<p>So I am transferring to UT Austin and potentially looking at another 2.5 to 3 years there. I have about $25,000 of my own money saved up for personal funding. My parents won't help (much, less than $400 per semester projected). I just have to ask, how tough is it going to be to pay for school? For those of you actually in the school, are cost calculators accurate for giving a good idea? I know it depends on major. Let's just say natural sciences or engineering. Just an example.</p>
<p>I have perfect (college and high school) grades and a few shining accomplishments. (Not many though). I probably will not get much scholarship money to UT Austin. Do I have a fighting shot at affording college or am I probably still going to come out of UT Austin with around $50,000 in student loan debt?</p>
<p>Are you out of state?</p>
<p>As a student that was in the College of Natural Sciences this past year, the total cost of being at UT was closer to $20,000-$22,000 for the year (compared to the $26,000-$27,000 that I think some cost calculators/COA estimates indicate). Tuition was close to $10,000, while living on-campus cost me just a little under $9,000. The additional costs (groceries, books, personal items, etc.) added no more than $2,000, IMO. It could be slightly higher or much lower for me, and this would vary from person to person as well. </p>
<p>Living on-campus is definitely going up, though, as well as tuition, so perhaps $21,000-$23,000 is closer to incoming students. In general, I think engineering is supposed to be more expensive, but I’m not sure - don’t quote me on that. </p>
<p>It’s cheaper to live off campus, but perhaps not by much low. It is about $6000 a year ($500 a month). Mostly you will have to live in place where you lease a room. Books on average cost between $500-$1,000 a semester, food and other expenses low balling at about $3000 a year (internet, cell phone, meal plans toiletries etc.). This including tuition is roughly, but on the low end about $20,000 a year for all expenses. A part time job will take care of $5,000. So you will need to pay for three years: $60,000 less the $15,000 from work and less $25,000 you bring to the table would mean a student loan of about $20,000 for the entire three years. </p>