Dear Red Kite Parents,
Your student got accepted. The dorm is assigned. The roommate has been found.
You’re riding the wave of college excitement, until you start adding up all the “little things.”
Bedding bundles. Laptop upgrades. That $80 “required” textbook.
Suddenly, the budget you thought was set starts changing fast.
What Most Parents Don’t Expect
- They saved
- They planned
- They paid the deposit on time
But as summer rolls on, reality hits: college is far more expensive than it is advertised, and this catches parents off guard.
Tuition may be the main event—but it’s the hidden costs that drain your wallet before the first class even starts.
The Sneaky Stuff: Unexpected Costs That Add Up
Let’s break it down. According to the College Board, the average student at a public college spends over $1,200 per year on books and supplies alone. But that’s just the beginning.
Here are a few common expenses that catch families off guard:
- Dorm essentials: mattress toppers, cleaning supplies, fans, storage bins
- Lab and rec center fees: some aren’t included in tuition
- Tech updates: laptops, software licenses, warranties
- Holiday travel: flights or gas to get home for Thanksgiving
- Snacks and late-night eats: those quick food runs add up
- Clubs and organizations: many have dues or event fees
“We thought we had everything covered—until move-in day hit.”
— David D., Red Kite Parent
What Parents Are Really Asking
You’re not alone in wondering: Why didn’t anyone warn us about this?
That’s why we’re creating newsletters exclusively for parents—to answer the questions most parents only think to ask after they’ve been surprised. Questions like:
- Are there scholarships or aid for tech and supplies?
- What does a realistic freshman budget actually look like?
- How can we avoid overspending in the first semester?
We’re pulling together a practical guide that gives you:
- A checklist of must-haves (and what can wait)
- Cost-saving tips that actually work
- Real numbers from real Red Kite families
- Tools to cut down on out-of-pocket costs
Why Red Kite?
Unlike traditional scholarship sites, Red Kite is built for parents, not just students. We go beyond search tools to offer:
- Real financial insights from real families
- Planning tools made for the whole journey—not just applications
- Peace of mind when it comes to money and college readiness
Visit our Parent Resource Page for helpful guides, timelines, and college prep advice. Let us help you step into this next chapter with confidence. Because when you’re informed, your student is empowered, and your budget breathes a whole lot easier.
The Red Kite Team
