Anonymous
10/10/2025 15:58
Subject: Re:True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Anonymous wrote:One tip - if your child lives off-campus and their costs exceed what the college publishes as estimated costs (often kept artificially low to make the school look cheaper) you cannot use your 529. This can apply to rent, groceries, eating out, etc.
We have more than enough money in our 529 for four years of college, but I wish we would have saved a small portion of that ($25k) for that kind of stuff.
+1. Does your kid go to UMD too?!
Anonymous
10/10/2025 15:27
Subject: Re:True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
One tip - if your child lives off-campus and their costs exceed what the college publishes as estimated costs (often kept artificially low to make the school look cheaper) you cannot use your 529. This can apply to rent, groceries, eating out, etc.
We have more than enough money in our 529 for four years of college, but I wish we would have saved a small portion of that ($25k) for that kind of stuff.
We have more than enough money in our 529 for four years of college, but I wish we would have saved a small portion of that ($25k) for that kind of stuff.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 14:05
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
I’m confused by how OP knows enough about in-state VA publics to be certain they won’t be eligible for need-based aid but knows so little as to be not even in the ballpark regarding estimated costs.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 13:27
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Anonymous wrote:UvA in-state engineering $30,738 a year.
Total UVA engineering cost:
School of Engineering & Applied Science
School of Engineering, First-Year
Virginian
Tuition
26,938
Fees
3,800
Subtotal
30,738
Additional Categories
20,422
Total
51,160
School of Engineering, All Other Years
Virginian
Tuition
26,938
Fees
3,800
Subtotal
30,738
Additional Categories
21,538
Total
52,276
Anonymous
10/10/2025 09:26
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Anonymous wrote:UvA in-state engineering $30,738 a year.
Not sure the point of this post, but COA for in state engineering at UVA is about $45k
Anonymous
10/10/2025 09:03
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Umm, do your own homework.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 09:00
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
UvA in-state engineering $30,738 a year.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 08:22
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Why can't they start with community college and then go instate? Invest the difference.
DC started community college with 30 credits, just finished another 10, and will transfer to $20k public school. We will use up the 529 money for that.
DC is also working because CC is easy with lots of free time. He seems to like work/school balance.
We are concentrating on investing his earning into Roth. Should be set by 30.
You sure your kids want the 'full college experience'? Mine chose CC for now, new car, investing, and work.
DC started community college with 30 credits, just finished another 10, and will transfer to $20k public school. We will use up the 529 money for that.
DC is also working because CC is easy with lots of free time. He seems to like work/school balance.
We are concentrating on investing his earning into Roth. Should be set by 30.
You sure your kids want the 'full college experience'? Mine chose CC for now, new car, investing, and work.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 08:18
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Anonymous wrote:we have two kids currently in 9th and 6th grades. I am trying to know the full cost of attending an engineering or biological sciences ( mentioning bcos it seems colleges charge more for some majors) major in public colleges in Virginia and may be comparable colleges out of state like UMD, Purdue, Georgia tech etc
Some say it costs around 80k per year including boarding and lodging making it about 640k for two kids. Is this really true? We won’t qualify for any need based scholarships so just want to hear from folks who have the latest information.
Google "<school of interest> coa". Of course you will have to make assumptions for the increase when your two are in school.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 08:01
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Anonymous
10/10/2025 06:43
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Focus on direct costs. Indirect costs are offset by indirect costs that are reduced when the kid leaves home. Sports and activities costs, gas, tolls, meals away from home, party busses for homecoming, etc. I consider it a wash and ignore them.
Anonymous
10/10/2025 05:31
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
Take W&M’s posted in state costs for example:
In-State Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Direct Costs
Tuition 19,178
Fees 7,278
Housing 9,871
Food 6,730
Total Direct Costs $43,057
Indirect Costs
Books & Supplies 1,050
Transportation 660
Personal Expenses 1,800
Loan Fees (if applicable) 72
Total Indirect Costs
$3,582
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS
$46,639
Indirect costs are understated so at least $50k today. Given how college tuition tends to rise you are probably looking at $70K a year to start for that 6th grader.
In-State Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Direct Costs
Tuition 19,178
Fees 7,278
Housing 9,871
Food 6,730
Total Direct Costs $43,057
Indirect Costs
Books & Supplies 1,050
Transportation 660
Personal Expenses 1,800
Loan Fees (if applicable) 72
Total Indirect Costs
$3,582
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS
$46,639
Indirect costs are understated so at least $50k today. Given how college tuition tends to rise you are probably looking at $70K a year to start for that 6th grader.
Anonymous
10/09/2025 20:41
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
This is easily knowable information. Just look up the schools you are interested in. Even the most expensive in-state VA options right now don’t break $45k with living expenses.
Anonymous
10/09/2025 20:39
Subject: True cost of attending college in virginia - college savings/529 question
we have two kids currently in 9th and 6th grades. I am trying to know the full cost of attending an engineering or biological sciences ( mentioning bcos it seems colleges charge more for some majors) major in public colleges in Virginia and may be comparable colleges out of state like UMD, Purdue, Georgia tech etc
Some say it costs around 80k per year including boarding and lodging making it about 640k for two kids. Is this really true? We won’t qualify for any need based scholarships so just want to hear from folks who have the latest information.
Some say it costs around 80k per year including boarding and lodging making it about 640k for two kids. Is this really true? We won’t qualify for any need based scholarships so just want to hear from folks who have the latest information.