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When universities and politicians discuss making college more affordable, they usually focus on tuition. They debate financial aid packages, scholarship amounts and federal grants. These conversations are important, but they overlook a less visible reason students struggle to complete their degrees: even after tuition is covered, they still have to afford the ordinary — and often unexpected — costs of living.

A student may have enough aid to register for classes but not enough money to repair the car that gets them to campus. Another may be able to pay tuition but can’t replace a broken laptop in the middle of the semester. A sudden medical bill, a rent increase or the loss of just a few work shifts can destabilize a student whose financial aid package appeared sufficient on paper.

These expenses may seem small beside a five-figure tuition bill. For a student living without savings or substantial family support, however, a $500 emergency can force them to miss class, work additional hours or leave school altogether.

Students are frequently told financial aid makes college accessible, only to encounter a long list of expenses that aid doesn’t fully address. No single expense necessarily looks large enough to attract public attention. Together, they can price students out of college entirely.

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