<p>Ah, this financial aid stuff is really confusing. If anyone could help me out and answer some of my questions, I’d really appreciate it.</p>
<li><p>The amount of total expenses for the 05-06 school year is $45,817, which includes Books, Transportation, and Personal/Miscellaneous expenses. Will we have some kind of account where we can withdraw money to cover these expenses? So if I needed money for, let’s say, laundry… where/how would I get it?</p></li>
<li><p>Will the cost of my flight to California for orientation be covered?</p></li>
<li><p>Does the student contribution have to be paid all at the beginning of the school year or by quarter?</p></li>
<li><p>Is Cardinal Care included in financial aid, or will my parents have to pay for that separately? What happens if someone cannot afford to pay $500+ a quarter for health insurance?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry for all my questions! Thanks in advance. :)</p>
<p>If they told you expected total cost (For your freshman year) is 45,817 , then that includes everything and that means EVERYTHING. </p>
<p>From FAFSA, CSS, and whatever additional info you give them , they'll come up with an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) which is how much you are expected to pay. This number is substracted from 45,817 and there you have it. That's the amount of aid you're gonna get (loans, grants, etc.)</p>
<p>Hmmm... so it really does cover everything?</p>
<p>I still don't know anything about how financial aid works when I actually get to Stanford though. Can anyone answer my specific questions about flight costs/health care?</p>
<p>I asked the financial aid office and they told me that travel expenses are almost always included in your family contribution. You should call or send an email to the fao though. They will be more than happy to answer</p>