. For example, engineering faculties have one of the highest tuition fees, and certain programs, such as co-operative education programs, can have additional costs. In 2007-2008 the average tuition fees for full-time undergraduate students in university was $4,524.
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Average Undergraduate Tuition Fees for Canadian Full-time Students in University (2007-2008)
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British Columbia
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$4,855
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Alberta
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$4,964
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Saskatchewan
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$4,774
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Manitoba
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$3,384
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Ontario
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$5,381
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Quebec
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$2,025 *
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New Brunswick
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$5,733
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Nova Scotia
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$5,878 *
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Prince Edward Island
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$4,440
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Newfoundland and Labrador
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$2,633
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Ancillary fees
In addition to tuition, students have to pay additional compulsory fees covering fees for athletic services, the undergraduate students’ society, a bus pass, health and dental coverage, campus newspaper and radio, and/or other services. In 2007-2008, the average ancillary fees for full-time undergraduate students were $663. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island had the highest ancillary fees (at $882 and $737), while Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick had the lowest (at $490, $476 and $331).
Books and supplies
The cost of textbooks depends on the program you are in and how many courses you are taking. Textbooks tend to be very expensive, especially if a new edition has recently been published, but there ways to save. University bookstores sell used copies of some books at a reduced rate, and you can also look for used copies at second-hand stores. Try borrowing books from a friend who has taken the same course, or order them online (just check your book list to make sure you have the same edition that your professor requested). At the end of the term (or sometimes year round), university bookstores buyback certain textbooks that they will later resell, and buyback quotes are often available on their websites.
Housing
When it comes to housing, you have lots of options. You can pay a little or a lot depending on what kind of housing you choose. The most affordable and convenient option is often living at home where you can save money on rent, utilities, phone and internet charges, and other expenses. This can be great if you’re attending university in your hometown, but chances are you might be relocating to another city.
Many students opt to live on campus during their first year. University dormitories have private or shared rooms with shared bathrooms, common areas (like lounges on each floor), and cafeterias/dining halls for meals. Many universities also offer apartment or townhouse-style housing with full-kitchens and are often designed for three or four residents per unit. Living on campus is convenient but can also be quite expensive.
If you’re considering off campus accommodation, you can live on your own in an apartment or basement suite, with others in shared accommodation (apartment / house), or as a boarder in someone’s house. The best way to save money on housing is to have roommates/flatmates/housemates. When rent is divided, it becomes much more affordable. Check the website of the university you plan to attend for an off campus housing guide (directories that help you search for available accommodation online). The earlier you start your search, the better chance you will have finding decent and affordable housing.
Food
If you plan to live in residence, you’ll be required to purchase a mandatory meal plan for residence eating establishments. Often these come in different types to best suit your lifestyle; you may want a full meal plan or a smaller plan (if you’re a light eater, or plan go home a lot, or provide some of your own meals). Because you are paying for someone to buy groceries, prepare your meals and clean up, the cost of the meal plan can be quite high.
If you are cooking your own meals, there are some ways to reduce your food budget. Shop at grocery stores (not at more expensive corner/convenient stores), stock up when non-perishable items are on sale, buy fresh fruit and vegetables at local markets, especially when they’re in season, purchase certain items (like pasta and rice) in bulk, buy large packages of meat and freeze smaller portions, and always compare prices! Keep in mind that eating out is expensive and buying prepared food can be pricey, so learn to cook some basic meals before leaving home.
Utilities
Utilities include heat, electricity, water, phone, internet and cable. If you’re living on campus, you won’t have to worry about most of the utilities – they will already be included in your housing fee. Most residences provide basic phone lines (for local calls) and cable internet. If you plan on making long-distance phone calls, calling cards are a good option and are often less expensive than long distance phone plans.
If you plan to live off campus, some of your utilities may or may not be included in your rent depending on the individual lease. Most off campus housing is set up for cable internet, but you will need to get an internet provider. Find out what internet providers are in your area by looking online or in the phonebook, compare prices for residential internet service, and contact the provider that best suits your needs.
Medical/Dental/Optical
Universities usually provide health and dental insurance for all students and include the fee in ancillary fees. If you are already covered under your parents’ health and/or dental plan, you can provide proof of your coverage at the university and opt out of the student plan. The cost of the insurance will then be reimbursed to you.
Transportation
If you own a car, you will need to budget more for your transportation costs. Keep track of how much you spend on gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. Find out how much campus parking costs by searching the university or college website. Consider if you will have to pay for a parking space at your student accommodation and how often you will be travelling home in order to determine your transportation costs.
If you don’t own a car, find out if a bus pass is included in the school’s ancillary fees. Depending on the location of your student accommodation, you may or may not be able to walk to campus. Contact the local bus service to find out how much a bus pass or bus tickets cost.
Personal / Entertainment
Personal costs include things like clothing, haircuts, and gifts, while entertainment can be things like movie tickets and video games. What your personal items and entertainment costs are and how much you spend on them is based on the individual. Think about what you like to do in your spare time and include a realistic estimate in your budget for these expenses.
Take Away Tips…Education Costs
Plan ahead – fixed costs. When you are investigating the school and programs you are interested in, create a list or spreadsheet to write down the fixed costs of tuition, ancillary fees, books and supplies. Capture this information at the initial stages to help evaluate your options.
A roof over your head – living expenses. Where you decide to live will have a big impact on the total cost of post-secondary education. Create spreadsheet of each housing option and identify the main expenses relating to shelter, food and transportation.
The extras. Things like entertainment, clothing and electronic equipment are the most varied (and controllable) expenses. Keep track of all your current personal expenditures for a month to see where you are spending your money and identify the luxury items that can be eliminated or cut back on.
