Summer Costs-Dorms, Tuition, Books, Etc.

When you are in Irvine you have the choice of either living on campus or at the dorms. They are apartment style and I'll post more about what they look like in a couple weeks. I chose the dorms because I like to wake up later and just drag ass to class.


If you make the same decision you are required to use their meal plan which is $725 for six weeks. You also are required to have insurance on campus for a five week period, that cost is about $200, unless you are already insured. I bought my books for the summer on Amazon for about $150. I've done my time in school and know that old editions are rarely any different from new ones. I would suggest getting the books as soon as the list is posted. I got the Bricks to Jade book for only a few bucks, the cheap used ones were shortly all sold at that price and my classmates only found them for $75 and up.

Financial aid from FAFSA only covers half of your tuition. Most grad students get around 20K or so for school per year. That amount is spread out equally for the summer, fall, and spring semesters. You are left finding a 6K deficit to pay for tuition, room, books, and board alone. You will also need $$ for your flight and other miscellaneous expenses. I took out a loan from Sallie Mae for 12K to cover me for any expenses while I'm gone and when I'm in California. If you're reading this in December, start saving! You'll be glad you did.

Once you are in the program you get the feeling that these expenses are piling up. Though they are, I have the mindset that the investment for my future has no price. I know this program is geared for me and I'm looking forward to it. Besides, nobody goes to grad school because it's any easy option.