There are 5 factors in finding out how much a college education will cost Tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation expenses. Every student or parent will have to pay tuition and fees to receive instruction at any college, tuition and fees at a community college are considerably lower to students that are residents of the state, some charge more if you’re from out of state. Room and board refers to the cost of living at school, room is housing and the board is what it will cost to eat. At 4 year colleges offer on campus living that is less expensive, and off campus living is an apartment that doesn’t include what you eat. In rooming house the meal are often provided and is another inexpensive way to live. Plus 2 year colleges do not offer on campus living. Books and supplies in college are bought buy the student, it’s not high school where the books are giving to you and you give them back at the end of the school year. Prices of books depend on what classes you are taking and how many classes you have. Supplies would be paper, pens, laptop computer, the supplies you need will vary also, like if you were taking a math class you would probably need a calculator. Personal expenses would be to do your laundry, buy clothing, recreational stuff, medical care and insurance. Personal expense would also include trip home if you were living on campus, and if you were to eat out. Transportation expenses would included trips for your sports activities if you didn’t take the bus, and again your trips home to see your family. College is expensive but well worth it in the long run, especially if you pick the right classes to get you into a career of your choosing, so make the right choice and get the college education that will get you on the right path.