Each college costs a certain amount for a student to attend. This cost is usually listed in the school's catalogue and is referred to as the 'cost of education' or the 'student budget'. In a traditional two or four-year program you most likely will not be expected to pay the lump sum of an entire school year's tuition up front at the beginning of the first semester. Instead, you will pay the tuition in chunks before the start of each semester or term. For schools that offer programs that last only a year or shorter, you may be expected to pay the entire bill when you first enter.
Some schools provide dormitory living, while others are strictly commuter schools.
Students may choose to live on campus, live at home or get an apartment nearby. Students who live in campus residence halls are usually required to purchase a meal plan from the college. Commuter students may also choose to eat in the school's dining halls or may buy food and cook their own meals. The cost of books and supplies will also vary depending on what courses or major you are enrolled in. You may be able to cut back on costs by checking the school's bookstore for used books or looking on campus bulletin boards for students selling their books that they used in a previous semester.