<p>I'm applying to several colleges as an international. The most expensive is Carnegie Mellon. Their estimate is around 50k per year and they dont give aid to internationals, but I'd like some student opinions first.</p>
<p>What does the actual cost rise to? I'm no party animal or spend-thrift, but I'm not ultra-economical either.</p>
<p>Please reply as soon as you can guys, I'm considering ED as an option too.</p>
<p>All schools calculate "cost of attendance" differently. All include tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees, but after that it gets murky. Some include books, supplies, computer, transportation home, that sort of thing. Some don't. Hardly any include personal expenses (such as clothing, laundry, haircuts, cell phone, and entertainment) or fraternity/sorority fees, athletic expenses...</p>
<p>You really have to estimate a lot of this stuff yourself.</p>
<p>UCLA includes estimates for books, personal expenses, travel, and medical insurance in their total Cost of Attendance. We've found that these estimates are fairly high, and a frugal student (Ha!) can spend significantly less than the estimates.</p>
<p>DS, CMU class of '06. We and he discovered that the estimates are about correct if on takes the "standard" average. </p>
<p>There are some savings in 1) triple dorm room or less "desirable" living situation. He liked the triple living arrangement. Savings >$1000/yr. 2) Lowest meal plan in freshman year. No meal plan in other years and eating at the trucks or pay as you go. Even going out to other restuarants outside the area will save $. Savings >$1500/yr. 3) Books are shared, bought used especially at end of term for next year or term. resale most of textbooks immediately after using. Savings >$250. 4) Use public transportation for all purposes.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice guys!</p>