Most likely, you’ll live in a dorm your first year(s) of college. Many colleges require it. Even if your school allows the option of living off-campus, it’s a good idea to live in the dorms for at least a year.

The dorms can help jump-start your social life, ease the transition to life on your own, and introduce you to a diverse group of people. Sure, living in a dorm can have its drawbacks—no privacy, crowded bathrooms, weird roommates. But most people find that the rewards outweigh the frustrations.

The cost of living in a dorm is relevant to the cost of the university or college itself.

On the lower end, dormitory expense could run approximately   $3,000 per year, mid range $4,950 and on the higher end expect to pay $7,425 annually.

Off campus housing will cost approximately $3,600 to $7,200 depending on whether or not you wish to have a roommate.

The cost of living off-campus at a academy is anywhere from $6720 to $10,800.

However, if you choose a Academy you may wish to attend one close to home (if you still live with your parents) to save the cost of housing.

These are considerable expenses to add to the cost of college education. This does not include food.