<p>According to Estimated Semester Budget , non-tuition costs at Alabama are about $6,875 per semester, or $13,750 per year. Subtracting an additional $2,500 gives $11,250 per year.</p>
<p>Yes…but those costs are padded for a few reasons…</p>
<p>1) to include the priciest dorms (which are about $3500k higher than standard doubles.)</p>
<p>2) All you can eat meal plan which is only req’d for frosh year.</p>
<p>3) highish travel and personal expenses budget.</p>
<p>Bama did this so people could do Plus or whatever to get the pricier dorm/meal plans if they wanted.</p>
<p>With a standard double the cost is much lower, and after frosh year, you’re not even req’d to have a meal plan. Or you can select a smaller one.</p>
<p>OP</p>
<p>First of all – you should be thankful that your parents are being honest with you on the finances. If there is a financial constraint it’s much better that you know this now, rather than apply only to find that you can’t go to the school you had your heart set on and were accepted at.</p>
<p>Before I considered CC, I would find out what your EFC is at various colleges. If your family income is less than $100,000, you may find yourself eligible for significant need-based aid at many schools.</p>
<p>Otherwise – recognizing that ABET accreditation is a standard for engineering schools. I still believe that there is significant value to graduating from a name school. I fully and completely recognize that the data on this subject is murky at best, but nonetheless would recommend going to the best school you can afford.</p>