If finances are tight, it’s worth exploring these details with the specific schools you’re interested in. There is probably a bit of a range in how many additional expenses there might be. Every admissions office can give you a quick answer to expected costs.
I’ll share our experience at a “no surprises” “all-inclusive resort” school.
Tuition covered everything essential except books, school supplies, and a reasonable fee for private music lessons. All activities were free to every student (some were limited to first-come, first served sign ups). All transportation costs (to events, and airports), athletic equipment, etc was provided. Even yearbooks, team jackets, stuff like that was free. I can’t emphasize enough how many fantastic trips, parties, and events were included, so nobody was ever left out (cost was never an issue, never a barrier; and nobody knew who had money or not).
Healthcare: schools will require you buy their health insurance, or document proof of your own policy that covers care in their state. Any medical care will be your responsibility (simple nurse visits at the school infirmary are free, of course… i’m talking about any off-campus doctor visits, any medications).
Spending account: Books, school supplies, donations to optional charity events were all withdrawn from a student spending account. You could set up a cash allowance from that, and have it auto-load when low if you wanted, if your kid likes to go off campus for restaurant meals, or do a little shopping. The school tried very hard to keep textbook costs down, my kids didn’t eat off campus much (and the team or teachers often picked up the tab), and they weren’t big shoppers. Total costs for all that might have averaged $300/year (not including the private music lessons).
We did provide a nice laptop computer, a $100 scientific calculator (TI-84 Plus for life!), a cell phone, clothing, and some optional dorm furnishings.
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