Education costs depend on the type of school you attend. You can create an expense budget by breaking down costs into six categories:

1. Tuition and Fees: This includes the cost of instruction as well as fees for services. These range from lab costs to computer access.
2. Books and Supplies: You will be responsible for buying all the books and supplies you need for your classes.
3. Room and Board: These are your living expenses while attending school. They vary depending on whether you live on or off campus and whether you'll need to relocate to be closer to school.
4. Personal Expenses: Include costs for daycare if you'll need it to attend classes. If you'll be leaving home for the first time, these expenses include toiletries, laundry, recreation, etc.
5. Transportation: Whether you attend a school away from home or you decide to be a commuter student, you need to take into account the expenses of your travel. If you'll be living away from home, plan on visiting twice a year.
6. Total Expense Budget: This is the sum of all your expenses. This equals how much money you'll need to attend school.

Some Special Programs That Save You Money:

The New England Regional Student Program (NERSP). Through this program, New Hampshire students pay a significantly reduced out-of-state tuition rate at New England public campuses when they enroll in certain academic programs not available at public colleges and universities in their home states.
Contact: New England Board of Higher Education - (617) 357-9620

College Courses in High School. New Hampshire has a few programs that allow you to earn college credit or fulfill college requirements by successfully completing high school courses. Only select courses are covered and a written agreement must exist between the high school and postsecondary institution, so check with your guidance counselor about what courses and schools are covered.

Current New Hampshire programs include:

Tech Prep: Successfully complete a high school course and you fulfill that college requirement, but do not get college credit for the course toward your degree.
Running Start: Take a designated high school course, pay $100, and receive college credit upon successful completion of the course.
A+: A web based certification series of courses that can be part of a Tech Prep program or Running Start program. See above for credit information.
Cisco Academies: A web based series of courses that can be part of a Tech Prep program or Running Start program. See above for credit information.

Advanced Placement Program: Through this national program, students can take college-level courses while still in high school, earning credit, advanced placement, or both, for college. Students must successfully complete the year-long honors course and earn a 3 or better on the AP exam to receive credit for the equivalent course at more than 2,900 colleges and universities around the country. The courses are free, but there is a fee for each examination (approximately $80). Reduced fees are available for those in financial need, and some school districts now pay for all or some of the fee for all students. Contact the AP Coordinator at your high school for more information.