College Costs Beyond Tuition | Albany News

College move-in season is here, and families are facing sticker shock—not just from tuition, but from the hidden costs of dorm life. From mini-fridges and bedding to toilet paper and clothes, inflation has made everyday essentials way pricier. Food costs alone have spiked 40-50% since the pandemic, especially for students without kitchens or home-cooked meals. While colleges offer some help, room and board often outweighs tuition as the biggest expense—staying home can slash that cost by two-thirds. Smart moves like hunting for used items and checking health insurance coverage can ease the financial strain. It’s less about overspending and more about creating a comfortable, affordable space to thrive. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6c413241878df0c0