A critical part of finding your fit is selecting a college you can afford. This section identifies the direct and  
indirect costs of attending college, the financial aid available to offset those costs, and how to access that aid.
The Cost of Attending College
Most students and their families know about the cost 
of tuition, room, and board, but many do not realize 
there are additional costs associated with going to 
college. When assessing your college fit, you must 
consider all of these costs.
The Direct Costs of College  
The direct costs of college include the cost of tuition 
and fees (what you will pay to take classes), plus room  
and board (campus housing and meal plan). Mandatory 
fees vary by college but can range from student activity  
fees to health services fees, technology fees, and lab 
fees. The direct costs of attending college will appear 
on your bill. The chart on p. 42 shows the estimated 
direct costs for a sampling of schools. 
The Indirect Costs of College  
In addition to the direct costs of attending college, 
there are indirect costs that will not appear on your 
bill, but must be considered when calculating your 
total cost of attendance. Indirect costs may include:
•Textbooks and school supplies
•Transportation to and from college
•Computer and accessories
•Personal expenses including clothing, toiletries, 
laundry, phone, internet, entertainment, etc.
•Dorm necessities such as bedding, towels, fan,  
desk lamp, etc.
•Meals and parking for commuters
Paying for College
In this section: 
The Cost of Attending College, pp. 41-42
The Myths and Realities of Paying  
   for College, p. 43
Types of Financial Aid, pp. 44-45
The FAFSA, pp. 46-47
Your Financial Aid Package, pp. 48-49
Tips to Close Your Financial Aid Gap, p. 51
Understanding Scholarships, p. 52
Finding Scholarships, pp. 53-54
Managing Your Scholarships, p. 57
Activities: 
College Cost Calculator, p. 50
Paying for College
41
University of Pennsylvania
 
Keep Up with Federal Policy Changes 
There have been several significant federal policy changes in 2026 that affect financial aid. Information in the Guide is current at 
the time of printing, but it is wise to check a frequently updated source when you begin to apply for financial aid. Regular policy 
updates can be found at www.uaspire.org/policy-updates-for-students-and-families.
Pathways  
 to  Prosperity

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