<p>I just ran across this article that talks about some of the additional fees colleges tack on in the form of late charges, fines, etc.:
<a href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cheap/20050209a1.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cheap/20050209a1.asp</a></p>
<p>It's just something to keep in mind.</p>
<p>So, what's new about this? My insurer tacks on a late fee if I don't pay. So does my town for property tax. </p>
<p>There are, of course, some things to watch out for, such as health insurance fees. We were on the back end of proof of health insurance for my D this fall, so the initial bill had the health insurance fee on it. I called, though, and was told they had the proof, so no need to pay it. And, in the next statement, there was a credit. Their own materials sent to us were pretty clear about the deadline for proof of other insurance, and it was a generous deadline.</p>
<p>Rather than look accusingly at unis for trying to gouge us, we should spend the time carefully reading the stuff they send us, noting requirements and deadlines. We should also carefully read the material on college websites about budgets, technology fees, computer fees etc., to avoid being surprised.</p>
<p>Unis are a big business. And like any business, they know that misunderstandings and mistakes over costs, billing and other issues are expensive to rectify. They do try to spell this stuff out. We just don't always pay attention.</p>
<p>Rather than criticize, I think we should be thankful they've not offshored their customer service (registrar) function. At least the people we deal with are, by and large, competent.</p>
<p>Good point. Caveat emptor.</p>
<p>I do think, however, that it's healthy to consider all costs, even some that colleges don't necessarily emphasize. One area that we're very familiar with is costs of books, supplies, and (in some cases) tools. Many colleges willcome up with overall cost estimates to include such things. We found, however, that for our daughter's attendance at art school in addition to the lab fees (which were certainly well posted) there were about $200-$300 in costs per month on supplies and tools, plus a computer (and its upkeep).</p>
<p>Keep in mind also that some classes may also require an extra fee - and that info may not be in the catalog - so make sure to check the resources - I realize that for the art classes this is very common - so being prepared and researching this is very important. </p>
<p>Many schools will add health service fees - when a student uses the student health center to your bill also - which are usually geared down from other health care facilities/care not covered by one's insurance.</p>
<p>Parking tickets - from the school can be added to ones bill also - make sure your kids car gets parked where it is supposed to be or there will be consequences to pay - and towing is a seperate charge from the towing company - and they usually want cash - no checks/credit cards - usually.</p>
<p>One good thing to ask of the financial aid office is - what is the years budget for your student - it is the tuition/fees/room/board/spending allowances, etc..... This is a good indicator/reality check also of some of the possible extra costs involved.</p>