Opinion ID: 1295254
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: What expenses should be included in Abby's postsecondary education subsidy?

Text: The district court ordered James to provide Abby with a postsecondary education subsidy equal to one third of the costs as determined by the court. Although the district court included any sorority charges attributable to room and board in its postsecondary education subsidy, it did not include any subsidy for sorority dues or a monthly cash allowance. Iowa Code section 598.21(5A)(1) (Supp.2001) provides: The court shall determine the cost of postsecondary education based upon the cost of attending an in-state public institution for a course of instruction leading to an undergraduate degree and shall include the reasonable costs for only necessary postsecondary education expenses. We have recently interpreted section 598.21(5A)(1) as not limiting college expenses to only tuition, room, board, and books. In re Marriage of Vannausdle, 668 N.W.2d 885, 889 (Iowa 2003). We recognized the reasonable and necessary costs of attending college surpass the costs of tuition, books, room, board, and supplies. Id. A college education is not limited to what is learned in the classroom; it includes social, cultural, and educational experiences outside the classroom. Id. The experiences outside the classroom impose additional expenses on the student. Id. A cash allowance is necessary for a college student to participate in the social, cultural, and educational experiences outside the classroom. The parties' financial statements indicate they have the means to provide Abby with a monthly cash allowance. Accordingly, under the facts of this case, the postsecondary education subsidy should include Abby's monthly cash allowance. In 1996, the parties agreed Kelly's allowance would be $200 per month. Abby entered college in the fall of 2001. A reasonable cash allowance for Abby would be $300 per month. As for Abby's sorority dues, it is important to note James and Dorothy agreed to split the cost of Kelly's sorority dues when she attended Iowa State University. This agreement established both James and Dorothy considered Kelly's participation in sorority life necessary for her college experience. The record supports James and Dorothy wanted Abby to have the same college experience as Kelly. They only disagreed on their respective financial contributions to Abby's college expense. Under the unique circumstances of this case, we hold Abby's sorority dues are a necessary expense for Abby to participate in the social, cultural, and educational experiences outside the classroom. Therefore, we modify the district court's order to require the postsecondary education subsidy for Abby to include a $300 per month cash allowance and Abby's sorority dues. These expenses shall be paid one third by James, one third by Dorothy, and one third by Abby.