How much $$$ for miscellaneous expense at college ?

[TexasHusker]

You're not affording them any beer money ?

[FLA]

nope. Besides, girls drink for free at most college parties, lol.

[moneybags]

Did you find that not working during the school year was a detriment to their obtaining a job post graduation?

My son originally was going to play collegiate golf, so working a job wasn't even a question. Now with him possibly/probably forgoing golf, we are trying to look at all of the angles.

I don't think working during the school year is that valuable to obtaining a job, but DD graduated and went straight to grad school, DS is in the middle of undergrad, so I don't have personal experience to cite. If they are busy with other activities while in school - volunteering, athletics, etc. these things can add to a resume. The big thing now is to do an internship (or 2) during the summers. Many of DD's friends got great job offers from the companies they interned at.

I think you posted about your son's golf decision elsewhere. DS plays a Division III sport. I am a big fan of DIII athletics. It's a great way to keep playing, but have academics be a priority, and you get to have a social life. DD was very close to being a DIII athlete, but opted not to at the last minute. She did not regret her choice, but I mourned it a bit in the beginning. I'm happy to discuss this more if you want - picking colleges is one of my favorite things.

[TexasHusker]

I don't think working during the school year is that valuable to obtaining a job, but DD graduated and went straight to grad school, DS is in the middle of undergrad, so I don't have personal experience to cite. If they are busy with other activities while in school - volunteering, athletics, etc. these things can add to a resume. The big thing now is to do an internship (or 2) during the summers. Many of DD's friends got great job offers from the companies they interned at.

I think you posted about your son's golf decision elsewhere. DS plays a Division III sport. I am a big fan of DIII athletics. It's a great way to keep playing, but have academics be a priority, and you get to have a social life. DD was very close to being a DIII athlete, but opted not to at the last minute. She did not regret her choice, but I mourned it a bit in the beginning. I'm happy to discuss this more if you want - picking colleges is one of my favorite things.

We are like-minded! My son loves golf and wanted to play in college most of his years competing. We really preferred D3 because he has no desire to pursue earning a living playing golf, and I didn't want the added pressure of an athletic scholarship being offered, pulled, altered, threatened, etc., while he is trying to obtain a degree.

We are pretty bummed because there was a very high quality university with a D3 program that wanted him, but the coach quit recruiting him because he likely caught wind that my son was giving it up. I still hold out some hope that he will have an enjoyable senior season and keep going with it. If so, someone will have a roster spot for him - he's too good.

He also happens to be a very talented singer, so if he doesn't play golf, we would like for him to pursue the singing at college in some form, as an activity. Again, nothing he would pursue professionally.

Right now, we are looking at a private school that will cost us net around $35,000 per year, including all expenses except his "mad money". We could attend a state school for about 40% less, but we really like this school. Right now, he's not bought in.

Thank you for all of the input!

[Gaston]

150?

I would say 150 should be enough, assuming there is also a part-time job. Just a bit of leeway in case of extra expenses.