The area of personal expenses varies the most from one student to the next. It's also where many students overspend. You know your own children. Your family's health insurance plan may stop covering your children when they reach age 19. You may choose to pay an extra premium on your family plan to keep your kids on the policy, or your child can get student insurance through the college.
Some courses have lab fees or other extra expenses.
Call individual academic departments for an estimate of these costs as well as the price of books. The admissions office will give you an estimated range. Restaurant and entertainment expenses often sneak up on students. Once you pay that tuition, make sure the check doesn't bounce. Students who expect to make long-distance phone calls should look for discount calling cards or cell phone plans with free minutes during certain time periods.