Extra Costs & Affordability

As a student of Hunter College, you’ll receive a well-rounded, liberal arts education. Learning how to budget for this education investment will help you have a plan to pay for tuition, books, transportation, supplies and other expenses during your years in college.

Knowing your projected costs up front can help inform your decisions, such as should you live at home, or on campus, and how much you need to work. Expect to pay amounts close to the estimates below; if you’re applying for financial aid, these are your “costs of attendance” and are all factored in to your eligibility. Find out how much financial aid you may qualify for with the Financial Aid Estimator.

Below are the estimated variable costs for the school year (in addition to tuition and fees).

Living at home (2017-18)

Living away from home (2017-18)

Saving money at Hunter

Having a goal to graduate in four years can save you money in the long run. Each additional year not only costs money, but you’ll also lose the opportunity to earn income in your chosen field, often at a higher level than before you earn your degree. Finishing later than you anticipated might also impact your financial aid.

Make every dollar you invest at Hunter go far by taking an average of 15 credits every semester and meet with your advisor regularly to make sure you’re on track with your classes and requirements.

Managing personal finances

Learning to budget and manage your personal finances are skills that will serve you long after you graduate from Hunter. Knowing how you are spending and how to handle credit and navigate debt can provide you a sense of independence and empowerment. You will have to think about:

Credit

Credit is your reputation as a borrower. You will want to have a good reputation, and to work on that, you should begin by knowing your credit score.

Budgeting

A budget is a plan for your money that includes tracking your income and expenses. Match your spending, income needs, and savings to your goals when you learn how to budget. Learn how to manage your income and expenses, plan for emergencies, save for large purchases (like college), and balance your budget.

Saving and Investing

Figuring out how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you can learn how to do. Start learning about investing while you are still in college.

Taxes

Do you need to file taxes? Do you know the tax benefits for Education? Find out the answers to these important tax related questions.

For tips, calculators, and advice from accountants related specifically to college students, check out:

• 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy
• Personal Finance for College Students