Does tuition increase with the number of classes you take each semester?

Question

I don't know that much about college. I want to know exactly what it is that tuition cover. Also what are the other expenses in going to college?

Answer 1

For most colleges, there is a set price for tuition. It doesn't change unless you take under 12 credits/hours. They can't go by the number of classes because each class is worth a different amount of credits. Other than tuition you have to include books, there is no specific price for that, any list that college has is just an estimation, transportation, room and board (if you plan on living on campus).

Answer 2

No, not usually, but it would depend on the college.  Most of the colleges I am familiar with consider that you are a full-time student if you are taking a minimum 12 hours per semester.  Most kids take an average of 15 per semester (5 classes, 3 hours each, give or take an occasional lab, etc.)  Some can manage more, but it's difficult to take more than 6 classes.  

Anyway, the tuition covers however many classes you take.  Then you have student activity fees, book costs, athletic fees -- there are lots of fees for this and that.  Here's an example of his fees last semester:

Spr Meal   102007                840.00

EDUC & TECH FEE - SPRING          85.92

EDUC & TECH FEE - SPRING         103.17

EDUC & TECH FEE - SPRING           4.66

EDUC & TECH FEE - SPRING            .25

UNION BLDG OPER EXPENSE       55.53

ARTS FEE - SPRING                  5.43

STUDENT FACILITIES DEBT RETI      30.00

STUDENT FACILITIES DEBT RETI       2.00

REC CTR DEBT SERVI      21.25

CAMPUS HEALTH FEE                181.50

ATHLETIC FEE                     124.25

STUDENT DINING DEBT RETIREME   37.00

STUDENT LEGAL SERVICE FEE    5.91

CAMPUS RECREATION - SPRING   44.95

STUDENT BODY SCHOLARSHIP FUN   .50

REGISTRATION FEE                   6.50

APPLES PROGRAM                     5.00

SAFETY AND SECURITY                 .85

TRANSIT FEE                       44.75

TRANSIT FEE-SAFE RIDE              1.38

STUDENT ENDOWMENT LIBRARY FU

UG STUDENT GOVT FEE - SPRING      19.50

UG TEACHING AWARD                   .75

CHILD CARE SERVICES FEE            1.19

RENEWABLE ENERGY FEE               4.00

STUDENT ID SERVICES FEE            3.50

ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTING FEE      25.00

ASSOCIATION OF STU GOVT         .50

Housing RR                      2405.75

Housing ENHANCEMT                  2.00

Housing SOCIALFEE                  6.00

Housing RH ASSOC                   1.25        

There are all in addition to tuition fees. Of these fees, the only ones that we had any control over were the meal plan (but you have to budget for food in some way), and the housing (he chose to live on campus, but you've got to live somewhere!)  The rest of them are just thrown in there -- even the child care fee, when we certainly don't use child care!  Book fees, for his course of study, are running about $300 per semester, if you're careful about buying used books on-line, etc. Then, don't forget clothes, minor groceries (contact lens solution, snacks, drinks, etc.  It can add up!

Now, I've heard of other colleges charging "by the hour" -- so that someone who is taking 12 hours one semester is actually paying a little less than someone paying 15 hours.  But I'm not familiar with any that do that around here.

Answer 3

Tuition covers the cost of taking classes.  Part time is 1-11 credit hours, and there is a fee per class credit hour.  Whereas, full time is 12 or more credit hours, and the tuition remains the same up to 18 credit hours.  To take 19 or more hours in one semester, one needs to petition the dean of the college for permission and have a successful track record showing the ability to do well with that heavy a course load.

A 3 credit hour class meets either three times a week (MWF) for one hour or twice a week (TTH) for 1.5 hours.  You can anticipate 3 hours of homework for each hour spent in the classroom.  So it is structured differently from high school in that you do not have the same class each day (except if you are in orchestra, band, or sports).

Books are a separate expense.  I suggest you check the library to see if there is an earlier edition for loan.  Also, www.halfbooks.com has textbooks at a discount, as do used bookstores near your university that sell only textbooks. Book sharing also saves money and gives you a study partner (a great way to make studying more fun and easier to remember!).  

Also included in your tuition is a student activities fee (all students pay this).  This covers your picture student ID card which gives you many discounts throughout the school year, admission to student events, use of the gym and pool, libraries, etc.

If you decide to live on campus, room and board (food) are additional expenses.  I highly recommend this experience as it is an incredible way to meet other students and make solid friendships that can last a lifetime.

This is a very exciting time in your life!  Best wishes!

Answer 4

yes the amount of tuition increase if you take more classes.

the expense of going to college:

-pay for books

-pay for classes

-room & bored

-school supply...