Your student got accepted. The dorm is picked. The excitement is real.
But as you start ordering bedding, reviewing the book list, and booking that plane ticket home for Thanksgiving, the numbers start to pile up fast.
What Most Parents Don’t Expect
Many parents are blindsided by how expensive college becomes after the deposit is paid. Tuition might be the headliner, but it’s the hidden fees that steal the show (and a big chunk of your budget).
The Sneaky Stuff: Hidden Costs That Add Up
According to the College Board, the average public college student spends over $1,200 per year on books and supplies alone. And that’s just the start. Other often-overlooked expenses include:
- Dorm must-haves (bedding, storage, cleaning supplies)
- Lab and fitness center fees
- Transportation to and from campus during holidays
- Laptop upgrades, software, and tech support
- Off-campus meals and “late-night” snack runs
- Club memberships and social activities
By the time classes begin, many families realize college costs way more than just tuition and room & board.
“We thought we had everything covered—until move-in day.”
— David D., Red Kite parent
What Parents Are Really Asking
At Red Kite, we hear from parents navigating these surprises every day. That’s why we’re launched a Parent Resource Newsletter that tackles questions no one tells you to ask, like:
- Are there scholarships or aid available for supplies and tech?
- What hidden costs should we budget for?
- What does a realistic freshman year budget look like?
We’ve created a simple, practical guide that includes:
✅ A summer checklist to avoid last-minute expenses
✅ Cost-saving tips that actually work
✅ Real examples from families like yours
✅ Tools to help reduce out-of-pocket costs—before they sneak up on you
Feel More Confident About College Costs
Whether your student is heading to college this fall or you’re planning a year or two ahead, knowing what to expect is half the battle. Our Parent Resource Newsletter helps you go in prepared, not panicked.
How Red Kite Stands Out
Unlike other scholarship platforms, Red Kite goes beyond search tools:
- We equip families with real-world financial insights
- We’re creating content specifically for parents, offering resources that go beyond what Fastweb or Going Merry provide.
- We offer practical planning tools that reduce stress and surprise expenses
“Red Kite’s checklist saved us hundreds before classes even started.” — Jen M., RedKite Parent
Let us help you feel more confident, supported, and financially prepared—because every dollar (and every tip) counts.
