Current students: Have you ever had trouble paying for extracurriculars? Does your university have resources to help with the cost?
Prospective students: Are you worried about the cost of extracurriculars?
How do you define extracurriculars?
At D’s private school, if it’s offered by the school, it’s pretty much paid for by the school. The clubs, sports, singing groups… they all get funding from the school and if they need more, they fundraise. D has never had to pay for anything in regards to school extracurriculars outside like, having a black dress for her singing group. She’s even had some travel performances that cost her nothing.
I do know they have resources for low-income students. Qualifying students will be reimbursed for up to 4 off-campus culture events… festivals, concerts, productions, etc.
Of course, there are fees for the sororities and frats with lots of additional costs for outings and such. I don’t think that’s unusual though.
In general, I think you’ll find that no, universities themselves don’t subsidize the cost of extracurriculars. Sometimes you can join a club, for instance on my campus the English department has a popular club, but you will not be able to attend every event. Potluck dinner and poetry at the chair’s house? You’re in. Trip to the Guthrie? Not unless you can buy your ticket and pay your share of the room.
What ECs are you talking about?
If you are talking about horseback riding…no the school isn’t going to pay for,your horse to be boarded, and for your riding lessons.
If you are talking about playing in an orchestra…maybe. My kid’s school gave her free instrument lessons and $750 a year as long as she continued to play in the orchestra.
So…what ECs do you mean?
D’s school clubs (if that’s what you mean by ECs) are all free (r maybe better to say “included”) and all have expenses covered. Her school may be unusually generous in that way, such that the outing club includes skiing, yay, but also gear for those who don’t have gear. The orientation camping trip offered sleeping bags for those who needed them and the trips themselves were free, etc.