This study provides information on total cost of the support of unmarried students under 25 years of age attending public or private colleges under different residence options during the fall of 1986. The research is a secondary analysis of data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). Since parents and students are "joint consumers" of college education, such information can facilitate communication relating to their financial management. Average expenditures for various budget categories and parental estimates of non-cash support can also provide guidelines for financial counselors, planners, and educators.
Key Words: College student expenditures, College cost, Family finance

Affiliation at the time of publication:
1. Charlotte Churaman, Department of Family and Community Development, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (301) 474-9360