March 18, 2012

Hey, Students, Your Education Costs More Than You Might Think

Hey, Students, Your Education Costs More Than You Think 1

Michael Okoniewski for The Chronicle

Cookie versions of a pie chart show, in buff, the portion of students' education at Hamilton College that is covered by what they pay. Sixty-five percent of Hamilton's budget is covered by what students pay.

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close Hey, Students, Your Education Costs More Than You Think 1

Michael Okoniewski for The Chronicle

Cookie versions of a pie chart show, in buff, the portion of students' education at Hamilton College that is covered by what they pay. Sixty-five percent of Hamilton's budget is covered by what students pay.

By Beckie Supiano

Clinton, N.Y.

Paying more than $50,000 a year for college may sound exorbitant, but what Hamilton College offers actually costs even more, officials here say. Most students don't know that, though, and the college wants to fill them in.

So Hamilton organized "STOP Day," for "Starting Today Others Pay." Held last month, the day fell about two-thirds of the way through the academic year—significant because net tuition and room and board cover about two-thirds of the college's budget. If not for