The Hidden Expense Driving Up College Costs: Room And Board

When families talk about the rising cost of college, tuition tends to dominate the conversation. But for many students, tuition isn't the largest expense. Room and board, which covers housing and meals, often makes up the majority of the bill.

Even at the most expensive colleges ranked by tuition, room and board adds a significant price.

Recent data show that at public four-year colleges, room and board now accounts for about 45% of total expenses, while tuition makes up less than 36%. At San Diego State University (SDSU), a popular in-state option, tuition is only 25% of the total cost of attendance if you include on-campus living. Room and board, meanwhile, makes up more than 62%.

Let's look at some raw numbers using SDSU as an example:

• In-State Tuition: $9,180
• Out-of-State Tuition: $13,320
• Room and Board: $23,736

It's also important to note that SDSU requires students not in the service area to live on campus for two years. That can really add up!

That gap raises a tough question: Is living on campus worth the price, even more so if you're going into debt?