<p>I've been heard that it's a lot more than 55k/yr which is the number posted on CMU's website. They said it would be around 60k or even more excluding pocket money. Is that true? I really don't want to go there and have to drop off because of the money problem.</p>
<p>PS How much can I make it up on my own if I hold a on-campus job, or even two?</p>
<p>Its 60k. Im on heavy financial aid so i dont have to pay a dime out of pocket(I have loans for housing and food). The 60k is probably everything all-inclusive. Honestly, its worth it if you get some kind of aid. A lot of jobs here give preference to work study. However, all other jobs tend to cap off at $2,500 a semester. There are many jobs that are not sponsored by the university off campus, and I always see help wanted signs.</p>
<p>-metalforever</p>
<p>Most of the campus jobs, if you are a good employee, will hire you on university money after you’ve already exceeded your 2600 dollars of work-study allocation. I work in the robotics institute as a web content admin and was paid $12/hr for as many hours as I wanted to work per week. I ran out of work study money so they’ve switched me over to university pay now. The job lets me afford books, art supplies (hobby), clothing, and even the occasional dinner out without having to worry about troubling my parents for money. Some weeks I’ve worked up to 15 hours and since work-study money is largely untaxed, I make about $175 on weeks like that. </p>
<p>Also, a lot of the estimates they give you can change. For example, I forget what the estimated cost for textbooks was, but it was something like $500 last year-- but I only ended up having to actually buy three of my books; the rest I could borrow from floormates. I spent closer to $200.</p>
<p>This is what is termed “personal expenses” and is entirely unrelated to which college you attend - although the estimates do appear larger in urban schools.</p>
<p>You should assume as a freshman you’re on a meal plan-- so, extra coffee, a movie, nice restaurant once in a while plus toiletries, some fun clothes, etc…
As little as $ 10 a week and as high as $50-60 a week if you go out alot to off campus urban events (theatre sports, etc.).</p>
<p>Books are a separate budget-- $400-700 per semester-- depends on if you buy it used online or pay full price at the bookstore…(don’t!!).</p>
<p>I do not see how / why anyone would need $5000 more per year for expenses-- but if you like to have an elaborate spring bring - i guess so. Can you take me with you !</p>
<p>Both years my D has been at CMU - personal expenses have run about the what is already included in the CMU Cost of Attendance budget. We consider her travel home a sunk cost not included it that budget.</p>
<p>Kate- how do you have time to put in so much time at a job?</p>
<p>I organized my classes in such a way this semester that I only had class m/w/f. no class t/th whatsoever.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is if you are a fall 2010 entrant living on campus the estimated cost is $55,286. Tuition is $41,500 USD</p>
<p>Now, you have to remember that CMU estimates the following:</p>
<p>Room & Fees 6,300<br>
Dining 4,450<br>
Books & Supplies 1,000<br>
Personal/Misc 1,400 </p>
<p>These are rather generous (though some go over). I don’t really see how 60k is justified though, considering the CMU estimate already covers just about everything. Back when I was a freshman I heard that the average aid package was $25k, not sure what it is now. If you have a car then I guess 60k would be accurate.</p>
<p>the official CMU page with this info is here:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.cmu.edu/hub/sa/sa_tuition.html[/url]”>http://www.cmu.edu/hub/sa/sa_tuition.html</a></p>
<p>1st year you’ll have more expenses but shouldn’t exceed the expected CMU’s COA.
You can save considerable amount of $$ if you take the lowest meal plan, avoid purchasing snacks at the counter, and taking a triple or quad room plan. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th years are less expensive because you should be scavenging from the leaving seniors. </p>
<p>Get over any inhibitions. Minimize you footprint. everyone passes gas and picks their nose. DS avoided the movie charge by joining the club that sponsors movie night (he served the popcorn) . Breakfast was a granola bar bought in bulk from Costco. Had some picnics from the Fringe Club. Got a few diners from the Dean. The object is have fun, cheaply because you’ll need that same skill on your first job, when you get married, and for each child’s birth. </p>
<p>Do not buy the fastest, the best, computer. Do not buy a printer.</p>
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<p>Child’s birth? lol, not sure how many of us want to think about that :D</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips you guys. They are soooo great!</p>